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.
No other continent is further south than Antarctica, which is in fact home to the South Pole. It's a vast region but there are almost no people here except in and around the various research bases. Several countries have bases here and most bases are located near the coast, where conditions are less harsh than further inland. Ships need to be adapted specially to be able to sail the icy waters.
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.
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.
Because of the difficulty of getting to the Antarctic region, cruises here don't come cheap. However, there are several companies that offer packages. If you simply want to enjoy the scenery, a larger ship is a good idea since these vessels can cope better with rough seas. The drawback is that they can't go to as many places as smaller boats and may not include shore excursions. Whichever line you choose, though, check that they're accredited by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, since environmental irresponsibility can have devastating effects on the fragile Antarctic ecosystem.
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.
One way to book your cruise is to book directly at the company's offices. However, it's much simpler to book online. This method has the advantage that you can more easily read reviews and compare packages to make an informed decision.
No other continent is further south than Antarctica, which is in fact home to the South Pole. It's a vast region but there are almost no people here except in and around the various research bases. Several countries have bases here and most bases are located near the coast, where conditions are less harsh than further inland. Ships need to be adapted specially to be able to sail the icy waters.
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.
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.
Because of the difficulty of getting to the Antarctic region, cruises here don't come cheap. However, there are several companies that offer packages. If you simply want to enjoy the scenery, a larger ship is a good idea since these vessels can cope better with rough seas. The drawback is that they can't go to as many places as smaller boats and may not include shore excursions. Whichever line you choose, though, check that they're accredited by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, since environmental irresponsibility can have devastating effects on the fragile Antarctic ecosystem.
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.
One way to book your cruise is to book directly at the company's offices. However, it's much simpler to book online. This method has the advantage that you can more easily read reviews and compare packages to make an informed decision.
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