HOT OFF THE PRESS - See special offer below!
If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would it be? The destination that tops many a “Wish List” is Antarctica. Many people want to see this incredible, vast, unforgiving continent but they’re worried that it might be too adventurous for them. The stories of crossing the notorious Drake Passage puts some people off and the thought of spending a week or two on a basic, expedition ship can also be unappealing.
We’ve got good news! Sailing to Antarctica does not have to be uncomfortable – the opposite, in fact. Years ago, the ships sailing into this area were generally research vessels or very basic cruise ships, but these days you can cruise in comfort. The modern ships have been purpose built to sail the icy seas and have built-in stabilizers to reduce the amount of movement when navigating the larger waves.
Not only that, you can enjoy absolute luxury with five star dining, luxurious state rooms, butler service if you wish and comfortable communal areas. Cruise lines such as Ponant offer the same level of comfort and luxury in Antarctica as on their other voyages. This means you can wrap up warm and go ashore to explore, then head back to the ship for a hot shower, drink and gourmet dinner.
As well as the luxuries on board, you also have on-board experts ready to tell you what you’re likely to see. You’ll learn what kind of behaviour to expect from the wildlife, the history of the old whaling stations and how Sir Ernest Shackleton survived the horrendous conditions. You’ll learn why the humpbacks are forming circles and blowing bubbles, or why they come to certain places to feed. By the end of your trip, you’ll be able to distinguish the difference between adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins and identify several species of birds.
You’ll have the opportunity to go ashore and marvel at the sheer numbers of penguins – you may be lucky enough to see them up close if they decide to approach. The zodiac boats are easily manoeuvrable so your guide can turn around and get close to the action if they spot something happening.
Antarctica will take your breath away with her sheer, raw beauty. You’ll say goodbye to the high-rises, to ringing cell phones and roads full of cars … and you won’t miss them for a minute! This is unlike anywhere else in the world and it’s waiting for you to explore.
There are several options for cruising to Antarctica. You can cruise across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula and spend several days exploring with itineraries of varying lengths. Or you can combine Antarctica with South Georgia or the Falkland Islands. If time and budget allows, we recommend combining destinations – after all, how likely is it that you’ll have the opportunity to get to this part of the world again? Talk to us about the options and about how you can take advantage of early booking savings and our all inclusive packages.
SPECIAL OFFER! Book by 30 May 2024 for the "Expedition to Southern Lands" itinerary including the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia and you can take advantage of our Exclusive Ultimate Cruising Offer including FREE economy class airfares to Buenos Aires, 2 nights accommodation pre-cruise and luxury car transfers from your home to the airport return. Special conditions apply and we only have six cabins at this special rate so don't miss out! Find out more here.
Image: Ponant | Lorraine Turci