Cruising? In Antarctica? On A QE2 Cruise Ship?The Antarctica is a continent that surrounds the South Pole. The surface area encompasses about fourteen million square miles and the population is small. Specifically, during the winter the population varies from less than one thousand and over thirty thousand for the summer. Outside of offshore fishing and tourism, actual economic activity of Antarctica does not exist. Coincidently, as it is difficult to visit Antarctica, an increasing number of tourists visit each year. Many tourists travel to Antarctica as an organized expeditionary cruise, frequently escorted and facilitated by a mixture of seasonal seafarers and ice or wildlife experts. These experts are responsible for providing you with frequent lectures throughout your stay. The lectures are based on various aspects of Antarctica history and natural history. Most visits to the Antarctica may take up to ten days to three weeks from port to port. However, it is possible that occasional extended or condensed trips may occur. The cruises that sail to Antarctica may actually be a variety of sizes. Tourism is basically achieved by utilizing approximately twenty vessels that carry forty- five to two hundred eighty passengers. More over, the ship that you choose could make a significant difference in the journey as well as the experience. It is also pertinent to mention that Antarctica cruises are not similar to the typical, well- known cruises in that the warmer climate cruises are more apt to provide discos and showbiz entertainment. Unless you are prepared to obtain access to the larger Antarctic cruises, this entertainment is not feasible. Irregardless, you are able to socialize with the seafarers and wildlife experts as well as the captain of the ship. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has provided guidelines that the ships must adhere to at all times. The IAATO is a well respected volunteer organization. It is actually important to be sure that the ship where you are a passenger is a member of IAATO. The guidelines include the actual permitted size of the ship that is considered safe to enter Antarctic waters. Furthermore, the association outlines the rules of conduct upon landing at sites in Antarctica. One of the main rules that are enforced by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators is the one hundred passenger rule. This rule simply states that no more than one hundred passengers at any given time are to land in any location in Antarctica. Therefore, if you are a part of a small ship that only houses up to one hundred passengers, then you obviously have the opportunity to go ashore each time. As for the larger cruises, this would not suffice. The Antarctica Cruises are ice strengthened and sail primarily to the Peninsula Region. Sometimes the tour includes South Georgia and the Falkland Islands (Isles Malvinas). There have been occasional voyages to Antarctica by larger passenger vessels (up to 960) which usually only conducts sightseeing journeys, without landing. Yacht travel to the Antarctica is tremendously popular for a more intimate journey, though it does not have the luxuries of larger cruise ships. The Antarctic visits are mainly concentrated at ice- free coastal zones over the Antarctic summer. The summer is the five month period, November to March where there is twenty plus hours of daylight. Tourist's ships could possibly get in and out earlier or later during this season, yet the danger of not reaching itinerary destinations increases. You could be stranded in the sea- ice which induces a cold winter. Therefore, the ships should not risk the journey outside of these months. Remember weather and ice, not clocks and calendars set the pace for this journey. For a two week Antarctica Cruise, it is priced for a reasonable amount of $7- 10,000. More so, you may pay a minimum of around $4,000 for a twin cabin plus the cost of airfare and other sundry costs to and from your point of embarkation. These prices are for regular scheduled trips. These costs would most likely include the exploring outside the Peninsula Region. You may even experience visits to the emperor penguin colonies, historical huts, the Dry Valleys and other remote areas. No matter what schedule or route you desire, you will be at the mercy of the continents changing moods and weather patterns.
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