The southernmost continent is the only area of the planet without cities, native peoples, or traditional government. There is no commercial airport, and the only way to get there is by sea. The climate is often forbidding, and the winds that howl from the center of this region are some of the strongest on earth. In spite of these challenges, travel to this region is becoming increasingly popular, and Antarctica cruise deals bring voyagers there in style.
Exploration began around a century ago, and the region has not undergone many visible changes since that time. Today, there are a few installations and some famous research centers, but absolutely no typical tourist attractions. The individuals who visit here do not come to see another idyllic tropical beach, but rather choose to view some of the oldest ice on the planet.
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is the only practical time to see this area, November through March. Visiting in winter is impossible due to extensive sea ice, raging storms, and months of near-darkness. Temperatures during summer are bearable but not balmy, ranging from the lower twenties to high-forties Fahrenheit. The sun stays bright most of the night.
Many cruises depart from the southern Argentina city of Ushuaia, but there are few direct flights there. Although it is on the most southern point in South America, the town is still six hundred miles from Antarctica. Numerous ships sail this particular route, but they are not what most people consider to be typical cruise vessels, having a passenger capacity of less than 200 within ice-hardened hulls.
There are many reasons for coming here, including the penguins, seals, sea birds and whales inhabiting the local coastal waters. The ships can be small but comfortable, but seasoned travelers should not look for typical Vegas-style shows, elaborate nightclubs or large shopping venues. Any scheduled on-board recreational activities are at the mercy of the waves, which always have the final say.
While there are no quaint villages, visitors are rewarded by seeing the sites of famed explorations, research facilities, enormous colonies of various penguin species, and most importantly, the forbidding Antarctic landscape. Unlike the northern Arctic Ocean, this is a vast area of land punctuated by rugged, ice-buried mountain ranges, volcanoes, and dry interior valleys. Some stops include kayaking or climbing, weather permitting.
Some ships feature landings in rubber boats, which provide close-ups of icebergs and the local creatures. People choosing to come here are uniquely interested in this continent for both scientific and personal reasons, and are usually excited to meet others sharing that enthusiasm. The voyage by ship takes time, and there are usually experts on board for lectures, presentations, and discussions.
Due to its remote location, cruising to this southern continent can be more expensive than closer adventures. It makes sense to work closely with a travel planner in order to find the best package for the lowest price. Voyages to this area take longer, often lasting from ten to twenty-one days, but provide a priceless opportunity to witness the last truly wild area of the world.
Exploration began around a century ago, and the region has not undergone many visible changes since that time. Today, there are a few installations and some famous research centers, but absolutely no typical tourist attractions. The individuals who visit here do not come to see another idyllic tropical beach, but rather choose to view some of the oldest ice on the planet.
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is the only practical time to see this area, November through March. Visiting in winter is impossible due to extensive sea ice, raging storms, and months of near-darkness. Temperatures during summer are bearable but not balmy, ranging from the lower twenties to high-forties Fahrenheit. The sun stays bright most of the night.
Many cruises depart from the southern Argentina city of Ushuaia, but there are few direct flights there. Although it is on the most southern point in South America, the town is still six hundred miles from Antarctica. Numerous ships sail this particular route, but they are not what most people consider to be typical cruise vessels, having a passenger capacity of less than 200 within ice-hardened hulls.
There are many reasons for coming here, including the penguins, seals, sea birds and whales inhabiting the local coastal waters. The ships can be small but comfortable, but seasoned travelers should not look for typical Vegas-style shows, elaborate nightclubs or large shopping venues. Any scheduled on-board recreational activities are at the mercy of the waves, which always have the final say.
While there are no quaint villages, visitors are rewarded by seeing the sites of famed explorations, research facilities, enormous colonies of various penguin species, and most importantly, the forbidding Antarctic landscape. Unlike the northern Arctic Ocean, this is a vast area of land punctuated by rugged, ice-buried mountain ranges, volcanoes, and dry interior valleys. Some stops include kayaking or climbing, weather permitting.
Some ships feature landings in rubber boats, which provide close-ups of icebergs and the local creatures. People choosing to come here are uniquely interested in this continent for both scientific and personal reasons, and are usually excited to meet others sharing that enthusiasm. The voyage by ship takes time, and there are usually experts on board for lectures, presentations, and discussions.
Due to its remote location, cruising to this southern continent can be more expensive than closer adventures. It makes sense to work closely with a travel planner in order to find the best package for the lowest price. Voyages to this area take longer, often lasting from ten to twenty-one days, but provide a priceless opportunity to witness the last truly wild area of the world.
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