![]() ![]() Since there are limited departures, Ashton recommends booking this trip at least 18 months in advance The very best itinerary is the comprehensive 24-day voyage on the National Geographic Endurance or the National Geographic Resolution, which includes five full days in Antarctica and adequate time exploring the sub-Antarctic islands. Ashton does not recommend shorter trips that include South Georgic, as they cut out time in Antarctica. Disembarking a Zodiac and walking onshore with tens of thousands of king penguins is an experience you cannot have anywhere else on the planet.Ĭruises that include South Georgia Islands usually run 17 to 25 days, and most ships operate only one or two such itineraries per season, typically in December and January. The rugged coastlines are home to massive colonies of king penguins (the ones with orange and yellow markings on their beaks and necks), as well as hundreds of baby fur seals that nest in the green tussock grass. Because South Georgia doesn’t become icebound in the winter and is uninhabited by people, the native species can live here year-round. South Georgia is like the Swiss Alps-with snow-capped peaks and green valleys-but teeming with wildlife. This island is very different from the Antarctic continent. The best trips include South Georgia Island, where you can see wildlife species in ridiculous abundance. These ships carry 132 passengers and focus on activities such as kayaking, camping, snowshoeing, scuba diving, and polar snorkeling.Įxplorer types should also consider the Base Camp Antarctica program offered on the M/V Hondius (170 passengers), M/V Ortelius (116 passengers), and M/V Plancius (116 passengers) where the vessels stay in one location for longer periods to maximize time camping, hiking, kayaking, and mountaineering. Everest without oxygen and the woman who holds the record for the deepest ocean-floor walk. You can tell that Aurora’s two ships, the Greg Mortimer and the Sylvia Earle, prioritize adventure based on their namesakes, the first Australian to climb Mt. The Ultramarine has possibly the nicest solo cabins available. ![]() Sister ships Le Boreal, L’Astral, Le Lyrial, and Le Soleil frequently waive solo supplements because they limit capacity to 200 in polar regions but can carry more passengers. Kids are up to 50 percent off, and the ship has a variety of cabin configurations that lend themselves well to families (including quads and triples). While Antarctica is a destination that tends to appeal more to adults than young children, Ponant’s Le Boréal (200 passengers) operates an annual family sailing to Antarctica, the Falklands, and South Georgia over the December holidays with dedicated children’s-activity coordinators. (And they are all-inclusive.)Īlso notable for gastronomy is Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot (270 passengers), the only ship that has a restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse there will be plenty of caviar onboard-and if you like Champagne, their house pour is Veuve Clicquot. Lindblad’s National Geographic Resolution and National Geographic Endurance each carry 128 passengers and feature thoughtful Scandinavian design to ensure your attention goes past the windows to the scenery.Ī great mid-range option is Quark’s Ultramarine, a beautiful 199-passenger ship with two helicopters on board.įor those who want to eat really, really well, the Scenic Eclipse and soon-to-be-launched Scenic Eclipse II (both carrying 228 passengers) offer ten culinary styles, including an upscale French restaurant and Champagne bar, Asian fusion, sushi, a night-market bar, a casual yacht club, a chef’s tasting table, private dining, and even culinary master-classes. ![]() There are multiple excellent dining options, two on-board submarines, ample Zodiacs and kayaks, and a 26-person expedition staff. These beauties are ultra-luxury ships with an adventure focus each carries 268 passengers and every single cabin has a veranda. Seabourn’s sister ships Venture and Pursuit are brand-new, having just launched in 20 respectively. Want to sea kayak? Check.) To max out the bang for the buck, take advantage of early-booking discounts if you are traveling solo, you can choose to share a cabin with another cruiser and avoid paying a single supplement. Ashton has worked with these ships for 20 years because they provide adventurous itineraries at a really good price point. Quark’s Ocean Adventurer(128 passengers) and World Explorer(178 passengers) are classic expedition ships that offer consistently great trips. Pinnacle shaped icebergs floating in Andvord Bay near Neko Harbour, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica. ![]()
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