However, the Antarctic does not feature the warming waters of the Gulf Stream,the land mass of the continent keeps it generally colder than the Arctic, and huge icebergs often clog up passages between the islands and/or continent. For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPGs cruise newsletter. Ships take at least 36-48 hours to sail across the Drake Passage that separates South America from the Shetland Islands off the coast of Antarctica. These ships range in size from tiny expedition ships with less than 25 guests totraditional cruise ships with over 1000 guests. . It will depend on several factors including your tolerance for rough seas, the time you have to travel and your budget. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Onboard, scientists explained the devastating effects of climate change on the landscape around usglaciers are melting, animals are dyingwhich was sobering and made all the warnings real. The Ultimate World Cruise is a never-before-offered Royal Caribbean adventure that takes you on a 274-night journey around the world from December 10, 2023 . She owned a dog sledding company, competed in multi-day adventure races and has guided canoeing, sea kayaking and photography trips. Antarctica Cruise Is a Trip of a Lifetime. Read more about landing sites in Antarctica. Thousands of travelers have trusted Adventure Life's Antarctica cruise experts to help them choose the perfect small ship cruise to Antarctica . This not only saves fuel but also allows for noiseless operation in sensitive polar areas where silence can make all the difference (near a penguin rookery, for instance, or a calving glacier). This trip is an Antarctica expedition like no other. The crew mostly spoke Russian. Enjoy the adventure and excitement of a South America cruise and come back new. The details: Nine-night voyages to Antarctica start at $10,499 per person, based on double occupancy. For that reason, I am partial to the older but more intimate Hurtigruten polar vessel Fram, which carries just 200 passengers when operating in Antarctica. It's unique and spectacularly beautiful, with amazing wildlife, towering mountains, and icebergs larger than many cruise ships. Join us between November and March to cruise in comfort on well-equipped polar vessels, backed up by three course meals, onboard amenities, and expert leaders. A handful of tour companies operate so-called "fly-cruise" trips to Antarctica that use hardy airplanes to fly tourists directly to the continent no sailing across the Drake required. Cruise the coastlines of South America exploring its exotic ports of call, visiting such spectacular locales asUruguays charming capital, Montevideo, vibrant Buenos Aires, the remote Falkland Islands, and scenic cruising around Cape Horn. Just unveiled in August 2021, World Navigator is the first vessel for Atlas Ocean Voyages, an all-new cruise operator that's focused on "luxe adventure" trips -- and it's already high on my list of favorite ships for polar exploring. Its where the cruise begins and ends, after all. But, a cruise to both South America AND Antarctica is highly unusual. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Its embarrassing and frustratingyes, Im speaking from personal experiencebut it goes with the Antarctic territory. Antarctica Cruise Details. The biggest advantage of an all-cruise trip to Antarctica is also, for some, its biggest disadvantage (more on this in a moment): It gets you into the Drake Passage. Expedition Cruises. What it's like flying to Antarctica on a chartered plane, The 11 best new expedition ships that go to Antarctica, These 8 books are must-reads before an Antarctica trip, Discovering the wild dreamscape of Antarctica, This new luxury tour gets you to Antarctica faster than most, I just spent the night in an 'igloo' in Antarctica here's how you can, too, I just went kayaking in Antarctica -- it was the most calm I've felt all year, Dreaming of Antarctica: How to book the trip of a lifetime, Skip the Drake Passage: What its like flying to Antarctica on a chartered plane, 7 tips for visiting Antarctica before it's too late, The ultimate packing list for an Antarctica trip, These 8 books are must reads before any Antarctica trip, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Here, my picks for the 11 best new expedition cruise ships sailing to Antarctica: These Lindblad Expeditions ships may be my favorite all-around picks for an Antarctica cruise. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. We hit seas around 10 feet high in the strait, leaving many passengers feeling queasy or worse. Because I was aware of this, I specifically chose Viking for the measures the company takes to make sure it doesnt cause more damageincluding reducing fuel consumption, designing a bird-safe lighting mode and advocating for a whale-safe speedas well as for the role its playing in science. The scouts spotted a polar bear, so plans changed. Each expedition includes stops at various landing sites around the Antarctic but when you stop at them and for how long often depends on the weather, as well as sea ice and wildlife movement. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. For people who are particularly sensitive to motion, flying there really is the only viable option for a trip to Antarctica, unless you want to risk being miserable for up to four days (don't forget you'll have to cross the Drake twice on an all-cruise trip). Related: I just went kayaking in Antarctica -- it was the most calm I've felt all year. I was this close to spending my limited time in Antarctica wearing gear that was too small for me because I was embarrassed to ask for a bigger size. That's why we have a range of specialists on board Ocean Endeavour for every polar journey, from historians to marine biologists and hiking guides. Having heard the horror stories of Antarctic winters, many travelers think the temperatures are way below what they are willing to tolerate. Be sure to date any postcard you mail back home. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The short answer: There is no short answer. See penguins, whales and other diverse wildlife, kayak around icebergs and massive glaciers, hike along the majestic continent and see the wonders of Antarctica up close. If you think swimming in icy waters is crazy, then you can wear that swimsuit into the hot tub, sauna, or spa. Visit the most isolated continent on Earth on an Antarctica cruise. Long underwear, hat, and gloves are needed when riding in the RIBs ashore. Related: These 8 books are must-reads before an Antarctica trip. Launched between 2010 and 2015, these four sister ships are regular visitors to Antarctica -- both under the banner of Ponant, a French brand, and as vessels chartered to high-end, U.S.-based tour companies Tauck and Abercrombie & Kent. Valid for new bookings only, subject to availability. But other travelers will be better off, for sure, going the fly-cruise route, whether because they are prone to seasickness even in moderate seas or just can't take all that many days off for travel. I love the ease of having world-class restaurants and entertainment right outside my stateroom door. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Read more about the animals of Antarctica. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Having experienced a helicopter excursion from the vessel, I can say that it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. An Antarctica cruise had topped my bucket list for yearsas it apparently has for many travelers, who have made it a must-visit destination. Dreaming of a cruise around the Antarctic Peninsula to spot leopard seals or to watch young penguins chase each other playfully around a rookery? While you can't embark on anexpedition to the world's seventh continent alone, you can travel solo on a group tour to Antarctica. The Ocean Endeavour is comfortable, spacious and the place to be in the Antarctic season. Read more about how to choose an Antarctica cruise. temperatures average around 0C during our cruises. Here, nature reigns: penguins teeter along the shore, seals loll on ice slabs, and humpbacks and orca whales break the water's surface. If the weather is right, the flights to Antarctica will take place the morning after passengers arrive in Punta Arenas. Like Lindblad's chartered navy ship, many of the early vessels used for tourism to the White Continent were tough-built government or scientific ships that were designed with navigating icy areas but not necessarily comfort in mind. A polar plunge might be the best way to bring in a new year. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. As noted above, most travelers to Antarctica reach the continent on a cruise vessel that departs from South America usually from Ushuaia, Argentina, or Puntas Arenas, Chile. Some companies, such as Silversea, have taken this into account in their itinerary planning. Call 1.406.541.2677 Start Planning My Trip Adventure Life's Antarctica cruises and tours are the ultimate way to visit the white continent in comfort, safety, and style. Antarctica isn't part of one single country, rather it is a continent governed under a series of recognised guidelines and agreements called the Antarctic Treaty System. . 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. Planning an Antarctica cruise expedition? We strictly adhere to the guidelines of theInternational Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) who work alongside the Antarctic treaty to enforce environmental standards that guide us to protect the fragile Antarctic ecosystem. On Hurtigruten cruises, all guests who go swimming get a certificate and their photo taken. And then I sailed on . But for many of the 56 years since then, a trip to Antarctica has meant a sailing on a relatively spartan vessel. Optimize your Antarctica experience by flying over the Drake Passage, the fastest and most direct way to the 7th Continent. Before we were allowed to touch land, Viking made sure our clothes were decontaminated and free of any plastic pieces that could fall off. Over the past two decades, Ive done family cruises and adults-only cruises, sailed solo and with my husband or friends. Because you're travelling with Intrepid Travel, you'll experiencethis incredible part of the world in a way thatbuilds human connection and respects the environment. . However, cruise ships know that guests have high expectations for the food and all seem to deliver the same quality found on cruise ships elsewhere in the world. Guests will embark Silver Dawn in Fort Lauderdale on January 6, 2026, before travelling deep into 70 destinations in 37 countriesthe most ever on a Silversea World Cruiseincluding 26 calls that are new for a Silversea World Cruise or unvisited since 2020, and 9 overnights. Celebrate our voyage at a farewell dinner on board. Scenic Eclipse also was the first Antarctica-bound cruise vessel to boast helicopters to take passengers on epic (and pricey) Antarctica excursions -- and it has a submarine for underwater exploring, too. On the downside, the helicopter pad and hangars eat up a lot of space on the vessel's top deck, as do the suites along the vessel's sharply sloping front. That may sound like nothing but a disadvantage. Thats significant. The island is shaped like a crescent (much like Santorini in Greece), so the large natural caldera was perfect for whaling ships to seek shelter and process the whales. Planning a trip to Antarctica? But there's a second, less common way to go. Fares include a pre-cruise, one-night hotel stay in Buenos Aires; beer and wine with lunch and dinner; and shipboard Wi-Fi. Cruises from 20 to 24 nights feature not only the Antarctic Peninsula, but also the subantarctic islands like South Georgia and the Falklands. Heres the truth: No one cares. The number of tour companies offering such trips is much more limited. . Witness Antarctic Peninsula whales on this epic journey at sea. Get up close to icebergs, wildlife, and hard-to-reach places using our fleets of kayaks and Zodiacs. By cutting out the days crossing the Drake Passage, fly-cruise tour operators are able to offer an equal amount of time exploring Antarctica on a trip lasting just eight nights, including two nights in a Punta Arenas hotel one before the flight to Antarctica and one afterward. Overnight stays near Lima give extra time to see the country's many treasures. Indulge in a feast for the senses on an epic South America cruise with Princess. Silversea Is the Best Cruise to Antarctica With ten different luxury ships to choose from, Silversea Expeditions is the top name when it comes to Antarctic cruises. In fact, one of our best days occurred when all landings were canceled. I know which way I lean. Journey to Antarctica 12 days from $15,840 View All Dates & Prices Expedition Cruise Light or Moderate Premium Max 148 Reserve Online Or call 1-888-966-8687 Ask a Question Expedition Overview. Choose to fly straight into the heart of Antarctica in just 2 hours with Antarctica Bridge, or sail the iconic Drake Passage for an unforgettable experience. Days 4-5: Cruise around the Antarctic Peninsula and attempt landings at sites like Danco Island and Neko Harbour. Researcher, Naturalist, Photographer, Educator, Surveyor, Skipper and Wildlife Officer, Eva has travelled extensively throughout all 7 continents, but her heart remains in the polar regions. The second big advantage of fly-cruise trips to Antarctica is that they are shorter than what is typical for an Antarctica trip something that should appeal to would-be Antarctica visitors who are limited in the number of days they can get away from work. Antarctica is a dream destination for many travelers. See Details Cruises to Peru From coastal deserts to jagged peaks, Peru astonishes. Watching the penguins (who could care less about you) waddling, swimming, nesting, interacting with their peers or mates, or just doing their everyday activities can keep most cruise travelers mesmerized for as long as time allows. Your mobile phone will not work during your Antarctica cruise as the continent is still considered extremely remote and doesn't have the right telecommunication infrastructure in place. And, they have to return back to South America, which takes another couple of days. A lot has changed since then -- mostly in the last couple of years. Photo: brad morrell/storyful. Stefanie Waldek. Follow the whales of Antarctica as they migrate south on this 11-day expedition cruise, Cross the Antarctic Circle with World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF-Australia) whale Spot seals, whales and albatross aboard the Ocean Endeavour. These magnificent hunters are only found in the Arctic polar regions. Not applicable on extensions or fourth guest travels free offer. All Intrepid trips are100% carbon neutralplus,we've committedto science-based decarbonization targets and recently updated ourSeven-point Climate Action Plan. Each cruise to Antarctica includes the following exclusive amenities and activities designed to enhance every moment: Inclusive zodiac tours and landings* Due to peer pressure, sometimes more than 50 guests will take the plunge. Which cruise lines go to Antarctica? At the very high end, some ships feature all-suite accommodations with butler service. These are Antarctic adventures. A pioneer in polar travel, Ponant has a long tradition of operating voyages to Antarctica, and this series of ship was specially designed for such trips. It's part of understanding the remarkable history of Antarctic exploration, for sure, as it offers a taste of what the great Antarctic explorers such as Ernest Shackleton and Roald Amundsen had to endure in their epic journeys to the continent a century ago. In addition, the two days of crossing the Drake Passage at the start of an all-cruise Antarctica trip gives the guides on such trips a chance to prepare you for what you're about to see. Remember, this raw nature is one of the reasons we all want to visit Antarctica in the first place! Unveiled in 2019, this super-swanky, 228-passenger discovery yacht was the first oceangoing vessel for luxury purveyor Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours -- a brand better known for river cruises. The Carnival Sunshine cruise ship made it back to port nine hours later than planned after sailing through a terrifying storm on . Another possible downside to the fly-cruise trips to Antarctica is that they are typically more expensive, on a per-day basis, than all-cruise trips. At Silversea, which offers both types of Antarctica trips, eight-night fly-cruise itineraries start at $16,600 per person, including flights more than $2,000 per day. Related: The ultimate Antarctica packing guide. If you plan a cruise to Antarctica, you'll find it is much like other exotic places in the world--it gives you lifelong memories. Related: What it's like flying to Antarctica on a chartered plane. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Surprisingly, these black-and-white beauties faceplant all the time, and they simply get back up and continue on their way.
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