The White Continent used to be a place that you could only visit if you were part of an expedition or if you could get a job at one of the research bases there. Now it's easier to get there. With Antarctica cruise deals, you can even take the kids on a journey to one of the world's most unspoiled destinations.
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.
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.
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.
Cruises to the continent are quite expensive. It's best to thoroughly research the various cruise companies before committing to one. Check whether they include shore excursions and what their safety record is. Smaller vessels can get to more places but the larger ships handle rough seas better. Also check that the company has a good reputation for being environmentally responsible, since the ecosystem in this remote part of the world is extremely fragile. The company should be a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators.
When you plan your trip, consider adding some extra time for exploring the port that you will be departing from. This can be Port of Bluff or Invercargill in New Zealand, Hobart in Australia, the Chilean capital Santiago or South Africa's Cape Town. However, most cruises depart from the world's most southerly city, Ushuaia, which is in Argentina's Patagonia.
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.
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.
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.
Cruises to the continent are quite expensive. It's best to thoroughly research the various cruise companies before committing to one. Check whether they include shore excursions and what their safety record is. Smaller vessels can get to more places but the larger ships handle rough seas better. Also check that the company has a good reputation for being environmentally responsible, since the ecosystem in this remote part of the world is extremely fragile. The company should be a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators.
When you plan your trip, consider adding some extra time for exploring the port that you will be departing from. This can be Port of Bluff or Invercargill in New Zealand, Hobart in Australia, the Chilean capital Santiago or South Africa's Cape Town. However, most cruises depart from the world's most southerly city, Ushuaia, which is in Argentina's Patagonia.
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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