Table Of Content
- Which cruise lines go to Antarctica?
- Explore the History of Chile on Your Next South America Cruise
- The Infamous Drake Passage
- There are no polar bears
- Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
- Avian flu has reached Antarctica
- I witnessed a polar bear kill – but that’s not what I will remember most about my Arctic cruise
Alternatively, consider a day trip off the beaten path into the raw nature of Tierra del Fuego. The island of Tierra del Fuego is a hiker’s paradise with rugged snow-capped mountains, glaciers, flower-filled meadows and rich boggy wetlands. In the afternoon, we board our vessel, waiting to welcome us in port. Antarctica is the only continent with no significant plant life and no native land mammals, reptiles, or amphibians. Even in the extreme environment of Antarctica, life not only survives but thrives.
Which cruise lines go to Antarctica?
Princess has scenic cruising down to a science and is capable of both entertaining and educating its guests along the way. We always recommend booking Antarctic cruises sooner rather than later. Book Celebrity with the right timing and you might find getting to Antarctica is more affordable than you thought. Celebrity typically doesn’t devote a ship to an extended season in Antarctica, which may narrow your opportunity to only one month. But the good news is that the reservation window is typically roughly two years in advance. 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.
Explore the History of Chile on Your Next South America Cruise
Passengers who want to see and hear Antarctica's underwater life over cocktails or enjoy major pampering after their day of exploration will adore cruising with Ponant. Some begin in Buenos Aires; others start in Santiago and include more of South America, such as Patagonia and the Chilean fjords. Good opportunities to explore the Falklands and South Georgia, too.
The Infamous Drake Passage
Passengers seeking a gentler-on-the-wallet experience, preferring some cruise ship comforts, but care little about private verandas or butlers. Quark’s passengers tend to be uber-active cruisers eager to camp overnight, snowshoe, go mountaineering and cross-country skiing while still traveling upscale. 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.
There are no polar bears
You'll sail to Elephant Island, where Shackleton's men waited out a brutal Antarctic winter, and learn about the continent's rich history as you explore its vast wild expanse. Cruise through the Schollaert Channel to spot penguin colonies on the ice, and witness dazzling views of Rojas Peak as you sail through Paradise Bay. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica on a luxury cruise with Celebrity and discover a world like no other. Polar bears inhabit the Arctic, which is in the northern hemisphere. Except for the Galapagos, penguins are the hot-ticket sighting in the Antarctic.
Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise
But Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen have one big advantage versus that ship and many others operating in Antarctica, which is that their starting rates for trips to the region are significantly lower. Lindblad was the original pioneer of tourist trips to Antarctica, and it has years of experience in the region that has helped shape the way it designed these nearly identical vessels, both specifically built for polar travel. In all cases, these are ships specifically built for "expedition cruising" -- a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on small, hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft. 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. The 13-day cruises sail roundtrip Buenos Aires; 19-day voyages include South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, while 22 days include the Chilean fjords.
Avian flu has reached Antarctica
One of the most enthralling aspects of Antarctica is the fact that it’s virtually untouched by humans. The bays you’ll visit during your Antarctica cruise are a startling shade of blue and remarkably clear, making for some of the most beautiful unspoiled views you’ll get anywhere on the planet. Admire towering icebergs as your ship navigates slowly through the icy waters. You’ll see icebergs in mesmerizing shapes and sizes, and colors from brilliant white to sapphire blue. During an Antarctica cruise, you’ll have the chance to look out for some of the world’s most incredible marine mammals. Marvel at humpback and minke whales gliding gracefully through the water.
Ross Sea & East Antarctica Cruise
Exploration didn't stop there though with a total of 17 major expeditions launched in the following years from 10 different countries, the last one being Ernest Shackleton's last ill-fated voyage in 1917. Antarctica was formed around 35 million years ago and remained undiscovered until around 1820 when Russian explorers spotted the mainland. However, this may have only been the first documented discovery of Antarctica, as it's believed that Pacific Islanders may have reached the white continent in 650 AD.
Antarctic itineraries on Lindblad-National Geographic run between eight and 25 days. The shortest (and most economical) are the Fly the Drake cruises that let you skip sailing across the Drake Passage, thus allowing you to spend the entire cruise actually in the waters of Antarctica. The casually elegant 148-passenger National Geographic Explorer, and more luxurious, newer vessels 126-passenger National Geographic Endurance and twin National Geographic Resolution sail Antarctica.
Wherever we go on the Antarctic Peninsula, endemic wildlife, tantalising history and breathtaking natural beauty abound. And as far as good old-fashioned adventures go, this is the big one. You’ll cross the infamous Drake Passage and set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula. Marvel at waddling gentoo penguins and spot migrating blue whales. By traveling with us, you'll experience this incredible part of the world in a way that builds human connection and gets closer to nature while respecting the environment. Journey to one of the most fascinating travel destinations on earth on cruises to Antarctica with Celebrity.
You still need to verify visa requirements for any country you may pass through en route to your embarkation point or ones you visit before or after your expedition. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe at least five species of penguins in the Falkland Islands. Crossing the 800-km Drake Passage where the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern Oceans converge, is a rite of passage for many travelers. Refurbished as part of the Norwegian Edge program in 2018, Norwegian Star shines with upgrades. The extensive enhancements include upgrades to staterooms, public spaces, restaurants, bars and lounges. Start the day at Mandara Spa, where you can revive, refresh and recharge.
These cruises are popular with anyone looking for a slightly more affordable Antarctic option, who enjoys the activity level and amenities of large mainstream cruise lines. Think casinos, specialty restaurants and flashy entertainment when you aren’t out nature-watching. There is no set itinerary on this trip, which allows our staff onboard to maximize the experience for all onboard. Whilst our suggestions above are just possible routes and landings, we can be sure that this will be the ultimate Antarctic experience. Its icy seas, isolated icebergs and snow-driven deserts are home to wildlife that surprises and charms. When the conditions are right, there's no better way to cross the frozen terrain than by wearing snowshoes.
Experience Buenos Aires, a world-famous city for dancing, dining, and rich colonial history, on your next cruise to South America. A selection of Chile's highlights that can be explored as part of a South America cruise. Explore the world-class wines, cuisine, and rhythm of the most diverse continent on the planet on a cruise to South America. Journey outside San Antonio and discover a world of history and culture.
Spent $19,000 to travel to Antarctica via the Drake Passage, worth it - Business Insider
Spent $19,000 to travel to Antarctica via the Drake Passage, worth it.
Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
They're also loaded with observation areas for viewing the passing scenery. They carry kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis for polar exploring in addition to Zodiac boats for landings, and they have remotely operated vehicles -- just in case you want to see what's going on down below. Lengthier cruises include visits to such destinations as the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment