Cruises are typically thought of as a chance to lay about on the deck of a big luxurious ship while you sail slowly through tropical waters, with occasional ports of call for beach visits or to buy trinkets for the family back home. But cruise ships can take you to more interesting places than the usual sandy stops. The Polar Regions, both north and south, offer tourists with a preference for the unusual a chance to see sights that many other travelers never will. Yes, you will have to pack for a cold-weather destination - including a good pair of weatherproof boots - but the experience will be well worth it for those looking for something different.
Antarctic cruises offer a trip to an unspoiled wilderness where there are no permanent human settlements. Antarctic Cruise Ships depart from the bottom of South America to reach the pristine snowscapes and cold blue seas of the world's southernmost continent, where wind and cold have shaped the land for thousands of years. The rare and spectacular wildlife in its natural environment, such as the penguins, seals, and whales, is truly a sight to behold.
While on your trip, you will be given ample opportunities to explore and experience this remote region, whether on land through hikes or cross-country ski trips, or on the water through small boat outings or kayaking adventures. Your camera's memory card will be full in no time, so be sure to bring extras. And do not forget that you are on a cruise - there will be plenty of on-ship entertainments to pursue, from lectures to lounging.
If you are interested in heading in the opposite direction, Arctic Cruises can show you a combination of landscapes and isolated human communities for a truly varied trip. Some tours cruise through the icy waters of Canada's northern-most territory, Nunavut, for a fascinating look at the mainly Inuit culture. Their artistic works and day-to-day lives will show you a world you could scarcely imagine. Other tours might extend on to Greenland.
The Northwest Passage will reveal landscapes and sea vistas (perhaps under the famous "midnight sun") to astound you and fill up your camera once again. And there will be plenty of wildlife to see as well, including polar bears, walruses, and whales. All of this can be enjoyed from the ease of a well-appointed cruise ship.
When planning your trip (or trips), keep in mind that the most suitable travel season for the Arctic region is July through September; for Antarctica, it is November through March. One other consideration is to be certain to book your trip with a company that respects the environment and seeks to preserve it for future travelers.
Antarctic cruises offer a trip to an unspoiled wilderness where there are no permanent human settlements. Antarctic Cruise Ships depart from the bottom of South America to reach the pristine snowscapes and cold blue seas of the world's southernmost continent, where wind and cold have shaped the land for thousands of years. The rare and spectacular wildlife in its natural environment, such as the penguins, seals, and whales, is truly a sight to behold.
While on your trip, you will be given ample opportunities to explore and experience this remote region, whether on land through hikes or cross-country ski trips, or on the water through small boat outings or kayaking adventures. Your camera's memory card will be full in no time, so be sure to bring extras. And do not forget that you are on a cruise - there will be plenty of on-ship entertainments to pursue, from lectures to lounging.
If you are interested in heading in the opposite direction, Arctic Cruises can show you a combination of landscapes and isolated human communities for a truly varied trip. Some tours cruise through the icy waters of Canada's northern-most territory, Nunavut, for a fascinating look at the mainly Inuit culture. Their artistic works and day-to-day lives will show you a world you could scarcely imagine. Other tours might extend on to Greenland.
The Northwest Passage will reveal landscapes and sea vistas (perhaps under the famous "midnight sun") to astound you and fill up your camera once again. And there will be plenty of wildlife to see as well, including polar bears, walruses, and whales. All of this can be enjoyed from the ease of a well-appointed cruise ship.
When planning your trip (or trips), keep in mind that the most suitable travel season for the Arctic region is July through September; for Antarctica, it is November through March. One other consideration is to be certain to book your trip with a company that respects the environment and seeks to preserve it for future travelers.
About the Author:
Independent Internet journalist Imogen C. Rhodes has direct experience searching for the greatest Arctic Cruises. She also enthusiastically suggests Antarctic Cruise Ships for tourists with a taste for the exotic.
