Worldwide Destinations: Antarctica
An Antarctic cruise may not provide ideal conditions for sunbathing on deck, but there is nothing quite like it for adventurous souls who yearn to see and experience the beauty and spectacle of Earth's most remote and unspoiled place. A cruise to the great "White Continent" also provides unique opportunities for face-to-face encounters with the wildlife that dwell in this icy realm, including gentoo and chinstrap penguins; crabeater, Weddell and leopard seals; humpback and killer whales; and kelp gulls and nesting Antarctic terns.
The natural beauty the Antarctic region leaves visitors spellbound. Awe-inspiring vistas include snow-capped peaks, sheer cliffs, icebergs and ink-blue waters. The coldest and windiest of all seven continents, Antarctica has no native or permanent human residents - only scientists and specialists, who live there a few months at a time, and cruise passengers who enjoy the rare opportunity to visit.
Who Cruises There
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Typically, cruise ships visit Antarctica between December and February, when the temperatures range from 20 - 50 degrees Fahrenheit. These months also fall into the category of high summer, when there is 20 plus hours of daylight. Voyages generally depart from Ushuaia (Argentina), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands) or to a lesser extent from Punta Arenas (Chile), Buenos Aires (Argentina) or Puerto Madryn (Argentina).
Most ships that sail to Antarctica are less than 23,000-grt and were built as icebreakers or have a hardened hull able to withstand the freezing, ice-filled waters. Antarctica treaty laws require that no more than 100 passengers participate in a landing at one time, which is possible via Zodiac landing craft - sturdy, inflatable boats specifically designed for exploration use - weather permitting.
Popular Places to Visit
Although exact itinerary and ports of call of cruise ships sailing in Antarctica depend on ice conditions, weather and wildlife, the following are popular Zodiac landing spots and areas for scenic cruising. Guides and naturalists specializing in the area also accompany guests.
Deception Island - Situated among the South Shetland Islands at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, this natural-harbored area was formed from a collapsed volcano. It's also a thermal hot spot, so the main attraction for tourists here is the thermally heated water of Pendulum Cove. A dip in this heated sea is an option for cruise passengers.
Paradise Harbor - No landings can be made at the protected Paradise Harbor but the spectacular glaciers and scenery make it popular with tourists. Hanging cliffs and floating icebergs reflecting a myriad of colors including shades of green, blue and violet, adorn this pristine bay area. It's also a haven for Penguins.
Lemaire Channel - Known as "Kodak Gap" because of its popularity with tourists and spectacular scenery, the Lemaire Channel is a narrow waterway formed between the cliffs of the Antarctic Peninsula and Booth Island. Lined with glaciers, this passage gives passengers a chance to commonly see killer whales, various penguins and elephant seals. The channel also is considered one of Antarctica's most beautiful passages. Get your cameras ready!
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