Table Of Content
G Expeditions is the polar branch of G Adventures, a global travel company. Founded in 1990, by Bruce Poon Tip, the Canada-based G Adventures offers small-group excursions to some of the world’s most fascinating places. Here is a summary table of the key features including the cost of the tours (see our full guide for estimates on the total cost of visiting Antarctica). Below, we’ll share more detailed explanations about each operator and why they are unique.
Why we like Seaventure
They carry kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis for polar exploring in addition to Zodiac boats for landings, and they have remotely operated vehicles -- just in case you want to see what's going on down below. 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. When you’re heading down to the Antarctic region on an expedition cruise ship there’s quite a few activities that you can do.
Ocean Tramp
You’re on a large expedition ship which is designed to handle much worse conditions than the Drake. We’ve written another full guide on the best time to visit Antarctica, but personally we prefer to travel early season (November) for landscapes and penguins, and late season (February and March) for whales. If you’re in search of more active exploration, camping out on the ice and kayaking are offered on most vessels as optional extras but much sought after and availability can be limited. Should you want to try something even more adventurous like diving, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, snowshoeing, mountaineering or more, your ship selection soon narrows as seldom few offer these. A great first step is asking yourself what your key decision-making criteria are. Are you a fitness fanatic, glutton for gastronomy, or adventure aficionado?
Ocean Diamond
Gliding silently through the icy waters, kayakers get an intimate perspective of Antarctica’s coastlines. You can see lots of whales too such as humpback whales, minke whales and orca (killer whales), and occasionally blue or southern right whales in the Southern Ocean. Some of the animals you could see are many penguin species such as gentoos, adélie penguins, Magellanic penguins, rockhoppers, chinstraps, king penguins, emperors (if you’re super lucky) and macaronis.
Among the amenities are fine dining, hot tubs, yoga classes, spa services and fitness center. One of the most enthralling aspects of Antarctica is the fact that it’s virtually untouched by humans. The bays you’ll visit during your Antarctica cruise are a startling shade of blue and remarkably clear, making for some of the most beautiful unspoiled views you’ll get anywhere on the planet. Admire towering icebergs as your ship navigates slowly through the icy waters. You’ll see icebergs in mesmerizing shapes and sizes, and colors from brilliant white to sapphire blue.
For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Next we’ll place a free, no obligation, 24-hour cabin hold on your preferred cruise option whilst we discuss the final details. Book and relax safe in the knowledge you’ll be paying the lowest price guaranteed. But perhaps most important of all, small Antarctica cruise ship size is crucial in minimizing the impact on the delicate ecosystems you are visiting by reducing carbon footprints and footfall ashore. The most modern vessels are now being run on a cleaner combination of liquified natural gas and electricity.
Antarctica Cruise Atlas Insider Expeditions - Not Quite Nigella
Antarctica Cruise Atlas Insider Expeditions.
Posted: Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Solo Travellers
Scenic is for cruisers seeking the ultimate hybrid of a luxury cruise ship and a small environmentally conscious expedition vessel. It is also attractive for adventurers wanting to try more unusual Antarctic experiences, such as snowshoeing, viewing wildlife from a submarine or soaring above ice floes in a helicopter. Known for its posh eponymous river cruise line since 2008, Scenic next conquered the ocean by debuting Scenic Eclipse in 2019, with near-twin Scenic Eclipse II making its splash in 2023. Billed as "six-star discovery yachts," the glam ships feature 114 all-veranda suites (200 passengers in polar waters), 10 dining experiences, nine lounges and bars, gym and even a yoga and Pilates studio.
Probably one of the most comfortable Antarctica cruise ships, the Orion is always highly recommended. One of the more luxurious Antarctica cruise ships, the Le Boreal accommodates just under 200 passengers and comes with several restaurants, several lounges, salon, spa, steam room and gym. Silversea offers a plethora of voyage options to Antarctica on the Silver Cloud, Silver Explorer, and Silver Wind.
Spirit of Antarctica
Or get in touch with us for the best price possible with our current favourite operator, Quark Expeditions, even better than what they advertise to the public. And if you have some flexibility in your travel plans, there’s a big potential to lock in some remarkable last-minute deals. While these amenities come at a premium, it ensures an unparalleled level of comfort amidst a wild Antarctic backdrop.
However, with tourist expectations evolving, the latest fleet of expedition vessels are a new breed of boat entirely, not only purpose-built for polar voyages, but also catering to the discerning traveler. Often enhancements were made though, their original wooden hulls often reinforced for polar conditions, ice anchors added for mooring on the ice, as well as installing specialized equipment for navigation and conducting scientific research. This pattern of repurposing and revamping vessels has continued into the modern expedition era. 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.
In all honesty, as amazing as Antarctica is, most people who visit South Georgia end up saying that this spectacular island is their real highlight of the trip. There’s a lot of fascinating history in the Weddell Sea, especially around Sir Ernest Shackleton and his legendary tale of survival from the Endurance with his crew, so if this is of interest it’s worth looking for an itinerary that follows this path. If your flight to Antarctica is cancelled on one day, the company usually only has one more attempt to get their guests down there before they have to forfeit their spot for the next company’s charter. Seasickness might be a concern, but there’s medication to help with that and every trip has a doctor onboard. The most common itinerary to Antarctica is a trip to the Antarctic Peninsula, most often departing from the port of Ushuaia in Argentina, at the very southern tip of South America.
You will want to rug up before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also transport you from the ship to land, where you can visit penguin rookeries, discover historic huts and explore some of our favorite spots along the peninsula. Experience unparalleled adventure and discovery on your ultimate Antarctic voyage. Be transported to enthralling subantarctic islands rich with human history and unique wildlife. Then venture into the deep south of the Antarctic Peninsula, crossing the coveted Antarctic Circle. Zodiac cruise in vast ice-covered landscapes, visit lively penguin colonies, watch for whales and discover the rich history of this fascinating region.
No comments:
Post a Comment