For folks who are living in Singapore, an Antarctica Cruise has to be one of the most exciting journeys ever. The ‘White Continent’ is remote, icy and uninhabited by humans. There are a number of approaches on how you should explore Antarctica, and an Antarctica cruise also offers the opportunity to visit fascinating subantarctic islands such as South Georgia en route. Travelling to Antarctica is not cheap, so choosing the right itinerary is an important decision to get right.
1. Just For Scenic Cruising
If you are just into the traditional cruises, you can take one of the cruise ships that sail from South America down to Antarctica for a few days of ‘scenic cruising. You will be able to admire the icy scenery from your ship and spot wildlife in the distance. However, you won’t be able to get off the ship and you won’t make any shore landings. If you do not have any issue with accessibility, we recommend a true expedition cruise, with the opportunity to set off on an Intriq Journey on the Antarctic continent.
2. The Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula is the classic Antarctica cruise itinerary and you will find every expedition line offering a version of it. Most itineraries sail round-trip from the port of Ushuaia, situated at the southern tip of South America. The crossing to Antarctica takes two days, and involves traversing the notoriously lumpy Drake Passage – cross your fingers and hope for good weather!
The Peninsula is a long strip of land that extends northwards towards South America. You will get to visit a number of different landing sites on both the mainland and the surrounding islands. You can expect to see dramatic scenery, icebergs, seals, whales and plenty of penguins. Itineraries will often include a stop-off in the Falkland Islands en route, rich in birdlife and of particular historical interest to British travellers.
3. South Georgia
Going for this option will stretch your budget and will add several extra sea days to your itinerary. This rugged and remote island lies some 800 miles to the east of the Falklands and is renowned for its incredible wildlife. South Georgia also boost of an amazing human history, inextricably linked with Sir Ernest Shackleton’s doomed Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.
4. Fly the Drake Passage
For folks who are unable to endure the crossing of the Drake Passage by sea, there is another way to reach Antarctica. You also have the option of flying over the Drake by charter plane, landing at the airstrip on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands.
5. The Ross Sea
Voyages into the Ross Sea are not as common as cruises to the Peninsula, and this side of Antarctica is usually accessed from New Zealand or Australia. The Ross Sea is wild and remote, and you will be landing on islands and coastlines where very few other people have ever set foot. You will be able to see Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on earth; the bizarre Dry Valleys, free of snow and ice thanks to the surrounding mountains and fierce winds; and relics of the ‘Heroic Age’ of Antarctic exploration, including Scott’s hut at Cape Evans.
6. The Weddell Sea
Expedition cruises into the Weddell Sea are uncommon, and you are at the mercy of the sea ice so you may end up spending most of your time exploring the Antarctic Peninsula instead. For those ships that do manage to navigate through the ice, the main goal is to reach Snow Hill Island, home to some 4,000 breeding pairs of emperor penguins.
7. Beyond the Antarctic Circle
There are several expedition cruise lines that offer itineraries to the Antarctic Peninsula that continue southwards, with the goal of reaching that all-important latitude, 66°33′ S. A voyage this far south is likely to reward you with even more spectacular icebergs and sightings of wildlife including humpback whales, leopard seals and penguins.
