Jump to content

Which Way to Antarctica?


BORDER REIVER

Recommended Posts

We are in the process of planning a trip to Antarctica in about 3 years from now and after a lot of research have decided that Hurtigruten's Fram would suit us best. Our problem now is that there are a number of different choices of route and destinations - like ...visit Chilean Fjords as well, Falklands and South Georgia, Weddell Sea, crossing the Antarctic Circle..among others.

Crossing the Antactic Circle really appeals to us, but are any of the other options "must see"? We really want to see (weather permitting) the very best that Antarctica has to offer on a "once in a lifetime" trip.

We will probably only be able to do visit Antarctica once only, as there are other places we'd love to go to - like Spitsbergen, East Greenland, Northern Norway and Canada.

We would appreciate any good advice on which parts of Antarctica to go to before others.

Another question.....is it really beneficial to to spend a lot more money on a balcony cabin on Fram? We had a balcony on our trip to Greenland, Iceland and Norway last year and spent a lot of time on it, but we've read that on an expedition ship, you're kept so busy that you only really go there to sleep or change. Worth the extra £££'s or not?

 

Thanks for any help anyone can give.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We are in the process of planning a trip to Antarctica in about 3 years from now and after a lot of research have decided that Hurtigruten's Fram would suit us best. Our problem now is that there are a number of different choices of route and destinations - like ...visit Chilean Fjords as well, Falklands and South Georgia, Weddell Sea, crossing the Antarctic Circle..among others.

It might be worth your while watching their ship's blog... then you'd see what was happening this year and be able to make your decisions.

 

Looks like they are due to arrive in the Falklands tomorrow on their way south. http://mvfram.blogspot.com/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have done the Antarctic circle expedition on the MS Fram in Feb 2009. We were blessed with absolutely gorgeous weather and I feel that I have seen Antarctica at its best. Our most wonderful days were without question the ones below the Polar Circle (most wonderful in terms of landscape and ice conditions and feeling of being both incredibly lucky to be here and incredibly small in this amazing world). From my personal experience, I would highly recommend this journey. You can see my pictures on my blog (link in signature, I apologize the text is in French only but you can use Google translate if necessary).

 

However, I know that because this trip was at the end of the touristic season, the scenery that we saw at the north of the Peninsula were probably not as spectacular as they were earlier in the season, so if I had taken an earlier trip that didn't go as south, I still may have enjoyed it a lot. I think that Antarctica is magical enough and diverse enough that whichever trip you choose, you will not be disappointed.

 

Concerning the need for a balcony cabin, my opinion is that it is not necessary. Indeed we only used our cabin for sleeping at night. Most of the time we were on the outside decks (or ashore), and the Fram has a great panoramic lounge and other sitting areas from where you can see outside if the weather is really bad. I would suggest using the extra money (if you have it) to book a longer trip, rather than spending it on a balcony cabin.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I will be cruising to Antarctica in January 2012 on an escorted trip with my TA. She has taken many groups to Antarctica and thinks that mid January is the best time to go as the penguin chicks as at their prime. She only goes when the itinerary includes South Georgia. I will try to post come comments when I return in February.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Any trip to Antarctica will only be enhanced by having South Georgia on the itinerary. As interesting as it might be to cross the Antarctic Circle, there's no guarantee of being able to do so ... I'd seriously consider the SG/FI inclusive itineraries ... for the scenery, variety, and quantity of wildlife, you won't regret it. January would be my recommendation. (From our 2007 Trip: )

 

We did Spitsbergen this year ... loved (really) every minute of our expedition cruise, but thought the wow factor of the Antarctic was missing. Knew that was likely going to be the case, so we were prepared for a different experience and thus, were not disappointed. The area is starkly beautiful and I'm glad we went. You might think about reversing the order of your trips ... just something to think about. (Arctic Voyage Blog: http://2totravel.blogspot.com/2011/06/arctic-redux.html ... all of the posts are in the July 2011 archive.)

 

Whatever you decide, you will have a fantastic time ... both areas are special, but the Antarctic is really, really something else.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I will be cruising to Antarctica in January 2012 on an escorted trip with my TA. She has taken many groups to Antarctica and thinks that mid January is the best time to go as the penguin chicks as at their prime. She only goes when the itinerary includes South Georgia. I will try to post come comments when I return in February.

 

I agree that South Georgia is an esssential part of an Antarctica cruise. Falkland islands is not as important. We were there in January 2010 and the penguin chicks were at their "prime". You can look at my photos and videos.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another vote for South Georgia and the Falklands. Very different form Antarctica, we loved the bird life at both those places but then we also go on specific bird & wildlife trips so that was very important for us. We had the cheapest cabin on the Fram on the last cruise of the season last year - back to BA - and had no regrets about not getting a balcony. It's not like you would be sitting out there sunbathing! Others were happy with their balconies and would not have been without them. I think only you can decide whether it's worth the extra money, we tend to go as budget/value as possible and for us it definitely was not worth the extra cost. Hurtigruten is a top notch, great value company to go to the Antarctic with, we had a fabulous time and would do it again in a heartbeat. You can check out our photos at www dot gtbow dot smugmug dot com.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another vote for South Georgia and the Falklands. Very different form Antarctica, we loved the bird life at both those places but then we also go on specific bird & wildlife trips so that was very important for us. We had the cheapest cabin on the Fram on the last cruise of the season last year - back to BA - and had no regrets about not getting a balcony. It's not like you would be sitting out there sunbathing! Others were happy with their balconies and would not have been without them. I think only you can decide whether it's worth the extra money, we tend to go as budget/value as possible and for us it definitely was not worth the extra cost. Hurtigruten is a top notch, great value company to go to the Antarctic with, we had a fabulous time and would do it again in a heartbeat. You can check out our photos at www dot gtbow dot smugmug dot com.

I'll be on the Fram eventually for Antarctica and am interested in hearing about experiences with the inside cabins. To save money, I'm seriously considering an inside. By cheapest room, did you have an inside cabin? Thoughts about inside cabins for Antarctica?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Many thanks to all of you for your replies. There's more to think about than I imagined. It's useful to know that a cheaper cabin will suffice - the money saved would go towards another trip - a former work colleague of mine reckons the money saved on them getting an inside cabin each time they cruise, pays for another cruise.

We've got more to think about than we imagined - it seems as though South Georgia is worth visiting, but we're not too bothered about the Falkland Islands. Our main reason for wanting to go to Antarctica before anywhere else, is that we are still quite fit at 57 and 62 years old (2 years ago we did a 100 mile walk in the mountains) and want to make the most of any shore trips while we still have that level of fitness. When we visited Greenland on a bigger ship, a few older passengers tried and couldn't cope with boats and jetties bobbing up and down, thus delaying everyone else - we don't want to be restricted ourselves, or to inconvenience anyone else.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Our main reason for wanting to go to Antarctica before anywhere else, is that we are still quite fit at 57 and 62 years old (2 years ago we did a 100 mile walk in the mountains) and want to make the most of any shore trips while we still have that level of fitness. When we visited Greenland on a bigger ship, a few older passengers tried and couldn't cope with boats and jetties bobbing up and down, thus delaying everyone else - we don't want to be restricted ourselves, or to inconvenience anyone else.

 

Your comment really struck me as my partner and I are virtually the same ages as the two of you, and also have Antarctica on our "next" list precisely because we want to travel there while we are still healthy and fit enough to enjoy it. We are most likely going in early 2013 with Lindblad on the Nat'l Geo Explorer. It's beyond exciting to contemplate!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We took the Fram last Dec. and came home the 2nd of Jan. We found a great deal, and our window cabin was cheaper than an inside. With the extra perks like free drinks with your meals and other bonuses that was included in the superior cabin, it really added up value wise. You might check some of the expedition sites to keep tabs on sales.

 

I don't think a balcony would be worth it, but the window was a great bonus for watching the sea, animals and birds. We were also very close to the exit doors, so we could hop outside for photos quickly. We did the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic peninsula on the Shakelton Christmas trip. We also visited the top of the Weddel Sea. We did not go farther down towards the Polar Circle which was a disappointment to us. If we ever get to go back, we want to go to that area. We have been to the Falklands twice now, and we don't see any need to visit South Georgia or the other sub-Antarctic islands again. Seeing the Shag Rocks in daylight was cool too.

 

Our weather was good and bad. It did keep us from landing sometimes (the winds), so that put us in our cabin perhaps more than was expected. I loved to sit in the chair by the window and just watch the sea and the wildlife that came by the ship. On our expedition we had several days at sea.

 

We too wanted to take this cruise before our health prevented us from fully enjoying the landings. They can be quite strenuous, but they do a great job helping you to get on and off the boats. Most are wet landings, so those boots really do come in handy.

 

I wrote a review on our cruise if you want to check it out on this site. I would also be glad to answer any questions you might have about our cruise or ship.

 

TXTraveler

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks folks for lots of very useful answers.

Despite South Georgia sounding and looking an incredible place to visit, our inclination now is not to go there as there would inevitably mean more sea days and we'd rather spend more time exploring the Antarctic Peninsular to South of the Antarctic Circle.

Some really useful tips on cabin choice there, a lot of money can be saved by not getting balcony cabins or suites.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As an avid Hurtigruten fan, I have to point out that the National Geographic Explorer is a former Hurtigruten ship. She was called Midnatsol and later Lyngen: http://www.expeditions.com/Explorer357.asp

 

Yes, thanks, a terrific ship.... (I guess we also have to note that the passenger decks were then totally gutted and replaced....:))

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks folks for lots of very useful answers.

Despite South Georgia sounding and looking an incredible place to visit, our inclination now is not to go there as there would inevitably mean more sea days and we'd rather spend more time exploring the Antarctic Peninsular to South of the Antarctic Circle.

 

While I share your analysis here about the itinerary (for us, the added cost and the length of the trip if we were to include South Georgia are problematic), I think you will find that no one can guarantee you that your ship will make it to the Antarctic Circle (or below). From what I have read, I believe that will be dependent on all of the weather and sea/ice conditions at the time.

 

I hope someone will correct me if that's wrong.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

While I share your analysis here about the itinerary (for us, the added cost and the length of the trip if we were to include South Georgia are problematic), I think you will find that no one can guarantee you that your ship will make it to the Antarctic Circle (or below). From what I have read, I believe that will be dependent on all of the weather and sea/ice conditions at the time.

 

I hope someone will correct me if that's wrong.

 

I appreciate your comments on making it across the Antarctic Circle and I've been well warned that nothing can be guaranteed as the itinerary for each and every day is dependent on the weather. Having said that, I'm certain that we'll be more thrilled and amazed than we were with Greenland. My thoughts are that the longer we spend in any part of the Antarctic, the better the chances are of having some days with reasonable weather, therefore, days spent sailing between B.A and Falklands, Falklands to South Georgia etc. are days that could be good enough to be going ashore somewhere. If we suddenly found ourselves with a bit more money, then Falklands / South Georgia would be an option.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We are in the process of planning a trip to Antarctica in about 3 years from now and after a lot of research have decided that Hurtigruten's Fram would suit us best. Our problem now is that there are a number of different choices of route and destinations - like ...visit Chilean Fjords as well, Falklands and South Georgia, Weddell Sea, crossing the Antarctic Circle..among others.

Crossing the Antactic Circle really appeals to us, but are any of the other options "must see"? We really want to see (weather permitting) the very best that Antarctica has to offer on a "once in a lifetime" trip.

We will probably only be able to do visit Antarctica once only, as there are other places we'd love to go to - like Spitsbergen, East Greenland, Northern Norway and Canada.

We would appreciate any good advice on which parts of Antarctica to go to before others.

Another question.....is it really beneficial to to spend a lot more money on a balcony cabin on Fram? We had a balcony on our trip to Greenland, Iceland and Norway last year and spent a lot of time on it, but we've read that on an expedition ship, you're kept so busy that you only really go there to sleep or change. Worth the extra £££'s or not?

 

Thanks for any help anyone can give.

 

We did the Shackleton Route on the Fram in 2010. An absolutely amazing trip, and what made it so special was stops in the Falklands and South Georgia. The wildlife experience is superb, to put it mildly.

 

I would definitely recommend a route that includes the Falklands and SG.

Hurtigruten has discontinued the Chilean Fjords cruise per our TA, or we would definitely go back to Anarctica.

 

We had the MG suite and the balcony was a plus, however it is really not needed since there are so many other places on board to get out and experience AA.

 

For a detailed account, see our trip review at opatravelsdotblogspotdotcom/2010/02/goin-south.html for pictures and details on the ship.

 

You'll never regret this trip, we hope to go back but in the meantime like you we have a few other places we want to see first.

 

RonC

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I appreciate your comments on making it across the Antarctic Circle and I've been well warned that nothing can be guaranteed as the itinerary for each and every day is dependent on the weather.

 

Not just the weather but also the pack ice conditions. We were in solid pack ice when we crossed the Circle and the only reason we got that far south was that were were in a full blown ice breaker - not an ice strengthened hull ship. We actually got a long way further south than the magic 66.33 degree mark too - exploring the Riiser Larsen Ice Shelf below 70 degrees !! Pretty incredible.

 

There is generally less pack ice on the west side of the Peninsular and a few ships so attempt to cross the Circle on that side - but at the end of the day if there is solid pack ice they will not get through. Later in the season (Feb - March) would "generally" mean less pack ice and better chances.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree that South Georgia and Falklands should be included. We just loved tehm. South Georgia is one of those places that you must go. I had a cabin with two windows and was enough. I think balcony is a luxury that is ok should you have enough money, but is not necessary. I was in Silver Explorer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think it's kind of interesting that even after the OP has said that maybe if he/she wins the lottery, South Georgia might be an option, people keep coming on here to say one "should" or "must" include South Georgia and the Falklands in an Antarctic trip. I pretty much made the same point as the OP: adding these ports to a trip is extremely expensive and makes the trip much longer.

 

I very much appreciate the thoughts that South Georgia and the Falklands are great, but it would be nice if people offering those opinions might temper them with the awareness that not everyone can afford such a trip or is in a position to take such a trip.

 

This isn't meant to be harsh, just asking folks to please step back a moment when they offer this advice... Thanks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Last year I went to the Antarctic on the Nat Geo Explorer. We were early in the season to the Peninsula. We did make it below the Antarctic Circle but only because we were having problems finding ice free landing spots along the coast the further south we got, so we just steamed to the Circle. It was kind of cool to cross the Circle but we were just in the middle of the ocean. Afterwards we just sailed back north.

 

I only did the Antarctic cruise and had a great time. Could not afford the time or money for SG and the Falklands. Maybe if I win the lottery.

 

Julie

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think it's kind of interesting that even after the OP has said that maybe if he/she wins the lottery, South Georgia might be an option, people keep coming on here to say one "should" or "must" include South Georgia and the Falklands in an Antarctic trip. I pretty much made the same point as the OP: adding these ports to a trip is extremely expensive and makes the trip much longer.

 

I very much appreciate the thoughts that South Georgia and the Falklands are great, but it would be nice if people offering those opinions might temper them with the awareness that not everyone can afford such a trip or is in a position to take such a trip.

 

This isn't meant to be harsh, just asking folks to please step back a moment when they offer this advice... Thanks.

 

Turtles06 - I think you understand our situation very well. Whatever we decide to do is likely to be a "one-off" adventure, partly due to cost and partly because there are other wonderful places to see as well.

Actually, everyone's comments have been very useful to us, but have given us more of a dilemma. I am now convinced that South Georgia in particular would be an amazing place to visit but.....this is my dilemma..... is it worth spending the extra "sea days" to visit Falklands and South Georgia, when it would cut down the days in the Antarctic Peninsular to 3 or less? An ideal expedition would take in South Georgia and still leave around 6 - 8 days in the Antarctic Peninsular...but no-one does such a trip. My questions regarding balcony cabins were to assess where savings could be made in order to afford a more prolonged cruise. We both love mountains, snow, ice, glaciers and wildlife - preferably all in the same area. The Falklands don't have so much appeal to us as they appear very similar to our own Shetland Islands, where I've already spent some time.

I guess our main question is: Do we miss out on South Georgia and have around 7 days in the Antarctic Peninsular (hopefully reaching South of the Antarctic Circle)....or do the Falklands / South Georgia trip, with only around 3 days in the Antarctic Peninsular? It has to be one or the other - not both.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...