Cruises to Antarctica
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Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic Islands are some of the last truly unspoilt regions of the world and are wonderful locations for Antarctica cruises, tours and expeditions. The mysterious White Continent, with its multi-coloured ice caps, glistening glaciers and towering snow-capped mountains, offers unparalleled scenery and photographic opportunities. Enormous numbers of penguins, whales, seals and seabirds congregate in the food-rich waters along the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic shores.
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The future of Antarctica is crucial to the climate and ecology of the world and on most of our cruises we have an opportunity to visit one of the many scientific bases. Our small, specially designed Antarctica cruise ships journey south, taking full advantage of the 24 hours of daylight during the austral summer. Ice-strengthened hulls and state-of-the-art equipment allow us to navigate safely through the pack ice and narrow waterways. Our zodiac excursions, guided by foremost experts, offer the freedom to explore remote locations and observe the abundant wildlife when you cruise Antarctica.
On Dec. 4, 2021, you have the rare opportunity in one trip to experience two of the greatest natural wonders available: a cruise to Antarctica, and a total eclipse of the sun.
Ships accommodating from 102 to 170 passengers will maneuver the ice-bound waters of Antarctica for positioning in the center of the moon shadow during the eclipse, using in-depth technology to find the best possible viewing area.
Departures are round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with explorations of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Photography experts will share information about special equipment you’ll need if you want to create an image of the eclipse. A naturalist team and guest speakers will provide insight and background on eclipses and other astronomical features one might encounter in the Southern Hemisphere.
The following Antarctica cruises, will be even more awesome with the added thrill of the total eclipse of the sun.
20-Day Voyages: (Rates and itineraries)
Nov. 23-Dec. 12, 2021 – Polar Solar Eclipse, aboard 116-guest Plancius
Nov. 26-Dec. 15, 2021 – Polar Solar Eclipse, aboard the brand-new 170-guest Hondius
These are purpose-built expedition vessels designed exclusively for polar cruises. There are also cruises available on slightly longer voyages. There are groups already booked on these ships, but there is still some space on them. But you should book soon if you are interested because they will sell out way before 2021.
Ships accommodating from 102 to 170 passengers will maneuver the ice-bound waters of Antarctica for positioning in the center of the moon shadow during the eclipse, using in-depth technology to find the best possible viewing area.
Departures are round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with explorations of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Photography experts will share information about special equipment you’ll need if you want to create an image of the eclipse. A naturalist team and guest speakers will provide insight and background on eclipses and other astronomical features one might encounter in the Southern Hemisphere.
The following Antarctica cruises, will be even more awesome with the added thrill of the total eclipse of the sun.
20-Day Voyages: (Rates and itineraries)
Nov. 23-Dec. 12, 2021 – Polar Solar Eclipse, aboard 116-guest Plancius
Nov. 26-Dec. 15, 2021 – Polar Solar Eclipse, aboard the brand-new 170-guest Hondius
These are purpose-built expedition vessels designed exclusively for polar cruises. There are also cruises available on slightly longer voyages. There are groups already booked on these ships, but there is still some space on them. But you should book soon if you are interested because they will sell out way before 2021.
Ships
The companies that we represent are all members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). These members pledge:
** Organizers of expedition ships that carry less than 200 passengers or small sailing vessels that carry less than 12 passengers. The limit of 100 passengers ashore at one site at one time applies.
** Organizers of vessels carrying 200-500 passengers who are making passenger landings. Stringent restrictions on landing activities of time and place apply. The limit of 100 passengers on shore at one site at one time also applies. Vessels with more than 100 will divvy up the groups, with half exploring by land and the other by tender. (Each inflatable boat fits about a dozen people.) Then they switch.
** Organizers of cruise ships making no landings (cruise only). Cruise ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not permitted to make any landings. Larger ships from Holland America, Crystal Cruises and Azamara Cruises, for example, instead spend several days scenic cruising with no landings.
So when determining which cruise you want to go on, you need to decide if you want to be able to do all of the the shore excursions, some of them or none of them.
According to IAATO, nearly 10,900 passengers during the 2018-2019 season visited the continent without stepping foot on it; by comparison, 44,600 cruisers sailed on ships with landing privileges. Princess Cruises explains the experience: “Antarctic Peninsula is a scenic cruising site. Ships will slowly travel past while a knowledgeable port lecturer points out significant sites you’ll be able to see from onboard.”
- To advocate, promote and practice safe and environmentally responsible travel to the Antarctic.
- To operate within the parameters of the Antarctic Treaty System, including the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, along with IMO Conventions and similar international and national laws and agreements.
- to subscribe to the principle that their planned activities will have no more than a minor or transitory impact on the Antarctic environment.
- To foster continued cooperation among its members; to monitor IAATO programs, including the pattern and frequency of visits to specific sites within the Antarctic; and to coordinate itineraries so that no more than 100 passengers are ashore at any one time in any one place.
* To provide a forum for the international, private-sector travel industry to share their expertise and opinions and to uphold the highest standards. - To enhance public awareness and concern for the conservation of the Antarctic environment and its associated ecosystems and to better inform the media, governments and environmental organizations about private-sector travel to these regions.
- To create a corps of ambassadors for the continued protection of Antarctica by offering the opportunity to experience the continent first hand.
- To support science in Antarctica through cooperation with national Antarctic programs, including logistical support and research; and to foster cooperation between private-sector travel and the international scientific community in the Antarctic.
- To ensure that the best qualified staff and field personnel are employed by IAATO members through continued training and education; and to encourage and develop international acceptance of evaluation, certification and accreditation programs for Antarctic personnel. IAATO expects its members to hire a staff team comprised of individuals with at least 75% previous Antarctic experience.
** Organizers of expedition ships that carry less than 200 passengers or small sailing vessels that carry less than 12 passengers. The limit of 100 passengers ashore at one site at one time applies.
** Organizers of vessels carrying 200-500 passengers who are making passenger landings. Stringent restrictions on landing activities of time and place apply. The limit of 100 passengers on shore at one site at one time also applies. Vessels with more than 100 will divvy up the groups, with half exploring by land and the other by tender. (Each inflatable boat fits about a dozen people.) Then they switch.
** Organizers of cruise ships making no landings (cruise only). Cruise ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not permitted to make any landings. Larger ships from Holland America, Crystal Cruises and Azamara Cruises, for example, instead spend several days scenic cruising with no landings.
So when determining which cruise you want to go on, you need to decide if you want to be able to do all of the the shore excursions, some of them or none of them.
According to IAATO, nearly 10,900 passengers during the 2018-2019 season visited the continent without stepping foot on it; by comparison, 44,600 cruisers sailed on ships with landing privileges. Princess Cruises explains the experience: “Antarctic Peninsula is a scenic cruising site. Ships will slowly travel past while a knowledgeable port lecturer points out significant sites you’ll be able to see from onboard.”
