The southernmost continent is the only area of the planet without cities, native peoples, or traditional government. There is no commercial airport, and the only way to get there is by sea. The climate is often forbidding, and the winds that howl from the center of this region are some of the strongest on earth. In spite of these challenges, travel to this region is becoming increasingly popular, and Antarctica cruise deals bring voyagers there in style.
To newcomers, the continent still appears much the same as it did when the first explorers reached the south pole a relatively few years ago. There are established research outposts and installations, but no places for tourists to shop for souvenirs. The people who come here are definitely not looking for warm, sandy beaches, but some of the oldest ice on earth.
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is the only practical time to visit, lasting from November into March. Travel during the winter is practically impossible due to expanded sea ice, unending storm activity, and weeks of polar darkness. Temperatures during the summer are more livable, ranging from the lower twenties to the mid-forties Fahrenheit. The sun, however, stays up nearly all night.
Many cruises depart from the southern Argentina city of Ushuaia, but there are few direct flights there. Although it is on the most southern point in South America, the town is still six hundred miles from Antarctica. Numerous ships sail this particular route, but they are not what most people consider to be typical cruise vessels, having a passenger capacity of less than 200 within ice-hardened hulls.
One of the primary attractions for visitors is the natural wildlife, including the famous penguins of all varieties and sizes, whales, seals and many winged birds. Although travel at sea is comfortable, travelers will not encounter the Vegas-style revues or crowded night clubs found on some ships. The rough seas common to this region have final control of any scheduled activities, and the Drake Passage is rarely glassy.
Upon reaching the continent, visitors are treated to vast penguin colonies, famed research stations, sites of historic exploration, and of course, the forbidding and immense landscape. Unlike the northern pole, this is no region of sea ice, but a rugged continent with mountain ranges and dry valleys. Some cruises offer kayak trips or local climbing, but conditions may be too extreme to venture outside for extended periods.
Some ships feature landings in rubber boats, which provide close-ups of icebergs and the local creatures. People choosing to come here are uniquely interested in this continent for both scientific and personal reasons, and are usually excited to meet others sharing that enthusiasm. The voyage by ship takes time, and there are usually experts on board for lectures, presentations, and discussions.
Because of its geographic isolation, a cruise to this part of the world can be costlier than other vacation packages. Consult with your local travel planner to find which options best suit your interests within a particular budget. A typical voyage lasts anywhere from 10 to 21 days, and seeing this last polar wilderness up close is an experience most people treasure for the rest of their lives.
To newcomers, the continent still appears much the same as it did when the first explorers reached the south pole a relatively few years ago. There are established research outposts and installations, but no places for tourists to shop for souvenirs. The people who come here are definitely not looking for warm, sandy beaches, but some of the oldest ice on earth.
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is the only practical time to visit, lasting from November into March. Travel during the winter is practically impossible due to expanded sea ice, unending storm activity, and weeks of polar darkness. Temperatures during the summer are more livable, ranging from the lower twenties to the mid-forties Fahrenheit. The sun, however, stays up nearly all night.
Many cruises depart from the southern Argentina city of Ushuaia, but there are few direct flights there. Although it is on the most southern point in South America, the town is still six hundred miles from Antarctica. Numerous ships sail this particular route, but they are not what most people consider to be typical cruise vessels, having a passenger capacity of less than 200 within ice-hardened hulls.
One of the primary attractions for visitors is the natural wildlife, including the famous penguins of all varieties and sizes, whales, seals and many winged birds. Although travel at sea is comfortable, travelers will not encounter the Vegas-style revues or crowded night clubs found on some ships. The rough seas common to this region have final control of any scheduled activities, and the Drake Passage is rarely glassy.
Upon reaching the continent, visitors are treated to vast penguin colonies, famed research stations, sites of historic exploration, and of course, the forbidding and immense landscape. Unlike the northern pole, this is no region of sea ice, but a rugged continent with mountain ranges and dry valleys. Some cruises offer kayak trips or local climbing, but conditions may be too extreme to venture outside for extended periods.
Some ships feature landings in rubber boats, which provide close-ups of icebergs and the local creatures. People choosing to come here are uniquely interested in this continent for both scientific and personal reasons, and are usually excited to meet others sharing that enthusiasm. The voyage by ship takes time, and there are usually experts on board for lectures, presentations, and discussions.
Because of its geographic isolation, a cruise to this part of the world can be costlier than other vacation packages. Consult with your local travel planner to find which options best suit your interests within a particular budget. A typical voyage lasts anywhere from 10 to 21 days, and seeing this last polar wilderness up close is an experience most people treasure for the rest of their lives.
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