What to Expect on an Antarctic Cruise

Spectacular views of wildlife on an Antarctic cruise

Theo continues his report about their cruise to Antarctica on Hapag Lloyd's cruise ship 'Bremen'.
"Any cruise will be unpredictable in terms of ports of call in the Antarctica peninsula area, but if you accept that that is part of the allure then fine. The seas can be rough and it's pretty cold.

  "Calls in South Georgia and on the Peninsula are by using zodiacs and wading ashore. A maximum of 50 to 100 people are allowed to land at any one time. Three calls were offered in one day on South Georgia but one or two is more typical.

  "There is not a lot more to do than walk around the beaches and observe the wildlife (spectacular) at most places. Port Stanley is a town, Gritviken and Deception Island had their whaling heritage, and we visited research bases at Orcades (South Orkneys) and Port Lockroy.

Exploring by zodiac in Antarctica

  "There are hot water springs in Deception Island where the ship penetrates a spectacular sea-filled volcanic crater so a pit for bathing was dug.

  "I defy anyone not to be impressed by the spectacular ice and snow scenery of the Lemaire Channel or the exhileration of using zodiacs (inflatable boats) to get you close to the ice in Paradise Bay.

  "It is, however, a long haul to get there. If you do take a trip to the Antarctic then make sure that the ship lands. Do really check what clothing is provided – we were lent boots and anoraks for the trip."
  Many thanks, Theo, for the great photos and information about cruising in the Southern Ocean to Antarctica. You've given us an excellent overview of what to expect on an Antarctic cruise.