Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Cruise Lines That Go To Antarctica

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Royal Caribbean Group Announces Destination Net Zero Program To Achieve Net Zero Emissions By 2050

We boarded a cruise to ANTARCTICA (FULL SHIP TOUR)

Royal Caribbean Group announced a giant step on its sustainability journey: Destination Net Zero, a comprehensive decarbonization strategy that includes pledging to establish Science-Based Targets and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Decades ago, we set out on a course to advance sustainability our vision now is to realize carbon-free cruising over the next two decades, said Richard

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Crossing The Antarctic Circle

What does it mean when the navigational instruments show the fateful numbers ’66°33′? You’re in the middle of Antarctica, beyond the 66th parallel! First crossed by the British explorer James Cook in 1773, it’s an integral part of the history of Antarctica. Travellers will feel a true sense of accomplishment and joy as they follow in the footsteps of the great explorers.

Silversea Cruise Ships Sail To Exclusive Destinations

Silversea cruises in Antarctica involve cruises that visit the following areas :

  • King George Sound
  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Carcass Islands

The Silversea cruises that pass through these regions expose their passengers to a wide variety of wildlife that is active and indifferent to the presence of humans. This gives visitors a chance for once-in-a-lifetime interactions with some of the rarest creatures on Earth.

The Silversea cruise line features ten different ships that vary in size, from fifty suites to over three hundred suites. Of their ten ships, three are now outfitted for Antarctic service.

Some of the benefits of taking a smaller cruise ship are that small cruise ships can port at harbors that are unable to accommodate larger ships. This allows them to take riverways or other narrow straits and allows them more versatility when it comes to shore excursions.

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Cruise Deals To Antarctica

Here are our best tips for finding a cheap cruise or cruise deal to Antarctica. If you book a guaranteed cabin , a cabin on a lower deck or sail on an older ship from a brand you like, then you can get the best price for a specific cruise to Antarctica. Last minute cruises deals to Antarctica appear as you get closer to the sail date, usually 1-2 weeks in advance. Taking a cruise to Antarctica in the shoulder season can also be a great way to find a cruise deal.

Why Cruise With Antarctica21

Enriching Antarctica Cruises &  Voyages

The logistics of operating a fly-and-cruise program in Antarctica are enormous. Antarctica21 has the right mix of strategic partnerships, operational experience and exceptional leadership that it takes to be at the forefront of this unique niche in expedition travel. More than an Antarctic cruise line, they are an air cruise institution.

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Which Antarctica Cruise Lines Do We Recommend

Each of the Antarctica cruise lines on our list is a good choice. We feel it is not our role to play favorites. Our job is to match the traveler with the right itinerary, ship and cruise line for their interests, budget and schedule. We take this commitment to our clients seriously and endeavor to personalize our recommendations.

An Expedition Team With Expertise Experience And Enthusiasm

Youll get the full perspective on what you see and experience in Antarctica in the excellent company of our Expedition Team. Their knowledge and operational experience of Antarctica is second to none, and their passion and energy is infectious. Through our lectures and workshops, youll gain a deeper understanding of this splendid, complex and fragile ecosystem and how to protect it.

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You’ll See More Than Penguins In Antarctica: Seals

Although penguins are usually seen as the 5-star wildlife of Antarctica, most travelers also see several varieties of seals. These lovely creatures are often stretched out on icebergs or lying in the sun. Don’t get too close to them, but it’s fun to watch them stretch and roll as they nap. Like the penguins, seals are much more agile in the water than on the land.

One animal you won’t see in Antarctica is a polar bear. These magnificent hunters are only found in the Arctic polar regions. The largest land-only animal in Antarctica is a tiny insect called the Antarctic midge. If you are lucky on your voyage to Antarctica, you might see one of these, but only if one of the naturalists points it out.

This Is The Best Cruise To Antarctica Ever

Traveling To Antarctica By Cruise Ship | Beagle channel cruise | Drake passage Crossing

by Contractor | Nov 24, 2020 | resources, Travel Tips |

When youre traveling to Antarctica, a cruise is a surefire way to do it big! Cruises allow you to see the most idyllic parts of Antarctica while still having a comfortable home base to return to when your adventures are done. But with several cruise lines specializing in Antarctic cruises, which one do you choose?

The best cruises to Antarctica can be found aboard the ships of Silversea Expeditions. The small luxury ships of this cruise line are perfect for seeing the Antarctic Circle in style. From butler service to sumptuous suites with an ocean view, there is no better Antarctic cruise available.

Silversea may take the prize when it comes to Antarctic cruises, but there are many cruise lines available for an adventure to the frozen wastes. Keep reading and learn more about taking a cruise to Antarctica on one of the best cruises ever.

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Yes You Can Go Swimming In Antarctica

Be sure to take along a swimsuit to Antarctica. Hardcore, thick-blooded northerners might not consider it “swimming”, but Antarctic cruise travelers often have the opportunity to take a short dip in the icy waters of Antarctica.

Hurtigruten and some other cruise lines offer “swimming” at almost every stop. Ships who allow guests to swim at only one port offer it at since the water is warmer due to volcanic activity.

On Hurtigruten cruises, all guests who go swimming get a certificate and their photo taken. Due to peer pressure, sometimes more than 50 guests will take the plunge.

If you think swimming in icy waters is crazy, then you can wear that swimsuit into the hot tub, sauna, or spa.

Cruises To Antarctica Are A Wonderful Opportunity

A cruise to Antarctica is a serious and expensive venture. It should be planned carefully, and you should check out all the options available to you before committing to an expedition. But there are plenty of state-of-the-art, seaworthy vessels available for you to look into if youre thinking of tackling the frozen landscapes of the worlds southern pole.

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How Does Adventuresmith Select The Best Antarctica Cruise Lines

We created this list of the best Antarctica cruise lines based on several factors. First and foremost is operational safety and experience in polar cruising. Off-vessel exploration and activity program logistics are an important consideration. Onboard programs, lectures and the experience of the expedition crew are critical for a top ranking.

The ships themselves must be polar class but ship amenities are a secondary consideration. There are ships for every style and budget, from simple research ships to extravagant luxury expedition ships. Take a deep dive to learn more about Antarctica expedition cruise ships.

How Much Is A Cruise To Antarctica

Antarctica Fly Cruise Hebridean Sky Ex Sea Explorer

The costs for an Antarctic cruise vary greatly depending on what type of expedition youre going on and how long you intend to stay. Most Antarctic expeditions range between $12,000- $24,000. The good thing about going on an all-inclusive cruise is that gratuities and other fees are included, so there isnt much in the way of additional fees.

Some cruise packages to Antarctica also include pre-cruise hotel arrangements and airfare, which further simplifies the process of putting an Antarctic adventure together.

Silversea Expeditions are objectively the best cruises to Antarctica when it comes to luxury, but they also come with a luxury price tagthese expeditions are among the more expensive available. More affordable expeditions exist, but they also come with more modest amenities.

For those who dont buy a cruise package that includes airfare and hotel accommodations, the cost of these fees must be factored in when calculating the overall cost of your Antarctic cruise. Since a trip to Antarctica is a trip that is not likely to be repeated, its worth spending the extra money.

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Our Recommended Cruise Lines For Antarctica

So with all of the new capacity coming online for Antarctica, let me share with you our recommended cruise lines for Antarctica:

  • Hurtigruten Hurtigruten, a Norwegian company, has been sailing the waters of Antarctica for over 20 years. They have three ships sailing in the region, two of which are reasonably new state-of-the-art vessels. These new ships carry a maximum of 500 people in Antarctica.
  • Ponant A French company, Ponant sails some of the most luxurious expedition ships on the planet. These are generally smaller ships carrying 264 passengers.
  • Viking Viking has two brand new purpose-built expedition ships in the Antarctic carrying a maximum of 378 guests.
  • Silversea Expeditions Silversea has three ships sailing in Antarctica. And uniquely, if you dont want to sail the notorious Drake Passage, they will fly you to Antarctica with their Antarctica Bridge program. When we finally get to Antarctica, well fly over the Drake.
  • Quark Expeditions Quintessentially polar expeditions, Quark will take you places that no one else visits. Theyve got two helicopters on board the new Ultramarine, and they can get you up close and personal with the Antarctic.
  • Lindblad/National Geographic theyve been exploring the Antarctic for over 50 years.

How To Choose A Cruise Ship For Antarctica

Our guide on how to choose a cruise ship for Antarctica covers all the essential information youll need to plan this trip. Ship sizes, cabins, facilities and activities on board as well as off all need to be taken into account when choosing a vessel that suits you in terms of budget, interests and comfort.

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Popular Ports In Antarctica

Classic Antarctica sailings visit Deception Island, Port Lockroy, Elephant Island and Half Moon Island . The Lemaire Channel is also a popular attraction though not a port, Zodiacs are often lowered here for scenic cruising.

Longer Antarctic itineraries might also include stops in South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

Entering The Antarctic Sea

DAILY LIFE ONBOARD A CRUISE IN ANTARCTICA (what it’s really like)

The Captain announced that we would cross the 60th parallel, the limit of the Antarctica Treaty Waters, around 8 pm. Then, around the same time, we would reach a point where the water temperature drops to 1 degree Celsius. Indeed, that was the real gateway to Antarctica.

The excitement, at that point, was getting high.

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A Little About The Coral Princess

The Coral Princess and her sister ship, the Island Princess, got built to be able to transit the old locks of the Panama Canal. As a result, the ship is narrow and long. The Coral can accommodate up to 2000 guests and 895 crew, as per Princesss website. Princess states that Medallion is scheduled for completion on the Coral in Oct 2020.

I look forward to giving it a try on the new Enchanted Princess this summer .

Embarkation was both comfortable and efficient.

Which Cruise Lines Go To Antarctica

Besides visiting scientists and native wildlife, Antarctica is uninhabited and undeveloped. But visiting Antarctica offers cruisers some incredibly unique opportunities like mingling with penguins, taking a polar plunge into subzero waters, tent camping on the ice, and whale- and bird-watching. For more: 10 Amazing Things to See and Do on an Antarctica Cruise.

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Typical Of The Antarctic And The Southern Polar Region

In addition to the unique ice landscape with huge icebergs, snow capped peaks and floating, ever-changing ice sculptures, it is the wildlife that makes Antarctica incomparable. Nowhere else can you experience so impressively how animals adapt to the weather conditions and cope with them. During the Arctic Summer, you can marvel at penguins raising their young and observe seals or whales in the icy waters off the coast of the sixth continent.

Explore From Submarines & Helicopters With Scenic

Antarctica Tours &  Cruises

Discover Antarctica, South Georgia, The Falklands and the Chilean Fjords in luxury with Scenic, with submarines and helicopters on board designed for flightseeing over the region, alongside Zodiac rides, glacier walks and kayaking among minke, humpback and killer whales .

Youll also join Scenics Discovery historians on board for historic excursions, like visiting the final resting place of Ernest Shackleton in Grytviken, exploring the first sealers camps in the South Shetland Islands and discovering abandoned whaling stations on South Georgia.

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The Best Antarctica Cruise Ships: Then And Now

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.

Like Lindblad’s chartered navy ship, many of the early vessels used for tourism to the White Continent were tough-built government or scientific ships that were designed with navigating icy areas but not necessarily comfort in mind.

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My first voyage to Antarctica, back in 2004, for instance, was on Akademik Ioffe — a hardy, ice-class Russian oceanographic research vessel that was often chartered by adventure tour companies in those days for polar trips. I slept in a no-frills cabin originally designed for Russian oceanography researchers and ate with my fellow tourgoers in a cafeteria-like dining space. The crew mostly spoke Russian.

A lot has changed since then — mostly in the last couple of years.

The new crop of vessels being built for Antarctica sailings have all the creature comforts that travelers have come to expect on cruise vessels in other parts of the world, including spacious and upscale cabins, often with balconies elegant eateries with diverse menus spas and fitness centers and even pools and deck-top hot tubs.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Travel Tips

  • A brand name that you know and can trust.
  • Industry master, with over 50 years of experience and operation in the cruise line sector.
  • They provide an incredible travel experience to all ages and have amazing amenities to help heighten your experience.
  • Rock walls, surfing, and even waterparks to offer you something unique that you won’t find on any other cruise ship.
  • Simply unpack and settle in once, then relax into your stateroom for the remainder of your trip.
  • Our fast processes for embarkation and disembarkation give guests even more time to explore and allow for quicker access to the ship to reach anything you may need from us or your room.
  • Incredible staterooms and suites to offer you the most relaxing experience while onboard.
  • Incredible personalized experience designed to provide a family-like atmosphere.
  • The industry’s most knowledgeable cruise managers and guides, providing you with the best guided experiences in the cruise market.
  • Varied excursions available including everything from walking tours to guided biking tours, hikes, and more.

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Why Take A Cruise To Antarctica

There are a lot of reasons why a cruise to Antarctica is one of the best ways to experience the continent. Here are a few reasons why a cruise to Antarctica can be a great travel investment:

There are many cruise expeditions to Antarctica available, and determining which one is best for you will depend on your budget and what you want to get out of your trip. But no matter which cruise line you choose, youll get to experience a trip that other cruise destinations simply cannot.

How To Book An Antarctica Cruise

Antarctica Cruise Watch-Outs. 8 Things Brochures Don’t Warn You About

Our recommended Antarctica cruise lines are all part of our Virtuoso Voyages program.

This means that when you book any of these cruise lines through Roaming Boomers Travel Services, you will receive exclusive complimentary amenities on select sailings that you wouldnt get by booking directly with the company.

Additionally, you will also enjoy our hands-on expert service and care for your booking.

And, the price is exactly the same whether you book with us or directly with the company. Therefore, take advantage of our expertise and perks.

For more information or to book a fun Antarctica cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request , and well reach out to you.

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If you enjoyed this article, sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more.Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an Independent Affiliate of Cadence, a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40

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The Best Expedition Cruises To Antarctica

An expedition cruise to Antarctica is a truly remarkableadventure, a voyage to a pristine land of ice and snow, populatedby an all-star cast of penguins, seals and whales.

But with ever more cruise lines visiting the ‘white continent’,it can be tricky to work out which ship is the right one for you.As you would expect, travelling to Antarctica is not cheap, so thisis an important decision to get right. For some travellers, luxuryand comfort will be of the utmost importance, while others will bemore concerned with the quality of the onboard expedition team orthe tools and gadgets on offer to facilitate in-depthexploration.

With this in mind, we’ve put together this guide to the bestexpedition cruise lines visiting Antarctica:

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