Ah, the continent that’s been on my bucket list for years. Sure, there are plenty of things to do in Antarctica, but where should you start? Should you go with one of those tour groups or try it alone? How can you afford it? What should I pack?
Image Credits: ©Richard Harker
There are many questions that need answers before planning a cruise in Antarctica. Here are some tips.
Decide what you want to see and where you want to go
Decide what you want to see and where you want to go. Antarctic experiences vary greatly depending on the type of trip you choose. For example, if you are on a cruise ship, there will be many other people around with whom to share your experience.
If you prefer to have more time alone, then perhaps an expedition cruise or zodiac boat would be better for you. It’s also important to consider your budget when choosing which trip is best for your needs: a luxury Antarctica cruise typically costs more than budget cruises but provides many additional services that may make them worth their price tag.
Image Credits: ©F.Lefebvre
You’ll want to pack very warm clothes
You’re going to be spending some time in a cold place. If you’re planning on heading down south, it would be a good idea to pack some warm clothes and prepare yourself for the harsh climate of Antarctica. This means packing heavy coats, gloves, and hats as well as scarves or earmuffs if necessary.
In addition to this, you should also pack some thick socks and comfortable shoes. It’s important not to underestimate just how cold it can get down there – temperatures can drop as low as -70°C!
Bring plenty of sunscreen
The sun can be intense in Antarctica, and that’s especially true for those of us who live in warmer climates. Think about it: your skin will be exposed to the sun for a lot more time than usual since you’ll be exploring outdoors for most of your trip. If you don’t want to get burned (or at least wind up with a really bad tan), then make sure to apply sunscreen every day—even if it’s cloudy.
You should also wear a hat and sunglasses when you’re outside during the day because they’ll protect your face from UV rays. Long sleeves can help, too, because they provide extra coverage from harmful rays.
Get a cabin with a view
You’ll want to get a cabin with a window. A window will give you both light and an unobstructed view of the sea. If you can’t get a window, make sure your cabin has at least one wall that’s full of glass. It may not be as peaceful as sitting in your own room, but it’ll still leave you feeling like you’re part of the action.
If money is no object, or if you want to feel like royalty, consider booking yourself into one of the ships’ full panorama cabins. These rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides—enough to ensure that even if bad weather prevents visibility from some angles, there’s likely still going to be something worth looking at out there.
Conclusion
We hope we’ve helped you with your decision about going on a cruise in Antarctica. It’s not the easiest place to get to, but if you can manage it, then we highly recommend the experience.
