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.
No other continent is further south than Antarctica, which is in fact home to the South Pole. It's a vast region but there are almost no people here except in and around the various research bases. Several countries have bases here and most bases are located near the coast, where conditions are less harsh than further inland. Ships need to be adapted specially to be able to sail the icy waters.
Most Antarctic cruises include the Antarctic Peninsula or the Ross Sea in their itineraries. Other popular destinations include Anvord Bay and the South Shetland Islands. On your trip you'll likely see penguins and other birds as well as whales. You'll also be rewarded with spectacular scenery or frozen landscapes. A bonus is that you can drive away the cold with a visit to a hot spring.
The only time that you can really visit is in summer, which falls between November and March in the Southern Hemisphere. Temperatures can reach into the teens and vessels can make their way through the ice, something which is impossible in winter. Antarctic summer days are long and even at midnight there can still be daylight. However, the weather here is always unpredictable and your itinerary may change at the last minute.
Naturally you should take plenty of warm clothes that you can layer. You don't normally need a formal outfit like you would on other cruises, since things are kept casual in Antarctica. Warm, waterproof boots are essential and it's a good idea to take a waterproof jacket and pants too. Don't forget to pack your bathing suit, though, since you'll probably want to soak in the hot springs. Good sunglasses and sunblock are important too because the ice reflects the Sun's rays and increases your risk of sunburn.
Because of the difficulty of getting to the Antarctic region, cruises here don't come cheap. However, there are several companies that offer packages. If you simply want to enjoy the scenery, a larger ship is a good idea since these vessels can cope better with rough seas. The drawback is that they can't go to as many places as smaller boats and may not include shore excursions. Whichever line you choose, though, check that they're accredited by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, since environmental irresponsibility can have devastating effects on the fragile Antarctic ecosystem.
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.
One way to book your cruise is to book directly at the company's offices. However, it's much simpler to book online. This method has the advantage that you can more easily read reviews and compare packages to make an informed decision.
No other continent is further south than Antarctica, which is in fact home to the South Pole. It's a vast region but there are almost no people here except in and around the various research bases. Several countries have bases here and most bases are located near the coast, where conditions are less harsh than further inland. Ships need to be adapted specially to be able to sail the icy waters.
Most Antarctic cruises include the Antarctic Peninsula or the Ross Sea in their itineraries. Other popular destinations include Anvord Bay and the South Shetland Islands. On your trip you'll likely see penguins and other birds as well as whales. You'll also be rewarded with spectacular scenery or frozen landscapes. A bonus is that you can drive away the cold with a visit to a hot spring.
The only time that you can really visit is in summer, which falls between November and March in the Southern Hemisphere. Temperatures can reach into the teens and vessels can make their way through the ice, something which is impossible in winter. Antarctic summer days are long and even at midnight there can still be daylight. However, the weather here is always unpredictable and your itinerary may change at the last minute.
Naturally you should take plenty of warm clothes that you can layer. You don't normally need a formal outfit like you would on other cruises, since things are kept casual in Antarctica. Warm, waterproof boots are essential and it's a good idea to take a waterproof jacket and pants too. Don't forget to pack your bathing suit, though, since you'll probably want to soak in the hot springs. Good sunglasses and sunblock are important too because the ice reflects the Sun's rays and increases your risk of sunburn.
Because of the difficulty of getting to the Antarctic region, cruises here don't come cheap. However, there are several companies that offer packages. If you simply want to enjoy the scenery, a larger ship is a good idea since these vessels can cope better with rough seas. The drawback is that they can't go to as many places as smaller boats and may not include shore excursions. Whichever line you choose, though, check that they're accredited by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, since environmental irresponsibility can have devastating effects on the fragile Antarctic ecosystem.
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.
One way to book your cruise is to book directly at the company's offices. However, it's much simpler to book online. This method has the advantage that you can more easily read reviews and compare packages to make an informed decision.
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