Antarctica is without a doubt the least populated continent on the planet; indeed, some areas have no-fly zones that prevent aircraft from flying over the vast expanse of ice. There are, however, ways that you can see and experience Antarctica and the best option is to book a berth on a luxury Antarctica cruise.
Here are a few tips to help you get ready for what will be an amazing experience when you book a cruise to Antarctica.
Book Well In Advance
If you were thinking to book a few weeks prior to the travel date, think again. People are already booking Antarctica tour packages for 2024, which is a reflection of the popularity of such a unique travel experience. Of course, you might be lucky and find a last-minute cancellation, but generally speaking, cruises are fully booked in a brisk manner.
Layered Clothing
The weather is very unpredictable and it can get very cold very quickly. It’s best to layer your clothing – a vest, a shirt, a sweater and a jacket, while you can wear long thermal underwear, which really helps. The wind can be bitingly cold and wearing layers keeps the cold out, allowing you to enjoy the experience. The tour operator sends you a preparation pack that contains all the essential information you need to prepare correctly.
Follow The Rules
Antarctica is a pristine natural environment and we want to keep it that way; the staff will inform you of the dos and don’ts, which you should follow. Litter has to be stored onboard and when you do get off the ship, you will have guides with you at all times. There are dangers lurking in this ice kingdom and guides will tell you what to watch out for; never leave the defined path when walking on ice.
Choosing A Cruise Ship
There are quite a few cruise ships that frequent the Antarctica Peninsula; some are medium size, while the larger vessels offer a smoother experience, which is something to consider. Today’s cruise liners are akin to floating cities and you can easily get lost.
Do Your Online Research
If you learn all about the wildlife before departure, the experience will be that much richer. You will see humpback whales, penguins, orcas and many species of birds and a few hours surfing the web will educate you about the species that live in Antarctica.
Motion Sickness
Some people suffer more than others; we do recommend that you bring a good supply of seasickness medicine with you and when you feel queasy, take a couple of tablets. The seas can be rough when passing through the Drake Passage and the weather can change in a second! If you are unsure as to your reaction to being on a ship, it is best to take the medicine, as there are no side effects.
Travel & Health Insurance
Take out health insurance and a policy that covers personal possessions, which would cover you against loss or theft. The tour operator has a working relationship with a reputable insurer, so taking out cover is never an issue.
As we move into the summer of 2023, you should be looking at 2024 for your Antarctica cruise and this gives you time to check out all of the Antarctica cruise ships. All the information you need is on the tour operator’s website, which can easily be found on Google.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that requires careful planning and we hope the above tips go some way towards helping you prepare for an amazing experience.
