What can I count on from an expedition cruise to Antarctica? Is it actually that chilly and can I see any animals? All these questions turned an everyday incidence in my dm’s and inbox throughout my time on the Swan Hellenic Vega in Antarctica and whereas it’s most likely essentially the most tough vacation spot to elucidate on account of it’s sheer magnitude and extremes, I’ll attempt to offer you a glimpse into life onboard an expedition ship and what the seventh continent has in retailer for you.
If you haven’t learn half 1 of this overview but I strongly recommend to try this first so as to have some background details about why I picked Swan Hellenic for this journey. The alternative of cruise line very a lot dictates how your journey will appear like and whereas there isn’t any proper or fallacious some are simply extra appropriate for you than others and it’s necessary to know what you may count on.
For me it was all about spending as a lot time as doable on land and with a most capability of solely 152 company the SH Vega was a transparent favorite, particularly as a result of I didn’t have to minimize my expectations in the case of luxurious and repair onboard regardless that it’s a smaller ship. And as a result of it’s jam-packed with the most recent expertise it additionally permits for a easy crusing every time and wherever doable which is all the time a bonus after all, particularly for individuals who get seasick simply.
Drake Passage
Expedition cruises to Antarctica principally pass over of Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile. Irrelevant which port your cruise is leaving from, they’ll must cross the notorious Drake Passage which is extensively thought-about essentially the most harmful physique of water on the earth. It’s the place the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern oceans come collectively usually leading to some very stormy climate. When this occurs throughout your crossing they name it the Drake Shake, nonetheless the other additionally happens regularly which subsequently will get known as a Drake Lake.
For these affected by seasickness this may be the toughest a part of the journey however nowadays there’s some actually good treatment on the market and even various strategies just like the sea-bands or movement illness patches. Making positive your tummy is full additionally helps wonders regardless that many won’t really feel like consuming so much when the boat is shifting an excessive amount of for consolation.
It often takes round 2 days to cross the Drake and through this time you gained’t be bored a single bit. First of all there are the lectures to familiarise your self with the IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) guidelines and rules which you’ll must observe when you attain Antarctica. Secondly there’s additionally the preparation for the zodiac cruises, kayaking, cleansing of all the fabric you’ll tackle lands trigger they need to keep away from any international particles to the touch Antarctic soil. There’s additionally loads of wildlife to see through the crossing like whales, birds, and many others. All in all it’s a good way to construct the anticipation much more!
But what for those who actually don’t really feel like crossing the Drake Passage for two days? Well, there are some corporations that supply fly-in cruises the place you fly to an untarred airstrip on the Antarctic Peninsula from the place you stroll to the zodiac which brings you on to your expedition ship. It’s a private alternative however for me I really feel just like the Drake Passage is a part of the general Antarctica expertise and on high of that it provides you extra time to organize, make new associates, get to know your expedition workforce and on this case benefit from the luxurious of the SH Vega.
Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, South Shetland Islands
You’ll always remember your first glimpse of Antarctica, irrespective of how a lot you travelled or how superb your life has been, these preliminary moments when this mysterious continent arises out of nowhere will endlessly be engraved in your reminiscence, proper subsequent to that first kiss or the start of your first little one. It’s a life altering expertise that sucks you in and sharpens all of your senses.
On this journey we visited 3 distinct space’s in Antarctica, being the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea and the South Shetland Islands. They all have their very own particular landscapes and identities which I’ll attempt to spotlight shortly.
First up is after all the Antarctic Peninsula. While Antarctica is far bigger than Europe, there’s solely a small space that’s principally visited by expedition cruises and that’s the western space across the peninsula which is closest to South-America. Imagine a winter wonderland with out crops and any type of constructing, however created in such a approach that your jaw will drop each time the surroundings modifications. For me it was the scale of all the pieces that took my breath away with layers of snow actually being constructed up all through the centuries and making a panorama that felt prefer it you had been crusing by means of an enormous cotton sweet floss. There are the occasional analysis stations but none of them are altering something to the panorama.
The Weddell Sea is a spot which isn’t usually on the itinerary of many ships, primarily as a result of it’s recognized for its large icebergs and never each vessel is able to coping with these. The panorama is similar to the peninsula and logically in order it’s positioned on the east facet of it. The icebergs are principally coming for the huge ice shelf that’s positioned within the south of the Weddell Sea. One factor that really stands out about this place is the readability of the water. We would possibly assume that tropical waters round Fiji or the Maldives have some clear water however over right here it’s at a very totally different stage! Scientists agreed that it’s the clearest water on the earth, equal to distilled water. You must see it to imagine it.
Lastly there’s the South Shetland Islands that are positioned simply north of the peninsula. It’s from these islands that the early explorers acquired a primary glimpse of mainland Antarctica. Many expedition ships go to Deception Island, one of many distinctive locations within the space. It’s truly an large energetic volcano which lies principally submerged beneath water and thru a slim entrance known as Neptune’s Bellows ships are in a position to sail contained in the crater. There’s an incredible historic whaling station on to your proper if you enter Deception Island however the stunning panorama basically is superb to observe. There’s much less snow than what you’ll see on the peninsula however that’s a given on account of its volcanic nature. There are different islands to go to too after all, however Deception Island is simply the right one-stop place for expeditions as a result of it has a lot to supply, each because of its historical past and panorama but in addition the wildlife that’s plentiful over right here.
Wildlife
I can hear you pondering out loud :”So what concerning the wildlife?” and imagine me….you’ll see a great deal of it and in each space I discussed earlier! There is actually no restrict to the quantity of animals you’ll encounter, however nothing is about in stone after all. This isn’t a zoo the place you already know what you’ll see and extra importantly the place. Over right here it’s all about luck and a very good crew can actually affect it. Anthony, our superb expedition chief was nice with discovering the appropriate touchdown spots or to do a zodiac cruise to identify some wildlife. The captain’s position in all of that is equally necessary. For instance we had been very lucky to have a pod of orcas swimming subsequent to our ship and the captain immediately slowed down the SH Vega and in the long run we spent about an hour with the orcas because of some nifty manoeuvring.
While we had been very fortunate with the orcas, we had been equally greeted by numerous whales which might pop up on the most random instances which frequently creates humorous moments, particularly throughout dinner instances when swiftly you see an empty restaurant crammed with plates filled with meals whereas all of the company are outdoors making an attempt to benefit from the second and catch a glimpse of those superb creatures. Antarctica is sort of a large drive-in for whales as they arrive and eat over right here because of the krill. Even within the Drake Passage we noticed just a few so you may absolutely count on to see them all through your journey.
Penguins are one other animal species which you’re assured to see, particularly the gentoo and chinstrap ones. These cute birds are sometimes simply resting on one of many many icebergs or swimming by whereas they’re searching for meals. When you go to a colony you’ll immediately scent them because of the huge quantities of guano (sure, that’s the quantity 2 in case your penny didn’t drop but) which leaves purple marks in all places. It’s additionally the identical guano that always signifies the highways they make and use between their nest and the water. But the scent is rapidly forgotten if you see these lovely creatures stroll up and down in a relatively clumsy approach, to not point out their chicks which, relying on the timing, are nonetheless lined of their heat fluffy feathers.
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Another certainty is the truth that you’ll see a great deal of seals. Just just like the penguins they’re usually noticed on a bit of ice, slowly drifting by whereas taking a nap. During landings you’ll not solely see them however equally hear them as they will make fairly some noise. Fur seals, weddell seals, crab eater seals,….you title it, they’re all right here and able to pose for that cash shot. If you’re fortunate you would possibly even see them hunt within the water, which is actually a novel spectacle.
Any birders amongst you? If so, you higher begin packing as there are various species to be present in and round Antarctica which are sometimes more durable and even unimaginable to identify wherever else. Of course there are the plain penguins, but in addition a great deal of skua’s, petrels and albatrosses to call only a few.
No matter what, you’ll be bowled over about all of the animals you’ll encounter and since so many are distinctive to this area it’s usually the primary time you’ll see them. And even when it’s the 82937th time you see a whale gracefully swim by, it stays one thing particular and that goes for all of the animals in Antarctica.
Activities
The major exercise is after all the landings on Antarctic soil, and the crew will do their utter finest to supply the company with as many landings as doable. The anticipation all the time builds if you head right down to basecamp the place you gear up and board the zodiacs. Those zodiacs by the way in which are actually secure and plenty of worry it’s not simple to get out and in however the crew is properly skilled and used to those environments which permits them to know precisely learn how to get you on board in a really sensible and straightforward approach. Once you reached land there are strict tips as to the place you may go and which distance it’s essential maintain from the wildlife that you just would possibly encounter. The workforce can even create a route which is highlighted with small purple flags so as so that you can know the place you may go and when to cease. Don’t fear although, the expedition workforce members are additionally scattered round every touchdown so as to present steerage and offer you additional details about the animals you’re watching at that very second.
Sometimes it isn’t doable to make a touchdown on account of totally different sorts of causes like ice blocking the touchdown spot or waves being too excessive. But that doesn’t imply you may’t exit on a zodiac cruise which is equally spectacular. It permits you to get a more in-depth take a look at areas you wouldn’t be capable of attain on foot and commonly there are penguins, seals and even whales passing you by simply meters away, really breathtaking!
Antarctica is a spot the place you may take pleasure in some very distinctive experiences, not solely in the case of wildlife or landscapes, but in addition bodily challenges of which the polar plunge is the perfect recognized. Most expedition cruise strains provide these as a enjoyable alternative to really expose your self to the weather of the polar area, and Swan Hellenic isn’t any totally different. We had been fortunate sufficient to have our “little swim” within the Weddell Sea, permitting us to dive within the clearest water on this planet. For those that are hesitant of diving into the freezing water (sure, the temperature is often proper beneath zero levels) I’d recommend to take a look at the reactions from the opposite company that simply skilled it. The smile on their face, the happiness of getting this chance, the proud expressions… will all stimulate you to make the leap too. If there’s ever a yolo second in your life, that is it!
Rather keep dry however nonetheless need to get the sense such as you’ve been within the water? Then kayaking may be the right resolution for you. Mind you, it’s after all climate relying trigger security is pivotal and if the circumstances aren’t adequate the crew won’t head out. During our expedition we had been having plenty of wind, leading to very uneven water which is much from splendid for kayaking. Nonetheless the workforce used each climate window out there to get teams out to expertise Antarctica whereas peddling in a kayak and it’s really a special feeling all collectively. Slowly passing large icebergs, wildlife that comes actually shut, no noise from any zodiac engine, simply you and nature. Pure bliss!
How does a typical day on an expedition cruise appear like
Every day is totally different and whereas the workforce all the time plans the day forward, it usually occurs that alterations are made on the fly. Why? Because that is Antarctica and nothing is definite. Being versatile is the intention of the sport and likewise provides to the general feeling that something and all the pieces may occur at any given second.
The plan for the day is usually given the night earlier than through the expedition briefing. On Swan Hellenic that is the time the place everyone gathers within the commentary lounge, grabs a pleasant drink and settles in to take heed to the expedition chief who will do a recap of the day and briefs us on what the plan is for the next 24 hours.
Usually you should have a touchdown within the morning proper after breakfast. As talked about earlier than, the SH Vega solely carries a most of 152 company, which permits you rather more time ashore. We hardly ever had lower than 2 hours to find a brand new touchdown website, which is actually a luxurious that may’t be underestimated. After that you just return to the ship and relying on the time you would possibly need to rapidly work out within the health club, take a dip within the heated pool or doze in one of many numerous sofas when you sail to your following focal point. Mind you, there’s all the time an opportunity to see some whales, orcas, seals or penguins alongside the way in which and if it’s a very good sighting the crew will even announce it over the intercom.
Lunch is an affair to not be missed after all and by then you definately’ll possible additionally know when the afternoon touchdown will probably be. This permits you to take your time and really take pleasure in the entire expertise on board. Once you’ve completed the second touchdown of the day and also you settled again in on the ship it’s time for the recap and briefing. It’s an amazing second to collect and discuss your expertise of the day with fellow company. You may also really feel the anticipation within the room once they reveal the plan for the next day. It’s nearly like Christmas Eve however each day, the place you already know the next day will probably be superb however you don’t know but how precisely it’ll unfold.
Dinner time provides you the prospect to satisfy new folks, however equally to get to know the expedition crew higher as they are going to mingle among the many company and have a great deal of tales to inform. An effective way to bond with people who even after numerous visits to this a part of the world nonetheless share the identical enthusiasm as you do.
After dinner there are a number of choices. We as soon as had a cocktail occasion on the outside deck whereas slowly crusing by means of a surprising channel adorned with icebergs, glaciers and so forth. Thanks to sunlight that’s out nearly the entire day additionally it is doable to do a touchdown after dinner. If there’s no extra exercise deliberate from the crew you’ll see many fellow company heading to the bar and lounge space to chill out a bit and chat the night away. Because the times are lengthy it’s additionally commonplace to see many heading again to their stateroom to get some properly deserved shut-eye whereas having fun with the crackling sound of the hearth of their room.
Weather
Another factor you may’t predict or plan in Antarctica is the climate. While you can be visiting the seventh continent throughout late spring, summer time or early autumn, there’s all the time an opportunity you’ll get all of the seasons in in the future. So put together your self for all sorts of climate and use layers because it’s the simplest to adapt to any state of affairs and climate change. The parka which Swan Hellenic provides you initially of the journey absolutely helps to maintain you heat and dry, irrespective of the circumstances.
I need to say, it wasn’t as chilly as I had anticipated, however then once more that’s additionally a private factor. The temperatures had been round -1 to 1 levels however it was the wind that made the distinction. If the wind was there it will really feel so much colder, whereas with out it you nearly felt prefer it was only a crisp day within the Alps.
Each sort of climate transforms this place into one thing totally different and it’s like an entire new world when the solar comes shining by means of the clouds or when the contemporary snow falls and covers the panorama in a brand new blanket of soppy white powder. You simply must take pleasure in each second, irrelevant of the climate.
Should an expedition cruise to Antarctica be in your bucket listing?
Simply put…YES! It’s one of many final remaining locations on the earth the place nature is uninterrupted and the place we as people are the spectators as a substitute of the gamers. No matter who you’re or what life has introduced you thus far, discovering Antarctica will humble anybody. It’s like stepping right into a time capsule the place they bring about you again to a spot the place civilisation was nonetheless unknown and the earth was taking good care of itself in essentially the most pristine and delightful approach. Being in a position to witness such magnificence within the consolation and luxurious of the Swan Hellenic Vega is simply the icing on the cake.
Disclosure: Our cruise was sponsored by Swan Hellenic.