Lets be realistic: Antarctica isn’t going to be balmy. But if you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience that’ll trump all others…..then we assure you it will be this!
Expect to be amazed and overawed: your Antarctica expedition is going to be purely magical.
In Antarctica, expect the unexpected
There’s no such thing as a “typical day” in Antarctica, and that’s because Antarctica isn’t your typical destination!
The land of snow and pack ice, freezing winds and strong currents is a land that’s defined by nature, seasonal differences and daily – sometimes, hourly – climatic changes.
All Antarctic expedition cruises follow an ‘intended route’ with pre-determined landing points, but, on the actual day, anything is possible. But never fear, Antarctic expedition crews are outstandingly experienced: when a specific landing site becomes inaccessible, they will simply find another!
On a fabulous day, you can enjoy between 2 (standard) and 4 landings. On bad days, you won’t be able to set foot on land at all. In this case, you’ll get to enjoy the phenomenal spectacle from the comfort and warmth of your expedition ship instead. Let us assure you, this is not a bad compromise!
One day in a truly extraordinary place –what an average (and flexible) day in Antarctica will entail:
Early wake-up!
The sound of the anchor descending into the frosty depths of the Arctic waters is usually your wake-up call at around 5am. Expedition ships do most of their travelling at night, rocking you (sort of) gently to sleep while driving you to a beautiful spot. If you’re an early riser you can head up to the deck to soak up the views, grab a hot cup of coffee and a freshly-baked muffin to tide you over until breakfast. If not, lounge in bed a little longer until breakfast is served.
7-8am Breakfast Time
Breakfast is usually served buffet-style, with a choice of cold and hot treats. Make sure you fill up as you’ll need plenty of energy today!
There’s always a wonderful, excited vibe in the air at brekky time, as everyone anticipates the delights to be seen and experienced. Make sure you leave plenty of time to get changed into your excursion gear: the action starts pronto!
8-11.30am First On-land Excursion
Don your rubber boots and extra-warm jacket, step on the gangplank and take a crewmember’s hand to get on the Zodiac (rubber ducky) that’ll take you ashore.
After the first few days, the group will have the line-up and hop-on process down to a fine art!
If you weren’t fully awake at breakfast time, you certainly will be when the freezing Antarctic wind hits your face at double-speed! Perhaps you’ll have a colony of penguins awaiting your arrival or maybe a whale will escort you there. No time to ponder though, the boats must zip back and forth to make sure every guest is on land in a jiffy to maximise their excursion time.
Your activities here will depend on where you are but typically, you’ll have a couple of hours to explore, take plenty of photos of waddling penguins and sunbathing seals then walk to a nearby vantage point to soak up sweeping views.
11.30am – 1.30pm Lunch is Served
You’re surprisingly hungry again. How does that happen? Lunch is served and you tuck into a delicious lamb steak, expertly grilled by the crew on the back-deck BBQ.
As you sit back and relax, reliving your morning wildlife encounters, you order a glass of Argentinian vino as you hear the anchor being retracted. The ship begins its short voyage to your next landing spot.
You’ve heard that life in Antarctica is tough…..but not from where you’re sitting!
1.30 – 3.30pm Second On-land Excursion
Time to put that outer gear on again: it’s second landing time!
This afternoon, you’ll visit a scientific research station where you’ll get to meet some of the crew and learn about life in this beautiful but brutal environmental. They’ll share details of the work they carry out here so you can learn more about the importance of this amazing continent and the implications of the research that’s carried out.
3.30-7pm Relaxing Afternoon
Back on board your expedition ship, the Captain announces that there will be no more landings for the day. You change into your comfortable clothes and either take your book to the library for some downtime, join the excellent lecture on Antarctic history in the lecture room or, perhaps, sit on the back deck as the ship begins to move, just to soak up the sights of Antarctica gliding right past you.
6pm Sunset
If you visit Antarctica at a time of year where the sun actually sets, this is the most magical moment of all, and one your Captain will not miss!
Your ship negotiates a narrow channel, flanked on both sides by steep icy cliffs where leopard seals sleep. They’ve noticed your arrival and keep their eyes on you as you spot a humpback whale breaching a short distance away.
The horizon and landscape turn a dusty shade of pink, then a fiery red as you feel the temperature drop. But you wouldn’t think of going inside now – the show is magnificent and you don’t want to miss a mere moment.
7-8.30pm Dinner is Served
Your a-la-carte dinner tonight includes a decadent crème brûlée for dessert which you enjoy while swapping stories and photos of the day’s outings with other passengers.
Later, attend the after-dinner lecture about penguins, watch a movie in the common lounge or retire to the lounge bar with your newfound friends.
How to get there
Most Antarctic expeditions depart from Ushuaia, Argentina – the Southern tip of South America – although a few times every summer, special expeditions depart from Hobart, Tasmania!
These trips are longer (having three times the amount of distance to cover) and more costly given the added fuel and time needed, but are also much more immersive, taking guests to the remote Eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula, where other ships don’t go.
Depending on your ship, it will carry between 100-200 guests and can offer anything from a pool, spa, sauna and fitness centre to a hair salon and casino!
Chose an adventure style cruise offering camping and kayaking, or a more relaxing cruise including Turkish hammam (yes please!) and theatre room!
No matter which way you chose to travel, a trip to Antarctica is unlike anything else and one you won’t forget. With climate change affecting this continent rapidly, what better time then now to visit this magical wonder!
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