Sunday, February 12, 2012

Antarctica Cruises Offer Comfort and Adventure

By Corinne Leo


If you tell someone you are going on a cruise and ask them to guess where it is you are going, chances are they will guess a whole bunch of typical "hot spots" in the Caribbean or maybe the Mediterranean. Imagine how surprised they would be if you said "Antarctica" instead! It might be an unusual destination, but travelers who make the effort (because it is a long way away from anyone in the Northern Hemisphere) will have that effort handsomely rewarded. And what it lacks in hot weather and sandy beaches it more than makes up for in stunning sights and unique experiences. And most tourists find that the Best Antarctic Cruises are the ones that give them a really interesting mix of things to do and see while they are cruising near the Antarctic Circle.

The Antarctic landscape is truly the main jewel in the crown of any vacation here. You will see a pure, untrammeled land of majestic icy shores and giant glacial formations. The skies go on forever over oceans of blue dotted artfully with white ice floes. The sheer scale of things will knock your socks off. From the comfort of the ship's deck you will see the panorama in all its splendour, but the truly impressive moments will come when you venture forth to walk around on that awesome countryside.

Antarctica is a remote and harsh place with a climate the swings between cold and really, really cold. And yet, life has found a way to survive there. Concentrated mostly on the shoreline, you will find birds of all sorts-including the funny, famous penguins, of course. You can also find some seals cavorting and hunting for fish. And do not forget to take in some whale watching while you are there!

Not everything on your trip will feature you passively drinking in the sights, however; there are ample opportunities on most cruises to get out and about. You can head out by sea on a kayak adventure or a closer look at the glaciers in a launch. Or you can take to the land and go camping, listening to the ice sheets settle under you in the soft winds of the Antarctic night. You can also go hiking and/or cross-country skiing if you want to venture away from the shoreline deeper into the icy heart of the continent. And while you're there, do not forget to take some pictures to remember your trip (and amaze your friends).

Being on a cruise ship has its advantages as well. A certain measure of comfort will always be available to you, with interesting cuisine to sample, and comfortable places to lounge, should you decide to take a break from your escapades ashore. Most tour operators do not neglect to give travelers the chance to bone up on the area they are visiting, and speaking to experienced tour guides or listening to lectures can add to your enjoyment. Rest assured, you can rest, assured that your relaxation will not be disturbed if you do not wish to take on the world every day.

Antarctica Holidays are something very special. The unspoiled natural wonders that are the special rewards for those daring enough to seek out and find it at the bottom of the world.




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