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All of them sail with a large number of rigid inflatable Zodiac boats for landings and have strengthened hulls and other design features that let them operate in icy areas. When you’re heading down to the Antarctic region on an expedition cruise ship there’s quite a few activities that you can do. A typical 10-day ‘Best of Antarctica’ itinerary, which actually only includes 4.5 days in Antarctica, has the same number of days and excursions on the continent, often doing the same thing (zodiac cruises, landings, ship exploring, etc). With such a wide variety of cruise options, ranging from small, older vessels to high-end luxury ships, it can be hard to determine what is worth spending your money on.
Mid-Range Cruises
The ideal time to embark on an Antarctica cruise is during the austral summer, between early October and late March. The Antarctic winter is cold and dark, and the continent is surrounded by an enormous fringe of sea ice, which almost doubles its size. Many animals migrate north, and the Antarctic Peninsula is inaccessible. The price of a voyage to Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions starts from around $12,500 USD per person twin share in an Aurora Stateroom. Antarctica cruises usually span between 9 to 21 days, with most falling within the 10 to 14-day range. The duration of an Antarctica cruise can vary based on factors like the departure point and the specific itinerary chosen.
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The pictures you take can be presented to your loved ones when you return home. In addition, you can even sell the pictures that you take to a nature magazine if they are good enough. The weather can change quickly, so it’s essential to be prepared for sudden changes in conditions. When planning your trip to Antarctica, it is important to choose a reputable tour operator.
What to Wear in Antarctica – Ultimate Travel Packing List
Antarctica has a short cruising season that runs from late October to March, with the peak season being December to February. During this time, the ice has melted enough to allow ships to navigate around the continent, and the weather is mild enough to make it possible to disembark and explore. Firstly, engaging a reputable travel agent specializing in Antarctic travel can provide valuable insights and access to exclusive deals. Booking in advance is crucial, as last-minute deals are rare due to the limited capacity and high demand. Look for cruise lines that offer early booking discounts, allowing you to secure the best prices.
Travel insurance
Considered to be the pinnacle of best Antarctic tours is a trip that includes the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, often referred to as the ‘trio’. But you get more time in Antarctica, and get to venture to one of the most remote places on the planet. If stepping foot on the Antarctic continent isn’t enough, you can become one of the 0.001% of the human population who will ever cross the fabled Antarctic Circle at 66º southern latitude. If your flight to Antarctica is cancelled on one day, the company usually only has one more attempt to get their guests down there before they have to forfeit their spot for the next company’s charter.
Our personal experience: Antarctica cruise cost breakdown
Whether you want a full-on expedition cruise with hiking, kayaking and polar plunges, or are looking for a slightly less intense Antarctica cruise, there’s a cruise line that suits your needs. Cruise Critic went in search of the best of both versions to help you decide. Next we’ll place a free, no obligation, 24-hour cabin hold on your preferred cruise option whilst we discuss the final details. Book and relax safe in the knowledge you’ll be paying the lowest price guaranteed. We eventually depart Antarctica, and spend two days at sea on our way northwards back across the infamous Drake Passage towards the more welcoming shores of the Beagle Channel and Ushuaia, Argentina. During our time at sea, a variety of activities will be arranged on board to provide our guests with the chance to reflect on their voyage.
Securing a good price: FAQs
Antarctic tourism is booming – but can the continent cope? - The Guardian
Antarctic tourism is booming – but can the continent cope?.
Posted: Sun, 25 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
While almost all Antarctic cruises offer shore landings and Zodiac cruises as standard, there’s a whole bunch of optional activities for those eager to try something different down in the continent. It’s included in most trips, weather permitting, and you’ll get to come home with some cool photos to prove you did it. The frequent Zodiac landings, integral to most Antarctic cruises, transport passengers from the ship to the very heart of the continent. Zodiac cruises offer an intimate and immersive experience, allowing passengers to navigate through stunning icy waterways.
A trip to Antarctica is undoubtedly a significant financial investment, but it is also a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can be well worth the expense. By considering these cost considerations and planning your trip carefully, you can ensure that you have a memorable and enjoyable cruise as you explore Antarctica. It is important to be aware of the risks and take all necessary safety precautions while on your voyage.
The temperature can range from below freezing to just above freezing, so it’s important to bring warm, waterproof clothing, including gloves, hats, and jackets. While a more reputable operator may charge a higher price, it can be worth the extra expense for the added peace of mind and quality of service. It is also important to read reviews and seek recommendations from other travelers before making a decision. Fortunately, cruises run during Antarctica’s summer months, so the conditions are as calm (and warm!) as possible. During this time, the weather is relatively mild and the days are longer, which allows for more time to explore the region. We went on a Hurtigruten Antarctica expedition (now known as HX), called Highlights of Antarctica in December 2022.
Canadian company Quark Expeditions is one of the true pioneers in polar adventures. We’ve travelled with a whole variety of polar operators, and here’s our top 5 recommendations and why. Choosing the right Antarctic cruise is essential for crafting an unforgettable polar experience. “AE Expeditions has pioneered expedition travel to the world’s most remote places for more than three decades, and we know that exploration is not just about what you see, but how you see it.
It is compulsory for each passenger to return a signed medical from their general practitioner. Your Medical Form is required to be signed by your general practitioner and returned to Aurora Expeditions no later than three months and no earlier than six months before your voyage departure date. Travelers should consult with their healthcare providers to ensure they are physically prepared for the Antarctica cruise.
To bypass the notoriously rough waters of the Drake Passage, passengers can book an Antarctica Bridge sail. Passengers fly business class to and from King George Island in the South Shetland Islands and board Silver Endeavour from there. A&K Antarctic cruises appeal to luxury cruisers and A&K devotees who prefer all-inclusive sailings, staterooms with balconies and included pre-cruise hotel stays with sightseeing. Expect lectures, not just by scientists, but by historians and Polar Medal winners too. Families seeking a family-friendly cruise during school holidays, with youth-focused activities. With no set itinerary in Antarctica, this voyage offers adventurous travellers the chance to experience Antarctica as it was meant to be – flowing with the wind, sea and ice, and taking the best opportunities Mother Nature provides.
A modern fleet of purpose-built expedition ships has emerged in recent years, offering a new level of comfort and efficiency in polar cruising. Newly launched luxury ships with modern amenities, the finest cabins and upscale service will cost more. Entry level cabins may cost a bit less while the sky is the limit for luxury suites. When researching Antarctica cruise costs, be sure to review inclusions and exclusions carefully. Antarctica luxury cruises will have a higher initial price, but often include items such as pre-cruise hotel overnights, round-trip charter flights to Ushuaia and ground transportation between the airport and the ship.
You’re on a large expedition ship which is designed to handle much worse conditions than the Drake. These trips usually take around days, with 5-7 days spent on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula (the rest of the days are travelling over the Drake Passage), and no two trips are the same. Depending on your style, budget, interests and length of time available you’ll find some trips that are common (for good reason), and others that are very unique and only happen once every few years. Unfortunately tourists cannot visit Antarctica in winter due to the extremely cold weather and huge congestion in sea ice limiting access. As the season progresses into February and March, the continent witnesses the awe-inspiring migrations of thousands of humpback whales and penguins shedding their feathers in the molting season. One thing we’ve discovered over the years is that no two Antarctic expeditions are the same – both in experience, and in service.
The average temperature throughout the year is about -57°C, with the minimum temperature being -130°F (-90°C) during the winter season. Antarctica lies to the south of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America, and is surrounded by the Southern Ocean (also known as the Antarctic Ocean). Most visitors access Antarctica via ship or aircraft from an Antarctic ‘gateway city’. The five official Antarctic gateway cities are Ushuaia (Argentina), Hobart (Australia), Punta Arenas (Chile), Christchurch (New Zealand), and Cape Town (South Africa). Antarctica is so far south that most of the continent receives 24 hours of daylight during summer, and 24 hours of darkness during winter.
A benefit of being lower on the ship is less rocking when rough seas are encountered. What holds many of us back from making this dream a reality is its cost. While this expedition cruise is among the priciest you can book, polar sail fares do vary. We've searched for pricing tips and crunched the numbers so you know how much to budget for this splurge-worthy adventure. The Antarctic is like another world; it’s like nowhere else on the planet. Going there will give you a chance to see one of the strangest and most peculiar parts of the world.
