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.
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.
Ice is the main feature of the landscape too. There isn't much land-based wildlife other than large bird colonies, including penguins. However, the seas are home to creatures such as whales. Your itinerary will likely include the Ross Sea or the Antarctic Peninsula. You may also visit spectacular destinations such as Anvord Bay or the South Shetland Islands.
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.
Naturally you should take plenty of warm clothes that you can layer. You don't normally need a formal outfit like you would on other cruises, since things are kept casual in Antarctica. Warm, waterproof boots are essential and it's a good idea to take a waterproof jacket and pants too. Don't forget to pack your bathing suit, though, since you'll probably want to soak in the hot springs. Good sunglasses and sunblock are important too because the ice reflects the Sun's rays and increases your risk of sunburn.
Because you'll be spending quite a bit of money, you need to choose your cruise company with care. Check their itinerary to see whether you'll be able to visit destinations on land or whether you'll only be sailing past. The size of the vessel they use makes a difference too, since large ships are better in rough seas but smaller boats can get to more places. Most importantly, check that the operator is a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators and has a reputation for environmental responsibility.
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.
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.
Ice is the main feature of the landscape too. There isn't much land-based wildlife other than large bird colonies, including penguins. However, the seas are home to creatures such as whales. Your itinerary will likely include the Ross Sea or the Antarctic Peninsula. You may also visit spectacular destinations such as Anvord Bay or the South Shetland Islands.
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.
Naturally you should take plenty of warm clothes that you can layer. You don't normally need a formal outfit like you would on other cruises, since things are kept casual in Antarctica. Warm, waterproof boots are essential and it's a good idea to take a waterproof jacket and pants too. Don't forget to pack your bathing suit, though, since you'll probably want to soak in the hot springs. Good sunglasses and sunblock are important too because the ice reflects the Sun's rays and increases your risk of sunburn.
Because you'll be spending quite a bit of money, you need to choose your cruise company with care. Check their itinerary to see whether you'll be able to visit destinations on land or whether you'll only be sailing past. The size of the vessel they use makes a difference too, since large ships are better in rough seas but smaller boats can get to more places. Most importantly, check that the operator is a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators and has a reputation for environmental responsibility.
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.
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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