Antarctica Cruises – Beauty and Adventure at the South Pole
By: Brad Sutherland
When one thinks about taking a cruise the first thing that immediately leaps to mind is sitting on a sun-splashed pool deck, somewhere in the middle of Caribbean, sipping a slushy drink with a small umbrella in it. However, if you are one of those rare folks who think this sounds like a boring way to spend a vacation and you are looking for something the “polar opposite” of what I’ve described above then an Antarctica cruise may be more up your alley.
How long is an Antarctica cruise and how much does it cost?
When planning any travel itinerary these are two vital questions you’ll need to ask before proceeding any further with your vacation plans. How much holiday time you have available to you, and more importantly, what you can afford will quickly determine whether an Antarctica cruise is a viable option for your next vacation.
Cruises can last anywhere from 10 days to 21 days from port to port (plus your air travel time). Occasionally you will find shorter trips that come available, but in my opinion it seems a waste to go to all the trouble and spend all the money of getting there and only enjoy a brief voyage.
For those used to budgeting for a Caribbean cruise vacation the price of a South Pole voyage might seem pretty costly. As with most cruises there is a wide price range depending on the luxury of the ship you book passage with and the style and location of cabin you book. An interior twin cabin can start at about $6,000 per person, and go up from there. This is strictly the cost of the cruise passage, and doesn’t include airfare or other associated travel costs. Generally you are looking at $9,000 – $10,000 per person (again just passage) as a general rule of thumb. Once you factor in other costs that price can rise to between $20,000 and $30,000.
For those of you experiencing sticker shock remember that this is a remote region of the world, and you won’t be traveling with thousands of others on a massive luxury liner. Most of the vessels are quite small, ranging from 50 – 300 passengers each, so it is little wonder you have to pay a premium to enjoy this incredible adventure.
What time of year do trips take place?
Obviously, in a region as inhospitable as the South Pole there is only a limited window for cruise ships to ply its waters. Between March and November the sea ice prevents ships from plying the frigid waters. Scheduling a voyage between these dates would risk the vessel becoming stuck in the sea ice, obviously an outcome no sane tour company operator would ever want. Either way you wouldn’t be missing much. With little daylight and blisteringly cold temperatures a voyage in the winter months would be a complete waste of money.
Between November and March (Antarctica summer) temperatures soar as high as a balmy +10 Celsius, and with 18-20 hours of daylight you’ll have plenty of sightseeing opportunities. Depending on what month you travel your Antarctica cruise will be a different experience.
In November the region is still recovering from a long winter. There will still be plenty of ice, and icebergs to see, and the whole region seems pristine and clear. You’ll see seals riding the ice, and be able to view the incredible spectacle of thousands of penguins going through their annual courtship ritual.
In December and January the region blooms into full summer, the temperatures warm and daylight extends to 20+ hours. For wildlife enthusiasts this is the time of year when penguins hatch and the fur seals start breeding. Spectacular photo opportunities abound, and retreating ice allows ships to explore a larger range of territory.
In February and March summer begins to fade, but before darkness again settles over the land for another long, harsh winter there are yet more incredible experiences to enjoy. The pack ice is at its thinnest, allowing vessel to travel to the extreme south, and whale watchers will be in their glory as this is the best time of year to view these massive, magnificent creatures.
Where do Antarctica cruises depart from?
The main port of departure for Antarctica voyages is from Ushuaia in Argentina. South American ports provide the easiest, cheapest vacation option, but for those willing to pay a premium departures can also be found in Hobart (AUS), Auckland (NZ) and even Cape Town (South Africa). As there is no indigenous government in the region no visa is required to travel there, but depending on your cruise itinerary visas may be required for other ports of call along the way.
What will my Antarctica cruise ship be like?
As mentioned above cruise ships that ply these waters are significantly smaller than their Caribbean and Mediterranean brethren. Your cruise will be more than entertaining in nature, and in lieu of discos, shows and poolside bars you’ll have access to knowledgeable guides and presentations that will teach you everything you want to know about the region. On larger ships there may be some more traditional entertainment options available, but these are the exception, rather than the rule.
If you want to spend some time on land then keep in mind that only 100 people will be allowed to disembark the ship at any one location. Thus, if you want to make sure you get to see and do everything you want to book on a small ship carrying fewer than 100 passengers to ensure you don’t draw the short straw and get stuck on the boat while your shipmates get to explore.
Overall, an Antarctica cruise is not a vacation experience for everyone. It is expensive, it is obviously far colder than a Mediterranean or Caribbean voyage, and the entertainment options are far more limited than you will find on nearly all other cruise itineraries. However, if you want an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime, and you want to have the opportunity to explore a remote, rugged, virtually unspoiled region of the planet then an Antarctic cruise is most certainly a vacation you should consider. Trust me, you’ll carry the memories long after that credit card bill has finally been paid off.
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You’re right, cruising Antarctica is completely different from most other types of cruise – it’s much more for those looking for a bit of adventure rather than just chilling out (excuse the pun) on holiday.