A journey to Antarctica – the “White Continent” – is like no other experience in the world.  One of the most remote places on earth, this vast, untouched land is truly an extraordinary destination. Antarctica contains 90% of the world’s ice and one feels inspired by it.  Enormous icebergs, endless penguins (Adélie, gentoo, king, chinstrap, to name a few), whales and elephant seals provide the setting for this exhilarating adventure. Or you may relish the silence under its magically lit sky.

Once impossible to get to, one is now able to explore this frozen landscape safely and in comfort. Thanks to modern technology and environmental awareness, more and more companies are seeking to discover this unique continent.

Travel here takes place during the austral summer from November through March, when the continent is at its most spectacular. Many voyages combine the marvels of the Antarctic Peninsula with the Falkland Islands, known for their many species of albatross, rock hopper penguins and fur seals. South Georgia, made famous by the great explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, and home to thousands of handsome King penguins, is another option for your exploration.

Silversea
Aboard Prince Albert II - 132 Guests
November-March departures

With an ice-strengthened hull and unmatched level of luxury, the Prince Albert II offers a unique expedition experience. Zodiacs allow you to explore the icebergs up close, and amenities such as an Internet Café, full-service spa and a Humidor, create a special ambiance for your polar adventure.  Choose from an 11-day voyage exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, or a 17-day discovery including the Falklands & South Georgia. You also visit Elephant Island in the South Shetland Islands, so named for its abundance of elephant seals, and also the place where Shackleton’s ship Endurance was stranded.

Lindblad Expeditions
Aboard National Geographic Explorer - 148 Guests
October-February departures

Aboard the state-of-the-art Explorer, you will travel with National Geographic experts and the most experienced Ice Team on earth.  This includes an undersea specialist (ice-certified diver) who brings images of life beneath the ice to the comfort of the ship’s lounge. You may also kayak amid icebergs as penguins swim around you. National Geographic photographers as well as penguin researchers are on board and will invite you to participate in their ongoing study of penguin populations. Choose from a 15-day voyage to Antarctica, 25 days including South Georgia & the Falklands, or a unique 20-day exploration of South Georgia & the Falklands.

Hurtigruten
Aboard MS Fram - 318 Guests
October-February departures

Designed specifically for cruising the Antarctic waters, the MS Fram features lectures, expert guides and PolarCirkel boat landings for close-up discoveries. With several itineraries to choose from ranging from 13 to 22 days, you may extend your Antarctic exploration with travels to Argentina and the spectacular Chilean Fjords. Worth noting is the distinctive 17-day ‘North & South Antarctica’, where guests spend 9 days on the continent, including rarely-visited and isolated Marguerite Bay, home to the only known breeding colony of Emperor penguins on the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Quark Expeditions
Aboard Kapitan Khlebnkov, Lyubov Orlova, Clipper Adventurer, Ocean Nova
October-February departures

Traveling with Quark allows you to experience the ‘land of ice’ in 3 distinct ways and with the most diverse itineraries. Aboard the only polar-class Icebreakers in the region equipped for expedition travel, you’ll see sights inaccessible to traditional vessels, including aerial sightseeing by onboard helicopters. For active travelers, there are Adventure Ships with several landings and a variety of options – camping, kayaking, mountaineering and cross-country skiing. For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, Expedition Ships are the perfect choice with Zodiacs for ocean-level cruising and an in-depth education program.