Sometimes the best way to recharge your batteries is to visit a remote destination where there is no sign of the rat race. The ultimate place to go is one that used to be only for researchers or members of polar expeditions. These days, however, Antarctica cruise deals make it much easier for regular people to visit the White Continent too.
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.
The season for cruises is the southern summer, which peaks from December to February. Days are very long during this time and you may even experience the midnight sun. Temperatures are very low but aren't necessarily freezing in summer. However, the weather can be unpredictable and you should be open to the idea of last-minute changes to your itinerary.
Obviously you'll need to bring warm clothes. In fact, cruises in this part of the world are very casual since practicality and warmth are what you want in your clothing. Especially your shoes should be waterproof although a waterproof jacket and even pants will come in handy too. You'll also need to bring your bathing suit, since many ships visit hot springs near the coast. Good sunscreen and sunglasses are essential as well. Bring everything you might need, since you can't just pop out to the shops to get supplies once you're here.
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.
The easiest way to find a cruise package that will suit your needs and wishes is to look online. This way you can easily compare different deals and read reviews by other travelers. However, it's also possible to book at the offices of cruise lines in cities such as Ushuaia.
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.
The season for cruises is the southern summer, which peaks from December to February. Days are very long during this time and you may even experience the midnight sun. Temperatures are very low but aren't necessarily freezing in summer. However, the weather can be unpredictable and you should be open to the idea of last-minute changes to your itinerary.
Obviously you'll need to bring warm clothes. In fact, cruises in this part of the world are very casual since practicality and warmth are what you want in your clothing. Especially your shoes should be waterproof although a waterproof jacket and even pants will come in handy too. You'll also need to bring your bathing suit, since many ships visit hot springs near the coast. Good sunscreen and sunglasses are essential as well. Bring everything you might need, since you can't just pop out to the shops to get supplies once you're here.
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.
The easiest way to find a cruise package that will suit your needs and wishes is to look online. This way you can easily compare different deals and read reviews by other travelers. However, it's also possible to book at the offices of cruise lines in cities such as Ushuaia.
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