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Launched between 2010 and 2015, these four sister ships are regular visitors to Antarctica -- both under the banner of Ponant, a French brand, and as vessels chartered to high-end, U.S.-based tour companies Tauck and Abercrombie & Kent. Like Lindblad's chartered navy ship, many of the early vessels used for tourism to the White Continent were tough-built government or scientific ships that were designed with navigating icy areas but not necessarily comfort in mind. Tourists have been visiting Antarctica in small numbers since 1966, when adventure tour pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad led a small group of "citizen scientists" to the Antarctic Peninsula on a chartered Argentine navy ship. But for many of the 56 years since then, a trip to Antarctica has meant a sailing on a relatively spartan vessel. New small ship cruises, adventure trips, ships & the best deals at your fingertips. Consult this month-by-month list covering everything from penguins to pack ice to help guide your travel timing.
Best Time To Go
This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability, efficiency, scholarship and long-range exploration in the polar regions. 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.
Does my trip to Antarctica support The Intrepid Foundation?
Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to small Zodiac boats for landings while still in the protected interior of the ship. Ice breakers are specifically designed to keep shipping routes free of ice for other ships. Their round hull design and powerful engines lift the front of the ship onto sea ice before crashing down and breaking it. The rounded keel and lack of stabilizing fins make progress quicker through ice. Ice breakers are only operated a few times each year on specialty cruises. Antarctica ships will include a plethora of activity options and equipment is usually included.
Travel Deeper
How to Cruise Antarctica Without Sailing the Drake Passage - TravelAge West
How to Cruise Antarctica Without Sailing the Drake Passage.
Posted: Thu, 01 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
This is your chance to witness tens of thousands of chinstrap penguins waddling about and slipping in and out of the frigid waters. Join Oceanwide on an Antarctic expedition cruise, and experience exploration in its native environment. Hear the beautiful 'symphony of the ice' as you glide silently past nature's frozen works of art in a sea kayak.
About the The Antarctica Explorer
For instance, if a ship offers kayaking, then kayaks will be on board. This 199-passenger polar ship—Ultramarine—is built for safety and far-off exploration. The new vessel boasts twin helicopters and helipads for heli-skiing, heli-hiking, flightseeing and exploration of otherwise inaccessible places as well as an innovative, internal hanger with four embarkation points for a fleet of 20 Zodiacs. Look for routes into the Weddell Sea for the Snow Hill emperor penguin rookery and the remote Northwest Passage. An HX trip includes everything from daily excursions and activities to our onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks and more. All designed to give you the expedition experience of a lifetime.
During the summer months temperatures in the Antarctic Peninsula range between -2°C - +5 °C. In the Ross Sea it can get significantly colder with temperatures down to -20°C. Antarctica has two large indentations which are the Ross Sea and the Weddell Sea.
It has a whiskey bar stocked with more than 110 whiskies and other high-end liquors, plus a spa and a yoga studio. For that reason, I am partial to the older but more intimate Hurtigruten polar vessel Fram, which carries just 200 passengers when operating in Antarctica. 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. High-tech touches include a GPS that lets it hover in sensitive areas without dropping anchor. Just unveiled in August 2021, World Navigator is the first vessel for Atlas Ocean Voyages, an all-new cruise operator that's focused on "luxe adventure" trips -- and it's already high on my list of favorite ships for polar exploring. If you have made it this far, then you know everything you need to choose the best Antarctica ship for your upcoming trip.
How well the ship is designed to efficiently embark and disembark guests in remote locations can be an overlooked consideration when considering where to stay in Antarctica. Luxury Antarctica cruises feature gourmet cuisine and five star service. Staterooms and suites are larger and often include large view windows or balconies.
The best Antarctica cruise ships: Then and now
Quark has an impeccable safety record and has a fleet of ice-class vessels, including the new, luxurious MV Ultramarine, which allows them to execute really unique itineraries. This remote, icy frontier promises unparalleled adventures and sights, but the vast array of cruise options available can be overwhelming. Check out our guide on the best time to visit South Georgia based on our personal experience. A few companies offer Antarctica tours that aim to cross the Circle (we say aim because nothing is guaranteed down here), and these itineraries are usually around 14 days (with 7-10 days on the Peninsula). 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.
The 76- to 96-guest Magellan Explorer is a brand new expedition ship built specifically for Antarctica fly cruises. This polar class 6 vessel features stylish design with technical advances for smooth and safe expeditions. Travelers seeking more adventure can book a range of activities including sea kayaking, camping, skiing, snowshoeing, scuba diving or trekking.
Some ships have quirky designs and even a view window might look out onto a lifeboat or other obstruction. Cabins at or below the waterline may have port lights or port holes that do not really serve for viewing. Rooms without a view are less expensive but a view of Antarctica from your cabin might be worth the extra cost. A mudroom is a locker room area where guests stage before going ashore.
This up-to-date guide culls the best tips for a comprehensive look at Antarctica travel today. Getting off the boat in Antarctica is an important part of the expedition cruise experience. There are numerous things to do in Antarctica which may influence your ship choice.
Enjoy delicious dining, from Irish pub classics at O'Sheehan's to classic hibachi at Teppanyaki. Support the scientific community in collecting valuable data on Antarctica that contributes to global research by participating in our Citizen Science Programme. There is a number to call the ship and you can purchase data for the wi-fi onboard, although the connection is intermittent and not to be relied on. You have to be prepared and thorough when packing for Antarctica due to its remote location. Make sure you bring lots of layers, gloves, sunscreen, and moisturizer among other items.
He was also professional and responsive and educational in preparing us for the trip. Expert advice from people who have been there and can match your wishes and travel style to the right fit for you. Cabins close to the waterline are the most stable and a good choice for travelers concerned about seasickness. Cabins higher up or toward the front of the ship can move more in rough seas. The most modern ships include Zodiac hangars at or near the waterline which makes deploying the small craft extremely efficient. This can be handy for impromptu whale watching excursions or other wildlife encounters where speed is important.
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