Cruising is a popular way to see many parts of the world on one trip and cheap cruises have always been common so that is why travelers have been using this method of travel for decades. A typical cruise sees guests embarking on a journey by sea to a number of destinations in an area of the world, usually the Caribbean or around North America. European cruises have also grown in popularity and Alaska and other Northern destinations are among some of the most popular cruises today. In recent years, many travelers have become more interested in a new trend in the cruising industry, a journey that takes guests to a part of our planet that few people have ever journeyed and most will never see; <A href=” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antarctica”> Antarctica</a>.
Antarctica is the Southern-most continent on the planet but, although located in the South, it is not covered with tropical sandy beaches. In fact, the continent is covered in mostly snow and ice and the average temperature year round is below zero with summer temperatures only going slightly above. But wait! Before you decide that a winter wonderland is not your ideal getaway and it would probably be too expensive anyway, read on to find out why Antarctica is becoming more and more popular for people looking for a unique and, often times, cheap cruise experience.
Many companies now offer cruises to Antarctica. Some offer viewing strictly from the comfort of a warm and cozy vessel while others offer more adventurous experiences that see tourists disembark and explore the continent that so many will not even get to see in their lifetime. If you would rather see it from your ship, you will still be able to view the creatures who call Antarctica home such as whales, penguins and various bird species, see scenery that is not like anything else you have ever seen or will see anywhere else on the planet and you will have once in a lifetime photo opportunities that will make your vacation photo album one to be envied! If you chose to be more adventurous and wander away from your ship into the great unknown continent, you will be one of only a handful of people who have done so and the experience is guaranteed to be out of this world. You will get all this while still enjoying all the amenities that you would expect on any cruise except the ships are usually smaller than the ones used for traditional cruises.
Cruises generally run during the Antarctic summer when there is less ice, more sunlight and a better chance of seeing whales and other wildlife. Typically, you can expect to pay an average of about five thousand dollars for an all-inclusive cruise but with some research, it is possible to find much lower prices. Some companies that offer Antarctic cruises include:
1) Polar Cruises
2) Gap Adventures
3) Great Canadian Travel Company
4) Quark Expeditions
5) Expedition Trips
6) One Ocean Expeditions
The best way to find deals is to sign up for newsletters from companies that offer these tours, do a searches online and speak with anyone who has taken a tour whether it be someone you know or someone on an online forum.
If you decide to take a cruise to Antarctica, keep in mind that the weather is unpredictable, even in summer, so be sure to pack lots of warm clothing and be prepared for the adventure of lifetime!
Photo via Ben Moat
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