Sometimes the best way to recharge your batteries is to visit a remote destination where there is no sign of the rat race. The ultimate place to go is one that used to be only for researchers or members of polar expeditions. These days, however, Antarctica cruise deals make it much easier for regular people to visit the White Continent too.
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.
Most Antarctic cruises include the Antarctic Peninsula or the Ross Sea in their itineraries. Other popular destinations include Anvord Bay and the South Shetland Islands. On your trip you'll likely see penguins and other birds as well as whales. You'll also be rewarded with spectacular scenery or frozen landscapes. A bonus is that you can drive away the cold with a visit to a hot spring.
In winter, it's nearly impossible to sail around the frozen continent. However, summer temperatures can be in the lower teens and the melting ice makes it easier for ships to pass. In December, the height of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, you may even experience sunlight at midnight. It's important to remember though that itineraries can change quite suddenly due to unpredictable weather conditions.
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.
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.
Cruises set out from various destinations. One of the most popular starting points is Ushuaia in Argentina, also known as the world's southernmost city. You may want to explore Patagonia before your departure. Otherwise, set sail from Hobart in Tasmania, Australia; from Invercargill or Port of Bluff in New Zealand; from Santiago in Chile or from Cape Town in South Africa. It's well worth building in some extra time before your cruise so that you can explore these wonderful locations too.
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.
Most Antarctic cruises include the Antarctic Peninsula or the Ross Sea in their itineraries. Other popular destinations include Anvord Bay and the South Shetland Islands. On your trip you'll likely see penguins and other birds as well as whales. You'll also be rewarded with spectacular scenery or frozen landscapes. A bonus is that you can drive away the cold with a visit to a hot spring.
In winter, it's nearly impossible to sail around the frozen continent. However, summer temperatures can be in the lower teens and the melting ice makes it easier for ships to pass. In December, the height of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, you may even experience sunlight at midnight. It's important to remember though that itineraries can change quite suddenly due to unpredictable weather conditions.
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.
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.
Cruises set out from various destinations. One of the most popular starting points is Ushuaia in Argentina, also known as the world's southernmost city. You may want to explore Patagonia before your departure. Otherwise, set sail from Hobart in Tasmania, Australia; from Invercargill or Port of Bluff in New Zealand; from Santiago in Chile or from Cape Town in South Africa. It's well worth building in some extra time before your cruise so that you can explore these wonderful locations too.
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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