Help from anyone who has sailed Antarctica

Am seriously thinking I'd like to sail with HAL around South America and Antarctica. I know there are no landings in Antarctica and this is the argument my friend is using not to go. Has anyone who has done this trip any words of wisdom I can use to try and convince my friend to join me? I imagine its just wonderful sailing past the icebergs etc etc.. please help... I would so appreciate it.

The cruise I was on from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso, Chile, which included a few days in Antarctica, was one of my best cruises. We had terrific weather, and seeing Antarctica was fabulous. I was on the Veendam, and we didn't get off the ship, but we got very close up especially in the Lemaire Channel. I would highly recommend any cruise that includes Antarctica.

We were on Zaandam’s Antarctica cruise in January and it was our best cruise ever! I think this would be the next best thing to going ashore, but these cruises are much more expensive and do not compare with a regular cruise.

We also had 3 days in Antarctica with beautiful weather, but be advised, weather is always unpredictable there, we had lots of wind, which influenced are visit there. Because of low visibility we were unable to go through the Lemaire Channel, but this was made up by other visits around the Antarctic peninsula.

I think that also cruises that do get a chance to get ashore, suffer the same unpredictable weather, so also shore landings might not always be certain.

We had a fabulous “Antarctic Exploration Team” on board, made up of specialists that knew their way around and had been to the Antarctic bases many times. They narrated all there was to see around there and also held many excellent lectures about Antarctic life in all varieties, which were very entertaining.

In all, a once in a lifetime experience, which we would do again in a heartbeat, if we got a chance.

Have sailed around So America and into Antarctica and it was life changing. Have had the pleasure of sailing the world and Antarctica was definitely on my top 5 list of favorite and amazing places. We had wonderful weather, calm seas but the scenery and wildlife were unbelievable. We sailed past (and were dwarfed) by huge icebergs that were being used as landing strips for supplies. The research stations were scattered here and there and most were orange. Whales were coming up to check out the ship (they have no fear), bubble feeding, breaching and 'showing off', there were hundreds of thousands of penguins. Having them swimming along side and pacing the ship or zooming around the ship was fun to watch. We were on the Prinsedam where the dining room is on the promenade deck. While we were at lunch, I looked out, then grabbed my camera and bolted out the door as not 5 feet from the ship was a small ice floe with about 8 penguins on it all flapping and squacking at the ship. The pictures are amazing. We also saw sea lions, orcas and several different types of ice including one called growler ice. Only regret was we did not get to see king penguins as they are on the south side and it takes too much fuel to get down there and back as the ship had to swap out fuel types to go into Antarctica and their kpg was low with the lighter fuel.

What I also liked were the lecturers as we were lucky to have the head of the NZ Antarctica expedition who gave formal talks about the history of the area, living there and the difference between year-round and only winter living, working there including politics, the discovery of the lake, efforts to keep it fairly pristine, some of the research that is ongoing. Then there was the naturalist who gave talks about the wild life - who knew there are insects.

While we were sailing they would announce the sightings (orcas at 3:00) and discussions of what we were passing.

We gave a scientist and his 5 or 6 person research team a ride to the US base where they were again spending the winter tagging whales with cameras and locators. Their 'fare' was lectures and some of the most amazing video as they learned to tag the babies and see how the moms taught behavior. There was 1 lone male who went to Hawaii - which these whales do not do - and they have no clue why he did that. Too bad he lost his locator so they did not know where he went from HI.

I know this is the HAL site but there are smaller specialty cruises that do landings but they book up years in advance and are very expensive. Talked to someone who did this and even though they were very impressed with walking on Antarctica, they missed the bigger view of what was there. When we shared photos, we had way better pictures and they wanted copies. You can walk with penguin on several other areas like the Falklands.

Hopefully you can talk your friend into going with you - if not - go alone as this is very unique and amazing!

Having visited Antarctica on an expedition ship, with 2-3 landings each day we were in Antarctica waters, nothing can even begin to compare with that. However, being on a cruise ship still allows you to have a wonderful experience.

My philosophy on visits to Antarctica - go on as small a ship as you can afford. We went on a ship that held about 50 passengers, a friend went on one that held 400, and then there are the cruise ships. If the latter is all I could afford - I would go for it, but it is an entirely different experience

Antarctica has a limit of the number of people that can go ashore at a time. When we went 11 years ago it was 100. So, all of us could disembark at each opportunity. My friend was able to get off every fourth stop. Cruise ships only sail through the area. Each of these experiences can be spectacular, but different. Plus, just riding in the zodiacs is an experience in itself! You get a very different perspective of icebergs being in a zodiac versus a cruise ship. Not only did we get closer to the icebergs, but you truly understood their size. Plus, being surrounded by thousands penguins, sea lions and seals is another fabulous experience.

In terms of the onboard experience, it is also very different. The food tends to be outstanding (easier to cook for 50 than 1200+?), although there are only a few choices at each meal. Our expedition ship was very nicely decorated and furnished, but in a much simpler manner than cruise ships. Cabins were smaller, and the entertainment was primarily power point shows and lectures, lots of lectures, but our outstanding guides who were all national experts in their field. No dancing, no floor shows, no casino, etc. but due to our very active days (getting in and out of zodiacs in less than smooth waters is tiring, as is walking up and down hills, frequently in snow and ice) after dinner and a lecture most of us hit the beds.

I am NOT trying to discourage folks from a cruise ship visit to Antarctica, just pointing out that you get a VERY different experience with the different ship options. I personally would opt to go for a smaller, more expensive ship with an outstanding reputation for Antarctica if I could possibly afford it. There are several such companies. (Just to clarify something, in general cruising I choose lines like HAL and Princess versus paying more for SilverSeas or such. Yes the experience would be upscale, but not in the same way as expedition cruising is different than mainstream cruise line's ships. )

We sailed on the Veendam a couple of years ago from Valparaiso to Buenes Aires.

Though Antartica was definitely a highlight the entire voyage was outstanding. Beagle Pass was so beautiful.

Still our best cruise to,date

Either by cruise ship or boots on expedition sailing, book it and relish the beauty and culture.

From what I have read, you have to purchase or rent (at some considerable expense), approved boots and clothing before the exploration ships will allow you on board. Then you have to board the Zodiacs that will take passengers to shore. Dependant on the size of the ships that you use, some ships will rotate that passengers who go on land. Others are small enough for everyone to land at each stop.

Personally, I am still young and physically able to cope with this. Others, might not be. I'm begining to doubt if my partner can.Not sure about your friend.

As such, I would opt to land on Antractica. After all, how many people can say then have done so?

Am seriously thinking I'd like to sail with HAL around South America and Antarctica. I know there are no landings in Antarctica and this is the argument my friend is using not to go. Has anyone who has done this trip any words of wisdom I can use to try and convince my friend to join me? I imagine its just wonderful sailing past the icebergs etc etc.. please help... I would so appreciate it.

I did it (solo) in 2013. Was on same cruise as Chief and DW. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. We got almost 4 days in Antarctica because the winds were too high for Ush. We also missed another port and the Falklands. The scenic cruising along the Chilean inside passage and along beagle channel, and Antarctica, was priceless.

Here's a link to an abreviated version of my Antarctica video:

https://videos.smugmug.com/photos/i-q9JhZ9z/0/SMIL/q9JhZ9z.smil/master.m3u8

Having visited Antarctica on an expedition ship, with 2-3 landings each day we were in Antarctica waters, nothing can even begin to compare with that.

From what I have read, you have to purchase or rent (at some considerable expense), approved boots and clothing before the exploration ships will allow you on board.

I remember being given a long list of things that I needed to take. However, it wasn't expensive to put the kit together. Almost all of it could be satisfied with things that I already had, and the only real expense was a pair of rubber boots on which I spent more money than I needed but got a pair that will stand me in good stead for the rest of my life.

As such, I would opt to land on Antractica. After all, how many people can say then have done so?

I have done this cruise on HAL three times, and were it not for the painfully long flights, would be planning on going again. It is that fabulous.

You have never heard silence until you've heard it in Antarctica. You have never tasted air so clean, nor seen the grandeur of creation until you have sailed the waters of the Antarctic peninsula.

The views are expansive, and change depending on the weather in a given spot at that time. You feel the moods of the continent, as if it were a living being.

If you can't talk your friend into going with you, find someone else. If you can't find someone else, then go alone. You will never be sorry.

Your friend should consider the differences in itinerary and focus between the 2 very different types of cruises. The expense part should be obvious. The expedition ships offer little of the "cruise ship perks" that many have come to appreciate. And while you are very focused on Antarctica on the expedition ships, you will miss so much more that South America has to offer.

There is always the possibility of flying to Antarctica from Punta Arenas or Ushuaia. The tours will only go if there are enough passengers and then only if weather permits, so your friend stands to be disappointed. But beyond that, there is really so much to see and do in the Avenue of the Glaciers, the Falkland Islands, Beagle Channel, Porto Montt, Chacabuco, Uruguay, Santiago and Buenos Aires that you'd be missing on an expedition ship (unless, of course, you've arranged further travel.) It is all beyond fair description of what you miss focusing solely on Antarctica.

We did this cruise back in 2010/2011 and are planning to do it again in 2016/2017. If anything, you can say that a cruise might simply convince your friend that s/he must do an expedition cruise. Because the focus of the cruises is so widely different though, doing both might very well make sense.

We sailed on the Zaandam 21 day Holiday Cruise Dec. 2013, and Antarctica was an amazing experience, even without going ashore. We awoke to "another world" as the ship glided silently between the ice bergs. We had 2 days of perfect weather and it is a memory that will stay with us forever!

Karen

When I did this cruise I was glad to not be going ashore. It is such a pristine world that I didn't want to sully it. As others have said, this was the best cruise I've ever done and I would go again in a heartbeat. Also, if you are going that far, don't leave out the rest of South America.

The advice to find someone who will go with you or to go alone is good. There were many solo cruisers on my voyage and we all found each other and had a great time together!

Debbie

That is a cruise I'd LOVE to do, especially on expedition float that actually gets us there.

Alas IDK if it is in the cards as someone else (AKA she who wields VETO power) isn't so hot on an idea going on vacation to some place "cold" that has enormous flight hours required just to be "cold".

We'll see.

Whoever goes, mind the Albatross... let 'em be or you'll get it:

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/173253

Am seriously thinking I'd like to sail with HAL around South America and Antarctica. I know there are no landings in Antarctica and this is the argument my friend is using not to go. Has anyone who has done this trip any words of wisdom I can use to try and convince my friend to join me? I imagine its just wonderful sailing past the icebergs etc etc.. please help... I would so appreciate it.

I totally agree with your friend. If I could not land, I would not go. Sailing past Antarctica is sort of sailing up the Seine past Paris and Notre Dame or up the Thames past the Tower of London and not getting off the boat to see it. I know that lots of people do and enjoy sail by Antarctica cruises but they are not for me.

DON

I totally agree with your friend. If I could not land, I would not go. Sailing past Antarctica is sort of sailing up the Seine past Paris and Notre Dame or up the Thames past the Tower of London and not getting off the boat to see it. I know that lots of people do and enjoy sail by Antarctica cruises but they are not for me.

 

DON

No, it's not at all the same. There's actually nothing you can see any better by landing than you can by sailing past.

To the OP, I'll add my vote that this is the best cruise experience we've ever had. Antarctica itself was fantastic, but don't overlook the joys of the Falklands (penguins), Ushuia (penguins and loads of other wild life), the Chilean fjords and the wonderful cities of Buenos Aires and Santiago.

We did an Antarctica cruise eight years ago on the Explorer II (now Swan Hellenics Minerva). We had a couple of days in Buenos Aires before flying to Ushuia and then disembarking. It was the best cruise experience we have had.

The ship usually held 400 people, but only took 200 to Antarctica, so we were divided into two groups of 100, and had two disembarcations every day we were in Antarctica. I agree it was a wonderful experience to be in the Zodiacs, or walk amongst the penguins.

The ship did not have the usual cruise ship shows etc, but was luxurious, and the food and service was good. Our entertainment each night was specialist lectures by naturalists or light piano music. I agree after a busy day on expeditions most people retired early!

I accept there are many types of Antarctic experience and each is wonderful. You need to choose one that suits you and your budget.

I should add there was a lady of 75 on our cruise who had no problem negotiating the zodiacs. The crew were very helpful and safety conscious.

dakrewser

I respectively disagree with your one statement. You DO get a very, very different experience and perspective of the wildlife on Antarctica by actually landing and "hiking" on shore. Don't mislead people. However, from a majestic scenery experience, visiting Antarctica on a cruise ship is just as good. My interest was primarily in the animal life (penguins, seals, sea lions, birds) so there is NO comparison. If you only interested in the majestic mountains, snow covered ground, and icebergs - then stick with the cruise ship. In terms of shear landscape beauty the real highlight in that area is South Georgia. Wow! If I were to go again, I would actually prefer South Georgia to Antarctica. However, Antarctica was my initial priority. I think the real issues what folks can afford!

JohnKen3

Actually, the only clothing requirement of the Expedition companies I am familiar with is that you bring waterproof boots that reach your upper calf. When getting off the zodiacs at shore you actually get off in a few inches of water -which with waves can go higher. Some folks simply wore the well know green rubber boots, easy to get and not that expensive in the US. The ones we bought were more a bit more expensive and included insulation. The expedition firms provided an appropriate jacket - which you got to keep. Of course you paid for it in the fare. I call it my most expensive item of clothing and I get a lot of use from it in the winters at home. Other than that, you are expected to bring appropriate cold weather clothing, but this goes for any cold weather cruise.

Has anyone who has done this trip any words of wisdom I can use to try and convince my friend to join me? I imagine its just wonderful sailing past the icebergs etc etc.. please help... I would so appreciate it.

If these pictures (from our several cruises to Antarctica) don't convince your friend, then I'm afraid it's a lost cause.

Scott & Karen

Antarctica 1.pdf

Antarctica 2.pdf

Antarctica 3.pdf

Antarctica 4.pdf

Antarctica 5.pdf

If these pictures (from our several cruises to Antarctica) don't convince your friend, then I'm afraid it's a lost cause.

 

Scott & Karen

Gorgeous photos. Thank you. This cruise is the one planned for our first year after retirement. Thats 6 years from now. I hope the cruise will still be offered then.

dakrewser

I respectively disagree with your one statement. You DO get a very, very different experience and perspective of the wildlife on Antarctica by actually landing and "hiking" on shore. Don't mislead people. However, from a majestic scenery experience, visiting Antarctica on a cruise ship is just as good. My interest was primarily in the animal life (penguins, seals, sea lions, birds) so there is NO comparison. If you only interested in the majestic mountains, snow covered ground, and icebergs - then stick with the cruise ship. In terms of shear landscape beauty the real highlight in that area is South Georgia. Wow! If I were to go again, I would actually prefer South Georgia to Antarctica. However, Antarctica was my initial priority. I think the real issues what folks can afford!

And on our cruise I walked among the penguins (3 or 4 different breeds), birds, and other wildlife without the need to climb into a zodiac and spend thousands more. We also experienced days of interactions with Antarctic scientists whom we picked up at a couple of the stations to travel back to South America (and on home, I'd guess).

If standing on the ice is important to you, then spend the money to do it. But, other than that, all of the experiences are available to the cruise passenger.

We did this cruise in 2006/2007 over the holidays. It was by far the best cruise we have ever done. We did not feel cheated at all that we did not go ashore. Walking out on the bow on New Year Day early morning was magical. We would do this cruise again if not fir the long flight there. GO, ENJOY.

We did the Zaandam January 30, 2015. Valparaiso to Buenos Aires. We debated expedition cruise vs. HAL. HAL won out! I have no regrets but have friends who have done the expedition cruise and made several landings on the white continent. They loved it!

I guess what I'm saying it is an individual thing. I am glad we started in Valparaiso because the trip through Patagonia was spectacular and I wonder if it might have seemed less so after the amazing sights of Antarctica had we done the reverse itinerary. We were fortunate to have excellent weather and we were able to visit The Falkland Islands.

We were also able to combine Iguazu Falls post cruise.

Jim

We did an expedition on Quark to Antarctica. When DH suggested going to our seventh continent for our 50th anniversary, I thought he meant cruise!:eek: It was an amazing trip, including a few days in Ushuaia, and of course the Falklands and South Georgia on our way to Antarctica. I'm glad we went, but I'd still like to do a cruise, too.

We did an expedition on Quark to Antarctica. When DH suggested going to our seventh continent for our 50th anniversary, I thought he meant cruise!:eek: It was an amazing trip, including a few days in Ushuaia, and of course the Falklands and South Georgia on our way to Antarctica. I'm glad we went, but I'd still like to do a cruise, too.

I 'm somewhat in the same boat. I went on the Professor Multinovski in 1997 and it was fabulous. I'll be back there on the Crystal Symphony in February. One of the highlights from that cruise when we stop near Palmer Station and some of their scientists visit the ship. I'll likely to be one of a small number of PAX who have actually set foot there. I'd love to set foot on Antarctica again but having actually been there once will be very satisfied with another look at it.

Sadly, my 2017 Zaandam cruise will be after the Antarctica season ends.

Roy