18 Things You Didn't Know About Cruising to Antarctica

Cruise Ships Don't Sail as Far South as the Antarctic Circle

Linda Garrison

Those who have traveled to the Arctic know that many cruise ships sail further north than the Arctic Circle (66 degrees 33 minutes 39 seconds north latitude) in the summer, with some ships even crossing the famous Northwest Passage linking the northern Atlantic and Alaska or the Northeast Passage linking Norway with the Pacific Ocean. Hurtigruten even sails its Norwegian coastal voyages year-round all the way north from Bergen to Kirkenes, which is over 69 degrees north latitude.

 

Many think ships sailing south to Antarctic in the Austral summer can also reach the Antarctic Circle, which is 66 degrees 33 minutes 39 seconds south latitude. However, the Antarctic does not feature the warming waters of the Gulf Stream, the land mass of the continent keeps it generally colder than the Arctic, and huge icebergs often clog up passages between the islands and/or continent. Cruise ships can usually get to 65+ degrees latitude, but going further is difficult.

 

If crossing the Antarctic Circle is on your wish list, book a small expedition ship later in the season (February or March) that includes this crossing on its planned itinerary. Smaller ships can navigate through the narrow Lemaire Channel when the smaller icebergs have melted.

Penguins Are Even Cuter Than Expected

Linda Garrison

Everyone loves penguins, and Antarctica is the only place you can see them in the snow. Six of the seventeen species of penguins are found in Antarctic waters, and most cruise travelers see at least three of those species. Watching the penguins (who could care less about you) waddling, swimming, nesting, interacting with their peers or mates, or just doing their everyday activities can keep most cruise travelers mesmerized for as long as time allows. It may be difficult to believe that they are cuter in their natural habitat than expected, but it's true.