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You wander down the gangway, strap a harness and rope to you, and literally jump off a perfectly good (and warm) ship into the icy water. For those that are on a super tight schedule or really, really don’t want to cross the Drake, you can fly down to join your cruise to Antarctica. One thing to keep in mind though is that the length of time the companies advertise is not how much time you get to spend in Antarctica.
Antarctica Cruises
Holland America's '22-Day South America & Antarctica Holiday' Cruise - Travel + Leisure
Holland America's '22-Day South America & Antarctica Holiday' Cruise.
Posted: Fri, 03 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
So as you can see if you are booking a trip to Antarctica on a large ship, you run the risk of not even getting off the ship. The average age onboard an Intrepid trip is around 45, so it’s an entirely different atmosphere compared to something like Ponant or Lindblad that has an older average age. Intrepid is famous around the world for organising amazing small group tours around the world, and as of recently have now moved into the polar regions. If price is a major factor for you they are a good option and they do have a great product, but the size of their ships is something to consider. In our opinion though the quality product that you receive with Aurora is worth the price, and they are known in the industry for being one of the top operators. Established in 1991, this trailblazing company has spent decades perfecting the art of delivering unparalleled experiences in the planet’s most remote regions.
The Antarctic Peninsula
The White Continent is a magical destination filled with snow-covered mountains, brilliant electric-blue icebergs, amazing wildlife, and otherworldly landscapes. In addition to the extraordinary wildlife encounters and immersive experiences, Antarctica’s untamed majesty and indescribable stillness are what I remember most. Your Antarctica voyage is carbon-neutral; in fact, 125% of emissions are offset. And in Antarctica, Intrepid partners with World Wildlife Fund researchers, sources sustainable seafood, avoids single-use plastics and provides biodegradable toiletries.
Seabourn Cruises
From enjoying a glass of fine wine on deck as you cross the Drake Passage to close encounters with emperor penguins, it’s an experience par excellence. Oceanwide Expeditions offers a unique polar cruising experience, with prices starting from $8,000 for trips that range from 10 to 33 days. With a focus on educational content and a high guest-to-staff ratio, they cater to passengers seeking an in-depth understanding of the Antarctic’s environment. Celebrity Cruises offers a different perspective on Antarctica trips, with a starting price of $2,100 for a 14-day voyage. Their ships, the Celebrity Eclipse and Equinox boast a large capacity, welcoming up to 2,850 passengers.
Antarctica tour reviews
Finally, remember that it’s a privilege to visit Antarctica and you should always make sure you do so responsibly. There’s also only a couple of companies that are equipped for this and it’s quite expensive. As above, you need to prove you have backcountry skiing/snowboarding experience, all the right gear and avalanche rescue training before you can sign up.
Landings and Hiking
Because of the volcanic nature of this island, the water and the grounds here are much warmer than anywhere else in the South Shetlands. Steam and sulfur rise like smoke off the ground throughout the interior making for a landscape straight out of a Star Wars movie. Their custom-built ships, like the Scenic Eclipse, are marvels of maritime engineering, designed to navigate the Southern Ocean with grace and stability. Imagine kayaking in pristine polar regions with expert guides, all the while knowing a warm, luxurious cabin awaits you—this is the Scenic promise. When it comes to Antarctica cruises, Hurtigruten Expeditions carries a storied legacy, deeply rooted in Norway’s rich history of Antarctic exploration. With cruises starting at $8000, they offer budget-friendly options without skimping on the essentials — flights, meals, parkas, boots, and enriching lectures are all included.
You Want to Cruise With a Company That Has Lots of Experience
Go deep into Antarctica and the other regions that make the part of the world so incredible. Most of Lindblad's itineraries offer the addition of South Georgia, a spot that, for many people, is as incredible as Antarctica itself. Pick HX (formerly Hurtigruten), a company that's been around since 1893 and is almost synonymous with Arctic exploration. On the southern-most tip of the planet rests one of the world's most massive and mysterious landmasses - the frozen realm of Antarctica. Science is at the core of our voyage into the heart of the natural world in Antarctica.
Why Cruise with Quark Expeditions
Antarctica is best visited in the summer months from November to March when the weather is warmer and the sea ice has melted enough to get closer to the island shore. While you can't embark on an expedition to the world's seventh continent alone, you can travel solo on a group tour to Antarctica. Get closer to the action with, not one, but two daily excursions on land and, via Zodiacs, at sea.
Ponant Partners With the Explorers Club for a 30-day Antarctica Cruise - Travel + Leisure
Ponant Partners With the Explorers Club for a 30-day Antarctica Cruise.
Posted: Fri, 11 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Here are some of the things you may see and experience while visiting the Antarctic peninsula. After a full day and a half at sea, we finally closed in on land and heard the announcement that the South Shetland Islands would be coming into view within the next few minutes. The South Shetland Islands are a small chain of 11 islands located around 65 miles from the Antarctic Peninsula. This is a popular stop for almost all expedition cruises and our ship would be stopping at three of the various islands, Barrientos Island, Deception Island, and Elephant Point. Antarctica cruise costs can vary significantly, starting at around USD$5,000, and may increase exponentially depending on a variety of factors.
These 264-passenger sister ships feature many of the amenities of Seabourn’s more traditional ships. The itineraries are generally 17 nights round-trip from Buenos Aires, simplifying airfare. There’s also an extended cruise option, departing from Fort Lauderdale and returning to Buenos Aires.
Viking’s expedition ships also offer a variety of dining choices, the Nordic Spa, an extensively equipped science lab, an expedition central hub for expedition team meetings, and a stunning panoramic auditorium. Guests will enjoy the many indoor and outdoor viewing areas on Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Lindblad Expeditions sails an array of 14- to 35-day Antarctica itineraries on three ships accommodating just 138–148 guests. The line’s fully stabilized expedition ships of the highest ice class offer luxuriously appointed interiors, fully equipped staterooms, numerous observation areas, and a number of unique elements. Guests on both ships can also soak up Antarctica’s icy splendor in an infinity-edged hot tub, followed by a night of stargazing under the polar sky in a geodesic glass igloo. Abercrombie & Kent, a company long known for its custom boutique land tours, offers a handful of Antarctica cruises each year onboard ships it charters from partner Ponant.
They also offer last-minute deals, appealing to adventurers who are flexible with their travel plans. Recently, our TravelAwaits readers voted for their favorite Antarctica expedition cruises in this year’s Best Of Travel Awards. Here are their top choices to inform and inspire you when planning your unforgettable trip to Antarctica. New small ship cruises, adventure trips, ships & the best deals at your fingertips. Now that you know the best Antarctica cruise lines, it’s time to find the best cruise for your budget and interests.
