Antarctica is the only continental area on the planet that still has no permanent human population. There are no commercial airports, and access is available only by water. The climate is unbelievably harsh, and the winds blowing from mid-continent drive ocean currents thousands of miles. Regardless of these environmental challenges, travel here is becoming very popular, and Antarctica cruise deals can help make this the trip of a lifetime.
To newcomers, the continent still appears much the same as it did when the first explorers reached the south pole a relatively few years ago. There are established research outposts and installations, but no places for tourists to shop for souvenirs. The people who come here are definitely not looking for warm, sandy beaches, but some of the oldest ice on earth.
The most practical time for a visit is during the southern hemispheric summer, from November through March. Winter excursions are basically impossible due to extended ice packs, unbearable storms, and of course, weeks of darkness. Summertime high temperatures are more bearable, generally ranging from 23 degrees Fahrenheit to the mid-forties, and the sun stays up late.
The most common point of departure by ship is from Ushuaia, Argentina. Getting to this small city will require more than one stop, and once there, Antarctica is still 600 miles away. There are numerous cruise ships plying that route, but they do not really resemble the floating cities that grace warmer waters. These vessels have to be specially ice-hardened, and generally carry no more than 200 people.
People visit this forbidding region for many reasons, including unique wildlife, especially penguins, sea birds, seals, and whales. While most ships are comfortable, travelers should not expect elaborate night clubs and Las Vegas-style shows on board. The Drake Passage is not often calm, and rough or stormy seas have ultimate control over any scheduled activities.
Upon reaching the continent, visitors are treated to vast penguin colonies, famed research stations, sites of historic exploration, and of course, the forbidding and immense landscape. Unlike the northern pole, this is no region of sea ice, but a rugged continent with mountain ranges and dry valleys. Some cruises offer kayak trips or local climbing, but conditions may be too extreme to venture outside for extended periods.
Landings are often carried out via rubber vessels, providing visitors with close-up views of wildlife, giant icebergs and rugged coast. The people who come here do so for personal, scientific and adventurous reasons, and are usually happy to share their enthusiasm with those having similar viewpoints. Getting there takes a few days, and there are usually expert presentations, lectures, and group discussions.
Because of its geographic isolation, a cruise to this part of the world can be costlier than other vacation packages. Consult with your local travel planner to find which options best suit your interests within a particular budget. A typical voyage lasts anywhere from 10 to 21 days, and seeing this last polar wilderness up close is an experience most people treasure for the rest of their lives.
To newcomers, the continent still appears much the same as it did when the first explorers reached the south pole a relatively few years ago. There are established research outposts and installations, but no places for tourists to shop for souvenirs. The people who come here are definitely not looking for warm, sandy beaches, but some of the oldest ice on earth.
The most practical time for a visit is during the southern hemispheric summer, from November through March. Winter excursions are basically impossible due to extended ice packs, unbearable storms, and of course, weeks of darkness. Summertime high temperatures are more bearable, generally ranging from 23 degrees Fahrenheit to the mid-forties, and the sun stays up late.
The most common point of departure by ship is from Ushuaia, Argentina. Getting to this small city will require more than one stop, and once there, Antarctica is still 600 miles away. There are numerous cruise ships plying that route, but they do not really resemble the floating cities that grace warmer waters. These vessels have to be specially ice-hardened, and generally carry no more than 200 people.
People visit this forbidding region for many reasons, including unique wildlife, especially penguins, sea birds, seals, and whales. While most ships are comfortable, travelers should not expect elaborate night clubs and Las Vegas-style shows on board. The Drake Passage is not often calm, and rough or stormy seas have ultimate control over any scheduled activities.
Upon reaching the continent, visitors are treated to vast penguin colonies, famed research stations, sites of historic exploration, and of course, the forbidding and immense landscape. Unlike the northern pole, this is no region of sea ice, but a rugged continent with mountain ranges and dry valleys. Some cruises offer kayak trips or local climbing, but conditions may be too extreme to venture outside for extended periods.
Landings are often carried out via rubber vessels, providing visitors with close-up views of wildlife, giant icebergs and rugged coast. The people who come here do so for personal, scientific and adventurous reasons, and are usually happy to share their enthusiasm with those having similar viewpoints. Getting there takes a few days, and there are usually expert presentations, lectures, and group discussions.
Because of its geographic isolation, a cruise to this part of the world can be costlier than other vacation packages. Consult with your local travel planner to find which options best suit your interests within a particular budget. A typical voyage lasts anywhere from 10 to 21 days, and seeing this last polar wilderness up close is an experience most people treasure for the rest of their lives.
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