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Tourists have been visiting Antarctica in small numbers since 1966, when adventure tour pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad led a small group of "citizen scientists" to the Antarctic Peninsula on a chartered Argentine navy ship. But for many of the 56 years since then, a trip to Antarctica has meant a sailing on a relatively spartan vessel. We eventually depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on our way northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina.
Norwegian Cruise Line passengers claim Antarctica voyage was rerouted mid-trip - ABC News
Norwegian Cruise Line passengers claim Antarctica voyage was rerouted mid-trip.
Posted: Wed, 14 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
How do we meet our responsible travel targets in Antarctica?
Gray rock peaks punch out of the wind-carved snow, passing icebergs dot the dark blue waters, and wildlife abounds that can be seen nowhere else – all serving to remind us that we are truly in another world. Amid the haunting laments of calving icebergs and raucous calls of resident penguins, seals and seabirds, arresting, awakening and visceral experiences abound here, ones that you’ll eternally evoke as the trip of your lifetime. One of the most enthralling aspects of Antarctica is the fact that it’s virtually untouched by humans.
In-Depth Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Expedition
Long underwear, socks, gloves and waterproof boots are highly recommended. Most cruise lines that disembark passengers in Antarctica will provide necessary gear, including thick outerwear. Be the first to know about our itineraries, and receive exclusive offers, destination articles and more.
A symphony of ice and sky
For that reason we don’t recommend booking a trip on a vessel that carries any more than 200 people total, and ideally less than 100 people if you can find one. 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. “We pride ourselves on innovation and pushing the boundaries of discovery to provide unique, immersive experiences for our expeditioners while maintaining a light footprint. Australian enterprise Aurora Expeditions has carved a niche for itself in the realm of polar travel for being a bit more adventurous than the rest, without compromising safety.
Wildlife Watching
These trips usually take around days, with 5-7 days spent on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula (the rest of the days are travelling over the Drake Passage), and no two trips are the same. Depending on your style, budget, interests and length of time available you’ll find some trips that are common (for good reason), and others that are very unique and only happen once every few years. Unfortunately tourists cannot visit Antarctica in winter due to the extremely cold weather and huge congestion in sea ice limiting access.
Explore our list of 56 cruises
All Intrepid trips are 100% carbon neutral, but we are driven to do more, from committing to science-based decarbonisation targets to and recently updating our Seven-point Climate Action Plan. Alternatively, there may be a ship-based email system where you will have an email account to stay in touch with family and friends. Because of the remoteness of Antarctica, connections can be slow, so all ships charge for data used rather than time spent online. Please refer to your detailed pre-departure information for more information on Internet facilities on your ship. All vessels provide kayaks and Zodiacs, and they possess ROVs (unoccupied remotely operated underwater vehicles) capable of reaching 1,000 feet (far beyond a diver's reach) to reveal vast stretches underwater. Videos captured are shared with passengers and transmitted to aid scientific research.
Quark Expeditions: Scaled Back Luxury, Amped Up Antarctic Thrills
Established in 1991, this trailblazing company has spent decades perfecting the art of delivering unparalleled experiences in the planet’s most remote regions. This remote, icy frontier promises unparalleled adventures and sights, but the vast array of cruise options available can be overwhelming. “AE Expeditions has pioneered expedition travel to the world’s most remote places for more than three decades, and we know that exploration is not just about what you see, but how you see it.
Heritage Expeditions is one such operator that runs two trips a year to the Ross Sea, via the Subantarctic Islands. Our own group tour on the trio includes the most amount of days in each location available. Considered to be the pinnacle of best Antarctic tours is a trip that includes the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, often referred to as the ‘trio’.
When is the Best Time to Go on an Antarctica Cruise
If your flight to Antarctica is cancelled on one day, the company usually only has one more attempt to get their guests down there before they have to forfeit their spot for the next company’s charter. Weather at King George Island is very unpredictable, and with just one scheduled flight a day allowed, cancellations are very common. The Peninsula might look it’s ‘dirtiest’ though, with much of the ground snow melted.
It’s included in most trips, weather permitting, and you’ll get to come home with some cool photos to prove you did it. Zodiacs not only allow you to step food on land, but they also let you get up close to icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife. For example an 11-day itinerary often means just 4-5 days in Antarctica, and the rest of the time is spent before the trip in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia and the two days each way on the Drake.
The casually elegant 148-passenger National Geographic Explorer, and more luxurious, newer vessels 126-passenger National Geographic Endurance and twin National Geographic Resolution sail Antarctica. Among the amenities are fine dining, hot tubs, yoga classes, spa services and fitness center. Cruisers who want an active, adventuresome polar exploration, but on a relatively large ship, or those seeking a smaller environmental footprint will appreciate the line’s two newest ships. Like Holland America, Princess has a long history of providing non-expedition, yet stunningly beautiful cruises to its guests in Alaska. That fact translates to expectations of a high-quality experience in Antarctica, therefore a high value for the price paid. Most Antarctic cruises begin and end in South American ports like Ushuaia or Buenos Aires.
When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Other unusual features include a full-blown science center with state-of-the-art gadgets and underwater drones for passenger use. World Navigator is the first of five nearly identical sister vessels that Atlas Ocean Voyages will roll out by late 2024, many of which will sail regularly to Antarctica.
