What can I anticipate from an expedition cruise to Antarctica? Is it actually that chilly and can I see any animals? All these questions turned an everyday incidence in my dm’s and inbox throughout my time on the Swan Hellenic Vega in Antarctica and whereas it’s in all probability probably the most troublesome vacation spot to clarify as a consequence of it’s sheer magnitude and extremes, I’ll attempt to provide you with a glimpse into life onboard an expedition ship and what the seventh continent has in retailer for you.
If you happen to haven’t learn half 1 of this assessment but I strongly recommend to do this first with a purpose to have some background details about why I picked Swan Hellenic for this journey. The selection of cruise line very a lot dictates how your journey will appear like and whereas there isn’t any proper or improper some are simply extra appropriate for you than others and it’s necessary to know what you may anticipate.
For me it was all about spending as a lot time as attainable on land and with a most capability of solely 152 friends the SH Vega was a transparent favorite, particularly as a result of I didn’t have to reduce my expectations with regards to luxurious and repair onboard regardless that it’s a smaller ship. And since it’s jam-packed with the most recent expertise it additionally permits for a easy crusing every time and wherever attainable which is all the time a bonus in fact, particularly for many who get seasick simply.
Drake Passage
Expedition cruises to Antarctica principally pass over of Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile. Irrelevant which port your cruise is leaving from, they’ll should cross the notorious Drake Passage which is broadly thought-about probably the most harmful physique of water on the earth. It’s the place the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern oceans come collectively usually leading to some very stormy climate. When this occurs throughout your crossing they name it the Drake Shake, nonetheless the alternative additionally happens frequently which subsequently will get known as a Drake Lake.
For these affected by seasickness this could be the toughest a part of the journey however lately there’s some actually good treatment on the market and even various strategies just like the sea-bands or movement illness patches. Ensuring your tummy is full additionally helps wonders regardless that many won’t really feel like consuming loads when the boat is transferring an excessive amount of for consolation.
It normally takes round 2 days to cross the Drake and through this time you received’t be bored a single bit. Initially there are the lectures to familiarise your self with the IAATO (Worldwide Affiliation of Antarctica Tour Operators) guidelines and rules which you’ll must comply with when you attain Antarctica. Secondly there’s additionally the preparation for the zodiac cruises, kayaking, cleansing of all the fabric you’ll tackle lands trigger they wish to keep away from any overseas particles to the touch Antarctic soil. There’s additionally loads of wildlife to see through the crossing like whales, birds, and so on. All in all it’s a good way to construct the anticipation much more!
However what if you happen to actually don’t really feel like crossing the Drake Passage for two days? Nicely, there are some firms that supply fly-in cruises the place you fly to an untarred airstrip on the Antarctic Peninsula from the place you stroll to the zodiac which brings you on to your expedition ship. It’s a private alternative however for me I really feel just like the Drake Passage is a part of the general Antarctica expertise and on high of that it offers you extra time to arrange, make new buddies, get to know your expedition workforce and on this case benefit from the luxurious of the SH Vega.
Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, South Shetland Islands
You’ll always remember your first glimpse of Antarctica, regardless of how a lot you travelled or how superb your life has been, these preliminary moments when this mysterious continent arises out of nowhere will without end be engraved in your reminiscence, proper subsequent to that first kiss or the delivery of your first youngster. It’s a life altering expertise that sucks you in and sharpens all of your senses.
On this journey we visited 3 distinct space’s in Antarctica, being the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea and the South Shetland Islands. All of them have their very own particular landscapes and identities which I’ll attempt to spotlight shortly.
First up is in fact the Antarctic Peninsula. Whereas Antarctica is far bigger than Europe, there’s solely a small space that’s principally visited by expedition cruises and that’s the western space across the peninsula which is closest to South-America. Think about a winter wonderland with out vegetation and any type of constructing, however created in such a method that your jaw will drop each time the surroundings adjustments. For me it was the dimensions of the whole lot that took my breath away with layers of snow actually being constructed up all through the centuries and making a panorama that felt prefer it you have been crusing by means of an enormous cotton sweet floss. There are the occasional analysis stations but none of them are altering something to the panorama.
The Weddell Sea is a spot which isn’t usually on the itinerary of many ships, primarily as a result of it’s identified for its large icebergs and never each vessel is able to coping with these. The panorama is similar to the peninsula and logically in order it’s situated on the east aspect of it. The icebergs are principally coming for the huge ice shelf that’s situated within the south of the Weddell Sea. One factor that actually stands out about this place is the readability of the water. We would assume that tropical waters round Fiji or the Maldives have some clear water however over right here it’s at a totally completely different degree! Scientists agreed that it’s the clearest water on the earth, equal to distilled water. It’s a must to see it to imagine it.
Lastly there’s the South Shetland Islands that are situated simply north of the peninsula. It’s from these islands that the early explorers received a primary glimpse of mainland Antarctica. Many expedition ships go to Deception Island, one of many distinctive locations within the space. It’s really an large energetic volcano which lies principally submerged below water and thru a slim entrance known as Neptune’s Bellows ships are capable of sail contained in the crater. There’s an incredible historic whaling station on to your proper while you enter Deception Island however the lovely panorama generally is superb to observe. There’s much less snow than what you’ll see on the peninsula however that’s a given as a consequence of its volcanic nature. There are different islands to go to too in fact, however Deception Island is simply the right one-stop place for expeditions as a result of it has a lot to supply, each due to its historical past and panorama but additionally the wildlife that’s plentiful over right here.
Wildlife
I can hear you considering out loud :”So what concerning the wildlife?” and imagine me….you’ll see a great deal of it and in each space I discussed earlier! There’s actually no restrict to the quantity of animals you’ll encounter, however nothing is about in stone in fact. This isn’t a zoo the place you recognize what you’ll see and extra importantly the place. Over right here it’s all about luck and a superb crew can actually affect it. Anthony, our superb expedition chief was nice with discovering the appropriate touchdown spots or to do a zodiac cruise to identify some wildlife. The captain’s position in all of that is equally necessary. For instance we have been very lucky to have a pod of orcas swimming subsequent to our ship and the captain immediately slowed down the SH Vega and ultimately we spent about an hour with the orcas due to some nifty manoeuvring.
Whereas we have been very fortunate with the orcas, we have been equally greeted by numerous whales which might pop up on the most random occasions which frequently creates humorous moments, particularly throughout dinner occasions when hastily you see an empty restaurant crammed with plates filled with meals whereas all of the friends are outdoors making an attempt to benefit from the second and catch a glimpse of those superb creatures. Antarctica is sort of a huge drive-in for whales as they arrive and eat over right here due to the krill. Even within the Drake Passage we noticed a couple of so you may certainly anticipate to see them all through your journey.
Penguins are one other animal species which you’re assured to see, particularly the gentoo and chinstrap ones. These cute birds are sometimes simply resting on one of many many icebergs or swimming by whereas they’re on the lookout for meals. If you go to a colony you’ll immediately odor them due to the huge quantities of guano (sure, that’s the quantity 2 in case your penny didn’t drop but) which leaves purple marks in all places. It’s additionally the identical guano that always signifies the highways they make and use between their nest and the water. However the odor is shortly forgotten while you see these lovely creatures stroll up and down in a reasonably clumsy method, to not point out their chicks which, relying on the timing, are nonetheless lined of their heat fluffy feathers.
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One other certainty is the truth that you’ll see a great deal of seals. Similar to the penguins they’re usually noticed on a chunk of ice, slowly drifting by whereas taking a nap. Throughout landings you’ll not solely see them however equally hear them as they’ll make fairly some noise. Fur seals, weddell seals, crab eater seals,….you title it, they’re all right here and able to pose for that cash shot. If you happen to’re fortunate you would possibly even see them hunt within the water, which is actually a novel spectacle.
Any birders amongst you? In that case, you higher begin packing as there are lots of species to be present in and round Antarctica which are sometimes more durable and even unimaginable to identify anyplace else. After all there are the plain penguins, but additionally a great deal of skua’s, petrels and albatrosses to call only a few.
It doesn’t matter what, you’ll be greatly surprised about all of the animals you’ll encounter and since so many are distinctive to this area it’s usually the primary time you’ll see them. And even when it’s the 82937th time you see a whale gracefully swim by, it stays one thing particular and that goes for all of the animals in Antarctica.
Actions
The principle exercise is in fact the landings on Antarctic soil, and the crew will do their utter finest to supply the friends with as many landings as attainable. The anticipation all the time builds while you head all the way down to basecamp the place you gear up and board the zodiacs. These zodiacs by the best way are actually steady and lots of concern it’s not straightforward to get out and in however the crew is nicely educated and used to those environments which permits them to know precisely how you can get you on board in a really sensible and straightforward method. When you reached land there are strict pointers as to the place you may go and which distance you must hold from the wildlife that you just would possibly encounter. The workforce may even create a route which is highlighted with small purple flags so as so that you can know the place you may go and when to cease. Don’t fear although, the expedition workforce members are additionally scattered round every touchdown with a purpose to present steerage and provide you with further details about the animals you’re watching at that very second.
Generally it isn’t attainable to make a touchdown as a consequence of completely different sorts of causes like ice blocking the touchdown spot or waves being too excessive. However that doesn’t imply you may’t exit on a zodiac cruise which is equally spectacular. It lets you get a more in-depth take a look at areas you wouldn’t be capable to attain on foot and frequently there are penguins, seals and even whales passing you by simply meters away, really breathtaking!
Antarctica is a spot the place you may get pleasure from some very distinctive experiences, not solely with regards to wildlife or landscapes, but additionally bodily challenges of which the polar plunge is the perfect identified. Most expedition cruise traces provide these as a enjoyable alternative to really expose your self to the weather of the polar area, and Swan Hellenic is not any completely different. We have been fortunate sufficient to have our “little swim” within the Weddell Sea, permitting us to dive within the clearest water on this planet. For individuals who are hesitant of diving into the freezing water (sure, the temperature is normally proper beneath zero levels) I’d recommend to take a look at the reactions from the opposite friends that simply skilled it. The smile on their face, the happiness of getting this chance, the proud expressions… will all stimulate you to make the leap too. If there’s ever a yolo second in your life, that is it!
Somewhat keep dry however nonetheless wish to get the sense such as you’ve been within the water? Then kayaking could be the right resolution for you. Thoughts you, it’s in fact climate relying trigger security is pivotal and if the circumstances aren’t adequate the crew won’t head out. Throughout our expedition we have been having quite a lot of wind, leading to very uneven water which is much from superb for kayaking. Nonetheless the workforce used each climate window accessible to get teams out to expertise Antarctica whereas peddling in a kayak and it’s really a unique feeling all collectively. Slowly passing large icebergs, wildlife that comes actually shut, no noise from any zodiac engine, simply you and nature. Pure bliss!
How does a typical day on an expedition cruise appear like
Daily is completely different and whereas the workforce all the time plans the day forward, it usually occurs that alterations are made on the fly. Why? As a result of that is Antarctica and nothing is for certain. Being versatile is the intention of the sport and in addition provides to the general feeling that something and the whole lot may occur at any given second.
The plan for the day is usually given the night earlier than through the expedition briefing. On Swan Hellenic that is the time the place all people gathers within the statement lounge, grabs a pleasant drink and settles in to take heed to the expedition chief who will do a recap of the day and briefs us on what the plan is for the next 24 hours.
Often you’ll have a touchdown within the morning proper after breakfast. As talked about earlier than, the SH Vega solely carries a most of 152 friends, which permits you rather more time ashore. We hardly ever had lower than 2 hours to find a brand new touchdown web site, which is really a luxurious that may’t be underestimated. After that you just return to the ship and relying on the time you would possibly wish to shortly work out within the gymnasium, take a dip within the heated pool or doze in one of many numerous sofas whilst you sail to your following focal point. Thoughts you, there’s all the time an opportunity to see some whales, orcas, seals or penguins alongside the best way and if it’s a extremely good sighting the crew will even announce it over the intercom.
Lunch is an affair to not be missed in fact and by then you definitely’ll possible additionally know when the afternoon touchdown will probably be. This lets you take your time and really get pleasure from the entire expertise on board. When you’ve performed the second touchdown of the day and also you settled again in on the ship it’s time for the recap and briefing. It’s an excellent second to assemble and discuss your expertise of the day with fellow friends. You can even really feel the anticipation within the room after they reveal the plan for the next day. It’s nearly like Christmas Eve however each day, the place you recognize the next day will probably be superb however you don’t know but how precisely it’s going to unfold.
Supper time offers you the prospect to fulfill new individuals, however equally to get to know the expedition crew higher as they may mingle among the many friends and have a great deal of tales to inform. A good way to bond with folks that even after numerous visits to this a part of the world nonetheless share the identical enthusiasm as you do.
After dinner there are a number of choices. We as soon as had a cocktail celebration on the outside deck whereas slowly crusing by means of a surprising channel adorned with icebergs, glaciers and so forth. Thanks to sunlight that’s out nearly the entire day it is usually attainable to do a touchdown after dinner. If there’s no extra exercise deliberate from the crew you’ll see many fellow friends heading to the bar and lounge space to loosen up a bit and chat the night away. As a result of the times are lengthy it’s additionally commonplace to see many heading again to their stateroom to get some nicely deserved shut-eye whereas having fun with the crackling sound of the hearth of their room.
Climate
One other factor you may’t predict or plan in Antarctica is the climate. Whereas you can be visiting the seventh continent throughout late spring, summer time or early autumn, there’s all the time an opportunity you’ll get all of the seasons in in the future. So put together your self for all sorts of climate and use layers because it’s the simplest to adapt to any scenario and climate change. The parka which Swan Hellenic offers you at first of the journey certainly helps to maintain you heat and dry, regardless of the circumstances.
I have to say, it wasn’t as chilly as I had anticipated, however then once more that’s additionally a private factor. The temperatures have been round -1 to 1 levels nevertheless it was the wind that made the distinction. If the wind was there it will really feel loads colder, whereas with out it you nearly felt prefer it was only a crisp day within the Alps.
Every sort of climate transforms this place into one thing completely different and it’s like a complete new world when the solar comes shining by means of the clouds or when the recent snow falls and covers the panorama in a brand new blanket of sentimental white powder. You simply should get pleasure from each second, irrelevant of the climate.
Ought to an expedition cruise to Antarctica be in your bucket record?
Merely put…YES! It’s one of many final remaining locations on the earth the place nature is uninterrupted and the place we as people are the spectators as a substitute of the gamers. Irrespective of who you might be or what life has introduced you to this point, discovering Antarctica will humble anybody. It’s like stepping right into a time capsule the place they bring about you again to a spot the place civilisation was nonetheless unknown and the earth was caring for itself in probably the most pristine and delightful method. With the ability to witness such magnificence within the consolation and luxurious of the Swan Hellenic Vega is simply the icing on the cake.
Disclosure: Our cruise was sponsored by Swan Hellenic.