Frequently Asked Questions about Travel to Antarctica
Information on Your Antarctic Cruise
General Information on Antarctica
Where do I join my Antarctica trip?
You will join your Antarctic cruise in Ushuaia, Argentina. Ushuaia is at the southernmost tip of South America. See our Getting There page for more information on flights to Ushuaia from your home town.
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What kind of ships are used on Antarctic cruises?
The two ships used on most of our itineraries are ice-rated (designed for voyaging in polar waters) working scientific research vessels, among the most stable ships on the water. They are also very comfortable and offer amenities such as a lounge/bar, sauna, workout room, well-appointed cabins and access to the bridge. They carry up to 118 passengers, although we normally do not carry more than 110 passengers, for added comfort. For more details, visit 'our ships'.
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What should I bring on my trip?
A detailed suggested packing list will be sent to you with your other pre-departure information, but for a general outline, see 'travel tips'.
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How many passengers does the ship carry?
The Akademik Sergei Vavilov and Akademik Ioffe can each carry up to 110.
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What are the configurations of the cabins?
Click here for a plan of the ship. Your travel consultant will be able to help with any questions.
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How many times do you get to kayak?
For those who have pre-booked the kayaking option, there will be a full briefing onboard the ship regarding paddling procedures. When weather permits, kayakers will be offered the opportunity to venture out along with the zodiacs, which is once or twice a day.
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Is there e-mail access onboard?
Yes, there are charges to both send and receive email.
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Are transfers included on arrival in Ushuaia?
Yes, as long as we know your flight arrival details. Please see the Getting There page for further details.
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General Information on Antarctica
What wildlife is found in Antarctica
You'd be surprised at some of the confusion about which wildlife lives at which pole. The Arctic is waters surrounded by land, and within the Arctic Circle you will find polar bears, whales, seals, walrus, Arctic foxes, elk and reindeer, etc. Antarctica is land surrounded by water. There are no polar bears here, in fact there are no land-based animals in Antarctica. Instead you will find marine mammals including native leopard seals and penguins who live here part of the year to breed and nest. Whales and dolphins can also be found here, but these mammals migrate within their own hemisphere. Click here for more information on wildlife you may encounter on your voyage.
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What is unusual about Antarctica?
The three basic colors of this ice-covered continent are black, blue and white. The continent changes size! During the summer months (December - February) Antarctica is approximately the size of the United States and Mexico. In its winter months (June - August) freezing seawater (sea ice) doubles the area of the continent. It is the driest of all the continents, however it is covered by seventy percent of the world's fresh water. Snow has accumulated over hundreds of thousands or even millions of years and compressed under its own weight to form two massive ice sheets. At its deepest point, the ice sheet is over four and a half kilometers deep. The weight of Antarctica's ice is so enormous that it has literally pressed the continent two thirds of a mile (one kilometer) into the earth. Under the massive forces of their own weight, the ice sheets deform and drag themselves outward. Very large glaciers called ice streams flow through them continually, transporting ice from the center of the continent to the sea. Every year, the edges of ice shelves break off, or calve, into icebergs as a result of seasonal warming.
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How cold is Antarctica?
Antarctica is the coldest of the 7 continents. The coldest temperature was measured at the Vostok Station on 21 July 1983, measuring -89.2C (-128.56 degree Fahrenheit). During your cruise (November to March) you should expect temperatures to range from 5 to 40F. Click here for more information on weather for your cruise.
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How windy is Antarctica?
Antarctica is the windiest of the 7 continents, with the highest recorded wind speed being 327 km/h measured at Dumont d'Urville on July 1972. However, the areas where the ships travel near the Antarctic Peninsula are generally sheltered and the ships' state-of-the-art navigation system tracks any weather so that the captain can make itinerary adjustments if necessary.
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Is Antarctica a Country?
Antarctica is not a country. It is an international conservation and research area, managed by a group of countries. There are few places on Earth where there has been never been war, where the environment is fully protected, and where scientific research has priority. Antarctica is protected under the Antarctic Treaty. The Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington on 1 December 1959 by the twelve nations that had been active during the IGY (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States and USSR). The Treaty, which applies to the area south of 60° South latitude, is surprisingly short, but remarkably effective. Through this agreement, the countries active in Antarctica consult on the uses of a whole continent, with a commitment that it should not become the scene or object of international discord.
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