Entries Tagged "antarctica cruise"

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

The International Maritime Organization has banned the carrying of heavy fuel in Antarctica waters effective August 1, 2011. This will likely mean that larger ships will no longer cruise the region. Smaller expedition cruise ships are unaffected, as most of them run on marine gas oil and diesel oil, neither of which was included in the ban, but the larger ships will likely not want to incur the added expense. The number of passengers could plummet from 14,350, to just 6,400 next year. Holland America, Princess Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas have all cruised the Antarctica region from South America. Celebrity has already announced that after the Infinity cruises the region next year, it will no longer send ships, instead their sister company, Azamara, will send the 700 passenger Azamara Journey to sail the region. It's too soon to know what the other cruise lines will decide, but prices are sure to increase if the capacity drops.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

This tiny island in the Weddell Sea plays a role in one of seafaring history's most legendary exploits. When the brave crew of the Endurance, led by intrepid explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, was trapped in the ice during a 1914 polar expedition, they took refuge on this island until help arrived.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

A number of geographical anomalies around this channel make these waters among the most plankton-rich in the world. So, in addition to some of the most amazing scenery polar mountains that pierce the morning fog and floating ice floes that bob in the distance - you're likely to see a profusion of whales feeding in the rich ecosystem. The sight of a 45-ton humpback whale propelling itself from the water is one you'll not soon forget.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Quark Expeditions’ Kapitan Khlebnikov has been stuck in ice in the Weddell Sea in Antarctica, delaying it's scheduled Nov. 16 return to port in Ushuaia, Argentina.  More than 100 passengers are onboard. Everyone is said to be fine, and that there is plenty of entertainment onboard to help the time go by. The ship expects to arrive 3 to 4 days late once the wind has shifted.

Update:  As of this afternoon, Quark reports that weather conditions have improved and the ship is able to navigate through the ice. The ship should be in open water soon headed towards Ushuaia, Argentina.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

The wonders of Antarctica can be fully appreciated by taking an Antarctica cruise. Discover the white wilderness of Antarctica, the earth’s last unspoiled frontier. During the austral summer, you’ll see Antarctica blossom into life. Antarctica is the land of the great whales, of cathedral-sized icebergs and stunning hanging glaciers, of the legendary Wandering Albatross and the comical penguin. The awesome scenery and wildlife of Antarctica make it the ultimate cruise destination for adventurous souls.

Visiting Antarctica without taking an Antarctica cruise is missing an important part of the Antarctic experience. For Antarctica cruise discounts use our Online Search which contains hundreds of Antarctica cruise deals.