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There is plenty to do on an Antarctica expedition without buying additional activities. Your day will typically consist of exploring landing sites, a zodiac cruise and seabird and whale watching from the observation deck with the knowledgeable members of the expedition team. Scenic Eclipse also was the first Antarctica-bound cruise vessel to boast helicopters to take passengers on epic (and pricey) Antarctica excursions -- and it has a submarine for underwater exploring, too. Having experienced a helicopter excursion from the vessel, I can say that it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Traveler Advice
Just impartial, expert advice from the leading Polar cruise agent. From zodiac safaris and continental landings to expert-led lectures, there’s absolutely no risk of boredom. We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands. The most important of these being the cruise that was recommended, which was exactly what I was looking for. The Swoop staff were very organized and followed through on everything, ensuring that I knew what and when things needed to be completed.
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And the list must include travelers who dreamed of exploring Antarctica while residing in a two-story suite. Holland America offers a wide range of stateroom choices, from lower-cost interior cabins (which have advantages in Antarctic-length days) to large suites, and all come with fare options to make them more all-inclusive. Now that you know how to determine your Antarctica travel cost, it’s time to find the best trip for your budget.
Is the high season premium worth it?
Travel Insurance: USA To Antarctica Trip – Forbes Advisor - Forbes
Travel Insurance: USA To Antarctica Trip – Forbes Advisor.
Posted: Tue, 18 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
This can include flights to and from the embarkation port, travel insurance, visa fees, and any pre- or post-cruise accommodation. February to March is the best time to see humpback whales, sperm whales, and orca whales fill the Antarctic seas and can be easily spotted from aboard cruise ships. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, an explorer who loves rugged landscapes and towering mountains, or just seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a cruise to Antarctica is an incredible journey that requires careful planning and preparation. Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to small Zodiac boats for landings while still in the protected interior of the ship. High-tech touches include a GPS that lets it hover in sensitive areas without dropping anchor.
Other items you will need include waterproof pants, gloves, a warm hat, binoculars, camera and other travel essentials. AdventureSmith will provide a packing guide, but don’t forget to add these items to your Antarctica travel budget if you don’t already own them. View our online store stocked with adventure gear and accessories. As you get higher on the ship the staterooms often get nicer and feature more space, large view windows and sometimes balconies. On higher decks you are closer to outdoor observation decks and therefore closer to Antarctica. Suites can offer much more space, with a sitting area in addition to the bedroom.
Long underwear, socks, gloves and waterproof boots are highly recommended. Most cruise lines that disembark passengers in Antarctica will provide necessary gear, including thick outerwear. Plus, you might want to book bucket-list pre- or post-cruise land programs, such as a visit to the Chilean wine regions or camping out near the South Pole. Such land programs run the gamut from a couple of thousand dollars to several thousand dollars. For instance, Viking has a four-night Easter Island pre-Antarctic cruise from $3,499 per person, and a post five-night Gateway to Patagonia from $3,999 per person.
The best Antarctica cruise ships: Then and now
You are a part of history as a visitor there since very few people in the grand scheme of things have ever been. While nobody will remember your name as an explorer of the Antarctic, it is something you can be confident about and something to talk about at parties and family reunions. If you manage to get on shore then take a little flag with you and stick it in the ground if you can. However, almost all Antarctic voyages leave from tropical areas in South America in the heat of summer. This can make a trip to Antarctica difficult to pack for, so be prepared to dress for a range of temperatures and activities. A cruise to Antarctica is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it can also be a significant financial investment, so it is important to consider the cost and logistical implications to ensure that you are able to fully enjoy the experience.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
Contact us () if you’d like to learn more about this exclusive Quark Expeditions discount. After lots of research, personal testing, and fielding quite a few (better) offers from competitors, we decided that Quark Expeditions is the company we trust to operate our own group tours to Antarctica. They were the the first to organise trips to Snow Hill and revolutionised North Pole tours, so they’re always looking for what’s next in the world of polar voyages. And if you ask for opinions from a travel agent, they’ll just tell you the one that either a) pays them the most commission or b) is going to offer them a free trip if they sell X number of spots. With more than 100 operators running trips to Antarctica it’s very easy to be overwhelmed with who to go with.
The food was outstanding and, although the clouds and mist obscured the eclipse, Ponant made the event as exciting as possible. The dining room on the Ocean Nova was excellent with lots of great choices for every meal. Please use the comments below and our experts will answer right away. Or sign up for the AdventureSmith Explorations newsletter to have the latest about Antarctica delivered to your inbox.
Flyovers are possible but they are too expensive for the average person plus they do not last as long or confer the same benefits. Also, it’s important to have the right equipment for activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. Waterproof boots, backpacks, and camera cases will help protect your gear from the harsh weather conditions. Additionally, you’ll want to consider what on-board activities your selected cruise line offers (e.g., formal nights, exercise classes, etc.) and pack for those, too.
Expect a private bath and onboard amenities like a fitness center, lounge and library. Mid-priced Antarctic sailings, such as the "luxury light" Viking start at about $1,000 per person per day (without airfare). Most Antarctica cruises start in South America – crossing the Drake Passage is the quickest (and cheapest) way to get to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Unveiled in 2019, this super-swanky, 228-passenger "discovery yacht" was the first oceangoing vessel for luxury purveyor Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours -- a brand better known for river cruises. Each vessel has two glass-walled "igloos" on its top deck where passengers can spend the night under the stars. Comfortable, state-of-the-art rooms with balconies; stylish restaurants and lounges with upscale, Scandinavian-inspired decor; a spa; and a yoga studio with wall-to-wall windows round out the onboard experience. Tourists have been visiting Antarctica in small numbers since 1966, when adventure tour pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad led a small group of "citizen scientists" to the Antarctic Peninsula on a chartered Argentine navy ship. But for many of the 56 years since then, a trip to Antarctica has meant a sailing on a relatively spartan vessel. If you’re a hardcore mountaineer or experienced rock climber there are a number of small expedition companies that offer these activities on certain itineraries.
Many travelers find the experience of an Antarctica cruise to be a dream come true. When it comes to Antarctica expedition selection, it’s important to understand all the options available to you, establish what your desires and wildest dreams might be, and make an informed, considered decision based on impartial advice. That way, no matter how much your Antarctica trip or South Pole sojourn may cost, you know it will be money well—and wisely—spent.
