5 Worst Things About An Antarctica Trip. Should They Stop You Going?
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- Опубликовано: 21 июл 2024
- What is the worst things about going on a cruise to Antarctica? Discover the 5 most important issues and challenges you will face and experience if you want to do an Antarctica cruise. And find out if these should make you reconsider visiting Antarctica. Also watch my "5 Best Things About An Antarctica Cruise" video: • The 5 Best (And Unexpe...
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"There's a lot of gear that you need!"
...... or if you're Canadian, ya just pack yer normal outdoor winter clothing already in your hall closet. The kind of attire worn while shoveling the laneway :)
Love this !!!!
@@tipsfortravellers Heheheh :) I really like this video none the less! :) Like you say .... this trip is CRAAAAAZY expensive ! :'(
Ha ha . Have all my gear. I am Canadian. I have camped out in the winter. I have been up to Hudson Bay . In Canada we know how to keep warm . This trip would be no big deal to me .
I'm not. I'm Hawaiian
I am currently planning to do one of these cruises.... and pretty sure I already have the gear #Canadian
The only thing stopping me is the fact I’m not a millionaire.
I was there in 1958 navy paid my way
That's ridiculous,if you want hard enough you make it happen.Those ships are not full of millionaires.I and my wife we traveled the world on shoe string badget.If you like posh hotels it's rather difficult if you don't mind staying in 10$ a night hotel room you're golden.Best of luck.
You don't need to be a millionaire though. My mother went and she's not a millionaire.
It’s not THAT expensive.
@@ilovesparky13 it is, you could literally travel all of Asia with that money. Not exaggerating.
I went on a large ship that only did sail by. However, the ship got very close to glaciers and there were spectacular views of penguins and seals. The cruise also stopped on The Falkland Islands where there was a shore excursion that allowed you to walk amongst penguins. The whole cruise was fantastic in every way.
*Did you use Holland America? Thank you!*
All your negatives are what you expect when doing a wildernesses expedition.
I agree to go on the smallest ship you can afford.
My 11 day cruise cost just under AU$8000 3 months before departure on sale.
I went on Ocean Endeavour which took 199 passengers, 100 ashore and 99 in zodiac cruising at each stop then swap after about 45 - 60 minute. Shore excursions were 2 times a day.
My Antarctic cruise was fantastic, Quark provided the jacket (to keep)and boots (on loan), the other clothing needed cost about AU$200 on end of season sale.
There was little to spend money on whilst onboard other than at the bar, souvenir shop, satellite phone calls laundry or juice bar. The food was all as much as you could eat and all meals included drinks including wine and beer. 24 hour coffee and tea.
My recommendations for Antarctic cruise are:
* don’t do a luxury Antarctic cruise, pick a small ship (200 passengers or less) expedition
* if you are flexible, book once discounts start
* if you want to experience untouched wilderness, book the first cruise of the season, this is what I did. It felt like no one had ever been to our shore excursion locations before us. Only disappointment was we were too early too see whales, although we did see Killer Whales.
* plan for rough seas, don’t be put off as this is part of the expedition experience
I can’t wait to find another great deal to Antarctica, I feel a strong need to be there again.
Thank you so much for this advice. I'm planning a trip on Quark Expeditions. Do you have a specific ship you would recommend?
Thank you so much for this advice. I'm planning a trip on Quark Expeditions. Do you have a specific ship you would recommend?
Wildfoot Travel based in the UK are excellent. Choose the MV Plancius. Takes 108 passengers, we did at least 1 landing a day, usually 2. Got up close and personal with Elephant seals, Fur Seals, saw whales and dolphins of all flavours and mountains of birds. Food is top class, rooms are adequate, and no stupid swimming pool or spa. If you want a proper expedition, including Polar Plunges, check them out
The rest of my family love cruises and have been trying to get me to go for years, but the idea of that sort of travel makes me want to stick hot pokers in my eyes. I try to avoid organised tours where possible. This was my experience.
I was doing a once in a lifetime around the world trip in 2018 and wanted to get to all the continents, and realised I'd have to take one if I wanted to go to Antarctica. While it is expensive, it doesn't have to be as much as you have said. I have stayed in hostels and camped all my life. I understand many people aren't into that style of travel though. I generally only use a room for sleeping and am out wandering as much as I can.
So I went on a 9 day cruise which cost me AU$5500 in a triple share room with 2 strangers. I was fairly confident I wouldn't be stuck with yobbos at that price, and actually ended up being the youngest guy in the room. I was 46 at the time. The boots were provided in a really good quality travel bag which we got to keep ( the bag not the boots ), I hired pants and jacket from a company in Ushuaia, and they were waiting in my room when I checked in. The rest of the time I wore shorts and a jumper inside on the ship, and only put a jacket on if going on deck. I had thermal gear I had worn to sleep hiking in Peru, but never even got it out of my bag during the cruise.
I was very lucky and had an amazing trip, even with two days in bed on the way down. Some of the crew said the Drake was up there with the worst they had seen it. As the small crew all have different backgrounds ( both their nationalities and specialties ), and there were talks available in the observation lounge on history, glaciers, wildlife etc on the days of sea travel. They were all extremely friendly, and sat at different tables every meal so you got to talk to them all
I went on the Ocean Nova, which only holds 68 passengers, so everyone got to go ashore for the two landings we did each day. I thick the landings were around 2 hours each. It has an ice strengthened hull, and on the last day we rammed into a shelf of fast ice for our landing. And the whole time we only saw two other ships and they were miles away.
It was the beginning of November and the first trip of the year. Unfortunately the small ship does get tossed around in the waves more, but I see that as part of the adventure. We left port in the evening and it was smooth when I fell asleep. The beds are across the ship, and I woke to find myself sliding first into the wall at the head of the bed, then my feet into the wardrobe. I hadn't taken sea sickness tablets as I had never been seasick before, and after breakfast was the most sick I have ever felt. Once I worked out I could keep things down if I was lying down, I had some tablets and didn't feel sick although I was unable to eat. I took tablets all the way back and was fine.
Everywhere we landed the snow was untouched by humans. Another advantage to going early is the smell of the penguin colonies gets much worse as the season warms up and more poop builds up. They certainly produce a lot, and don't mind where they shoot it.
The first time on land was snowing and blowing a gale, but it improved after that, and on the day we did the Polar Plunge ( jumping into the near freezing water ) it was 17 degrees and sunny, and didn't even need a jacket for our BBQ dinner on deck that night.
We saw whales, seals ( and some pups ) and 3 different sorts of penguins. Went in the inflatable boats up to a glacier face. You could also pay extra for kayaking or snow shoeing but I was more than happy to sit down and watch penguins.
Unfortunately we did have to head back a day early as there were storms coming that would have made the return trip worse than the way down. But to offset this we had an incredible sunset and had 2 whales swimming around the ship. It was a bummer to leave a day early but I felt the things we had seen and done already were worth more than $5500.
Sth America is incredible, and I would highly recommend travelling through Patagonia on the way there or back if you can. I had 4 months in Peru, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay ( and Antarctica ) to end my trip and they are the places I long to head back to. Buenos Aires is a beautiful city and well worth a stop over for as long as you can. I was coming from Santigo, and found it much cheaper to fly to Punta Arenas and get the bus to Ushuaia than fly direct.
I have been to 37 countries and this was by far the best thing I have ever done. I hope to take my children there one day when they grow up ( you have to be 18 to go ).
Great write-up!
I loved my trip to Antarctica, We got lucky and had calm seas all the way down and only one bad day coming back but it was bad. It cost me $10,300 including my airfare back and forth to Omaha and 3 days sightseeing in Buenos Aires that I added in simply because I had to go there anyway. I went on Quark Expeditions aboard The Ocean Endeavour last December.
It is one of my top 7 continents to travel.
@tommygirl20247 thats the point
Oh nice
These aren’t ‘worst things’. They are just logistics for what would be the adventure of a lifetime, predictable or not. On my list now.
thanks Gary...great video...i agree with you about the bad days...i was there in 2011 at McMurdo and the South Pole...even the cold, windy, and foggy days in Antarctica were spectacular...there is no place like it.
Thanks for watching. Great to hear 😀😀
Great info Gary. I really enjoyed the gear sequence. Great edit. Definitely a bucket list deal here with a bucket list price. - Tony
Thanks! It was fun to do 😀😀😀
That bit made me smile. So detail oriented. 😀😀
Thanks for the heads up. For sure crossing this off the bucket list.
Spot-on straight advice. Well done. All the points you make are correct - but the trip was absolutely awe-inspiring.
An absolutely in-depth and honest review that I thoroughly enjoyed watching. Thank you.
It's very expensive, but Lindblad and NatGeo have teamed up to offer trips on every continent including Antarctica. My mother and I have traveled three times with them (the Arctic Circle, the Amazon through Peru, and French Polynesia) and every time was exemplary. The service, staff, and crew are awesome. The ships are beautiful and the food is delicious (I'm vegan and I was never disappointed). I've been wanting to go to Antarctica since my mother went in 1994. And am planning to go, still, in the next couple of years.
Where can I apply to the offer? Which contact point did you use if you don't mind me asking?
Agreed! We always travel with Nat Geo/Lindblad.
I went on an Sub-Antarctic research cruise as part of my degree programme. Got to go on a helicopter, helped sorting benthic samples and walked on Marion Island.
Terrific video. Thanks for all the details and the insights. I found them extremely helpful.
Very informative and helpful. Thank you so much for the great video!
The gear description was excellent! Finally, some clarity. Thanks you.
Fantastic video
dear Friend love it. Really enjoyed. Thumbs up.
Wishing you good health and beautiful Time.
God bless you.
Hi
Thank you, I was looking for this very long time. Now I know it’s possible.
Thank you for this. I was very happy you took the time. Great video with information I was looking for THUMBS UP!
Great to hear. Thanks for watching 😀
Very helpful and inspiring thank you!!!
This was great info. I am obsessed with going to Antarctica but am not sure what to expect. This video helps.
Great information. It's much appreciated. Thanks, Gary!
Thanks!! Great to hear 😀
Thank you for the great and useful info.
Sounds and looks awesome! Thanks for the video.
😂thank you for a genuine description of what to expect.
We look forward to our trip.
PTA. Australia
I get seasick on the Staten Island Ferry. I cannot fathom going across the Drake Passage in rough seas.
I went to Antarctica, by just watching your video. I didn't get sick and I was quite warm sitting on my couch at home. Plus I didn't spend a penny. Thank you😉
Hahaha, same!
and you didn't contribute to polluting one of the last 'barely untouched' places in the world
thank you for the info!!!
Great video. A friend and I went in November 2016 on a relatively small ship (
very useful info; touched on most things we are pondering - we are thinking of splashing out, and we are aware of the expense - the size of the ship, though, is one of the important things I might not have thought about - the unpredictability is obvious
but great practical advice, which is not much promoted by tour operators
I’m going next February on Silversea and I cannot wait although I’m dreading the Drake passage. Thanks for all the info.
Well balanced review. We sailed Drake’s Passage and the drawers were sent flying across the cabin, it was so rough. Two of the five scheduled landings were cancelled due to rough seas. Great when we did get ashore via Zodiacs, seals playing with us, penguins oblivious to us. I recommend Berghaus storm proof jacket with fleece insulation and over-trousers in place of the cheap and inadequate jackets offered by a lot of cruise companies. Finally, I agree that you would be wasting your money on a cruise that does not actually land you on the continent. The prices are unlikely to rob so go as soon as you can afford it or, if you like wildlife, go to the Falkland Islands instead.
Excellent video thanks.
Thank for for (what seemed to be) a very thorough video.
Peace.
This is great info, thanks! I really hope I can do this someday
VERY helpful. Thank you!
Thanks for watching. Great to hear 😀
LOL, Gary. Love the fashion show!
😀😀 in a future video with specific tips there is a longer and different version.... hope you enjoy that one too
Work it...Mr Gary..!
Very clear information
Went in 2012, and it was worth every penny. I saved for years, and if I could go again I could. I had sea sick patches and no problem with the Drake. Just do it.
Have you heard about the active peaceful German - Antarctica u boat Base 211/Neuschwabenland, Antarctica?
Thanks for your beautiful video
From mugadishu
🇸🇴
Thank you Gary! On my bucket list!!! Great information!!!!!!
Thanks so much. Really appreciate you watching . Definitely have on the list!!
You might want to dump out your bucket.
I just went on Sliver Cloud to the Artic was a great experience. I am using the same boat later in the year for Antarctica.
Went there in 1970. Got paid to go, or rather it cost 3 and 1/2 years of my life. It was fantastic!. Thank you U. S. Coast Guard (WAGB-283).
Yeah me to..i was same cruise as you
What does the US coast guard do there
This place is one and done so for me spending the money is worth it. I am planning on this being my retirement present to myself in 7 years.
Great video!!! Looks amazing! Got me thinking of a possible future adventure :)... also I think it’s funny that this video has 3 times more views than the best parts haha
Thanks, you have talked me out of this.
Great video, nice to know what to expect if we ever go. 🙂
Fantastic video
thanks for the tips!
Thanks Gary for sharing the beauty together with the reality of the trip. This will help people plan. It's definitely on my bucket list!
Thanks so much. Delighted it’s on your list. I really want people to go as it’s remarkable
this my dream since I was a child. I hope to get there one day.
I think given the cost I’ll visit the penguins at the Lincoln park zoo.
You could find penguins in many places of the Southern Hemisphere. More expensive than a zoo, but cheaper than a trip to Antartica.
Really helpful video. Interesting about the gear and picking the right ship. We would love to cruise there one day and fingers crossed we would get the lake not the shake!
Thanks! Appreciate you watching 👍🏻 Definitely have it on your list
On the brightside... no locals hawking cheap trinkets for the tourists... unless the penguins?
And trying to get you on tuk tuks and taxi 😆😆😆
Thanks. This will help the worthy people plan.
Thank you for this post
You're welcome
Thank you for sharing your experience! What a magical experience. How was it in the evening when you went? Was it still light out? How late did you see the sun up?
If you are thinking of going and concerned about the cost may I suggest you consider going with Quark.
I found them to be the most reasonably priced and they are fantastic.
Fascinating video, Gary! I've always wanted to visit Antarctica, not on a cruise, but to actually stay there for a week or so as a tourist. But they don't have facilities there for tourists to stay :-(
I live in Buffalo NY, on the shore of lake Erie. I save money by waiting for winter to come to me.
Another great video. Would any type of trip insurance help if you encounter bad weather going/returning to/from Antarctica or if you are not able to land? Thanks in advance.
Thank you!
Great job!
Thanks so much. Really appreciate you watching
Thanks a lot!
Such great information- thank you!
I live in Alaska the weathers always unpredictable, and as I write this there is an earthquake! That won’t stop me!!!!
If you live in Alaska wouldn’t going to Antarctica be..........redundant? You’d be traveling from the very top of the world to the very bottom just to encounter the same landscape you left behind. No?
I have a scratch world map where I scratch off the countries I’ve been to and I was looking at it and thought about travelling to Antarctica and now I really want to go! Although it’s very expensive so maybe when I have more money haha
Very nice video. I probably would have enough with Ushuaia, so it was nice to see Antarctica in video. Did you stay in Ushuaia a couple of days?
We're going to Antarctica in Feb. 2024 on a small ship (100 people max), with National Geographic/Lindblad. Bucket list trip.
Yes... Thank you
Thanks sir for your feedback about Antarctica lifetime achievement to see place
So, as far as cost goes, this will be a "lottery win wish list" or "plan & save far in advance" trip.
Everything else I can deal with, go with the flow
Fantastically informative vid as always! Thank you!
Yes! Definitely a lottery win makes it easier 😀😀
I went to the high arctic. Landed on Baffin Island, then on to Cornwallis Island, and finally Somerset Island. Similar to Antarctica, but a lot less expensive.
Everyone should visit Antarctica once in their lives. It’s such an amazing place. It’s so pristine and untouched Keep cruising ship 🚢
I agree 100%
Best thing I've ever done. Having said that the Drake passage was the worst travel experience Ive ever had
We were on a big ship and we got the Drake Shake. It was fun for the first 30 minutes. After that I was ready for smooth water. What an adventurer
Edward Travels - if everyone goes there, it won’t be pristine and untouched for long! Global warming is happening.
I think having 7 billion people visit Antarctica is not realistic.
Great info. Puts a new perspective on my bucket list 21 day HAL itinerary, which would just do a sail by.
I think that includes the Chile Fjords and Glaciers? They are supposed to be amazing
@@tipsfortravellers Yes! The itinerary looks amazing, maybe worth doing both. I'll just book early, lower midship, avoid some of the rocking.
I loved my trip to Antarctica. I got a very good deal. Much less than 10,000 dollars. It was a scientific working ship. We sat on talks given about birds, whales etc. It was a smaller ship and we were the first of the season. Lots of ice around. The trip across the Drake passage was very memorable. We were confined to our cabins for a day and night. Hit a wild storm. But that jusgmade it a more unique experience. Loved it.
Most of Gary's points are spot on. If you are contemplating going, the 100-on-shore limit really dictates a small ship. Ours in fact had a capacity just on that, so every passenger could go ashore at each location, so we could get two distinct landing locations each day. Bigger ships need to land pax in shifts, so that doesn't happen. BIG difference.
Also check what gear the cruise operator provides. All our gear was provided by the operator (hire cost no doubt built into the fare), BUT it meant we didn't have to hire (or purchase separately) and cart it down there with our other bags. Another big difference. They provided the boots, pants and jacket and they were good quality. Underneath we wore a T-shirt and lightweight track pants, never got cold.
As a penguin-tragic for decades, this was definitely my biggest WOW experience. Just sitting on a rock as Adelies waddle past a metre away and look at you quizzically is the most awesome experience. Photo ops everywhere. Highly recommended, start saving now.
And don't eat the pink snow!!!
It would be interesting, but I lived in the cold (Minnesota) over 40 years and have no interest in cold weather any more. The cruise is very expensive and for the money it would cost we will cruise to other places warm and interesting. I'm in my 70's now and have earned my right to be lazy and comfortable.
Same here. I'm from the U.P. of Michigan... I have zero interest in a cold-weather vacation.
Come to Dubai UAE u will enjoy the weather beaches and malls
Is it wrong that it's not the scenery or nature of an Antarctic cruise that appeals to me: it's the idea of sailing in luxury and comfort to somewhere rugged and dangerous.
That scenery is amazing
So , you went there and enjoyed the moment and telling us to don't go there, fantastic!!
Thanks for watching and taking time to comment. Although not saying don’t go. I am saying be aware and prepared for the things you could face before planning, like Drake Passage. It is really remarkable.
Go to Victor Harbor or Kangaroo Island, in South Australia. 25 degrees C, and spot whales, walk on beaches by basking seals, and watch fairy penguins. Nice sea views and plenty of touristy things.
I went solo in 2018 on Hurtigruten's Midnatsol. The ship has a normal passenger capacity of 1,000 but they limited their Antarctica trips to less than half that to stay under the treaty requirements. With empty rooms, I actually could afford a room to myself. The weather and seas are a factor, but not enough to keep me from going. We lost on day's opportunity to go ashore due to a blizzard, but that day was magical itself also.
This is great advice! I chose to fly the Drake with Quark and they provided the jacket and boots. It was very pricey but totally worth it for this once in a lifetime experience. The only thing about flying is that there is a higher chance for your flight to get cancelled due to the unpredictable weather. The year I went, my flight was delayed by almost a day; the trip before us got cancelled.
Regarding the Drake, if you do a Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica cruise, you only cross the Drake once. If you just go to Antarctica, you cross it twice! And the Falklands, and especially South Georgia are phenomenal.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I am wondering is it possible to go there individually or if I understood well it’s impossible due to the Drakes passage. So only on cruise 🚢?
Good video!
#1 Rough Rough Seas, like way more rough than most of the oceans out there.
I enjoy watching from my home 👍🏼
Great info. Very informative and unbiased.
Mate the best part of it is the unpredictability, waking up every morning not knowing what your in for is truly magical. If you knew every detail of the entire trip and what would be happening every moment, well that would just ruin it.
Your review is spot on. The worst of the onslaughts is overcome by astonishing beauty. In defense of the big ships, there are those who physically cannot handle zodiacs, rough tendering and slippery slopes. Give those folks an acknowledgement that they can share the glorious sights. Re Penguins, a stop at Porto Tombo Argentina will get you among 2 million penguins, just like on the ice.
I so want to go and see those vast colonies!!
After dropping a pretty penny on the 2 week voyage...I will let nothing stop me from attending! Great video and info. My trip leaves next week so I'll take all the advice I can get. Videos will be up once we return to land. Safe travels, amigo!
If "checking the box" isn't the main thing, a trip to Patagonia and the Beagle Channel gives you all the experience. Still a small ship, and you do need gear (not for the mobility limited person.) Unpredictable as well--you may not be able to land on some of the islands or the "Horn." My favorite trip of all time. And yes seas got rough (I had a midships lower cabin!)
U r an expert in cruises ! Kudos to U Sir ,,,
1 fine day I will make it to Antarctica
Love from India ❤️
If I lived back in the UK being retired I would never go on any cruise. So much to see and do and eat. Best ever coasts.
I’ve never been on a cruise and never fancied it. But this is on my bucket list. Maybe one day ❤ 💷
Subscribed just because of the clothes changing montage