The southernmost continent is the only area of the planet without cities, native peoples, or traditional government. There is no commercial airport, and the only way to get there is by sea. The climate is often forbidding, and the winds that howl from the center of this region are some of the strongest on earth. In spite of these challenges, travel to this region is becoming increasingly popular, and Antarctica cruise deals bring voyagers there in style.
In the approximate century since the continent was first explored, few visible changes have occurred. The biggest difference is the existence of scientific research outposts and weather stations, but that is the current extent of civilization. There are no tourist traps, and the people who choose to come here are definitely not searching for sandy tropical beaches or coral reefs.
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is the only practical time to visit, lasting from November into March. Travel during the winter is practically impossible due to expanded sea ice, unending storm activity, and weeks of polar darkness. Temperatures during the summer are more livable, ranging from the lower twenties to the mid-forties Fahrenheit. The sun, however, stays up nearly all night.
Many of these cruises depart from the southernmost city in Argentina, Ushuaia. Getting to that location with a direct flight is probably not possible, and even when there, the icy continent is still around 600 miles to he south. The ships that currently travel that route are quite different from typical tropical liners, which can resemble floating cities or amusement parks. Most are ice-hardened, with a 200-passenger limit.
One of the primary attractions for visitors is the natural wildlife, including the famous penguins of all varieties and sizes, whales, seals and many winged birds. Although travel at sea is comfortable, travelers will not encounter the Vegas-style revues or crowded night clubs found on some ships. The rough seas common to this region have final control of any scheduled activities, and the Drake Passage is rarely glassy.
Once reaching the continental mass, the sights may include small research stations, the beginnings of historic explorations, teeming penguin colonies, and the most important attraction of all, the Antarctic landscape. Unlike the northern polar sea regions, this is a vast continent of high plateaus, volcanoes, and ice-buried mountain ranges. Although weather conditions may not always permit, some cruises offer local climbing and kayaking.
Some ships feature landings in rubber boats, which provide close-ups of icebergs and the local creatures. People choosing to come here are uniquely interested in this continent for both scientific and personal reasons, and are usually excited to meet others sharing that enthusiasm. The voyage by ship takes time, and there are usually experts on board for lectures, presentations, and discussions.
Cruising to this remote region is somewhat costlier than taking more geographically convenient voyages, but well worth the added expense. It makes good sense to consult with a travel planner in order to discover the right excursion for the best price. Most cruises last from ten to twenty-one days, providing a one-of-a-kind experience and creating memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.
In the approximate century since the continent was first explored, few visible changes have occurred. The biggest difference is the existence of scientific research outposts and weather stations, but that is the current extent of civilization. There are no tourist traps, and the people who choose to come here are definitely not searching for sandy tropical beaches or coral reefs.
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is the only practical time to visit, lasting from November into March. Travel during the winter is practically impossible due to expanded sea ice, unending storm activity, and weeks of polar darkness. Temperatures during the summer are more livable, ranging from the lower twenties to the mid-forties Fahrenheit. The sun, however, stays up nearly all night.
Many of these cruises depart from the southernmost city in Argentina, Ushuaia. Getting to that location with a direct flight is probably not possible, and even when there, the icy continent is still around 600 miles to he south. The ships that currently travel that route are quite different from typical tropical liners, which can resemble floating cities or amusement parks. Most are ice-hardened, with a 200-passenger limit.
One of the primary attractions for visitors is the natural wildlife, including the famous penguins of all varieties and sizes, whales, seals and many winged birds. Although travel at sea is comfortable, travelers will not encounter the Vegas-style revues or crowded night clubs found on some ships. The rough seas common to this region have final control of any scheduled activities, and the Drake Passage is rarely glassy.
Once reaching the continental mass, the sights may include small research stations, the beginnings of historic explorations, teeming penguin colonies, and the most important attraction of all, the Antarctic landscape. Unlike the northern polar sea regions, this is a vast continent of high plateaus, volcanoes, and ice-buried mountain ranges. Although weather conditions may not always permit, some cruises offer local climbing and kayaking.
Some ships feature landings in rubber boats, which provide close-ups of icebergs and the local creatures. People choosing to come here are uniquely interested in this continent for both scientific and personal reasons, and are usually excited to meet others sharing that enthusiasm. The voyage by ship takes time, and there are usually experts on board for lectures, presentations, and discussions.
Cruising to this remote region is somewhat costlier than taking more geographically convenient voyages, but well worth the added expense. It makes good sense to consult with a travel planner in order to discover the right excursion for the best price. Most cruises last from ten to twenty-one days, providing a one-of-a-kind experience and creating memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.
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