Top Tips For Exploring Antarctica Cruise Deals

By Enid Hinton


For the experienced traveler, a trip to the polar regions of the Earth may be one of the most enticing prospects. Though these destinations are some of the more challenging to reach, the lure of excitement and wonders unseen keeps travel companies busy with hundreds of tours available. Many head to the southern spots of the globe, and while expensive, there are still some good prices possible for those who want to go.

Choose a week long or less tour with a highly experienced company for the best travel moments. The way to find antarctica cruise deals that suit the financial capability is to spend a shorter time on the vessel. Many offer one way cruises with flights on the reverse. For example, fly to the embarkation point and cruise back, or cruise to the destination and fly back.

The shorter cruises often cost less because travelers arrive by air to a South American location and then board a smaller vessel for the trip into what is called the White Continent. The sea portion of this type of vacation includes landings to view penguin colonies, seals, whales and research stations. The ships cross the Drake Passage both south and northbound on their way to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctica.

Lectures provided by naturalists are customary as the vessels seek their destination points. These talented speakers will often accompany tourists ashore to describe from a scientific viewpoint the sights and sounds there. There are some ship captains that will welcome their guests to speak with them and visit the bridge. The personal glimpses of what the crew does to man each vessel and sail confidently through difficult waters near icebergs is an excellent opportunity.

Though month long voyages can cost in the tens of thousands of United States dollars, shorter excursions range in the five thousand dollar amount. This is very affordable for the average traveler. A week tour can touch on everything wonderful about the area without costing as much as a full luxury cruise.

Many of the best vacations depart from Ushuaia, Argentina. This city is the farthest south in the world. Travelers may take in the city sights and rest before boarding their chosen vessel. This area at the southernmost part of the region called Patagonia has beautiful mountains to explore and is known for the delicious hand made chocolate served at various city cafes. Leaving the city requires traveling through Beagle Channel, which then opens into the Southern Ocean. The waters for this part of the voyage are known to be changeable and often rough, but this depends, as always, on the weather conditions.

Some touring deals are actually expeditions, with specific goals set of reaching particular coordinates. Passing beyond the Antarctic Circle to view Crystal Sound or Marguerite Bay is possible when the ships are high calibre, strengthened for ice and piloted by highly trained crew. In some cases, when the weather permits, certain expeditionary plans may include snow shoe hikes, kayaking in the sea and camping overnight near the largest icebergs.

Even with a modest budget, many delightful itineraries are available for a once in a lifetime expedition to the White Continent. Gathering information from the tour companies that have expertise for traveling in the sometimes difficult weather is a good start. From there, looking over price ranges to determine what is the most important to do and see will give an idea of the possibilities. Choosing a company that knows how complex this endeavor will be, and will clearly indicate what to prepare for, is wise. Stick with those guides who will honestly prepare for the unexpected, keeping safety a priority, and a wonderful dream can become reality.




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