ANTARCTICA

Antarctica “the white continent” is the fifth largest continent in the world with its unique wildlife, extreme coldness, dryness, windiness and unexplored territories. The word Antarctica is derived from the Greek word antarktike, which means “opposite to north” i.e., opposite to the Arctic.

Johannes Schöner’s 1515 globe gores of the southern hemisphere, which carry an extremely peculiar and vastly oversized rendering of the Antarctic continent.

It is situated within the Antarctic Circle and is surrounded by Southern Ocean. James cook discovered Antarctica when he was crossing the Antarctic Circle. The world’s largest ocean current, the Antarctic circumpolar current circumvents the Antarctic continent. Of the 14 million-sq.km area, 98% is covered with thick ice sheets that formed ¬¬¬25 million years ago and holds 75% of the earth’s fresh water.

Types of Antarctica Cruises

The first thing you need to decide upon when travelling to Antarctica is the type of cruise you’re looking for.
Assuming you want to see the wildlife-rich peninsula, you have three options: either a standard cruise from Ushuaia, a Fly-cruise from Punta Arenas or a luxury cruise.

All three options have their positive points as we discuss below.
Standard Cruise from Ushuaia

By far the most popular option for Antarctica tourists is a standard Antarctic cruise from Ushuaia.
This means sailing from the port of Ushuaia to the Peninsula and returning either straight back or via the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, depending on your itinerary.

All operators offer on-board lectures and, depending on your vessel size, you’ll have the option to go ashore.
To reach the Antarctic Peninsula via boat, you need to first cross the notoriously rough Drake Passage. This is an experience in itself and the more hardy travelers relish the crossing.

Not only do the rough seas make for an exciting journey, there is also the chance to see whales and seabirds on the crossing. The crossing usually takes 48 hours, depending on weather and many travelers consider the crossing as rite of passage to reach Antarctica.

Fly Cruise from Punta Arenas
If the Drake Passage doesn’t sound like your thing, then the other option is to do what is known as a fly-cruise.
This is a great option for people who suffer from sea sickness or for people who have less time on their hands.
A Fly-cruise allows you to fly (usually from Punta Arenas) to King George Island and then take a cruise around the peninsula before flying back to Argentina. Many operators also offer the option to fly one way and cruise the other.
The seas around the peninsula are much calmer than the Drake Passage and people who struggle with constant motion should be fine on the peninsula.
If you suffer from sea sickness quite considerably then the only option open to you would be to fly into the interior of Antarctica and take an expedition camping tour. You’ll need to be quite hardy though as temperatures are extremely cold in the interior, however, you have the chance to see the elusive Emperor Penguins!

Luxury Antarctica Cruise
Like most cruises across the world, there is the option of a luxury cruise. Luxury Antarctica cruises cost more than your typical Antarctica cruise and not every operator has a luxury option.

A luxury Antarctica cruise provides better facilities with a higher on-board service. This means that all cabins will be larger than standard, have ocean views and private en-suite with a bath. Suite rooms and state rooms come with a personal butler and 24 hour room service.

You’ll be able to sit where you want in the ships dining room and all beverages, including fine wine and champagne, are included in the price.
The guides provided on the ship will be world experts and you’ll also have access to professional photographers, authors and destination experts on-board. If you have the money, a Luxury Antarctica cruise is certainly worth considering as the experience is like none other.