Voyage to the White Continent.
Antarctica is the last great wilderness, and with icebergs, seals, birds and whales, this formidable polar plateau is the optimum experience for the adventurous. The world’s highest, driest, coldest, cleanest continent, it leaves and indelible impression on the minds of all visitors. To take a voyage past Cape Horn, across Drake Passage to the peninsula is to join what is still an exclusive group of intrepid travelers inspired by the legacy of Antarctic exploration.
Everything rich in fauna, the southern ocean is a constant drama of survival and stealth. Leopard- and fur-seals; minke whales; several species of penguin and great flocks of seabirds – including the wandering albatross – give life to this surreally beautiful landscape. When you manage to tear your eyes away from the wildlife, the icebergs and glaciers present an equally enthralling sight. From the bow, every view is a photographer’s dream and the long austral summer day means there is plenty of opportunity to take it all in. Excursions by Polar Cirkel boats allow you to get close to the vast communities of king-, adelie-, gentoo- and chinstrap penguins.
On board the ships, you will enjoy all the comforts of a modern vessel as you follow in the wake of Antarctic explorers. The ghosts of Scott, Amundsen and Apsley Cherry-Garrard remain and we shall see historic sights including polar cabins, bases and Elephant Island, where Shakleton’s crew wintered while awaiting rescue. Visiting the white continent, even in the relative luxury of a modern ship, still feels like an expedition – and a rare privilege.
Experience Antarctica
The contrasts between pulsating Buenos Aires, the remote Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the vastness of Antarctica are plentiful. Choose your favourite period:
November
Springtime is starting; clean, clear and fresh with few vessels in the area. Penguins heading for their nesting sites, fantastic light conditions and beautiful ice landscape - this period might be the best time to experience Antarctica.
December
Still plenty of snow, 24 hours of daylight, nesting season has started, eggs & penguin chicks, celebration of Christmas and New Year.
January to March
Peak season, lots of penguins and penguin chicks (the chicks are learning to swim). There are few vessels at the end of the season.
Antarctica with Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten offers once in a lifetime expedition cruises to Antarctica, travelling aboard the custom built MS Fram, these spectacular adventures to the bottom of the world follow in the footsteps of pioneering explorers like Scott, Amundsen and Shackleton through the dramatic swells of the southern oceans to lands that lie at the very edge of our imagination.
Short itineraries (10 nights)
Our smaller,friendly ship Fram crosses Drakes Passage in only 40 hrs, giving more time to explore the Antarctic Peninsula.
Marguerite Bay
Hurtigruten is one of very few operators offering Antarctica and Marguerite Bay departures (two per season, 12 nights). Trying to cross the Antarctic Circle, to catch sight of emperor penguins from the colony situated close by.
Falkland Islands & South Georgia
Hurtigruten offers one departure which visits the Falkland Islands with their unique eco system, and South Georgia with its whaling stations and king penguin colonies, in addition to Antarctica.
Landings/learning
Our landings in Antarctica are exciting and safe. The use of Polar Circle boats makes it possible to make a wide range of landings. Our expedition teams are experienced with in-depth knowledge of the areas we sail in. They will conduct lectures on topics such as biology, history and geology throughout the course of the trip.
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