Antartctia

[Coral]

I personally am considering this cruise. Would I like to set foot on it, yes, but it is very $$$$. Plus, I am single so add the single supplement. If my choices are to see it and not step foot or never see it - I would rather see it and not step foot as opposed to never see it ever.

[ccrain]

"Imagine a place where time ceased to exist, a place of unsurpassed and unforgiving beauty. A place of endless quiet. Imagine no more. The Frozen Continent."

 

For one interested in Antarctica, especially visiting there, I recommend getting hold of a copy of Bernard Stonehouse's "Antarctica from South America". Stonehouse also wrote a longer one "The Last Continent: Discovering Antarctica" which he wrote earlier but the latter is likely difficult to find. Stonehouse spent most of his professional life in Antarctica, a lot of which was with dog teams.

 

Personally, being born and raised and having spent my entire life in a land of ice and snow and the Alaska wilderness it makes little difference to me whether I step off onto an ice berg or piece of Continent. However, having flown many tourists onto Alaska's glaciers and seen and heard the awe and appreciation expressed by visitors, I have nothing but respect for those who spend the time and money to do so.

 

Actually it was my wife who found the cruise to Antarctica in 2010 and I reluctantly agreed to go along. Was I glad I did that. It was much more than I expected, we sailed around down there on a large vessel for three days, Elephant Island, Admiralty Bay, Esperanza Station, Deception Island, Neumayer Glacier and much more. That doesn't count the three sea days getting there from Buenos Aires and the sailing day back across Drake Passage to the Cape.

 

 

Of course, I would dearly love to do this again, perhaps on a smaller vessels equipped with Zodiacs, with time and luck maybe I well. I do spend my summers in the Wrangell Mountains of Alaska and do have a lot of young friends who guide mountain climbers and glacier hikers here during the summer, many of which spend their winters working in Antarctica at the US stations down there. None get to see the Peninsula though and are somewhat amazed at the pictures and when I tell them about it.

 

You and I may have been on the same cruise. With Dr. Stonehouse? He was a real hoot. That British humor during his lectures was one for the books. Even the day we were stuck out in ice berg alley with the wind howling and ice bergs floating by was pretty unique.

 

That was also the trip where the catabatic wind caught the Star just turning into the Neumyer Channel. She heeled over about 10D and the Captain, Perrin, aborted and we retraced our steps back up the Gerlach Straight. Talk about being in the middle of nowhere, we were 1,000's of miles FROM the middle of nowhere!

 

Definitely a unique cruising experience...

[land lover]

If you really want a more unique cruise to Antarctica do a trip to the Ross sea instead of to the Peninsula. 95 % of those that cruise to Antarctica go to the Peninsula because it is relatively easy to get to. Lindblad used to do the Ross Sea with the Lindblad Explorer back in the 70's and 80's. I was at McMurdo Station working on a Geophysics project one year when it pulled in (Spent 3 seasons doing traverses across the sea ice in McMurdo sound between Ross Island and the Strand Morraine at the end of the dry valleys, doing field work for a month at a time).

 

These days there are some ice breaker class vessels that do the cruise out of New Zealand.

 

That route takes you through the true age of Antarctic exploration with the huts at Cape Royds (Scott), Cape Evans (Shackleford) and Scott's last one at the harbor at McMurdo. The New Zealand Antarctic program has done substantial work preserving those huts. The pack ice usually lets one get to the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf in late Jan, and Feb. As well as access several points on land on the continent and on Ross island.

 

So if you can afford it and want to see the history of exploration as well as the scenery and animal life it is truly unique.

 

Most here are not interested in landings on the White Continent, rather want to claim an "Antarctic" cruise by driving by a few miles off the peninsula. Its like saying you have experienced New York City seen it from a cruise ship off Long Island.

 

Well, I am on who is interested.......and appreciate the time rdc1 took to info me of other options, besides the Peninsula. I have traveled all over SA land and sea around the horn and twice to the Galapagos....so gng out of NZ sounds very interesting to me....

 

I have never had a great interest to go to Antarctic.....but am always ready for an adventure and this sounds like one......thx RD

Edited May 25, 2018 by land lover

[Bizmark'sMom]

If you really want a more unique cruise to Antarctica do a trip to the Ross sea instead of to the Peninsula. 95 % of those that cruise to Antarctica go to the Peninsula because it is relatively easy to get to. Lindblad used to do the Ross Sea with the Lindblad Explorer back in the 70's and 80's. I was at McMurdo Station working on a Geophysics project one year when it pulled in (Spent 3 seasons doing traverses across the sea ice in McMurdo sound between Ross Island and the Strand Morraine at the end of the dry valleys, doing field work for a month at a time).

 

These days there are some ice breaker class vessels that do the cruise out of New Zealand.

 

That route takes you through the true age of Antarctic exploration with the huts at Cape Royds (Scott), Cape Evans (Shackleford) and Scott's last one at the harbor at McMurdo. The New Zealand Antarctic program has done substantial work preserving those huts. The pack ice usually lets one get to the edge of the Ross Ice Shelf in late Jan, and Feb. As well as access several points on land on the continent and on Ross island.

 

So if you can afford it and want to see the history of exploration as well as the scenery and animal life it is truly unique.

Thank you for this post. I'm going to Antarctica in 2020 to celebrate my 50th birthday, and definitely want to step onto the continent! I found a very interesting itinerary that embarks in New Zealand and then disembarks in Usuaia, hitting various spots on the continent and the peninsula along the way. It's even halfway reasonable - for an expedition cruise.

 

I never would have considered departing from New Zealand - so again, thank you!

[DougH]

When I did this in 2009 Dr Stonehouse was I believe the lecturer. He gave some excellent presentations. I wanted to step ashore like most but as others have said cruising single it is way out of my budget. A "Drive by" is still far better than never having visited.

[kennicott]

All this talk about the Antarctic reminds me of the first person I met who had been down there. It was the brother of a guy who had the room across the hall from us during the 58/59 winter at Fairbanks, University of Alaska.

He had served his tour down there, whatever that was, and traveled to Fairbanks to visit his brother. He sure had the tales to tell, spellbinding.

The one I'll never forget was the time they were out in the drop zone, on the ice, waiting for an Air Force Douglas C-124 "Globemaster" to drop a D-8 Caterpillar tractor to them via parachute. They had taken the blade off the dozer and were dropping it separate.

He said the aircraft was way up there when they slid the dozer off the rear ramp. They stood there watching it come down at them. Pretty soon they realized the chute had not opened and this huge item of heavy equipment was in free fall. They started to run to get away. They would run as fast as they could, then stop and look up, but the dozer was still coming right at them, or so it looked, then they would run again. When it hit the ice it buried, something like 25 feet, and the engine broke away and went even deeper.

Here are some shots I took during our "drive by" eight years ago. Hope they turn out. C:\Users\ksmith\Pictures\2010 Antarctic cruise\098.JPG C:\Users\ksmith\Pictures\2010 Antarctic cruise\051.JPG C:\Users\ksmith\Pictures\2010 Antarctic cruise\075.JPG C:\Users\ksmith\Pictures\2010 Antarctic cruise\079.JPG C:\Users\ksmith\Pictures\2010 Antarctic cruise\050.JPG C:\Users\ksmith\Pictures\2010 Antarctic cruise\072.JPG C:\Users\ksmith\Pictures\2010 Antarctic cruise\083.JPG C:\Users\ksmith\Pictures\2010 Antarctic cruise\103.JPG

[lois1112]

Amen and thank you for your thoughtful response to a haughty post. Seriously?? The cruise itself is a gift for the people who can actually do it. This simple "drive by" is not inexpensive for most people...

 

I'll second that

[Globehoppers]

I’m not sure how anyone could determine that most here have no interest in setting foot in Antarctica.

 

Maybe that is true...maybe it’s not. My ‘guess’ is that most everyone here would much prefer to do just that but several factors likely prevent most from doing so. Those could include:

 

- The cost of a land based visit.

 

- The physical limitations of some that would not support going ashore in a dingy (or other slightly larger craft).

 

- The limited size of the ships that can support this type of visit and potential for a much rougher voyage given its size not to mention limited space and amenities.

 

- Some feel allowing 10’s of thousands of people to visit by land would damage the sensitive environment and sailing through is a compromise that allows many to experience the area without leaving a footprint (or worse) on the ice.

 

- Did I mention the cost?

 

Finally let me add one last thing. How many visit the amazing locations such as Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord and other beautiful sea accessible areas of Alaska or others in New Zealand, Norway and Chile? How many of them are able to disembark in those places and set foot on the actual glacier or fjord? Yes, ports in the region are accessible but sailing into these areas without going ashore is nonetheless enjoyed by many thousands each year. Yes, enjoyed from the railing of a ship and almost always something they will never forget.

 

Chris

 

Spoken like someone who has never set foot on Antarctica.

 

Did I mention the I had a TKR 3 months prior?

 

Access to the RIBs, and getting off ashore, is easier and safer than tendering in most cruise ships. In one location we (Rothera) moored to a pier.

 

Expedition ships are stabilized and ice rated. The crossings were very stable.

 

The cost of a "drive by" cruise is twice what a "normal" cruise is. Not much different than taking a ship that offers landings.

 

The environment is highly controlled by international agreement and the naturalists on board insure all rules are followed. Much less damage to the environment than visiting a UNESCO location.

 

Have found that over 40 years of cruising, actually over 70 years counting my youth, today's cruise ship "guests" appear to prefer drink packages, cabin crawls, midnight conga lines around the pool, and more interested in collecting "cruise points" instead of visiting the locations at port near where cruise ships moor/visit. Most of the ships visiting Antarctica are modern, high quality and even luxurious. Great food, as well.

 

I fail to understand why those who do "drive bys" denigrate those who genuinely offer comments based on their wonderful experiences setting foot on the White Continent.

[land lover]

Thank you for this post. I'm going to Antarctica in 2020 to celebrate my 50th birthday' date=' and definitely want to step onto the continent! I found a very interesting itinerary that embarks in New Zealand and then disembarks in Usuaia, hitting various spots on the continent and the peninsula along the way. It's even halfway reasonable - for an expedition cruise.

 

I never would have considered departing from New Zealand - so again, thank you![/quote']

 

Would you mind sharing the vendor or give me a hint.....yes, toooo lazy to search....:halo::rolleyes:

[RDC1]

Would you mind sharing the vendor or give me a hint.....yes, toooo lazy to search....:halo::rolleyes:

 

Here is one that does New Zealand to Ushuaia.

 

https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/antarctica/ross-sea

[RDC1]

Spoken like someone who has never set foot on Antarctica.

 

Did I mention the I had a TKR 3 months prior?

 

Access to the RIBs, and getting off ashore, is easier and safer than tendering in most cruise ships. In one location we (Rothera) moored to a pier.

 

Expedition ships are stabilized and ice rated. The crossings were very stable.

 

The cost of a "drive by" cruise is twice what a "normal" cruise is. Not much different than taking a ship that offers landings.

 

The environment is highly controlled by international agreement and the naturalists on board insure all rules are followed. Much less damage to the environment than visiting a UNESCO location.

 

Have found that over 40 years of cruising, actually over 70 years counting my youth, today's cruise ship "guests" appear to prefer drink packages, cabin crawls, midnight conga lines around the pool, and more interested in collecting "cruise points" instead of visiting the locations at port near where cruise ships moor/visit. Most of the ships visiting Antarctica are modern, high quality and even luxurious. Great food, as well.

 

I fail to understand why those who do "drive bys" denigrate those who genuinely offer comments based on their wonderful experiences setting foot on the White Continent.

 

Hurtigruten has fairly decent prices for cruises that do landings on the peninsula.

[shepp]

 

Have found that over 40 years of cruising, actually over 70 years counting my youth, today's cruise ship "guests" appear to prefer drink packages, cabin crawls, midnight conga lines around the pool, and more interested in collecting "cruise points" instead of visiting the locations at port near where cruise ships moor/visit.

 

Yeah, well. I agree that cruising isn't the best way to see a place in depth. For instance, when somebody asks about a ship's excursion to Machu Picchu, I'll suggest that spending a week independently exploring all the sites in the Sacred Valley is preferable to spending just a few hours at Machu Picchu. But I try not to be snotty about it.

[RDC1]

Yeah, well. I agree that cruising isn't the best way to see a place in depth. For instance, when somebody asks about a ship's excursion to Machu Picchu, I'll suggest that spending a week independently exploring all the sites in the Sacred Valley is preferable to spending just a few hours at Machu Picchu. But I try not to be snotty about it.

 

Since you mentioned Machu Picchu as an example. On my cruise around South America I passed on Princess's Machu Picchu excursion. This August I am doing a 12 day tour of Peru with air, that includes Machu Picchu for less money then the ships excursion.

[land lover]

Yeah, well. I agree that cruising isn't the best way to see a place in depth. For instance, when somebody asks about a ship's excursion to Machu Picchu, I'll suggest that spending a week independently exploring all the sites in the Sacred Valley is preferable to spending just a few hours at Machu Picchu. But I try not to be snotty about it.

 

So how was the Xpedition in 2017?...I did her in 2009 with DH & 2010 with 2 of our children, DH was not interested in gng back.

 

Remember that add on with X to MC...3 days for a few thousand+..I just kept on thinking about altitude sickness and a rushed trip and said I would rather do it at another time.

 

Anyway to prove your point I took that money that I would have used for the extension...and did 2 weeks in Peru, high light was not MC, it was Lake Titicaca.

 

As everyone probably knows Princess offers an excursion a one day trip to Antarctica for $3300 or so pp when going around the horn.....on our cruise last year about 11 people got to experience it, I talked to 4 of them, 2 just recently on a cruise last month, small world.

 

 

When I saw the excursion, I thought about it..but you were tied in to go to another location if weather did not cooperate as the plane was chartered. So I did not look any further. To much money to risk for a place I really was nto committed to seeing.

 

As I mentioned b4 I really do not have an interest in Antarctica itself in as much as the adventure it holds. So that is why I am reading this thread.....

 

Everyone has their own thoughts on how to experience it....for some your expectations will be met with a sail buy, for others we need to touch and feel.

[lois1112]

Spoken like someone who has never set foot on Antarctica.

 

Did I mention the I had a TKR 3 months prior?

 

Access to the RIBs, and getting off ashore, is easier and safer than tendering in most cruise ships. In one location we (Rothera) moored to a pier.

 

Expedition ships are stabilized and ice rated. The crossings were very stable.

 

The cost of a "drive by" cruise is twice what a "normal" cruise is. Not much different than taking a ship that offers landings.

 

The environment is highly controlled by international agreement and the naturalists on board insure all rules are followed. Much less damage to the environment than visiting a UNESCO location.

 

Have found that over 40 years of cruising, actually over 70 years counting my youth, today's cruise ship "guests" appear to prefer drink packages, cabin crawls, midnight conga lines around the pool, and more interested in collecting "cruise points" instead of visiting the locations at port near where cruise ships moor/visit. Most of the ships visiting Antarctica are modern, high quality and even luxurious. Great food, as well.

 

I fail to understand why those who do "drive bys" denigrate those who genuinely offer comments based on their wonderful experiences setting foot on the White Continent.

 

I find your comments insulting-----------I have health problems that make getting in and out of a tender or a zodiac. I did consider a smaller cruise to Antarctica and decided that for me seeing it this way was a good compromise. If I had gone with the smaller company who reassured me they would help me in and out- I would have taken time away from my fellow travelers

where I will have a glass of wine or 2 with dinner- the purpose of this trip is not "conga" lines etc.

[land lover]

Since you mentioned Machu Picchu as an example. On my cruise around South America I passed on Princess's Machu Picchu excursion. This August I am doing a 12 day tour of Peru with air, that includes Machu Picchu for less money then the ships excursion.

 

Hope u are planning to see Lake Titicaca...when we were in Peru they had a water strike..trains were closed down to MC for 2 days..lucky for us we were with a small escorted group and our scheduled could be changed. We left the city for a day when students took over the airport in Cuzco and then rather than travel by bus the next morning since rocks and tires were blocking the roads out of town we left the city by plane. See I like adventure....

 

Peru is a fascinating country.....just like Turkey, Russia & India etc.etc....all deserve several days to experience, but if u only have one port day, it is certainly better than nothing....

Edited May 26, 2018 by land lover

[land lover]

I find your comments insulting-----------I have health problems that make getting in and out of a tender or a zodiac. I did consider a smaller cruise to Antarctica and decided that for me seeing it this way was a good compromise. If I had gone with the smaller company who reassured me they would help me in and out- I would have taken time away from my fellow travelers

where I will have a glass of wine or 2 with dinner- the purpose of this trip is not "conga" lines etc.

 

Well, I wish I had u on many of my land vacations or on small ship trips.....being considerate is a lost art....

But, I think u might be surprised by how many select these independent vendors for the personal touch and feel perfectly Ok making everyone wait...

 

I certainly understand how you feel and hope that the sail by will produce good weather, better watch out though if we sail together some day, I might want you in our Conga line....;):D

 

L:Dri

Edited May 26, 2018 by land lover

[land lover]

Here is one that does New Zealand to Ushuaia.

 

https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/antarctica/ross-sea

But my computer doesn't like the link..I'll search it another way....

 

Thanks.....

[RDC1]

Hope u are planning to see Lake Titicaca...when we were in Peru they had a water strike..trains were closed down to MC for 2 days..lucky for us we were with a small escorted group and our scheduled could be changed. We left the city for a day when students took over the airport in Cuzco and then rather than travel by bus the next morning since rocks and tires were blocking the roads out of town we left the city by plane. See I like adventure....

 

Peru is a fascinating country.....just like Turkey, Russia & India etc.etc....all deserve several days to experience, but if u only have one port day, it is certainly better than nothing....

 

We will be spending 3 days at Puno and Lake Titicaca.

[Bizmark'sMom]

Here is one that does New Zealand to Ushuaia.

 

https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/antarctica/ross-sea

This is exactly the cruise I am thinking of.

[caribill]

Here is one that does New Zealand to Ushuaia.

 

https://oceanwide-expeditions.com/antarctica/ross-sea

 

But my computer doesn't like the link..I'll search it another way....

 

Thanks.....

 

For what it is worth, the link worked for me.

[Globehoppers]

I find your comments insulting-----------I have health problems that make getting in and out of a tender or a zodiac. I did consider a smaller cruise to Antarctica and decided that for me seeing it this way was a good compromise. If I had gone with the smaller company who reassured me they would help me in and out- I would have taken time away from my fellow travelers

where I will have a glass of wine or 2 with dinner- the purpose of this trip is not "conga" lines etc.

 

Sorry about that, Lois. We did have one passenger who had to walk with a cane and used a small chair around the ship. He made it with assistance. Cruise was on Hurtigurten's Fram, a beautiful small ship designed for expedition cruising. Crew was more than happy to assist, as were the naturalist guides. Ship's doctor checked everyone on boarding to make sure all had their meds and were physically up to the experience )not easy to medieval from Antarctica), in addition to a required your own doctor's evaluation several months prior. The Norwegian wines were great and the Norwegian coffee exceptional.

[Globehoppers]

Well, I wish I had u on many of my land vacations or on small ship trips.....being considerate is a lost art....

But, I think u might be surprised by how many select these independent vendors for the personal touch and feel perfectly Ok making everyone wait...

 

I certainly understand how you feel and hope that the sail by will produce good weather, better watch out though if we sail together some day, I might want you in our Conga line....;):D

 

L:Dri

 

Speaking of "waiting," tried a transatlantic lately? Lots of people demanding assistance and that you give them quarter. Had one passenger arrive late to the theater, stepped out of his small chair, walk perfectly fine pushing by those already seated, then just before the event ended, standup and try to push his way past those he already disturbed at the start. Guess he was late for the food trough or conga line... Most are not like him, but there are enough that they do stand out.

[shepp]

So how was the Xpedition in 2017?...I did her in 2009 with DH & 2010 with 2 of our children, DH was not interested in gng back.

 

It was lovely, and everything was well organized. I did, however, see enough iguanas to last a lifetime.

[dougypk]

I’m sure you will have a good cruise on Princess. In my experience sailing both Princess and HAL in South America and Antarctica, the HAL cruise was exponentially better. My HAL cruise is still one of my all-time top three cruises. Much better overall experience, particularly in ports.

 

Thank you Pam, this post means a lot to me.

 

 

Doug