The southernmost continent is the only area of the planet without cities, native peoples, or traditional government. There is no commercial airport, and the only way to get there is by sea. The climate is often forbidding, and the winds that howl from the center of this region are some of the strongest on earth. In spite of these challenges, travel to this region is becoming increasingly popular, and Antarctica cruise deals bring voyagers there in style.
Exploration began around a century ago, and the region has not undergone many visible changes since that time. Today, there are a few installations and some famous research centers, but absolutely no typical tourist attractions. The individuals who visit here do not come to see another idyllic tropical beach, but rather choose to view some of the oldest ice on the planet.
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is the only practical time to visit, lasting from November into March. Travel during the winter is practically impossible due to expanded sea ice, unending storm activity, and weeks of polar darkness. Temperatures during the summer are more livable, ranging from the lower twenties to the mid-forties Fahrenheit. The sun, however, stays up nearly all night.
Many of these cruises depart from the southernmost city in Argentina, Ushuaia. Getting to that location with a direct flight is probably not possible, and even when there, the icy continent is still around 600 miles to he south. The ships that currently travel that route are quite different from typical tropical liners, which can resemble floating cities or amusement parks. Most are ice-hardened, with a 200-passenger limit.
People visit this forbidding region for many reasons, including unique wildlife, especially penguins, sea birds, seals, and whales. While most ships are comfortable, travelers should not expect elaborate night clubs and Las Vegas-style shows on board. The Drake Passage is not often calm, and rough or stormy seas have ultimate control over any scheduled activities.
While there are no quaint villages, visitors are rewarded by seeing the sites of famed explorations, research facilities, enormous colonies of various penguin species, and most importantly, the forbidding Antarctic landscape. Unlike the northern Arctic Ocean, this is a vast area of land punctuated by rugged, ice-buried mountain ranges, volcanoes, and dry interior valleys. Some stops include kayaking or climbing, weather permitting.
Landings are often carried out via rubber vessels, providing visitors with close-up views of wildlife, giant icebergs and rugged coast. The people who come here do so for personal, scientific and adventurous reasons, and are usually happy to share their enthusiasm with those having similar viewpoints. Getting there takes a few days, and there are usually expert presentations, lectures, and group discussions.
Due to its remote location, cruising to this southern continent can be more expensive than closer adventures. It makes sense to work closely with a travel planner in order to find the best package for the lowest price. Voyages to this area take longer, often lasting from ten to twenty-one days, but provide a priceless opportunity to witness the last truly wild area of the world.
Exploration began around a century ago, and the region has not undergone many visible changes since that time. Today, there are a few installations and some famous research centers, but absolutely no typical tourist attractions. The individuals who visit here do not come to see another idyllic tropical beach, but rather choose to view some of the oldest ice on the planet.
Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is the only practical time to visit, lasting from November into March. Travel during the winter is practically impossible due to expanded sea ice, unending storm activity, and weeks of polar darkness. Temperatures during the summer are more livable, ranging from the lower twenties to the mid-forties Fahrenheit. The sun, however, stays up nearly all night.
Many of these cruises depart from the southernmost city in Argentina, Ushuaia. Getting to that location with a direct flight is probably not possible, and even when there, the icy continent is still around 600 miles to he south. The ships that currently travel that route are quite different from typical tropical liners, which can resemble floating cities or amusement parks. Most are ice-hardened, with a 200-passenger limit.
People visit this forbidding region for many reasons, including unique wildlife, especially penguins, sea birds, seals, and whales. While most ships are comfortable, travelers should not expect elaborate night clubs and Las Vegas-style shows on board. The Drake Passage is not often calm, and rough or stormy seas have ultimate control over any scheduled activities.
While there are no quaint villages, visitors are rewarded by seeing the sites of famed explorations, research facilities, enormous colonies of various penguin species, and most importantly, the forbidding Antarctic landscape. Unlike the northern Arctic Ocean, this is a vast area of land punctuated by rugged, ice-buried mountain ranges, volcanoes, and dry interior valleys. Some stops include kayaking or climbing, weather permitting.
Landings are often carried out via rubber vessels, providing visitors with close-up views of wildlife, giant icebergs and rugged coast. The people who come here do so for personal, scientific and adventurous reasons, and are usually happy to share their enthusiasm with those having similar viewpoints. Getting there takes a few days, and there are usually expert presentations, lectures, and group discussions.
Due to its remote location, cruising to this southern continent can be more expensive than closer adventures. It makes sense to work closely with a travel planner in order to find the best package for the lowest price. Voyages to this area take longer, often lasting from ten to twenty-one days, but provide a priceless opportunity to witness the last truly wild area of the world.
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