What Can You Expect in an Antarctica Cruise?

Every year, about 50,000 travelers make their way to Antarctica, which is one of the harshest regions in the world. According to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, the number of visits per year has been on the upswing since 2012. A third of the tourists are from the US, followed by China and Australia.

Antarctica probably is high up on most people’s bucket list of places one wants to visit before they die. But what makes the Antarctica cruise popular? First, it is freezing in the region, with the temperature plummeting to negative 30 degrees Celsius even in the summer months. Second, there is nothing to see there except fascinating polar ice caps.

What to Expect in an Antarctica Cruise? 

Most voyages to Antarctica begin at Ushuaia, a port in Argentina. This is the shortest route from South America to Antarctica. The whole trip can take about four days before you make a landing. On the second day, you will see the first icebergs and polar caps that signal you are in their region.

What to Wear?

• Windproof and waterproof jackets
• Overtrousers (also waterproof and windproof)
• Waterproof boots (make sure they are slip-proof because the deck might be slippery)
• Fleece for layering
• Warm hat
• Gloves
• Socks
• Sunglasses
• Binoculars
• Medicines (particularly for people who are prone to seasickness)

Anyway, the cruise ship should have a checklist of appropriate clothing for you to wear. 

What Happens in the Cruise Ship?

The Drake Passage alone will take about two days’ worth of travel. There are plenty of activities inside the ship to prevent passengers from getting bored. There is also a library where you can borrow any book you want. Besides, there is Wi-Fi onboard, which means you can check your Facebook or watch YouTube videos. Likewise, there are video programs that give insights on the continent and its rich wildlife.

The cruise will serve three meals a day, which is typically served buffet-style. Alcohol may be provided, but you should check with your package or your travel agent to make sure.

What Happens When You Land?

The cruises are scheduled to maximize the value of your money and time. Typically, the ship will land twice a day–one in the morning and another in the afternoon. You will then ride the zodiac (a rubber boat used by special forces) to your next adventure. The zodiac trip will take about 15 minutes to land. You will explore the area, with an expert guide, for at least two hours. Bring your camera along because there would be plenty of opportunities to bring out the pro within you.

Depending on your package tour, you can expect the following activities in your Antarctica cruise:

• Kayaking
• Camping
• Cross-country skiing
• Retracing historical expeditions
• Mountaineering
• Snowshoeing
• Hiking
• Stand-up paddleboard
• Polar diving

Where Can You Go on the Cruise?

There are many destinations on your Antarctica journey. Among them include:

• South Georgia Island
• The Falkland Islands
• Antarctic Peninsula
• Svalbard
• The South Pole
• Greenland
• Northern Norway
• Iceland
• North Pole
• Canadian Arctic
• Russian Arctic

Not every location will be visited, as you will factor in the distance, cost, and weather conditions. You should clarify this with the travel agent at the start to know which destination is included in your package.

Are You Equipped to Have an Adventure of a Lifetime?

Your first trip to Antarctica should be with a travel agent you can trust. Book your cruise at Polar Holidays, which has a long experience in making the journey of clients memorable and stress-free.

Image by skeeze from Pixabay