Earlier than you guide your adventurous expedition cruise, it’s essential to get all of the information.
There’s no place on Earth extra distant (or extra breathtaking, actually) than Antarctica. So, for those who’re contemplating a visit there, I don’t blame you. However desirous to journey to the 7th continent is a giant determination that needs to be correctly thought of.
Like how are you supposed to select the appropriate cruise for you? How many individuals might be on the ship? When must you go? The questions are countless, however that’s what this weblog is for. Your Antarctica expedition doesn’t begin as quickly as you get on the ship and even on the flight to Argentina. It begins proper now. And to verify your voyage is easy, these are the ten inquiries to ask earlier than you start the reserving course of.
Uncover our Antarctica cruises
1. How many individuals are there on an Antarctica ship?
The Worldwide Affiliation of Antarctic Tour Operators (or IAATO) has put in place a number of strict governing guidelines to assist defend Antarctica’s pristine atmosphere, so there’s really a cap on actions expedition ships can take part in relying on what number of passengers they’re carrying.
Ships with over 500 passengers will not be permitted to make shore landings, making them cruise-only adventures with out the chance to discover by zodiac or set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula. Nonetheless, ships carrying fewer passengers than that, nonetheless have a cap on what number of can really partake in shore landings without delay. Solely 100 persons are permitted to be on shore on the one time, so ships with extra passengers need to alternate shore outings.
If you wish to maximize your time in Antarctica absolutely, go for a ship that has 200 passengers or much less. Whereas this would possibly make your cruise costlier, your journey might be a extra private expertise and also you’ll have extra flexibility with actions.
Related: Why you should visit Antarctica
2. When ought to I journey to Antarctica?
Antarctica’s peak season (and best time to travel) falls between November and March when temperatures are at their warmest and days are at their longest, leading to sufficient melted sea ice to allow entry for cruise ships. On account of Antarctica’s distant location deep within the Southern Hemisphere, travelling outdoors these months is just about unimaginable.
However, by way of one of the best month, there actually isn’t one. Every of the 5 months guarantees spectacular surroundings and interesting wildlife, so you’ll be able to’t actually go incorrect. That will help you resolve which month it is best to journey in, think about the kind of wildlife that might be extra energetic and what actions you’re most wanting ahead to.
3. Does the ship I’m on assist defend the atmosphere?
I can’t communicate for Antarctica cruises run by different tour operators, however at Intrepid, we’re deeply committed to being a responsible business and have an excellent understanding of the influence we now have on the locations we go to. Our Antarctica cruises onboard the Ocean Endeavour aren’t any exception. Each Intrepid journey is 100% carbon impartial, however Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem requires additional assist.
So, we’re additional specializing in inspiring travellers, supporting science and defending the atmosphere. This implies we need to educate each passenger on the environmental risks going through Antarctica and encourage them to care in regards to the pure world round them. We’re supporting Antarctica researchers and consultants by partnering with WWF (World Wildlife Basis) and abiding by IAATO pointers. We’re additionally dedicated to minimizing our environmental influence and selling conservation in Antarctica.
And we’re solely getting began. There’s lots extra for us to study and do, together with investing in a brand new energy-efficient ship, constructing stronger partnerships and bettering our provide chain. In different phrases, watch this house.
Related: How can a responsible tour operator run trips in Antarctica?
4. What number of shore landings can I count on?
Making the journey throughout the Drake Passage is perhaps half the enjoyable, however the actual query is, when you’re in Antarctica, what number of occasions are you able to really go away the ship? Totally different cruise operators have completely different restrictions however onboard the Ocean Endeavour, we provide not one however two day by day excursions on land and at sea (through zodiacs).
Whereas that is depending on allowing climate situations, we don’t name our Antarctica cruises ‘hands-on, feet-on adventures’ for nothing. We would like you to see as a lot of the icy white continent as attainable, together with attempting your hand at sea kayaking, collaborating in naturalist-led walks and even going snow-camping (sure, you learn that proper).
5. What makes cruises cheaper/costlier?
The pricing of Antarctica cruises can differ so much relying on the time of 12 months, the variety of days, the ship measurement and its included facilities. Ships that carry as much as 500 passengers are typically cheaper since you can not take part in shore landings. Nonetheless, for those who’re choosing a smaller ship with much less passengers, count on the cruise value to be increased.
Like I discussed earlier than, each Intrepid cruise to Antarctica goals to have passengers full two excursions per day, which elements into the cruise’s total value. The Ocean Endeavour additionally has loads of premium facilities for passengers to make use of whereas crossing the Drake Passage or if the climate impacts deliberate actions.
These facilities embody a gymnasium, a polar library, a bar staffed by skilled bartenders, spa remedies, yoga & stretching lessons, his & hers saunas and a heated saltwater pool. And that’s simply the tip of the iceberg. Whereas Antarctica cruises aren’t low cost, it’s greatest to spend a bit additional in an effort to maximize your once-in-a-lifetime journey.
6. What number of zodiac boats does the ship have?
It’s a bit exhausting to navigate giant expedition ships near the Antarctic Peninsula (learn: unimaginable), that’s the place the zodiacs are available in. Zodiacs are inflatable, motorized boats that transport passengers to and from the ship for sea excursions and shore landings. So, you need to guarantee your ship has loads of zodiac boats to go ‘spherical to make transferring passengers as straightforward and time environment friendly as attainable.
Fortunately, the Ocean Endeavour has 22 zodiacs, a number of loading ports and a sizeable mudroom for taking up and off your polar gear. We all know which Antarctic expedition ship we’d select.
7. What’s the crew-to-passenger ratio onboard?
The upper the crew-to-passenger ratio onboard an Antarctica ship the higher and the Ocean Endeavour has a ratio of 1:8. Yep, one crew member for each 8 passengers. That’s just about nearly as good because it will get. This implies you’ll get pleasure from a extra informative, private and comfy journey with polar consultants and skilled crew members able to reply your each query, conduct fascinating seminars, assist you to on and off zodiacs, accompany you on shore landings and each different little factor in between.
Related: Meet Martin, our Antarctica expedition guide
8. Do I have to be match to go on an Antarctica cruise?
Whereas there aren’t any fitness requirements for Antarctica, you continue to have to possess an honest degree of health to get pleasure from your time as zodiac excursions, shore landings and even strolling across the ship throughout tough situations might be tough to navigate. Total good well being, nice core energy and a capability to maneuver round freely are three must-haves you should think about earlier than reserving your expedition.
Nonetheless, all of our Antarctica cruises have a bodily ranking of two and don’t embody something overly strenuous. And, for those who haven’t obtained your sea legs but or for those who do want a serving to hand, handrails are fitted across the ship, so navigation is simple and comfy. The ship can also be fitted with a carry, nevertheless it doesn’t grant entry to all decks and might be closed for upkeep on some departures, so with the ability to climb stairs is critical.
In brief, placing in some additional time on the gymnasium earlier than you allow, and even ramping up your day by day walks, may help enhance your total Antarctic enjoyment.
9. Can I journey solo to Antarctica?
Travelling to Antarctica utterly by yourself isn’t actually attainable. There aren’t any motels on the Antarctic Peninsula, and you’ll’t set up your personal flight or non-public ship to get there, however you’ll be able to journey as a solo passenger on an expedition ship. We’ve already established that you just gained’t be alone onboard the Ocean Endeavour with a crew-to-passenger ratio of 1:8 and a most of 200 passengers simply as keen as you to discover the nice, white continent.
We additionally present versatile rooming preparations together with twin share cabins and single dietary supplements. Nonetheless, on some departures and for chosen cabin classes, solo travellers gained’t need to pay for a single complement if they need their very own room, however not the hefty price ticket that comes with it.
Related: What’s it like as a solo passenger in Antarctica?
10. What’s included in the price of the cruise?
Cruises to Antarctica aren’t low cost, so it’s solely pure to need to know precisely what you’re spending your cash on. There are a selection of inclusions that drive the worth of your cruise increased. These are sometimes:
- All meals onboard (together with 24/7 tea and low)
- Cabin sort
- Excursions and shore landings
- Onboard actions comparable to lectures and seminars from polar consultants
- Expedition workforce to information you in your journey
Intrepid additionally consists of one evening of pre-cruise lodging within the departure location and the Ocean Endeavour additionally has premium facilities that you should utilize in the course of your cruise together with WIFI and onboard laundry service for those who want to pay for just a few creature comforts from residence.
