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That fact translates to expectations of a high-quality experience in Antarctica, therefore a high value for the price paid. These cruises are popular with anyone looking for a slightly more affordable Antarctic option, who enjoys the activity level and amenities of large mainstream cruise lines. Think casinos, specialty restaurants and flashy entertainment when you aren’t out nature-watching. Most Antarctic cruises begin and end in South American ports like Ushuaia or Buenos Aires. It’s truly an adventure, so approach it that way and you’ll enjoy the trip no matter where your ship ends up.
National Geographic Explorer
The whale encounter went on so long that some of the ship's hotel staff eventually came out in a Zodiac with hot chocolate to pass to passengers looking for a warm-up. They also brought out Kahlua, Frangelico and a few other liqueurs to splash into it — a lovely touch. When Powell, the expedition leader, realized the humpback whales would be sticking around for a while, he was able to make a quick call to put down the Zodiacs to get us out among them. Every day brought something a little different as we stopped at a wide variety of sites.
How to take the ultimate Florida road trip
This line notably features late winter (Antarctica's late summer) sails -- a chance to see the region in a different season, with nesting penguins and returning whales. By late January, when I first arrived in Antarctica to test out National Geographic Resolution, the fast ice mostly had melted away in the northernmost areas of the Antarctic Peninsula that draw the bulk of Antarctica expedition vessels. To get us into the ice, the ship had to travel farther south than some expedition ships will go in Antarctica, to an ice-clogged waterway known as Lallemand Fjord. With long hours of daylight at this time of year, enjoy ample opportunities to explore. Your schedule is flexible to take advantage of the unexpected, whether you’re watching whales at play off the bow of the ship, hiking alongside penguin highways, or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid porpoising penguins.
Visit iconic must-sees and engage with new cultures on these feature-rich tours.
For starters, it has one of the best Zodiac launch set-ups I've ever seen. The ship's 13 Zodiacs tuck away very close to the waterline, in an indoor "garage" with giant doors that open to the water. This allows them to be deployed more quickly than on some expedition ships. More than 600 miles across, the Drake Passage often is roiled with waves 10 or 20 feet high, which can bounce around expedition vessels in what Antarctica aficionados call the Drake Shake. In addition, National Geographic Resolution can spin completely around in place, thanks to two Azipod thrusters that hang down below the vessel and can rotate a full 360 degrees. This allows it to better maneuver in ice-clogged areas than older expedition vessels with traditional propeller propulsion systems.
Ships
Travel with a diverse team of experts aboard 148-guest National Geographic Explorer, the definitive expedition ship. For the next five days, explore the continent of Antarctica with professionals on board. Each day will be filled with adventure and expeditions based around the scenery and, of course, the range of wildlife on the continent and in the surrounding waters. At any given moment, you can look out from the bow of the ship and see orcas or humpback whales splashing in the water. Lengthier cruises include visits to such destinations as the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.
Don't miss cruising Antarctica and experiencing some of the most exhilarating destinations in the world. Scenic is for cruisers seeking the ultimate hybrid of a luxury cruise ship and a small environmentally conscious expedition vessel. It is also attractive for adventurers wanting to try more unusual Antarctic experiences, such as snowshoeing, viewing wildlife from a submarine or soaring above ice floes in a helicopter.
Viking Expeditions: Bringing Their Worldwide Cruise Experience to Antarctica
An Undersea Specialist captures rarely seen footage of life beneath the icy surface for viewing in the comfort of the ship’s lounge, and a professional video chronicler is aboard to capture the expedition moments you’ll want to remember. As you're hiking on land, you can look over and see a variety of penguins waddling alongside the group like Chinstrap, Adélie, and Gentoo penguins. While heading to land on the Zodiacs, you might spot seals diving and playing in the water or blue-eyed shags flying through the air. The expedition team's experts go above and beyond to make sure that guests have an extraordinary experience that they'll never forget on the frozen continent. From the towering icebergs and glaciers to the wide range of wildlife, it's such a special experience that you'll cherish forever.
Ponant: The Ultimate in Luxurious Antarctic Cruises
Called Blue Eye, each lounge features two glass portholes shaped like a whale's eye looking out to the marine world. Special microphones transit the sounds of the sea into the lounges. In inimitable French style, the vessels are simply gorgeous and sleek, conjuring up the ocean and its array of moods and colors. National Geographic devotees are at the top of the list -- from magazine admirers to those who've already toured or cruised with National Geographic -- who like the scientific bent.
Luxury
From expedition leaders to naturalists, most hold advanced degrees and are established authorities in their fields. Some join a few expeditions each year to explore the same sites, some of them spending some time in the field away from rigorous academic work. And others lead expeditions all around the world—with many guests saying, “Where you’re going, we’re going,” and returning time after time to travel with them. Browse our team directory to discover the full cast of expedition staff. One of two new ships expressly built for polar waters, National Geographic Resolution is named to honor the second voyage of the legendary Captain James Cook.
The boat is equipped with a variety of tools used for the expeditions, including a Zodiac, specialty and video cameras, and kayaks. Trips on land range depending on athletic level, and there is often an excursion specifically for photography lovers. Safe wildlife encounters are always the goal when heading onto land.
Lindblad Expeditions Launches New Antarctica Itineraries - Cruise Industry News
Lindblad Expeditions Launches New Antarctica Itineraries.
Posted: Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
One day, you might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next, you might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. Experience the wild grandeur of the White Continent in a more efficient, expedient way. On this new itinerary, cruise the Drake Passage one way, and then bypass the Drake Passage on the way back on a 2-hour flight from Antarctica and discover all of the highlights without sacrificing the extra time.
Skilled staff members trained with National Geographic Education organize activities that inspire curiosity in young people of all ages. Programming for kids may include activities like photo workshops, journaling, scavenger hunts, Zodiac-driving lessons, hands-on nature and science programming and kid-friendly menu options. Her rebuild drew on 50 years of pioneering expedition history and expertise.
Since 1966, Lindblad has brought curious explorers to the White Continent to experience the wonder, beauty and incredible wildlife of this extraordinary location. Traditionally, Antarctic voyages average 14 days in length, sometimes limiting the ability for guests to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Home to a diverse assortment of wildlife—Weddell and elephant seals; Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins—this island also has a human presence. Researchers from a wide range of countries, including the US, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, call the various stations home. Disembark and take a Zodiac to shore to board your 2-hour flight back to Puerto Natales where you overnight at the included group hotel. You’ll get to know ice up close and personal—from icebergs the size of islands, bergy bits and near-vertical glaciers, to the fragile, nearly invisible layers that have just begun to freeze.
Viking Expeditions has entered into the expedition genre with two custom-built vessels, Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis. These new vessels feature many of the amenities favored by Viking fans, such as a light airy Scandinavian design, Nordic spa and king bed staterooms and suites with spacious baths and heated floors. Silversea manages to combine an ultra-luxury cruise ship experience with an adrenaline-charged expedition. The line will literally have a car pick you up at home, fly you to your cruise and do the reverse at the end of your Antarctic adventure. The 13-day cruises sail roundtrip Buenos Aires; 19-day voyages include South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, while 22 days include the Chilean fjords.
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