For a long time, the only people who ever went to the White Continent were researchers or explorers. Nowadays it's not as difficult to get there anymore but it's still one of the most remote places you can visit. Intrepid travelers simply find the best Antarctica cruise deals to make what was once an impossible dream a reality.
Antarctica is the most southerly continent in the world. It's also the least populated, with its thousand or so human inhabitants living in research bases from countries as diverse as Russia and South Africa. Only a handful of cruise ships sail the icy waters here and they can only do it because they're specially built to deal with the harsh conditions.
Ice is the main feature of the landscape too. There isn't much land-based wildlife other than large bird colonies, including penguins. However, the seas are home to creatures such as whales. Your itinerary will likely include the Ross Sea or the Antarctic Peninsula. You may also visit spectacular destinations such as Anvord Bay or the South Shetland Islands.
The season for cruises is the southern summer, which peaks from December to February. Days are very long during this time and you may even experience the midnight sun. Temperatures are very low but aren't necessarily freezing in summer. However, the weather can be unpredictable and you should be open to the idea of last-minute changes to your itinerary.
Most cruises around Antarctica are quite casual and your clothing should focus on warmth rather than on style. You'll also need waterproof gear, especially footwear, for getting around on the ice. For the hot springs, you'll want your bathing suit. Sunscreen is essential since severe sunburn is a real risk and you may also want to bring sunglasses for the glare. Remember to bring everything you might need, since you can't simply buy supplies at your destination.
Because you'll be spending quite a bit of money, you need to choose your cruise company with care. Check their itinerary to see whether you'll be able to visit destinations on land or whether you'll only be sailing past. The size of the vessel they use makes a difference too, since large ships are better in rough seas but smaller boats can get to more places. Most importantly, check that the operator is a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators and has a reputation for environmental responsibility.
Different companies depart from different ports. Many depart from Ushuaia, a city in Argentina's remote Patagonia region. Some depart from Santiago, the capital of Chile. Several vessels depart from Hobart, the capital of Tasmania in Australia, and others depart from either Invercargill or the Port of Bluff, both in New Zealand. You may even depart from Cape Town, South Africa's second largest city.
You can book cruises to Antarctica once you're in a port that offers voyages there, such as in Ushuaia. However, it's easier to simply book online. Online is a better option too because you can compare deals and customer feedback.
Antarctica is the most southerly continent in the world. It's also the least populated, with its thousand or so human inhabitants living in research bases from countries as diverse as Russia and South Africa. Only a handful of cruise ships sail the icy waters here and they can only do it because they're specially built to deal with the harsh conditions.
Ice is the main feature of the landscape too. There isn't much land-based wildlife other than large bird colonies, including penguins. However, the seas are home to creatures such as whales. Your itinerary will likely include the Ross Sea or the Antarctic Peninsula. You may also visit spectacular destinations such as Anvord Bay or the South Shetland Islands.
The season for cruises is the southern summer, which peaks from December to February. Days are very long during this time and you may even experience the midnight sun. Temperatures are very low but aren't necessarily freezing in summer. However, the weather can be unpredictable and you should be open to the idea of last-minute changes to your itinerary.
Most cruises around Antarctica are quite casual and your clothing should focus on warmth rather than on style. You'll also need waterproof gear, especially footwear, for getting around on the ice. For the hot springs, you'll want your bathing suit. Sunscreen is essential since severe sunburn is a real risk and you may also want to bring sunglasses for the glare. Remember to bring everything you might need, since you can't simply buy supplies at your destination.
Because you'll be spending quite a bit of money, you need to choose your cruise company with care. Check their itinerary to see whether you'll be able to visit destinations on land or whether you'll only be sailing past. The size of the vessel they use makes a difference too, since large ships are better in rough seas but smaller boats can get to more places. Most importantly, check that the operator is a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators and has a reputation for environmental responsibility.
Different companies depart from different ports. Many depart from Ushuaia, a city in Argentina's remote Patagonia region. Some depart from Santiago, the capital of Chile. Several vessels depart from Hobart, the capital of Tasmania in Australia, and others depart from either Invercargill or the Port of Bluff, both in New Zealand. You may even depart from Cape Town, South Africa's second largest city.
You can book cruises to Antarctica once you're in a port that offers voyages there, such as in Ushuaia. However, it's easier to simply book online. Online is a better option too because you can compare deals and customer feedback.
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