Image credit: Quark Expeditions

Cruising to Antarctica is the trip of a lifetime, but a voyage to this remote, rugged and enigmatic destination also comes with its own share of questions. Here, our experts at FBI Travel demystify Antarctic cruises and answer some of our traveller’s most common questions.

1. How do I visit Antarctica?

The most common way to reach Antarctica is from Ushuaia, a small port town tucked at the very southern tip of Argentina in South America. From here, cruise and expedition ships sail across the 1,000 km wide Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula.

“Depending on the weather, it could either be the calm and peaceful ‘Drake Lake’, or the ‘Drake Shake’ with big waves and rocky seas,” says Dawn McKiernan, FBI Travel’s Supplier Relations Manager.

If you’re short on time or don’t enjoy sailing, some operators like Aurora Expeditions, Quark Expeditions and Silversea offer ‘Fly the Drake’ packages, which include direct flights from Puntas Arenas to King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands. Note that flights can be very weather dependant.

While ships can sail to Antarctica from other ports, these are generally restricted to scientific research vessels. Aurora Expeditions has started to introduce longer trips to Antarctica that depart from Hobart, Tasmania.

2. When is the best time to visit Antarctica?

Officially, the Antarctic cruising season runs during the southern hemisphere’s warmer months from November to March. But choosing when to go depends on what you’re hoping to see.

“Travel early in the season, between November and December, and you’ll see penguins preparing nests for laying eggs,” says Hayley Serebro, FBI Travel’s General Manager of Leisure and Independent Consultants. You’ll also see lots of snow and huge icebergs.

Travel later, from January to March, and you’ll see baby penguins and have a higher chance of spotting whales and orcas. Most of the snow and ice will have melted by this time too.

3. What's the difference between South Georgia and Antarctica? 

The main difference between Antarctica and South Georgia is location and wildlife.

South Georgia Island is part of the remote cluster of sub-Antarctic islands northeast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is not technically part of Antarctica, but it is only here that you will find the majestic Emperor and King penguins, which are not seen along the Antarctic Peninsula. South Georgia is also home to the largest population of macaroni penguins in the world. 

By contrast, Antarctica generally refers to the Antarctic Peninsula and the smaller islands scattered along the coastline. Not only is it colder, but you’re regularly walking on ice or seeing iceberg formations. Sprawling colonies of smaller penguins, such as Adelie and gentoo, can number in the thousands and whales migrate here during the Antarctic cruising months.

4. Will I experience seasickness in Antarctica?

If you’re prone to seasickness, you’re most likely to experience nausea on an Antarctic cruise while crossing the Drake Passage.

It’s best to see your doctor before travelling and ask for seasickness medication, or bring herbal remedies, such as ginger-based lollies and teas, with you as these can help alleviate symptoms.

“There is a doctor onboard most ships, and they will be able to administer sea sickness remedies if you need it”, says Tristan Love, FBI Travel’s Marketing Manager, who is no stranger to seasickness but says the reward of arriving at Antarctica is worth it.

Water conditions tend to be calmer after you’ve arrived at the Antarctic Peninsula thanks to a chain of islands that act as a weather barrier.

5. What wildlife will I see in Antarctica?

A trip to Antarctica is like a safari on ice, and there’s no guarantees what wildlife you will see, which is all part of the adventure and excitement of the voyage.

Antarctica’s most famous residents are its penguins, including large populations of Adelie penguins, gentoo penguins, chinstrap penguins and rockhopper penguins. You might also see southern elephant seals, leopard seals, crabeater seal and adorable Antarctic fur seals. On select itineraries that visit the sub-Antarctic islands, including Snow Hill Island with Quark Expeditions, you might also get a chance to see colonies of Emperor penguins.

Eight whale species can be found in Antarctic waters, including fin, southern right and blue whales, with humpback whales most seen. 

The Antarctic Peninsula is also a popular breeding and feeding ground for millions of seabirds, such as the giant wandering albatross, blue eyed cormorant, Antarctic tern and Cape petrel among many others. David McGonigal, an expedition leader and historian with Viking Cruises, says his personal favourite is the snow petrel, which has a dazzling white body.

6. How cold is it and what should I bring?

Despite its frigid reputation, summer daytime temperatures along the Antarctic Peninsula can reach a max of 10°C but can feel colder with wind chill.

“Depending on which ship you travel on, you will generally be given loan boots, and a specialised 3-in-1 waterproof polar expedition jacket designed for the climate,” says Dawn McKiernan. The boots stay on the ship at the end of your trip, but most operators will gift you the jacket as a special memento of your journey to the White Continent.

Some operators will also loan you waterproof pants. Ask your agent in advance what is supplied as some operators will expect you to bring your own waterproof pants or other gear.

When out on an excursion, you’ll want to dress in layers including thermal leggings and tops, waterproof pants, a beanie that covers your ears, polarised sunglasses and two sets of gloves – a thicker waterproof and wind resistant pair, and a thinner pair that will give you finger dexterity to use your phone or camera.

Leave ski jackets and pants at home, as these tend to be bulky and take longer to dry. You’ll be allocated a storage locker to store your expedition jacket and boots when onboard.

Pack a comfortable puffer jacket to wear around the ship, as you never know when you’ll need to rush to the outdoor decks for a surprise wildlife encounter!

7. What do you do in Antarctica?

A day on an Antarctica cruise typically consists of two excursions, one in the morning and a second in the afternoon. Depending on the location and weather conditions, the crew may choose to make these a Zodiac cruise, where you board a small inflatable dinghy and explore on water, or a landing, where you go ashore and visit historical sites or wildlife colonies.

Many cruise companies now offer a wide range of extra activities, some for free and others for an additional cost, which includes snowshoeing, hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, and citizen science programs. Some operators, like Viking, also carry customised submarines for underwater exploration.

There is plenty to do on the ship too. “Depending on your ship, this could include a pool and sauna, a reading room, multiple restaurants and lounge areas, an expedition room where you can review the ships’ course, yoga classes and a wellness studio or spa,” says Tristan Love.

 A popular feature of most cruises are lectures and presentations delivered by the expert crew, ranging from biology to history and geology.

8. Do I need to be fit to go on an Antarctica cruise?

While cruise companies allow you to visit Antarctica in comfort, it is still a rugged destination. You’ll need to be able to move around the ship, walk on icy and rocky surfaces, and get in and out of Zodiacs.  That said, it will depend on what ship you choose as different ships offer different options.

“If you can get in and out of a chair on your own and walk up and down stairs and about 1-2 kilometres with ease, you can visit Antarctica,” says Dawn McKiernan.

9. What’s included in the cost of an Antarctica cruise?

Generally, most cruise packages to Antarctica will include most things, such as meals, select drinks and Zodiac excursions but optional activities such as kayaking, submarine dives and the like may incur an additional cost. Some cruise lines will also offer tiered drinks packages, ranging from basic inclusions to different categories of wine, beer and spirits.

Different ships offer a variety of options depending on your budget and the type of cruise you choose. Experiences tend to differ between luxury cruises, which offer a more butler-oriented service, and expedition cruises, which focus more on activities off the ship.

It’s important to tell your FBI Travel Advisor what type of Antarctic experience you want to have, and check your chosen cruise has the right inclusions. Further to this, some optional activities should be booked well in advance – your consultant can advise you.

Ready to take your first step towards Antarctica? Get in touch with our friendly team today by clicking here.