Enjoy cruising? Want to visit Antarctica? Ever thought of doing both, at once? Despite wanting to cruise around the world, this idea never crossed our minds, until we met the delightful Agness and Cez, who agreed to join us as guest bloggers to talk about taking an Antarctic Cruise!

What to Expect from Your First Antarctic Cruise

The southernmost site of the South Pole is a superb selection for a sea escape! On your Antarctic cruise you’ll get the chance to sail through magical ice mountains and interconnected valleys. Agness and Cez from etramping.com believe that this glorious place must be visited at least once in your lifetime. Due to global warming threats and decreasing rates of wildlife, it’s best to book your cruise as soon as possible. You never know when it will be too late to sail around this fantastic site. Remember to take your thermals as it may be chilly out there in Antarctica! Also, your camera, for all the fabulous memories you will be making. Although, before you pack, what can you expect from your first venture?

Witness Global Warming

We are all aware of climate change and its current state. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be getting much better. According to The Independent, the Antarctic is rapidly melting. They state that NASA has found the reason behind the mysterious melting, and it is due to a ‘mantle plume’. This is an extremely hot rock which lurks beneath the Antarctic ice. Heavy incidents of disruption are occurring due to these plumes and will continue to do so. That’s why it is wise to go and witness the Antarctic while you can. A trip to this continent will provide you with first-hand knowledge of the effects, and help you to understand the importance of preserving the environment. We only get one world, we must look after it!

Exclusive Expeditions

By sea, there is SO much more to see! For instance, you may see a flock of emperor penguins feasting on their fish. If you’re stuck on land, you won’t get to witness the wonders of the ocean. A cruise creates a pathway into the wonderful wildlife on the Antarctic. It also creates a community between you and your fellow travellers. It’s a shared experience even if you go it alone. The alternative atmosphere of an Antarctic cruise is what entices tourists to keep coming back. If you enjoy a hike, then there will be many expeditions available to experience the snow by foot. If you prefer a gentle sail around the snowy mountains, then you can opt for a relaxing venture. There is a lot on offer when it comes to cruising. Everything is on board that you need, and the staff are there to ensure passenger enjoyment!

Impressive Polar Waters

In the Antarctic, you will be made aware of the 0 °C water temperature. Of course, you will not be taking this cruise with the intention to swim in the sea as it is truly life threatening. Yet, you’ll definitely admire the tranquil waters and floating ice caps on your adventure. In the past, there have been people diving into the ocean to test out their swimming capabilities. For instance, a British lawyer recently swam through the Antarctic Ocean in an attempt to break a world record. His crazy yet admirable mission takes him 0.6 miles across the sea. Many view this journey as hazardous, and he has prepared his body for at least six months. The lawyer hopes that his assignment will bring awareness to climate change and help to reduce the effects of greenhouse gases.

Safety First

With every cruise, you expect your safety to come first. The welfare of a passenger is priority and there will be strict health and safety measures in place to accommodate you. You are usually welcome to bring along your own equipment if necessary. For example, if you wanted to do some hiking then you could take emergency lights and whistles. Or you could even invest in a GPS tracker if you’re concerned about taking a wrong turn. Definitely wear thermals and watertight clothing in case of unpredictable weather patterns. The cruise ship will have plenty of spare blankets and coats lying around for chilling about on the deck and in the cabins.

Wonderful Humpback Whales

Recently, National Geographic attached tiny cameras to the humpback whales of Antarctica. They’re providing innovative insights into the lives of these whales and they’re underwater existence. When you embark on your first Antarctic cruise you may be lucky enough to spot a humpback whale in action. Have your camera at the ready as this will be an unforgettable moment of your life! With the use of suction clips, researchers are able to attach the cameras and follow their activity. They’ve discovered that these amazing creatures may use their blow holes to create space in the ice to breathe. It’s worth a watch if you’re intrigued by the activity of whales and their hidden world beneath the ice. It may give you ideal preparation before witnessing the sights firsthand.

Unique Experience

Quite often, those who travel opt for the normal beach-type holiday. However, an Antarctic cruise is an extraordinary experience. You will get the opportunity to embark on an adventure that many people don’t get to achieve in their lifetime. By taking the ocean route, you’ll see so much more than staying on land. The floating ice-caps, gorgeous glaciers and adorable penguin colonies are all waiting for you by the water. When you think of the Antarctic, you think of the ocean and the wanders buried beneath its ice. It is an impressive sight to see and even more impressive up close. Majority of those who have been to the Antarctic label it as an unforgettable journey. There are so many inspiring moments to treasure.

The interest in this continent is growing due to the threat of its future stability. Scientists and researchers are doing their best to invent ways of altering the effects of global warming, yet the rapid rate of melting ice is against them. Don’t waste a moment and enjoy your cruise into the Antarctic. It is a beautiful and breath-taking environment. Plus, it’s a wild adventure that sets you apart from the mundane. You never know what wonderful sights are destined for you if you never take the plunge….

Are ready to board your first Antarctic Cruise?

Have Agness and Cez talked you into taking the plunge (figuratively, at least)? We are itching to go, but we all want to hear your thoughts. Let us know if this is the cruise for you. If you’ve already cruised in the Antarctic, let us know what it was like!

Thanks again to Agness and Cez, from eTramping.com, for planting the seed of adventure, and sharing their views on an Antarctic cruise. Disclosure: Agness and Cez are cruising Antarctica with Oceanwide Expeditions in January, 2018. They can’t wait to go, and we can’t wait to read about it!