How many cruise lines go to Antarctica?

How many cruise lines go to Antarctica? More than a dozen cruise lines offer Antarctica itineraries on ships that include smaller ice-rated vessels, sleek and luxurious polar-class expedition ships carrying 200 to 500 guests, and traditional cruise ships accommodating as many as 2,800 passengers.

How long does a cruise to Antarctica last?

Antarctic Peninsula cruises will make this crossing each way. So, a typical 11-day cruise will include 4 days crossing at sea and 7 days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. How long are Antarctica cruises? Most Antarctica cruises are 10-13 days.

Do you get off the ship on an Antarctica cruise?

You'll ?regularly ?get off the ship ?to? explore ?Antarctica ?on foot and by zodiac?, adventure activities will more than likely be available and the voyage will have a strong educational focus.

Do Disney cruises go to Antarctica?

I Took a Disney Expedition Cruise to Antarctica With My Whole Family — and It Was the Best Trip We've Ever Taken. The Adventures by Disney Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruise was the ultimate family vacation — here's why.

Do you need a passport to cruise to Antarctica?

Upon boarding a cruise ship or plane to Antarctica, you will need to present a valid passport. Because of the Antarctica Treaty, no visa is required.

Where do most Antarctic cruises leave from?

Where do most cruises depart from? 99% of Antarctica trips start from either Ushuaia in Southern Argentina or Punta Arenas in Southern Chile. It provides the most choice in terms of voyages. Explore the route to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.

Is it safe to go on a cruise to Antarctica?

Data collected by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) show major incidents are rare—the last one prior to the late 2022 incidents was in 2007 when one of the original Antarctic passenger ships, the MS Explorer, sank after striking an iceberg.

How rough is a cruise to Antarctica?

The Drake Passage can experience up to 15m swells and winds reaching Beaufort scale 10 (hurricanes are scale 12) at its peak. Most Antarctica cruise ships have stabilizers to reduce these rough sea conditions, but it is needless to say these will not stop the effects of Drake Passage sea sickness.

How cold is it on Antarctica cruises?

A visit in winter may be far less enjoyable than during the summer months. While the Antarctic Peninsula stays relatively mild even during the winter with around -12°C (10.4°F), the average temperature across Antarctica is -34.4°C (-30°F).

What is the warmest month in Antarctica?

January is the warmest month in Antarctica, during which average temperatures climb all the way up to 0 degrees in the Antarctic Peninsula. However, the average temperatures ranges from -10 degrees celcius to -60 degrees, depending on how far into the continent you travel.

What happens on an Antarctica cruise?

Unlike traditional cruises, the itineraries of Antarctic expedition cruises are packed with informative talks. These are given by the expedition crew on board who are all experts in their specific fields. These lectures range in subjects from geology and history to wildlife, conservation and climate change.

Why are Antarctic cruises so expensive?

Why is it so expensive to visit Antarctica? Because of the Antarctic Treaty, only certain carriers can visit and they're required to have a permit. This means that even though there are now quite a few companies offering these cruises, there is still limited supply.

What amenities are on the Antarctic cruise ship?

Nespresso machines, balcony suites, gourmet cuisine and even butler service are now available on selected ships. Camping out on the ice and kayaking are offered on most vessels as optional adventure activities. A limited number of ships also offer diving, snorkelling, paddle-boarding or snowshoeing and mountaineering.

What cruise ships are in Antarctica now?

Is it better to fly or sail to Antarctica?

For people who are particularly sensitive to motion, flying there really is the only viable option for a trip to Antarctica, unless you want to risk being miserable for up to four days (don't forget you'll have to cross the Drake twice on an all-cruise trip).

How far in advance should I book Antarctica cruise?

Please book your Antarctica cruise with as much notice as possible to give you the best selection of itineraries, ship, travel dates and cabin types. Many voyages are sold out 12-18 months in advance.

What is the best month to visit Antarctica?

The best time to visit Antarctica is during the summer period from November to March. Wildlife is most active during these months and the days are at their longest. The most popular period to visit during the summer is from December to February when temperatures are regularly above zero.