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This guide will not go into detail about literacy knowledge points. For details, please refer to the previous guide: 2019 Antarctic Travel, What is it like to see penguins in Antarctica?
The 2019-2020 Antarctic season is almost here! Besides focusing on what to see in Antarctica, the most important thing is to choose the right cruise route and the type of ship that will give you the best experience in Antarctica.
First, let's talk about what Antarctica is. Although there are many ways to visit Antarctica, they can be roughly divided into Antarctic tours and cruise tours.
The market price of a trip to the South Pole starts from RMB 500,000 to 600,000. There are two types of itineraries, departing from Cape Town, South Africa, and Punta Arenas, Chile. Both of them have similar itineraries, flying to the Antarctic continent first, and then continuing to fly to the South Pole. Some companies also offer hiking and skiing itineraries to the last degree of latitude, Antarctic marathons, etc. This kind of itinerary is quite different from the intention of most of our Antarctic tours, so we will not discuss it in detail here.
Cruises are much more affordable, ranging from NT$40,000 to NT$50,000. Depending on the departure point, they are categorized as either Australia or New Zealand (or South Africa) or South America.
The advantage of cruises departing from Australia and New Zealand (South Africa) is that you can see giant icebergs and emperor penguins, but due to factors such as few voyages, long sailing times, and high prices, they are relatively niche; the vast majority of cruises still depart from South America (Argentina, Chile), which is also the focus of this guide.
In this part, we will guide you step by step to choose the itinerary that suits you best, from the aspects of route selection, cruise ship cabins, travel season, etc.
The itineraries listed by cruise companies and agents are often inflated. For example, the embarkation day (boarding at 3 or 4 p.m.) and the disembarkation day (disembarkation at 8 or 9 a.m.) are each counted as one day. What's even worse, some companies even count the day before embarkation as one day. For example, the so-called 11-day itinerary in the picture below actually only has 4 days in Antarctica.
The first choice is whether to go by plane or cruise ship across the Reke Strait?
Flying saves you the trouble of sailing across the Drake Passage, saving you more than a day one way, but the price will be $2,000 more expensive. Flying is more affected by the weather, and bad weather may cause the flight to be delayed for several days. Cruise ships can sail normally, but may encounter big waves like the one in the picture below. Of course, such big waves can only be experienced by extremely lucky people:
Some say a trip to Antarctica wouldn't be complete without experiencing the Drake Passage's 10-meter-high waves, while others opt for a more comfortable trip and fly there and back.
Currently, there are four combinations: ship going and ship returning, ship going and flying back, fly going and ship returning, and fly going and flying back, among which ship going and ship returning accounts for the majority.
The Antarctic Peninsula is a destination on every cruise ship.
If you add the Falkland Islands, it will take 3 more days, and if you add South Georgia Island, it will take another 4 days. As the itinerary increases, the price of the boat ticket will naturally increase.
As a penguin enthusiast like me, I personally find the three-island itinerary to be the best value. For example, an 11-day Antarctic Peninsula itinerary only offers four days of valid visitation, while a 19-day Antarctic Three Islands itinerary offers nine. At half the price, the number of days is more than doubled, making it a much better value. Furthermore, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Islands each have their own unique attractions. For those who simply want to visit all seven continents and aren't too obsessed with penguins, the Antarctic Peninsula is more than sufficient.
Tips:
Falkland Islands
Falkland Islands, also known as the Malvinas Islands. When it comes to the Falkland Islands, those who are good at history may remember the 1982 Falkland Islands War between Britain and Argentina.
The Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory with beautiful beaches where you can see Magellanic penguins, rockhopper penguins, gentoo penguins, and king penguins.
South Georgia Island
South Georgia, part of the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, is accessible only by cruise ship. Known as the "Galapagos" of Antarctica, it boasts millions of king penguins, abundant seals, black-browed albatrosses, rockhoppers, macaroni, and Magellanic penguins. It also boasts a whaling station and the history of Shackleton's expedition, where Shackleton's grave is also located.
If you enter the Antarctic Circle, the itinerary will generally increase by 2 days and the price will be about US$2,000 higher.
Personally, I suggest that you go in if you can, and don’t worry if you can’t. After all, entering the Arctic Circle is more of a “sense of ceremony”, or more of a gimmick for cruise companies to collect more money. In terms of the scenery you see, there is not much difference from the itinerary that does not enter the Arctic Circle.
In order to attract tourists who have been to Antarctica to go there again, or to meet the needs of tourists with different needs (for example, some tourists go to Antarctica just to see penguins), cruise companies will also develop some new routes.
The Weddell Sea, which is full of floating ice, can only be entered by cruise ships in the Antarctic summer. The Weddell Sea area is the area where emperor penguins are most likely to be seen on routes departing from South America. Cruise companies have launched the so-called Penguin Safari itinerary to track emperor penguins here, because most cruise ships departing from South America cannot see emperor penguins.
Based on the above multiple-choice questions, it is easy to choose the route you want most, such as:
Fly to and from x Peninsula x without entering the Antarctic Circle (no need to take a boat across the Drake Passage, avoid the pain of seasickness, but it's expensive)
Boat trip to and from the three islands and into the Antarctic Circle (the legendary super loop! Requires a long vacation)
Ship to and from x Peninsula x does not enter the Antarctic Circle (the most classic Antarctic Peninsula route)
IAATO (Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) divides cruise ships operating Antarctic tour routes into four levels:
C1 – Traditional expedition cruise ships with 13-200 passengers (longest landing time)
C2 – Medium-sized cruise ships with a passenger capacity of 201-500 (with landing access, very short landing time, and a tendency to check in)
CR – Cruise ships with more than 500 passengers (no landing rights)
YA – sailing boat with a maximum capacity of 12 passengers
Among these four levels, CR level is strongly not recommended (the essence of Antarctic travel lies in landing, and there is too little to see for CR level tourists without landing), YA level tourists account for less than 1% of the total number of tourists, and C1 and C2 levels are the mainstream choices for Antarctic tourists.
For most people, the choice is between the 31 cruise ships listed above. How to choose? Consider the following aspects:
Check the reputation of the cruise company and the cruise ship to see what people who have been there have to say about it.
The newer the cruise ship, the better the design and facilities.
The more passengers a ship can carry, the smoother the voyage will be in windy and rough seas (such as the famous Drake Passage), the better the facilities will be, and the higher the comfort will be.
Number of landings: Since IAATO stipulates that no more than 100 people are allowed to land at each landing site in Antarctica at the same time, if the cruise ship carries more than 100 passengers, it must land in batches.
C2-class cruise ships have only one landing opportunity per day; C1-class cruise ships with a passenger capacity of less than 100 can land twice a day; C1-class cruise ships with a passenger capacity of more than 100 may land once or twice a day depending on the cruise company.
Itinerary descriptions sometimes also indicate the number of landings per day; check other travelers' travel notes on the same cruise.
Currently, 31 ships from 19 cruise lines operate Antarctic itineraries. Due to space limitations, I'll briefly introduce several cruise lines that are well-known among Chinese tourists. If you're interested in other cruise lines, please contact me.
Lindbald has partnered with National Geographic magazine to pursue a high-end, upper-class approach, and currently has two luxury cruise ships operating Antarctic routes.
We started Antarctic cruises in 1966 and are one of the first companies to do so. We have extensive experience, excellent service, and a National Geographic photographer is on board to provide photography guidance.
Even though the price of the same route is twice that of other cruise companies, there is still no problem with sales, and they are often sold out a year in advance.
Ponant, a French company, also takes a high-end and upper-class route and provides excellent service.
It has three luxury cruise ships (Le Boreal, Le Lyrial and Le Soleal) operating Antarctic routes, among which Le Lyrial is the newest of all Antarctic cruise ships.
The rated passenger capacity of these three cruise ships is more than 200 people (around 250), but they are classified as C1 in the IAATO list, which means that the company limits the actual number of passengers to less than 200 in order to ensure the customer's travel experience.
Quark, an American company, has been operating Antarctic cruises since 1991. It has 5 cruise ships operating Antarctic routes, making it the largest of all cruise companies. The biggest feature is that they will give away yellow jackets, which can be taken back home as souvenirs!
Quark Company gives each tourist a yellow jacket to take home after getting off the ship. Most tourists wear this jacket when they get off the ship for sightseeing, which is a good promotional tool.
Quark is very well-known in China, and most Chinese people choose to take Quark's cruise to Antarctica. In the 16-17 tourist season, Quark has four chartered ships from China.
PL's founder, Mr. Ding, is the former owner of Quark, having sold the company in 2007. A few years later, several former employees, feeling unemployed, founded PL in 2013, targeting the high-end market with luxury ship operations. Previously, less than 10% of PL's tourists were Chinese, but the company now plans to aggressively develop the Chinese market.
When talking about Mr. Ding, the founder of Polar Latitudes, we have to mention Antarctic XXI. Its Ocean Nova was originally owned by Quark. When Mr. Ding sold Quark in 2007, the seller did not buy the ship, so he set up another company that owns Ocean Nova. In other words, Mr. Ding is actually the owner of the Ocean Nova ship. The circle of Antarctic tourism is so small.
Ocean Nova mainly operates round-trip routes, which are suitable for those who are particularly seasick or have limited time.
Hurtigruten, a Norwegian company, is currently the cruise company that has done the best job in promoting the Chinese market. It has a Chinese website and Weibo and has offices in China, which shows how much it values the Chinese market.
Its advantages are actually in Norway, Iceland, Greenland and the Arctic routes, so for Antarctic tourism, I personally do not recommend it because its two ships operating the Antarctic route are both C2 type, with only one landing opportunity per day.
In addition, in terms of the configuration of explorers (which can be understood as guides), the MS Fram cruise ship with more than 300 passengers is equipped with only a dozen explorers, while the Ocean Endeavour with 199 passengers is equipped with more than 20 explorers.
Speaking of Hurtigruten, we have to mention Fliggy's special Antarctic itinerary for the 2017-18 Antarctic season, which chartered the 500-passenger C2-class ship Midnight Sun. Fliggy's Antarctic itinerary chartered four trips, with a passenger capacity of 400. The all-inclusive package, including flights, hotel, and cruise, cost 49,999 yuan, truly democratizing Antarctic travel.
I don't recommend the Midnight Sun, but I must admit it has its advantages. The advantages and disadvantages are analyzed as follows:
advantage:
1. The price is indeed cheap, which lowers the public's expectations of the price of Antarctic tours;
2. Chinese charter boats (with Chinese service, Chinese food, a high probability of a Great Wall stop, and celebrity lectures and activities invited by Fliggy);
3. The larger the ship, the smoother the passage across the Drake Passage;
4. You can board and disembark in Chile with a US or Canadian visa, and there is no need to apply for an Argentine visa, which is a bit troublesome.
shortcoming:
1. The Antarctic Treaty stipulates that only 100 people can land at each landing point at a time. If there are 400 passengers, they need to land in four batches. In this way, there is only one landing opportunity per day. The time spent on shore each time is relatively short, and the value is greatly reduced compared to the other two landings.
2. The Midnight Sun is actually approved to carry 970 passengers, but the actual passenger capacity is limited to 500 to meet the requirements of a C2 ship. This is actually a gray area; the Midnight Sun is much larger than other C1/C2 ships, and the places it can sail to in Antarctica are also limited.
Whether it is suitable for you depends on your needs for going to Antarctica. If you care about the landing time, it is recommended to choose a C1 cruise ship with less than 200 people.
You get what you pay for. If you have a high budget, take a luxury cruise; if you have a low budget, take an adventure cruise.
Personally, I think the difference between the two lies primarily in the room space and service, with the views not being significantly different. We initially debated whether to upgrade to a suite for an extra $2,000 per person, though the value was excellent (the original price difference was $6,000). Ultimately, we decided against it. We figured a room was just a place to sleep, and the excitement of Antarctica was outside the ship. Frankly, we weren't rich enough.
The rooms are mostly doubles, with a few singles and no dormitories. Room types range from standard rooms to suites (some cruise ships have all-suite configurations). The rooms are spacious, all have windows, and some even have balconies.
Current luxury cruise ships include National Geographic Orion and National Geographic Explorer, Ponant's Le Boreal, Le Lyrial and Le Soleal, Quark's Island Sky, Polar Latitudes' Hebridean Sky, Poseidon's Sea Spirit, Silversea's Silver Explorer and Silver Cloud, etc.
All ships listed as C1 and C2 cruise ships, except for the luxury cruise ships, are expedition cruises. Don't be intimidated by the word "expedition"; Antarctic cruises are leisure travel experiences suitable for all ages.
There are various room types to choose from, including quad/triple rooms, inner cabin double rooms, porthole double rooms, large window double rooms, superior double rooms, suites and presidential suites.
You get what you pay for. From the cheapest triple (quadruple) room at $5,000 to the presidential suite at over $20,000, the higher the floor and the larger the space, the better the cabin and the higher the price.
Windows are an important selection factor. Porthole rooms are better than interior cabin rooms without windows; rooms with large windows are better than porthole rooms.
The higher you go, the more violent the shaking becomes, and the more uncomfortable it is when you are tossing and turning. On our ship, there was a Chinese man who lived in a single room on the seventh floor and couldn't stand the seasickness, so he went to a room on the fourth floor to ask for shelter :)
On the same floor, the closer you are to the stern, the less likely you are to experience sway. Your room number is usually assigned by the cruise line when you confirm your reservation. You can check your deck plan to confirm your room's location. If you're not satisfied, you can contact the cruise line/agent in advance to adjust it.
Most cruise ships (especially expedition cruises outside of luxury lines) offer twin beds in most cabins. Because of the rough ride, the beds are fixed to the floor, and unlike Caribbean or Mediterranean cruises, you can't make a king-size bed out of two single beds. Couples should be mindful of this when booking: either pay the extra fee for a king-size bed or sleep in separate beds.
Upgrade on board
Contact the staff immediately after boarding the ship. If the higher cabin is not sold out, you can pay extra to upgrade. The additional fee will be much less than the price difference between the two cabins when booking, which is more cost-effective.
The Antarctic tourist season runs from mid-October to late March each year (so summer vacation and National Day holidays are out of the question).
Regarding the question of when is the best time to visit Antarctica, I have a simple answer: no matter when you go, which ship you take, or which route you take, a trip to Antarctica will be an unforgettable experience.
However, the Antarctic season can be divided into three time periods, each with its own highlights. Those who have money and time can go once in each time period. Those who can only go once can make some choices based on their own circumstances: for example, if you want to grab a last-minute ticket, you need to go at both ends of the Antarctic season; if you only have holidays during the Spring Festival, you can only go during the popular times of January and February; if you want to see baby penguins, you have to choose to go in January.
In Antarctica's spring, the weather is relatively good, with fewer storms and less precipitation; the ice begins to melt, and giant icebergs can be seen; it is the mating season for animals, and you can see many penguins hatching eggs and many seals on the shore.
This season is the best for viewing the world of ice and snow, and it's also the only time you can walk on icebergs. Another major advantage of this season is that it's relatively affordable, with a high chance of securing last-minute discounted tickets. Those seeking value for money should pay special attention to the Antarctic Three Islands itinerary in November.
In Antarctica, summer is the hottest time of year; penguin chicks have hatched; the ice has melted, and many landing spots are open (for example, the Antarctic Circle and the Weddell Sea area).
This season is the peak season for Antarctic tours, especially Christmas and Spring Festival. The former is the peak of high season for European and American Antarctic tours, and the latter is the peak of high season for the Chinese market. Prices are very expensive and there are few discount opportunities. If there is one, get on board without hesitation!
In late summer in Antarctica, it is more difficult to see icebergs; the little penguins are molting; and whales are active, so some shipping companies offer special whale watching tours.
This is also the time when you're most likely to get last-minute ferry tickets, especially in early March, when you might see super special deals on the Mishima route, as low as 30% to 40% off. Interested parties should prepare their visas in advance so they can take advantage of these special offers.
During the Spring Festival, the peak season for Chinese people, it is generally more cost-effective to buy tickets from foreign agents or cruise company official websites, because for foreigners, who account for more than 80% of the total number of tourists, the Spring Festival is not their peak season.
Many first-time Antarctic tourists face the question of what to pack. Even though it's summer, with average temperatures between -5°C and 5°C, they haven't experienced the heat yet. Even when the sun is shining brightly, they'll sweat profusely while hiking.
It goes without saying that we need to keep warm and resist the cold, but there is nothing more heartbreaking and embarrassing than being wet and breathing the wind in the freezing cold.
Upper body: thermal underwear + sweater/light down jacket + windproof and waterproof fleece jacket; if your cold index is level 10, you can wear a light down jacket over the sweater, and then a windproof jacket.
Lower body: warm pants + fleece leggings + waterproof overalls/fleece combat pants.
From a technical perspective, according to the layering concept of Layer System and the function of clothing, Antarctic clothing is divided into three layers: base layer, mid layer and outer layer.
The inner layer is next to the skin, primarily providing warmth and wicking away perspiration, keeping the skin comfortable and dry. Quick-drying synthetic fabrics are superior to standard thermal underwear. Therefore, wearing overly tight clothing or cotton products with poor breathability is not recommended.
The middle layer acts as a barrier to insulation and insulation, so it needs to be both wicking and breathable. The more layers you have, the warmer you'll be. There are many options for middle layers, including fleece, lightweight and warm cashmere, down vests, and down jackets.
The outer layer should be windproof, waterproof, and breathable. In Antarctica, a windproof, waterproof fleece jacket is the standard outer layer. Note: Policies vary by ship. Premium and luxury cruise ships may provide a professional jacket, while standard expedition ships may rent jackets for free on board, charge a rental fee (pick up in Ushuaia), or require guests to rent jackets entirely on board.
Recommended clothing brands
In a world of blue and white, bright colors like red, bright yellow, and bright orange are more eye-catching and photogenic. Therefore, it is recommended to buy jackets in bright red, orange, and bright yellow.
Inner pants: Pants that are windproof and somewhat waterproof are preferred. They can be worn as outerwear or put directly over outer pants before landing, which is convenient!
Outer pants: Waterproof, warm trousers. It's recommended to order a size larger than usual to allow for easier stuffing. The outer pants shouldn't be too thick (to avoid bulk and impeding mobility) or too tight. Landing boots should fit inside the trousers. For each landing, wear one pair of warm trousers and one pair of waterproof trousers with a thin fleece.
1) When landing in Antarctica or cruising in a Zodiac, your clothing should depend on the weather conditions: if it is sunny and bright, one mid-layer is enough; if it is cloudy and windy or snowy, you can wear multiple mid-layers.
If the weather is gloomy or snowy, you'll need an extra layer of clothing. Wear a hat to keep out the wind and cold.
2) Onboard, the ship's indoor temperature is around 20°C, making it pleasantly warm and comfortable, so casual clothing is recommended. Keep a warm jacket handy for the latest station announcements and for rushing to the deck to view polar animals.
3) When you arrive at the gateway city of South America, it will be midsummer there. Depending on your itinerary, you can prepare 1-2 sets of summer clothes.
Waterproof boots are provided by the ship, so you don't need to buy them separately. There are no slippers on board, so you'll need to bring your own sandals. For the trip, casual shoes, sneakers, leather shoes, or ankle boots are all fine for spring and summer.
High wool socks, you can prepare a few more pairs of autumn socks; a non-exclusive tip: felt insoles for warmth and insulation.
1) Hat: In the extremely cold and windy Antarctic continent, a hat that can protect the ears is very important.
It protects the ears, provides windproof warmth, and can be worn on its own or tucked under the hood of a jacket. Fleece-lined hats are great, and the outdoor brands recommended above all offer them, so I won't go into detail here. Regular beanies or baseball caps are not suitable.
2) Gloves: It is recommended to prepare two pairs of gloves: one pair of waterproof and warm gloves, preferably with a fleece lining, which is particularly useful for zodiac cruises, as it is windproof and warm; the other pair of thin touchscreen cotton gloves, or thin wool gloves, is convenient for mobile phone operation and photography.
3) Scarves and bandanas: These can cover your face to protect you from the sun, strong winds, and snow, and protect your neck and face from the cold wind. Choose warm, airtight materials; silk or knitted wool scarves are not recommended.
4) Sunglasses/UV ski goggles
In Antarctica, sunlight reflecting off the ice and water creates a lot of glare. Good-quality sunglasses or ski goggles protect your eyes from the sun, water, ice, and snow. Wearing sunglasses or UV ski goggles can minimize damage to your eyes, and wearing sunglasses is recommended for greater convenience. A negative example: Mark Chao, while filming a movie in Antarctica, didn't wear sunglasses and suffered a brief bout of snow blindness.
5) Swimwear
If you plan to go ice swimming at Deception Island or try the Polar Plunge on a ship in Antarctica, you will need to prepare a swimsuit or swimming trunks. It is recommended that beauties who want to show off their style bring a colorful bikini.
6) Sunscreen
The Antarctic ozone hole has resulted in particularly strong UV rays, making sun protection essential. Be sure to bring sunscreen with a high SPF. Even on cloudy days, don't be lazy; be sure to cover your lips and nose. Recommended products: Shiseido ANESSA 50+ sunscreen, Australian all-purpose papaya cream, and South African aloe vera gel (for calming and post-sun repair).
Photography enthusiasts should bring their own gear and preferences: mobile phones, compact cameras, mirrorless cameras, and DSLR cameras are all suitable for creating stunning photos, and GoPro cameras are also highly recommended. It's worth noting that tourists are not allowed to use drones like DJI for filming in Antarctica.
Regarding lenses, for example, for professional SLR photography, a 24-70mm or 70-200mm focal length is standard. While this is sufficient for capturing travel landscapes and portraits, it can miss out on polar animals. Therefore, a lens with a focal length of 400mm or longer is recommended for professional photography of birds, penguins, and whales. Ultra-wide-angle or fisheye lenses, which introduce strong distortion, can also add to the fun of photography.
Other equipment: tripod, OSMO stabilizer (for shooting videos), Octopus (can be fixed on the boat for time-lapse photography), neutral density polarizing filter and color chart, waterproof camera bag, waterproof camera case, charger, enough memory cards and spare batteries.
To prevent seasickness, please bring seasickness pills, patches, or wristbands. If you're taking a cruise across the Drake Passage, it's recommended to bring common seasickness pills. The chance of seasickness is low on flights.
Binoculars
Personal toiletries & skin care cosmetics PS: Bright lipstick is the best color for the south!
Spare glasses or contact lenses
Universal plug (or converter), hair dryer
Waterproof zipper plastic bag
Mobile phones often shut down in low temperature conditions, so it is recommended to carry a power bank with you.
Thermos cup, hot pack
Personal information documents, cash
1. Print a copy of the e-ticket itinerary and carry it with you;
2. Print a copy of the U.S. visa EVUS renewal form;
3. Argentina electronic visa (one color printout);
4. A copy of the first page of your passport: in case your passport is lost, it will be used when applying for a replacement;
5. Print a copy of the overseas travel accident insurance;
6. Print a copy of the ticket;
7. Please save a copy of the above materials on your mobile phone in case of emergency;
1. Original passport;
2. Original ID card;
3. Two 2-inch passport-sized photos: In case your passport is lost, you can keep them as a backup when applying for a replacement.
4. VISA or international credit card;
5. Local currency (US dollars, pesos)
6. Others to be supplemented
