True expertise in the Antarctic is defined by being able to draw a comparison between the many different ships offering Antarctic cruise holidays. Most are expeditionary while others are more luxurious. In addition you should consider the proficiency and number of guides, as well as the number of zodiacs. Our polar specialist Sue has travelled to Antarctica on a number of cruises and knows the ships intimately as well as the destination.

1. Antarctica

2. ANTARCTIC CONTINENT
Map

3. Average 1 in 10 chance of having a stormy crossing.
Could be a Drake Lake to force 11
Don’t fancy that then fly cruise
Drake Passage

4. But it is worth it…

5. Follow in the footsteps of the great polar explorer
Shackleton Scott, Oates, Evans, Bowers, Wilson, Frank Wild, Amundsen

6. Probably not as bad as you are expecting
Weather

7. Expect a mixed bag
BBQ on the back deck Needing sunglasses
Blizzard Low level cloud but bright

8. But safe in the knowledge you have a comfy cabin
Custom built expedition cruiser It is all about the destination and not the ship
Converted Russian research vessel Converted Greenlandic ferry

9. Icebergs & sculptures

11. Where might I visit
Lemaire Channel Deception Island hotsprings
Paradise Bay Halfmoon Island

12. Penguins
Canaries Canaries Canaries Canaries
Canaries Canaries Canaries Canaries

13. Seals
Canaries Canaries
Canaries Canaries

14. Elephant Seals Sparring

15. A face only a mother could love

16. Elephant Seals
Endearing Extremely curious
Born at 40KG Grows to around 3,500 KG

17. Albatross
Magnificent Albatross come Black Browed Albatross
From ugly chicks Learning to stretch their wings

18. When should I go
January / early February Late February / March
Late October / November December

19. What can I do
Kayaking Camping
Zodiac cruises Landings, hiking, snowshoeing

20. Whale Watching (February to March)
Minke Humpback
Orca

21. So what's stopping you?
The penguins are ready & waiting for you to arrive.