Beginning in November 2013, the Seabourn
Quest, the luxury cruise line’s newest ship, will sail four cruises, each 21 to
24 days, between Valparaiso, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. A highlight of
each voyage will be a visit to the remote, vast and beautiful continent of
Antarctica.
While the ship is always an important
consideration when selecting a cruise, when cruising to Antarctica it’s
especially important. There are three basic types of ships that cruise to the
icy waters of the White Continent – small, medium and large – and each provides
a different Antarctic experience.
Many of the small ships that sail to the
Antarctic were originally icebreakers, specifically designed to break through
large amounts of ice and sail into remote areas. These ships usually carry 100
to 200 passengers. Some have comfortable but basic accommodations, while others
are quite luxurious. These ships can get close enough to the continent for
passengers to board small, inflatable boats that allow them to land and
actually set foot on Antarctica. However, be aware that opportunities for
Antarctic landings are always dependent on the weather. Captains and their
crews are experienced in assessing weather, ice and wildlife reports to
determine when and where it’s safe to land.
Medium-sized ships, like the Seabourn
Quest, generally carry 200 to 500 passengers. They are often equipped with
reinforced hulls; they can’t handle as much ice as an icebreaker, but they can often
get close enough to the continent to launch inflatable boats or tenders. These
ships usually offer more amenities than smaller ships, such as lounges, fitness
centers and more expansive public spaces.
Large ships carry up to 1,500 passengers
to the waters off Antarctica. These
ships provide more of the amenities cruise passengers are used to, such as
entertainment venues and multiple dining spots. However, they can’t get close
enough to the continent for passengers to safely tender to the shore – so,
these cruises are for Antarctic sightseeing only. Still, the sightseeing can be
spectacular, featuring immense icebergs, jagged snowy peaks, seals, penguins,
whales and exotic sea birds such as albatross.
Anita, Cruise Holidays personal cruise
expert can provide more information on the different types of ships sailing to
the Antarctic, as well as specific itineraries. A voyage to Antarctica can also
provide the opportunity to explore the Falkland Islands, the Patagonia region
of Argentina, the fjords of Chile and more.
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