Antarctic / Arctic Cruising- Is it right for me?

Antarctic / Arctic Polar Cruising is truly the final frontier in your earthly travels. It may not be what you think in terms of weather, activities, ships, service level, and more. There are many different companies offering polar cruises. Most of them are expedition cruises while some are more akin to traditional cruises that will pass by the easier places to get to, but will not be able to allow for a total emersion into the region. Limitations of the ships as well as limitations to international laws and treaties are the main reason for the difference. For example, In Antarctica, ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not allowed to make any landings. Ships with fewer than 500 passengers can make landings, but only a maximum of 100 passengers can be on shore at one time. Because of this (along with the type of ship), it matters what type of cruise experience you are looking for to make sure to pick the right operator for you.

There are very well known industry names cruising in the polar regions such as Viking Expeditions, Silversea Expeditions, and Seaborn who have Ice Class rated expedition ships, but also have ocean and river cruise style ships as well. There is a whole other world of cruise line operators that you may have never heard of that focus solely on polar regions. Companies like Quark, Lindblad, HX, and Poseidon have reigned supreme as the very best and have the most experience in the regions. On Quark's ship "Ultramarine", they even have 2 helicopters to do Flight seeing over places like Antarctica and Greenland bringing you further ashore than would otherwise be possible on a cruise.

Am I too old/young for expedition cruising? Am i physically fit enough for expedition cruising? If i have energy level or physical limitations, will i enjoy the trip? One thing you will find in this type of cruising is probably the widest diversity of people in their interests, age, and activity desires. From younger 30 and 40 somethings that are more focused on more exciting experiential travel such as kayaking spotting whales and leopard seals or long guided hikes to spot wildlife, to 70, 80, and 90 somethings that prefer sightseeing mostly from the ship and become more emersed in the first class presentations throughout the day discussing everything from wildlife, history and science behind the expedition, and geography of the places you will visit. There really is specific demographic. There is however one thing everyone onboard has in common. That is the desire to experience what for most will be once in a lifetime, bucket list travel, and the enjoyment and desire to share that experience with those around you creating unique and unexpected bonds and relationships.

Weather concerns are always in the equation for any destination. This is a common question and concern for those i speak to about polar trips. Most people here the "Antarctica" and only imagine being one of the coldest places on earth and any trip there will be a type of cold very few have experienced. The polar trips are always in that poles summer (opposite for north pole and south pole). In the summer travel season for Antarctica (North American Winter season), temps average out from 34F to 37F (1-2C). But temps reach 50F commonly in January. Antarctica is actually one of the driest places on earth based on precipitation levels. Rain or snow is of little concern.

Wildlife is the next decision on your dream list as to which of the polar regions is best for you for your first trip. If Emperor and Chinstrap Pinguins are on your must see list, Antarctica is your spot. If Polar Bears are most important on your list, the Arctic region should be your first stop. There is much much more in the way of wildlife discussions that are well too long for this post and really deserve an entire post dedicated only to that topic.

No matter which region is right for you or how you choose to get there, one thing is for sure, the trip you have will be an unforgettable trip that is nothing like you have experienced before. And, if you are lucky enough to travel one of the regions more than once, you will have a different experience each time. No two expeditions are the same.

Here are some photos courtesy of Quark Expeditions and of course The Travel Pros