ANTARCTICA

The seventh Continent on our planet, comparable in size to the United States with a wintertime population of around 1,000, surrounded by the Southern Ocean, is both simultaneously awe-inspiring and off-putting to several seasoned travelers. Unlike the Arctic Circle in the North, which can be accessed by air directly, Antarctica—accessible by sea—is treaty regulated by international law and is kept as pristine as possible to enable scientific research on the ecosystem and climate conditions affecting all of us. In addition, the fact that the South Pole was discovered barely a century ago adds to the mystery of the Continent of wind, ice, and snow.

Visiting Antarctica is typically done during the Spring/Summer season (when it’s Fall/Winter here). Therefore, packing for the expedition requires care and should be thought of as a combination of casual clothes and apres-ski layering for daytime expeditions. Also, do not forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera to capture all the wildlife and memories. 

UNPREDICTABLE CONDITIONS
The Drake Passage—typically a 1- to 2-day sea crossing from South America is often referred to as the “Drake Shake” or the “Drake Lake,” referring to how unpredictable ocean conditions can be. Arriving at the passage comes after traveling from North America or Europe halfway around the globe to South America and then connecting to another flight to get to the Southern tip of the Continent. All this before crossing the passage.  

The luxury cruise line Silversea considered this and how valuable time can be for its passengers. Problem solved: The expedition ship, the all-new Silver Endeavour provides an An Antarctic air bridge from South America into King George Island, the most accessible region of the Continent in Spring/Summer. Flying conditions (particularly visibility) play a significant role in the timing of the flights across the Antarctic air bridge. 

Once landed at King George Island wearing the expedition gear (supplied by Silversea on the flight), you will be guided to a zodiac boat in to the ship. Just arriving at the Silver Endeavour is an expedition and a presage of the excitement to follow.  

Unlike a cruise to the Mediterranean or Caribbean, where the itinerary involves a port visit every day, either docked alongside or a tender ride away, the expedition cruise is all about flexibility. Nature determines the schedule; the expedition ship has a highly experienced team who decides where it is safe to land each day and inspects the route before an on-land hike. 

WILD & REMOTE
Antarctica is fantastic. What distinguishes it, perhaps, is not just how wild and remote it feels – for example, there is no sound or smell other than the wind and, occasionally, the penguins. You feel like you are a visitor to another world. The rules for visitors also add to the feeling of being from another planet—maintaining distance from any wildlife, not sitting down, or disturbing the natural environment. The varieties of penguins could be the highlight of anyone’s visit—the Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adele are amazing to watch, providing endless entertainment, partly because they had no interaction with people. Whales swimming, avalanches in the mountain ranges above—it feels remote, wild, and primal. 

WHAT’S INSIDE?
While the ship is compact, do not think for one moment it is not luxurious. Suites are well-appointed and extremely comfortable; dining options cover the spectrum, with the high-end option being the La Dame restaurant. In addition, the Otium spa offers a range of treatments to relax after a day’s expedition ashore. There is even a gift shop containing clothing and expedition necessities, and even the only bear you will find on this Continent.

The focal point of the ship’s entertainment is the nightly briefing, where the expedition team provides a brief review of what is potentially ahead as well as lectures from experts in the fields of oceanography, ornithology, and history to contextualize what you have seen and will see in the coming days.  

Although the itineraries can seem short, they offer a window into a unique continent and a genuine once-in-a-lifetime travel experience, but who knows, it may grant you the taste for more. 

For more information on an expedition to Antarctica and Silversea, visit silversea.com