Cruising is a way to see some of the most remote and fascinating parts of our world, including the polar regions – the Artic in the north and the Antarctic in the south. Which would you choose? It may be helpful to know that while the Arctic and Antarctic have many similarities, they have some significant differences.
Antarctica is a continent that’s entirely made of ice. It
has no Indigenous people, and the only human residents are military personnel
and scientists at a few research stations. Antarctica’s extreme whiteness,
tinged with glacial blues, can feel like a different planet. The rugged scenery
includes massive glaciers, icebergs, and ice floes, but no vegetation except
some lichens that grow at the edges of the ice.
The Arctic isn’t a continent, but a frozen ocean bordered
by landmasses such as Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia, and Russia.
Indigenous peoples have inhabited the Arctic for centuries, so there’s human
history and culture to explore. In addition to glaciers and icebergs, the
Arctic has more greenery – even tiny, tundra-loving flowers – than you may
expect.
Antarctica is home to millions of penguins, including the
Gentoo, Adelie, chinstrap, king, and emperor species. In the water, you may see
humpbacks and other types of whales, as well as Weddell and leopard seals.
Albatross and storm petrels glide through the sky.
The Arctic is home to polar bears (though they can be shy),
as well as foxes, wolves, muskoxen, and reindeer. There aren’t any penguins, but
there are lots of other birds, from kittiwakes to puffins. Arctic waters – a
little warmer than in the Antarctic – are home to walrus, seals, and several
types of whales.
Cruise ships sail to Antarctica from November to March. Some
ships offer only scenic cruising, but many use inflatable Zodiac craft to take
passengers from the ship to the icy shore. Some itineraries offer activities
like camping, kayaking, skiing, and even scuba diving.
The Arctic cruise season is May through September, but
there’s a trend toward cruising the Arctic in early spring, when it’s easier to
see spectacular northern lights. Your ship will call on seaside villages, and
excursions may include kayaking, hiking, camping, ice fishing, dog sledding, and
mountain biking.
Several cruise lines can take you to the polar regions,
including Hurtigruten, Ponant, Princess, Silversea, Viking, and more. Talk with
Anita, your professional travel advisor, about how you can sail to the Arctic or
the Antarctic – or both.
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