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 world's southernmost continent. It's completely covered by ice and conditions here are harsh. The only signs of human occupation are research bases from different countries and every year, fewer than 20,000 cruise passengers visit. After all, ships here have to be specially adapted to deal with the ice.
However, the continent is one of stunning scenery, with rugged mountains, vast expanses of ice and hot springs. Wildlife here consists mainly of marine mammals such as whales as well as migratory birds, including penguins. Cruises generally visit the Antarctic Peninsula, the Ross Sea, the South Shetland Islands and Anvord Bay.
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.
Obviously you'll need to bring warm clothes. In fact, cruises in this part of the world are very casual since practicality and warmth are what you want in your clothing. Especially your shoes should be waterproof although a waterproof jacket and even pants will come in handy too. You'll also need to bring your bathing suit, since many ships visit hot springs near the coast. Good sunscreen and sunglasses are essential as well. Bring everything you might need, since you can't just pop out to the shops to get supplies once you're here.
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.
The easiest way to find a cruise package that will suit your needs and wishes is to look online. This way you can easily compare different deals and read reviews by other travelers. However, it's also possible to book at the offices of cruise lines in cities such as Ushuaia.
Antarctica is the world's southernmost continent. It's completely covered by ice and conditions here are harsh. The only signs of human occupation are research bases from different countries and every year, fewer than 20,000 cruise passengers visit. After all, ships here have to be specially adapted to deal with the ice.
However, the continent is one of stunning scenery, with rugged mountains, vast expanses of ice and hot springs. Wildlife here consists mainly of marine mammals such as whales as well as migratory birds, including penguins. Cruises generally visit the Antarctic Peninsula, the Ross Sea, the South Shetland Islands and Anvord Bay.
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.
Obviously you'll need to bring warm clothes. In fact, cruises in this part of the world are very casual since practicality and warmth are what you want in your clothing. Especially your shoes should be waterproof although a waterproof jacket and even pants will come in handy too. You'll also need to bring your bathing suit, since many ships visit hot springs near the coast. Good sunscreen and sunglasses are essential as well. Bring everything you might need, since you can't just pop out to the shops to get supplies once you're here.
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.
The easiest way to find a cruise package that will suit your needs and wishes is to look online. This way you can easily compare different deals and read reviews by other travelers. However, it's also possible to book at the offices of cruise lines in cities such as Ushuaia.
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