Important facts about Antarctica

The number of cruise ships operating in Antarctica has grown considerably, particularly in recent years. Not only that, but the cruise ships themselves have also grown in size. Whereas we used to see ships with 50 cabins or fewer, these days an expedition ship can easily have 100 or even 200 cabins. For our cruise programme, we have made a clear choice to work with two cruise lines that operate relatively small-scale ships, with a maximum of 180 passengers. This means that landings and excursions can be carried out with a degree of flexibility, maximising your experience of the natural environment.

To begin with: the destination ‘Antarctica’ encompasses not only the Antarctic continent, but also a number of sub-Antarctic archipelagos. The best-known sub-Antarctic islands are the Falklands and South Georgia. These islands can be combined perfectly with a trip to the South Pole, and if you have the budget and time for it, you should definitely do so! The Falkland Islands and South Georgia lie just north of the West Wind Drift, one of the world’s largest ocean currents, and are therefore outside the direct influence of the cold polar winds. For many animals, these ‘moderate’ conditions provide the perfect environment for breeding or rearing their young.

The best – and only – time to visit Antarctica is during our winter, which is summer there. Antarctic winters are simply too cold, and the weather too stormy, to travel there. The first Antarctic trips each season start around late September or early October, often beginning with the sub-Antarctic islands, followed by cruises to the Antarctic continent from late October onwards. Antarctic trips run until early to mid-March. A few specific facts:

• The start of the season, from late September to early November, is Antarctic spring. This is the best time to visit the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, as there is plenty of activity amongst the seabirds during and around the breeding season. The 8-day cruise from Ushuaia to Cape Horn and the Falkland Islands, and the 15-day air-cruise to the Falklands and South Georgia, are wonderful trips to take during this period.
• The emperor penguin is one of the rarest and most beautiful species on the continent. A large colony inhabits Snow Hill Island, situated in the Weddell Sea. It is an inhospitable area that is very difficult to reach. Nevertheless, every year around November, expedition cruises take place that are entirely dedicated to this bird. Helicopters are used to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. The Weddell Sea cruise is the ultimate Antarctic trip for spotting the emperor penguin.
• Autumn, from late February to March, is usually (though there’s no guarantee!) the most stable time of year. Blue, clear skies stand out sharply against the icebergs. This makes it the best time of year for photography.

On all cruises through Antarctica, shore excursions are organised, known as ‘landings’. This gives travellers the opportunity to set foot on Antarctic soil, to explore the stunning surroundings and to encounter the wildlife that inhabits the continent. The landings are carried out by zodiac, in small groups so as not to disturb the animals.

Depending on which boat you’re travelling on or which cruise line you’re with, there are additional activities available alongside the regular landings. These activities usually come at an extra cost, so it’s a good idea to think about this in advance. Additional activities on offer include snowshoeing, kayaking, ice wall climbing and mountaineering, camping on the ice, and even diving sessions beneath the pack ice. If you’d like to book a cruise where almost all these activities are included as standard, do take a look at this Basecamp cruise.