Antarctic Cruises - Essential Information

Antarctic visits are mainly concentrated at ice-free coastal zones over the Antarctic summer, the five-month period from November to March, in high summer there will be 20+ hours of daylight.

The formation and movement of sea-ice outside of these times means that from March to November, Antarctica is left to the over-wintering scientific bases and their crews. Apart from the odd ice-breaker trip that may leave in October, tourist ships just don't risk it outside of these months.

Winter pack ice extends over 620 miles around the continent, it is almost permanently dark and temperatures can drop to as low as -90°c (-130°f)

Temperature Range: December - February -6°c to +10°c (20°f to 50°f)

November & Early December (Late Spring / Early Summer)

• Winter pack ice is starting to melt and break up.
• The scenery is white, clean and pristine with pack ice and giant icebergs
• Courting season for penguins and seabirds - see spectacular courtship rituals
• Seals visible on fast ice
• Spring wildflowers in the Falklands and South Georgia
• Elephant and fur seals establish their breeding territories

Mid- December and January (Mid Summer)

• Normally Antarctica’s warmest months
• Longer days create great light conditions and fabulous photo opportunities at midnight
• Antarctic chicks hatch
• South Georgia and the Falklands - first penguin chicks emerge and fur seals are breeding
• Seal Pups visible on South Georgia and the Falklands
• Receding ice allows for more exploration

February and March (Late Summer)

• Whale sightings are at their best
• Penguin chicks start to fledge
• Receding pack ice allows ships to explore further south
• More fur seals in the Antarctic Peninsula

"When your feet are cold, cover your head."
- Inuit saying.

Clothing
As your trip will be in the Antarctic summer, you won't need to take any real extreme cold weather gear. Temperatures on many or most days will hover around freezing point, maybe dropping to an extreme of -10°c (20°f). Obviously people adapt to the cold in different ways and I've seen some tourists in the Antarctic in lightweight clothing while others are wrapped up like the Michelin man in the same conditions. Layering is the key, and then you can be flexible according to conditions.

Camera
Be sure to take a good quality camera with you, this can be digital or 35mm. Surplus spare batteries/rechargeable types as well as film or memory cards are absolutely essential.

Quality sunglasses
Boy it gets bright! Especially when the sun reflects off the sea and ice or snow.

High factor sun-cream
If you've never been burnt under your nose from reflections from snow now’s your chance. The ozone hole is real, don’t let it prove it to you the hard way. Lightweight waterproof rucksack to carry your stuff ashore while leaving arms free to clamber in and out of zodiacs.

Binoculars
Take a good pair of binoculars if you’re an avid wildlife watcher.

Swiss army penknife
I wouldn’t leave home without one.

Digital Photographic technology has advanced incredibly over the last 5 years, with a good quality camera coming in at a very reasonable price. Generally a digital camera makes the ideal choice for an Antarctic Cruise; pictures can be viewed immediately, shared easily and edited simply. However some still argue a traditional 35mm SLR film camera cannot be beaten for quality of image even by the very best digital cameras. It really boils down to your own expertise, the convenience you want and your budget.

The following is brief overview of the different styles of vessels that offer the very best cruising experiences.

Research Ships
The Research Ships tend to offer more active programs and attract a younger clientele. The accommodation on these vessels is simple - comfortable, but not luxurious. These trips often feel more like a private expedition than a conventional cruise.

Expedition Ship
An expedition ship is designed to cruise remote waterways. Expedition ships focus on natural history and culture, and have on-board educational programs. The expedition ships offer more comfortable accommodations and higher quality of onboard service and dining.

Icebreakers
An icebreaker is specifically designed for breaking through sea ice. The icebreakers often explore the most remote areas, located further south, where an icebreaker is needed to safely explore in more extensive sea ice. These are true expeditions.

Expedition Liner
Large, spacious vessels more akin to traditional cruise ships. Offer a large variety of on board facilities, but less chance of shore excursions.

For further details of facilities on board see our Life On Board section or check out the individual excursions below: