What can I anticipate from an expedition cruise to Antarctica? Is it actually that chilly and can I see any animals? All these questions grew to become an everyday prevalence 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 clarify because 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.
For those who haven’t learn half 1 of this overview but I strongly recommend to do this first as a way to have some background details about why I picked Swan Hellenic for this journey. The selection of cruise line very a lot dictates how your journey will appear to be and whereas there is no such thing as a proper or flawed some are simply extra appropriate for you than others and it’s vital to know what you may anticipate.
For me it was all about spending as a lot time as attainable on land and with a most capability of solely 152 friends the SH Vega was a transparent favorite, particularly as a result of I didn’t have to minimize my expectations in terms of luxurious and repair onboard though it’s a smaller ship. And since it’s jam-packed with the latest know-how it additionally permits for a clean crusing every time and wherever attainable which is all the time a bonus in fact, particularly for many who get seasick simply.
Drake Passage
Expedition cruises to Antarctica principally miss of Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile. Irrelevant which port your cruise is leaving from, they’ll need to cross the notorious Drake Passage which is extensively thought of 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, nevertheless the alternative additionally happens frequently which subsequently will get known as a Drake Lake.
For these affected by seasickness this could 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. Ensuring your tummy is full additionally helps wonders though many won’t really feel like consuming rather a lot when the boat is transferring an excessive amount of for consolation.
It often takes round 2 days to cross the Drake and through this time you received’t be bored a single bit. To start with there are the lectures to familiarise your self with the IAATO (Worldwide Affiliation of Antarctica Tour Operators) guidelines and rules which you’ll have to 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 wish to keep away from any overseas particles to the touch Antarctic soil. There’s additionally loads of wildlife to see throughout the crossing like whales, birds, and so on. All in all it’s a good way to construct the anticipation much more!
However what if you happen to actually don’t really feel like crossing the Drake Passage for two days? Nicely, there are some firms that provide 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 selection however for me I really feel just like the Drake Passage is a part of the general Antarctica expertise and on prime of that it offers you extra time to arrange, make new mates, 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 wonderful your life has been, these preliminary moments when this mysterious continent arises out of nowhere will perpetually be engraved in your reminiscence, proper subsequent to that first kiss or the delivery of your first baby. 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. All of them have their very own particular landscapes and identities which I’ll attempt to spotlight shortly.
First up is in fact the Antarctic Peninsula. Whereas 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. Think about a winter wonderland with out crops and any type of constructing, however created in such a means that your jaw will drop each time the surroundings adjustments. For me it was the dimensions of every little thing 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 via 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 big 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 aspect of it. The icebergs are principally coming for the large ice shelf that’s positioned within the south of the Weddell Sea. One factor that actually stands out about this place is the readability of the water. We’d suppose that tropical waters round Fiji or the Maldives have some clear water however over right here it’s at a totally totally different degree! Scientists agreed that it’s the clearest water on the earth, equal to distilled water. It’s a must to see it to consider 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 bought a primary glimpse of mainland Antarctica. Many expedition ships go to Deception Island, one of many distinctive locations within the space. It’s really an big lively volcano which lies principally submerged below water and thru a slim entrance known as Neptune’s Bellows ships are in a position to sail contained in the crater. There’s a tremendous historic whaling station on to your proper while you enter Deception Island however the stunning panorama normally is wonderful to look at. There’s much less snow than what you’ll see on the peninsula however that’s a given because of its volcanic nature. There are different islands to go to too in fact, however Deception Island is simply the proper one-stop place for expeditions as a result of it has a lot to supply, each because of its historical past and panorama but additionally the wildlife that’s ample over right here.
Wildlife
I can hear you considering out loud :”So what in regards to the wildlife?” and consider me….you’ll see a great deal of it and in each space I discussed earlier! There’s actually no restrict to the quantity of animals you’ll encounter, however nothing is about in stone in fact. This isn’t a zoo the place you recognize what you’ll see and extra importantly the place. Over right here it’s all about luck and a very good crew can definitely affect it. Anthony, our wonderful expedition chief was nice with discovering the correct touchdown spots or to do a zodiac cruise to identify some wildlife. The captain’s function in all of that is equally vital. 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 ultimately we spent about an hour with the orcas because of some nifty manoeuvring.
Whereas 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 abruptly you see an empty restaurant full of plates filled with meals whereas all of the friends are outdoors making an attempt to benefit from the second and catch a glimpse of those wonderful creatures. Antarctica is sort of a huge 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 anticipate 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. While you go to a colony you’ll immediately scent them because of the large quantities of guano (sure, that’s the quantity 2 in case your penny didn’t drop but) which leaves crimson marks all over the place. It’s additionally the identical guano that always signifies the highways they make and use between their nest and the water. However the scent is shortly forgotten while you see these lovely creatures stroll up and down in a fairly clumsy means, to not point out their chicks which, relying on the timing, are nonetheless lined of their heat fluffy feathers.
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One other certainty is the truth that you’ll see a great deal of seals. Similar to the penguins they’re usually noticed on a chunk of ice, slowly drifting by whereas taking a nap. Throughout 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. For those who’re fortunate you may even see them hunt within the water, which is definitely a novel spectacle.
Any birders amongst you? If that’s the case, you higher begin packing as there are lots of species to be present in and round Antarctica which are sometimes tougher and even not possible to identify anyplace else. After all there are the plain penguins, but additionally a great deal of skua’s, petrels and albatrosses to call just some.
It doesn’t matter what, you’ll be stunned 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.
Actions
The principle exercise is in fact the landings on Antarctic soil, and the crew will do their utter finest to offer the friends with as many landings as attainable. The anticipation all the time builds while you head all the way down to basecamp the place you gear up and board the zodiacs. These zodiacs by the way in which are actually steady and lots of concern it’s not simple to get out and in however the crew is nicely skilled and used to those environments which permits them to know precisely methods to get you on board in a really sensible and straightforward means. When you reached land there are strict pointers as to the place you may go and which distance you have to maintain from the wildlife that you simply may encounter. The workforce will even create a route which is highlighted with small crimson 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 as a way to present steerage and offer you additional details about the animals you’re watching at that very second.
Typically it isn’t attainable to make a touchdown because of totally different sorts of causes like ice blocking the touchdown spot or waves being too excessive. However that doesn’t imply you may’t exit on a zodiac cruise which is equally spectacular. It lets you get a more in-depth take a look at areas you wouldn’t have the ability to attain on foot and repeatedly there are penguins, seals and even whales passing you by simply meters away, really breathtaking!
Antarctica is a spot the place you may get pleasure from some very distinctive experiences, not solely in terms of wildlife or landscapes, but additionally bodily challenges of which the polar plunge is the perfect recognized. Most expedition cruise traces supply these as a enjoyable alternative to actually 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 individuals who are hesitant of diving into the freezing water (sure, the temperature is often proper under zero levels) I might recommend to take a look at the reactions from the opposite friends 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!
Reasonably keep dry however nonetheless wish to get the sense such as you’ve been within the water? Then kayaking could be the proper answer for you. Thoughts you, it’s in fact climate relying trigger security is pivotal and if the circumstances aren’t ok the crew won’t head out. Throughout our expedition we had been having a whole lot of wind, leading to very uneven water which is much from very best for kayaking. Nonetheless the workforce used each climate window obtainable to get teams out to expertise Antarctica whereas peddling in a kayak and it’s really a special feeling all collectively. Slowly passing big 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 to be
Daily 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? As a result of 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 every little thing might occur at any given second.
The plan for the day is usually given the night earlier than throughout the expedition briefing. On Swan Hellenic that is the time the place everyone gathers within the remark lounge, grabs a pleasant drink and settles in to hearken 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.
Normally you’ll have a touchdown within the morning proper after breakfast. As talked about earlier than, the SH Vega solely carries a most of 152 friends, which permits you way more time ashore. We not often had lower than 2 hours to find a brand new touchdown web site, which is really a luxurious that may’t be underestimated. After that you simply return to the ship and relying on the time you may wish to shortly work out within the fitness center, take a dip within the heated pool or doze in one of many numerous sofas when you sail to your following focal point. Thoughts 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 in fact and by you then’ll possible additionally know when the afternoon touchdown might be. This lets you take your time and really get pleasure from the entire expertise on board. When you’ve performed 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 speak about your expertise of the day with fellow friends. You too can really feel the anticipation within the room once they reveal the plan for the next day. It’s virtually like Christmas Eve however every day, the place you recognize the next day might be wonderful however you don’t know but how precisely it’s going to unfold.
Time for dinner offers you the possibility to satisfy new individuals, however equally to get to know the expedition crew higher as they are going to mingle among the many friends 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 celebration on the outside deck whereas slowly crusing via a shocking channel adorned with icebergs, glaciers and so forth. Thanks to sunlight that’s out virtually the entire day additionally it is attainable to do a touchdown after dinner. If there’s no extra exercise deliberate from the crew you’ll see many fellow friends heading to the bar and lounge space to loosen up a bit and chat the night away. As a result of the times are lengthy it’s additionally commonplace to see many heading again to their stateroom to get some nicely deserved shut-eye whereas having fun with the crackling sound of the fireside of their room.
Climate
One other factor you may’t predict or plan in Antarctica is the climate. Whereas you’ll 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 sooner or later. So put together your self for every type 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 offers you originally 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 nevertheless it was the wind that made the distinction. If the wind was there it will really feel rather a lot colder, whereas with out it you virtually felt prefer it was only a crisp day within the Alps.
Every kind of climate transforms this place into one thing totally different and it’s like an entire new world when the solar comes shining via the clouds or when the recent snow falls and covers the panorama in a brand new blanket of sentimental white powder. You simply need to get pleasure from each second, irrelevant of the climate.
Ought to an expedition cruise to Antarctica be in your bucket record?
Merely 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 an alternative of the gamers. Irrespective of who you might be or what life has introduced you to date, discovering Antarctica will humble anybody. It’s like stepping right into a time capsule the place they create 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 exquisite means. Having the ability 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.
