COOL ANTARCTICA - in the footsteps of LEGENDS, surrounded by Nature!
(COVID-19 Update as @ 18 Jan 2021): In December 2020 isolated cases of COVID-19 appeared in certain scientific bases in the Antarctic.   All visitors returning home must check with their individual national travel advice centres, but most governments advise their nationals NOT to travel in general in case they become exposed to the virus en route. 
UK FCO Travel Advice - From 18 Jan 2021 all visitors returning to the UK from Antarctica must go into quarantine;
US State Travel Advice - Level 2 ; "Exercise Increased Caution" (due to harsh conditions/weather).

ANTARCTICA, the Great White Continent, is listed as the second greatest land mass after Russia, being some 25 times larger than France* and over 30 times that of California**.  Yet it remains largely untouched by man, with a wealth of wildlife and natural beauty that is seldom viewed except by the most  intrepid travellers.  Human contact only started in the mid 19th century when the first whalers and Antarctic explorers began to visit.  Amongst these came the legendary figures of Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen, all seeking the South Pole. 
​In strict accordance with the Antarctic Treaty, some 4,000 scientists from 50 countries have transformed the continent into the largest open-air laboratory on the planet.   And since the early '60s, an increasing number of discerning tourists have added to this count, in search of endemic wildlife such as penguins, seals and whales.  Set against the backdrop of soaring white peaks, surging seas and roaming icebergs, the Great White Continent is truly a Unique Destination that just MUST be experienced once in a lifetime!  
See MORE below on the visit options! 
(* Metropolitan France - 550,000 km2; ** California - 424,000 km2)

Antarctic Cruises - Options

Polar Cruises is a specialist tour service that offers a wide range of cruises to suit clients' budget and time at both Poles.  Ranging from 8 to 23 days in the Antarctic, on a variety of ships that include luxury expedition vessels carrying up to 500 passengers, to the more intimate experience on an expedition/research vessel where typically a 100 passengers is the norm, each cruise will be an unforgettable experience.  All offer a high standard of safety with ice-reinforced hulls, an experienced crew and specialist guides that know the waters and wildlife.  Polar Cruises can present the right package for you via Unique Destinations.   
Dates/Prices:
​With sailings that run from November to March annually, prices start at US$ 7,895 per person sharing a triple cabin on an 8-day cruise; up to US$ 39,395 in the Owners Suite on the 23-day Epic Antarctica, when you also cross the Antarctic Circle.  Limited availability also to see Emperor penguins and reach the South Pole (from US$ 25,950)​
TOP TIP:  As an addendum to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, no cruise ships exceeding 500 passengers may cruise the Antarctic.  Furthermore, numbers landing at each site are restricted to 100 to conserve the region.  ENSURE you book YOUR Antarctic cruise on vessels with less than 100 guests!

Antarctica 21
​(Fly/Sail/Fly)

​Antarctica 21 offer unique COMFORT (no need to endure the dreaded Drake Passage!), SPEED of visit (2 hrs linking flights, instead of 2 days each way through the Drake Passage!); and intimate SIZE of vessel/number of passengers (max 71), with Fly/Sail/Fly options that optimise time spent in the Antarctic! 
Antarctica 21 offer their Classic Antarctica or Polar Circle cruises, ranging in time from 8 days/7 nights to 11 days/10 nights respectively.  Based out of Chilean Punta Arenas, rugged BAE-146 aircraft "hop" to Frei Station on King George Island.  Here, guests embark on modern ice-expedition vessels such as the Ocean Nova (shown above), ideally suited for cruises in Antarctica.  
Dates/Prices:
With departures on three ships between DEc and Feb annually: the Ocean Nova, Magellan Explorer, and Hebridean Sky, ​Antarctica 21  will have a total of 30 departures on two different itineraries annually, with rates ranging from $11,395 to $26,995 per person depending on ship, itinerary and cabin class.  Charter and Group bookings are also possible, but need planning well in advance. 
First package for 2019/20 (Classic Antarctica) departs on 6 Dec 2019
  • ​Classic Antarctica (8 D/7N): ​From US$ 12,995 per person commencing 6 Dec 2019, sharing a triple suite. Upgrade berths available.
  • Polar Circle (10 D/9N)​: ​From US$ 15,495 per person commencing 1 Jan 2020, depending on cabin choice (from triple berth/twin berth/single cabin).

Antarctica 21
​(Sail/Fly Express)

For those with less time on hand, Antarctica 21 offer a shorter Sail/Fly option that allows guests to experience the White Continent in the minimum time - 6 Days/5 Nights!  Sailing mainly from Ushuaia (Argentina), and flying on to Punta Arenas (Chile), this includes a chance to step onto legendary Cape Horn, experience the power of the sea whilst crossing the Drake Passage, with still enough time on the South Shetland Islands to view the wildlife and iconic Antarctic vistas.  
Aboard the Ocean Nova or their all-suite, 71 berth, expedition vessel MV Hebridean Sky, Antarctica Express guests will enjoy the same luxury, expert guiding and high standards of safety as offered by the longer Classic Antarctica or Polar Circle cruises.
Rates/Prices (2019/20 Season):
​First available package in 2019/20 season commences on 29 Nov 2019; Last package departs on 16 Jan 2020).
  • Antarctica Express (6 D/5N): ​From US$ 4,695 to US$ 8,595 per person commencing 29 Nov 2019, depending on vessel and cabin choice (from triple berth to Penthouse/Single Suite).
  • ​NB.  As @ 1 Oct 2019 bookings at approx. 70%.  DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST (supply available "window")​