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.
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is the only practical time to see this area, November through March. Visiting in winter is impossible due to extensive sea ice, raging storms, and months of near-darkness. Temperatures during summer are bearable but not balmy, ranging from the lower twenties to high-forties Fahrenheit. The sun stays bright most of the night.
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.
One of the primary attractions for visitors is the natural wildlife, including the famous penguins of all varieties and sizes, whales, seals and many winged birds. Although travel at sea is comfortable, travelers will not encounter the Vegas-style revues or crowded night clubs found on some ships. The rough seas common to this region have final control of any scheduled activities, and the Drake Passage is rarely glassy.
While there are no quaint villages, visitors are rewarded by seeing the sites of famed explorations, research facilities, enormous colonies of various penguin species, and most importantly, the forbidding Antarctic landscape. Unlike the northern Arctic Ocean, this is a vast area of land punctuated by rugged, ice-buried mountain ranges, volcanoes, and dry interior valleys. Some stops include kayaking or climbing, weather permitting.
Some ships feature landings in rubber boats, which provide close-ups of icebergs and the local creatures. People choosing to come here are uniquely interested in this continent for both scientific and personal reasons, and are usually excited to meet others sharing that enthusiasm. The voyage by ship takes time, and there are usually experts on board for lectures, presentations, and discussions.
Due to its remote location, cruising to this southern continent can be more expensive than closer adventures. It makes sense to work closely with a travel planner in order to find the best package for the lowest price. Voyages to this area take longer, often lasting from ten to twenty-one days, but provide a priceless opportunity to witness the last truly wild area of the world.
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.
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is the only practical time to see this area, November through March. Visiting in winter is impossible due to extensive sea ice, raging storms, and months of near-darkness. Temperatures during summer are bearable but not balmy, ranging from the lower twenties to high-forties Fahrenheit. The sun stays bright most of the night.
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.
One of the primary attractions for visitors is the natural wildlife, including the famous penguins of all varieties and sizes, whales, seals and many winged birds. Although travel at sea is comfortable, travelers will not encounter the Vegas-style revues or crowded night clubs found on some ships. The rough seas common to this region have final control of any scheduled activities, and the Drake Passage is rarely glassy.
While there are no quaint villages, visitors are rewarded by seeing the sites of famed explorations, research facilities, enormous colonies of various penguin species, and most importantly, the forbidding Antarctic landscape. Unlike the northern Arctic Ocean, this is a vast area of land punctuated by rugged, ice-buried mountain ranges, volcanoes, and dry interior valleys. Some stops include kayaking or climbing, weather permitting.
Some ships feature landings in rubber boats, which provide close-ups of icebergs and the local creatures. People choosing to come here are uniquely interested in this continent for both scientific and personal reasons, and are usually excited to meet others sharing that enthusiasm. The voyage by ship takes time, and there are usually experts on board for lectures, presentations, and discussions.
Due to its remote location, cruising to this southern continent can be more expensive than closer adventures. It makes sense to work closely with a travel planner in order to find the best package for the lowest price. Voyages to this area take longer, often lasting from ten to twenty-one days, but provide a priceless opportunity to witness the last truly wild area of the world.
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