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Kapitan Khlebnikov

Legendary Russian icebreaker and former research vessel Kapitan Khlebnikov  holds the passenger ship record for the most crossings of the Northwest Passage and has famously circumnavigated Antarctica - twice.

Built in 1981 by Finland's Wärtsilä Company and one of four Kapitan Sorokin-class icebreakers, Kapitan Khlebnikov wraps comfortable surrounds in a formidable, ice-reinforced vessel powered by 24,000 horsepower diesel-electric engines and is capable of breaking ice as thick as two metres. 

Recently refurbished, Kapitan Khlebnikov comfortably accommodates up to 110 guests in well-appointed and spacious cabins and suites all featuring large windows that can be opened and en suite facilities. Common areas include large open decks, two dining rooms, a digitally equipped theatre-style lecture room, heated indoor pool, sauna, gymnasium, fully-stocked library, bar, lounge and four-person elevator.

The real focus and emphasis of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. Our Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists, botanists, historians and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ship is crewed by an enthusiastic and experienced Russian Captain and crew.

Cabin Details

Heritage Suites: Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed and a single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows allow great views.

Mini Suites: Separate bedroom with a double bed and a single bed or sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. A large window offers great views.

Superior Plus cabins: Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. A large window offers great views.

Superior Plus Triple: One bunk (one upper and one lower berth) and one additional lower berth, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. A large window offers great views.

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• SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS

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Top of the World – North Pole Cruise

Duration 13 days

Price from EUR €27,288 ? Currency Conversion Converted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip Style Expedition Cruise

Time of year July - August

Home / Arctic & Expedition Cruises / Top of the World – North Pole Cruise

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Get on board for the ultimate North Pole adventure. Nothing compares to experiencing the untamed grandeur of the Arctic quite like seeing its majestic landscapes unfold from the deck of a state-of-the-art nuclear icebreaker. Imagine an endless expanse of ice under the polar midnight sun. Pristine waters teeming with marine life. Prowling polar bears in the tundra. This is Mother Nature at her breathtaking best.

From Murmansk, Russia, you’ll embark the icebreaker 50 Years of Victory for a roundtrip voyage to the earth’s geographic North Pole. Our mighty vessel will plough its way through the frozen Arctic Ocean on a cruise that literally circumnavigates the globe in a matter of days. In addition to the exhilaration of cruising to the very apex of the earth, passengers will have the extraordinary privilege to land, via helicopter, on the scarcely visited Russian Arctic archipelago of Franz Josef Land , a remote wilderness home to an incredible abundance of wildlife.

North Pole Cruise Highlights: 

• After 7 days of cruising from Murmansk, we’ll arrive at the geographic North Pole, the place where all meridians meet and the only direction is south. To celebrate our successful mission to the top of the world, we’ll ceremoniously drop anchor and disembark on a sturdy stretch of ice for the ‘International Round Dance’ – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to literally walk around the world!
• Franz Josef Land : Weather permitting, we’ll spend two days exploring this uninhabited archipelago, one most pristine Arctic habitats on earth. It is comprised of 192 islands where glaciers cover 85% of the land, carving out a spectacular terrain of steep valleys, caves and pinnacles
• Helicopter flights : As part of this very special expedition, all guests will have the opportunity to take scenic helicopter rides for an incredible bird’s eye view of the icescape and amazing photo opportunities capturing the ship smashing its way through the ice pack
• Arctic wildlife : Animal life thrives in the pristine environs of the North Pole. Expect sightings of polar bears and walruses, thronging colonies of seabirds and harp and bearded seals resting atop icebergs. Throughout our cruise, we’ll be looking out for humpback, minke and beluga whales, and with luck, orcas, narwhales and bowhead whales.

This two-week expedition departs from the port of Murmansk, the largest city above the Arctic Circle. We’ll forge our way north through the Barents Sea, and as we make our way across the ice cap, you’ll witness firsthand the ship’s awesome power as massive ice blocks give way under the enormous bulk of the spoon-shaped bow. The sensation of being on deck at this time is surreal and unforgettable. The anticipation heightens as the mighty ship takes us smashing through the frozen Arctic Ocean towards our goal – the most northerly point on the planet. The literal Top of the World. Travelling aboard with us will be the ship’s helicopter, ready to take passengers for awe-inspiring joy flights, aerial photo shoots and shore excursions to the otherworldly islands of Franz Josef Land . Despite their desolate appearance, the heavily glaciated islands of Franz Josef Land provide sanctuary for an amazing abundance of wildlife. Iconic High Arctic species like the polar bear and walrus thrive here, and the cliffsides and screen provide nesting habitat for countless seabirds including the rare ivory gull.

This fantastic voyage is made possible by the 50 Years of Victory , one of the largest, most sophisticated and most powerful nuclear icebreakers in the world. Twenty years in the making, the Victory is a vessel unlike any other, with the ability to forge a passage into places no other ship can.

Accomodation

Murmansk, Russia

i/b "50 Years of Victory"

Expedition Cruise

Action rating ?

Type of tour

13 days / 12 nights

Guaranteed Departures

i/b "50 Years of Victory"

Itinerary View map

Day 1 murmansk, russia.

Welcome to the city of Murmansk on Russia’s Kola Peninsula, the starting point of our adventure.

Day 2 Embarkation in Murmansk

Today we provide a group transfer to the port where we welcome you aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy. Explore the ship and get orientated as we slip our moorings and sail north out of Kola Bay.

Day 3-6 The voyage north

We cruise northward through the Barents Sea there is always the possibility of seeing whales. As we make our way across the ice cap, you witness firsthand the ship’s awesome power as massive ice blocks give way under the enormous bulk of the spoon-shaped bow. The sensation of being on deck at this time is surreal and unforgettable.

Day 7 North Pole

Welcome to the geographic North Pole! After carefully navigating to 90 degrees North, we ceremoniously drop the anchor on a sturdy stretch of ice and disembark onto the frozen sea. Now is the time to experiencing the long-anticipated thrill of standing at the top of the world. Join hands with your fellow passengers and literally walk around the world during our special International Round Dance.

Day 8-10 Franz Joseph Land

Explore the part of the Russian Arctic National Park. Polar bears and other quintessential High Arctic wildlife—such as walruses and some rare whale species - can be spotted anytime, anywhere in and around Franz Josef Land. Scree slopes and cliffs around the islands host enormous nesting colonies of migratory seabirds such as guillemots, dovekies, and ivory gulls.

Day 11-12 The voyage south

After our amazing time in Franz Josef Land, we cross back south through the bountiful waters of the Barents Sea. Seabird viewing and whale sightings can be enjoyed from panoramic open decks as well as exterior stateroom windows.

Day 13 Murmansk

Our once-in-a-lifetime journey comes to an end. After breakfast, we say farewell in Murmansk. We provide you with a transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Group airport transfers

1 night pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Murmansk

Ice Breaker "50 Years of Victory" accommodation

Shipboard breakfasts, lunches and dinners

Program of lectures and informal discussions by experienced Expedition Team and guest lecturers

Professional Expedition Leadership

All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by helicopter and zodiacs

Shore landings included in daily program

Branded parka and rubber boots for shore landings for the time of the cruise

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program

Personalized medical insurance covering the risks of evacuation and repatriation. See more in the detailed itinerary

Russian visa support document

Russian visa and visa fees. *Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for comprehensive visa service  here .

Travel insurance

Price per person, based on standard twin share cabin

Special offer

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Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?

Destination Specialists

Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.

Group & Private Tours

The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.

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56th Parallel is a fully licensed, insured and accredited travel provider.

From EUR €27,288

Day 1: Murmansk, Russia

Day 2: embarkation in murmansk, day 3-6: the voyage north, day 7: north pole, day 8-10: franz joseph land, day 11-12: the voyage south, day 13: murmansk, not included, start planning your tour.

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TOP OF THE WORLD

Poseidon Expeditions - your polar cruise operator

The North Pole is the world’s northernmost point and a prize still zealously pursued by adventurers and explorers today.

This incredible adventure starts in Murmansk, Russia. There you embark the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy for a roundtrip voyage to the geographic North Pole. Anticipation heightens as the mighty ship takes us smashing through the frozen Arctic Ocean toward our goal. In addition to the exhilaration of cruising aboard a state-of-the-art icebreaker and the thrill of standing at the top of the world, you also have the opportunity to explore the rarely visited Russian Arctic archipelago of Franz Josef Land . This is an extraordinary voyage on a one-of-a-kind ship, worthy of a true adventurer.

THE LARGEST ICEBREAKER

The Russian name of the vessel 50 Let Pobedy means 50 Years of Victory. Powered by two nuclear reactors generating 75,000 horsepower and capable of crushing a clear path through multi-year ice up to three meters thick, she is the largest and most powerful icebreaker ever built.

Cruising aboard this marvel of engineering is an unforgettable experience in itself. She is a working ship, purpose-built to pilot cargo and research ships through heavy ice. For you she provides a friendly, casual atmosphere with unexpected amenities, comfortable accommodation, and a restaurant serving gourmet cuisine.

We carefully navigate the icebreaker to precisely 90 degrees north for our champagne toast of this momentous accomplishment. We ceremoniously drop the anchor on a sturdy stretch of ice and disembark onto the frozen sea. You are now able to stand at the top of the world.

You literally circumambulate the globe during our International Round Dance and you are treated to a special barbeque meal on the ice. You may even have the chance to take a plunge into the icy water. No other point on Earth is exactly like the North Pole and there is no celebration anywhere quite like this.

FRANZ JOSEF LAND ARCHIPELAGO

This remote wilderness is home to a variety of iconic High Arctic wildlife, including polar bears. In the surrounding icy waters it is possible to spot seals, walrus, and the elusive bowhead whale. The archipelago also hosts an abundance of nesting Arctic seabirds such as the rare ivory gull.

A wealth of well-preserved historical sites makes this island group a veritable museum of polar exploration. Here you have the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of famous explorers such as Fridtjof Nansen. The eerie remains of makeshift dwellings give testimony to the incredible struggles of these early expeditions.

Through the Viewfinder

HELICOPTER TOURS

FREE OPTION We take advantage of continuous daylight to offer flightseeing tours with the icebreaker’s onboard helicopter. From aloft you have a unique and exciting perspective from which to witness the ship plowing its way through the ice and to experience the surreal beauty of the vast frozen ocean. We also use the helicopter to achieve landings in Franz Josef Land when conditions prevent landings by Zodiac, giving you unparalleled access to this remote and hard-to-reach Arctic wilderness. Weather permitting, flightseeing tours and landings by helicopter are included free on all North Pole voyages.

PHOTOGRAPHY

FREE OPTION The vast, intricate, and ever-changing icescape of the Arctic Ocean offers a unique and challenging world of subjects for photographers of all backgrounds. Our free photography program gives you the chance to learn and practice your photography skills alongside an expert photographer. Primeval landscapes, intriguing geological features, poignant historical remains, and charismatic Arctic wildlife in Russia’s Franz Josef Land also provide a wealth of inspiration for the photographer. Our expert will be available to help you make the most of this bounty in your viewfinder.

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Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot , the World's Only Luxury Icebreaker powered by liquefied natural gas, and the latest addition to the PONANT fleet, has now made it possible to operate polar expedition cruises of a kind never before undertaken.

Up to 245 Guests

123 staterooms & suites, 215 crew members, 2 restaurants.

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Navigate to the novel and unknown: Discover the new Le Commandant Charcot website. Live an immersive digital experience deep at the heart of extreme lands and environments, as if you were really there.

Immersive polar experiences

Charcot moments

Kayaking, snowshoeing, polar plunge, zodiac exploration, dog sledding: explore the polar world through total immersion.

• Arctic-Antarctica • Pre-booking mandatory before embarkation • Provided equipements: kayak, paddles, gloves, kayak slippersneoprene dry-suits with marker, lifejacket, waterproof bag

Dog sledding

• Arctic eastern Greenland at the start of the season (May) • Pre-booking required before boarding

Showsnoeing and Hiking

• Arctic — Antarctica • Equipment provided: boots, hiking sticks and snowshoes

Ice fishing

• Arctic, early season only • Equipment provided: fishing rod,lures

Polar plunge

• Arctic — Antarctica • Equipment provided: harness,connected to a lifeline

Zodiac cruises

• Arctic — Antarctica • 10 passengers per zodiac and dedicated naturalist-guide

Citizen sciences

• Arctic - Antarctica • Small groups

Le Commandant Charcot is equipped with the kinds of spaces never before seen in the PONANT fleet, spaces designed to wonderfully enhance the onboard environment and extend the polar experience to every moment of the day. Both enveloping and at the same time open to the exterior, the atmosphere of wellbeing these spaces offer emanates from the meticulous detail and delicateness of the exquisitely sensory-awakening materials used.

All-round 360° connection with the polar environment

Begin the day with a fitness or meditation session, or alternatively go for a stroll around the ship on the promenade deck, taking time out to spend a relaxing break on one of the heated benches as you do so and enjoying the opportunity to watch wildlife through the two Swarovski Optik spotting scopes. From the prow, experience the unforgettable sensation of being all alone in the vast immensity around you.

A gourmet start to the day

Savour the delights of a richly varied gastronomic breakfast in the soothing polar light. Choose from a range of hot drinks, pastries baked on board, bread made freshly each day by our own French baker, home-made cakes and muffins, pancakes, waffles, eggs, cheeses, cold cuts, detox juices, and more.

Awaken the senses

Head to the wellness space for a detox cocktail and the chance to lie back and relax in front of the panoramic windows; enjoy the pleasures of the indoor pool heated to 32°C; or settle down comfortably in one of the hanging seats in the wellness space and admire the wonders of the icy landscapes after a traditional Nordic experience at the spa, the sauna and the snow cabin.

Lunch in style

Admire the view of the polar environment as you lunch in the softly muted ambiance of the gastronomic restaurant Nuna; basque in the sun's rays at the ship's other restaurant, Sila; or alternatively, enjoy the more casual and relaxed atmosphere offered by the open-air bar. Choose from a range of French and international cuisine served à la carte or as a buffet, fine wines recommended by the sommelier, and signature dishes by Alain Ducasse in the form of vegetable and lobster cookpots showcasing the delights of the sea and natural produce.

Learn all about the ice

The evolution of the climate in the polar regions, the formation of icebergs, the ice pack and the frozen sea in all their different states: unlock some of the mysteries of the Far North and the White Continent through the knowledge and expertise of Antoine Viot (a geological engineer specialising in Svalbard) and glaciologist and climatologist Julien Alex.

The magical otherwordly wonder of the polar environment

After a briefing by the expedition team, head off to explore the banks, shores and icy expanses aboard a Zodiac inflatable boat, or a kayak, on a dog sled or just with a simple pair of snow shoes, and connect with the authentic essence of the poles.

Soft landing

Return to the ship and warm yourself up around the brazier while you enjoy an afternoon tea of truffle "Croque Charcot" or one of the sweet or savoury treats available throughout the day at the Inneq bar, and take advantage of the pleasures of the Blue Lagoon, with its water heated to between 27°C and 37°C by the ship's energy recuperation system.

Artistic interlude

Continue your exploration on board by going for a stroll to explore the 300 ornaments and works of art decorating the ship's interior spaces; contemplate and admire the monumental digital work by artist Migeul Chevalier adorning the Atrium skylight; and let yourself be transported by the musical creations of Michel Redolfi.

Polar impressions

Discuss your experiences or browse the pages of the most beautiful works available on the poles as you enjoy an apéritif in the main lounge or in the observation lounge. Encounters with wildlife experienced from the decks of the ship or during off-board excursions, first impressions of the poles, the majesty of the scenery: each moment lived is an invitation to share and to continue the voyage in order to fully enjoy every extraordinary instant of this mesmerizing journey.

A made-to-measure end to the evening

After your gastronomic dinner at the Nuna restaurant, enjoy the opportunity to listen to a Chopin impromptu interpreted by the onboard pianist in one of the two lounges, or watch a performance or projection in the theatre. Cigar aficionados have the option of the Cigar Lounge – one of the ship's most exclusive spaces – where they can enjoy the delights of a selection of fine cigars and premium spirits.

The PONANT App

After booking your cruise, download the PONANT app from the Apple Store or Google Play. It will support you throughout your voyage . Before your cruise, get practical information about how to pack your bag, the composition of the team on board, pre-book your excursions, etc. During your trip, enjoy daily highlights of your cruise, make an appointment with the spa, order the photos from the cruise and book your excursions.

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Reaching the absolute aboard Le Commandant Charcot

A polar odyssey through the ice of the Arctic and Antarctica

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Deep polar exploration

Le Commandant Charcot , the World's Only Luxury Icebreaker opens the gateways to the highest latitudes of the Arctic and the Antarctic. Embark for a faraway odyssey combining exploration with science, and become experts in these regions that for centuries have stirred the imaginations of the greatest adventurers. See this captivating and wondrous part of the world for yourself.

An on-hand expedition team by your side

Le Commandant Charcot expedition team, composed of 19 to 23 experts, constitutes one of the best guest-to-staff ratios found on any voyage of this kind. Biologists, naturalists, engineers, glaciologists, and geologists, these experts in the polar regions will be on hand to ensure the safety of all your activities and experiences and to share their passion for the poles. They will be by your side throughout your voyage of discovery, providing key insights to help you get the most out of the encounters with fauna, flora and local populations that await you, and helping you better understand the stakes and challenges involved in preserving this natural and cultural heritage.

Expedition leaders

Alongside the captain, the expedition leader is the main person responsible for managing and coordinating the exploration aspect of the cruise. They supervise the team of naturalist guides, ensure the safety of the organised activities offered, and tailor and adapt the experiences, thus ensuring the full richness of these fascinating ecosystems is revealed in all its glory.

Naturalist guides

A team of 23 naturalist guides trained in supervising activities in polar environments will be by your side every day to interpret and explain everything about these largely unexplored ecosystems , both onboard the ship and during onshore activities. Meet some of the members of the team.

Scientific coordinator

On board, the scientific coordinator manages the spaces designed and set up specifically for hosting scientists and their equipment. In parallel with this, they also organise laboratory tours and conferences with the purpose of raising awareness about the stakes and challenges involved in protecting the polar world, thus providing special moments of communication and interaction with researchers.

The poles like never before

Le Commandant Charcot takes you further than ever before, sailing well inside the polar circles and deep into the middle of the ice , where only a PC2 polar class ship (icebreaker) can safely venture. Onboard, on land, on the sea or on the ice, enjoy a range of unique , intense and authentically immersive experiences amidst the quasi-hypnotic power of the polar environment, such as dog sledding, sightseeing excursions in zodiac inflatable boats, snowshoeing, polar diving, kayaking, ice fishing.

A scientific adventure

Sailing through the remote and icy regions of the poles provides a unique opportunity to regularly and periodically collect scientific data to better understand these fragile ecosystems – which more than a century after the heroic golden age of polar exploration still have much to reveal – and move forward efforts to protect and preserve them.

Because Le Commandant Charcot is capable of travelling to the most remote and isolated polar regions on the planet, we also wanted to give researchers access to it. Envisaged from the outset as a vessel of scientific opportunity , the ship is equipped with two dedicated research laboratories and a variety of measuring and recording instruments and equipment, such as buoys, drones, ice core drills, salinometers, sonars, underwater cameras and Argos beacons, and represents a unique partnership between academic science and polar travel and tourism.

By enabling observations and samples made and collected in the field to be shared with scientists via special apps that feed data to their databases, citizen science gives everyone the chance to contribute to research programmes in areas such as whale identification and meteorological and oceanographic profiling, for example. This provides valuable information for the study and protection of these ecosystems.

Participate in the study of the polar regions

Collect data from the deck of the ship or during your outings. Missions that sharpen your powers of observation! Take photos of whale and help supply the Happy Whale tracking app with data, identify and count seabirds so that their distributions and life cycles can be better understood, describe atmospheric phenomena, observe and listen to underwater wildlife using cameras (ROV) and hydrophones, collect samples of plankton, analyse the samples collected through microscopes. This information is contributing to databases that are essential for the study and preservation of these ecosystems.

PONANT works with the Polar Citizen Science Collective, an international association that enables everyone to practically contribute to a better understanding of the polar regions through citizen science projects.

John has been sharing his passion for adventure and polar voyages with others for 30 years. He has been a PONANT expedition leader since 2015. His work as a naturalist guide has taken him all over the world, from the Arctic and Alaska to Africa and Nepal. John speaks English.

Florence Kuyper

After training in humanities and gaining professional experience in applied social science, Florence visited and discovered Antarctica and became passionately interested in polar destinations. Florence has been an expedition leader for PONANT since 2015. She loves teaching people about the history of the polar regions and passing on her knowledge of penguins and ethnology. Florence speaks French, English, Dutch and German.

Jonathan Zaccaria

An engineer by training, Jonathan worked on both French and international scientific bases in Antarctica before becoming a naturalist guide on expedition cruises to the polar regions in 2018, after which he went on to become an expedition leader. Jonathan speaks French, Italian, English, Spanish and German.

Laura Jourdan

Laura was biology teacher in France at a secondary institution before to venture into the polar regions. In Svalbard, she was taken by the polar bug and decided to become a polar guide. After 3 years of professional experience between Svalbard and Northern Norway, she joined PONANT in 2019.

Laureline Formanek

A doctor in marine biology, Laureline worked initially as a university researcher and lecturer before going on to join teams of naturalist guides on boats operating wildlife watching trips in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Canada. She has been working for PONANT since 2015. Laureline speaks French and English.

Rémi Bigonneau

Rémi trained in environmental education and conservation management and has participated in numerous research and conservation programmes out in the field, particularly in the French Southern and Antarctic Territories and Siberia. He is also a specialist in ornithological observation. He speaks both French and English.

Batshéva Bonnet

Batsheva is a qualified veterinarian and has completed a thesis on the physiology of the Adélie penguin. She also had the opportunity to study king penguins on the island of Crozet and elephant seals in Kerguelen during two periods she spent in the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (an overseas French territory). Bathsheva is involved with organisations that campaign to increase awareness about the polar environment and serves as a member of veterinary teams for sled dog races in France and aboard. She speaks both French and English.

Christian Genillard

Christian is an engineer with a passion for cold seas and the polar regions. Having visited Antarctica for the first time in 1993, he began working as a naturalist guide in 2004 before later going on to become an expedition leader on voyages to Spitsbergen, Greenland, Antarctica, South Georgia and the Russian Far East. He has been sailing with PONANT since 2015 and speaks French and English.

Benjamin Dy

Alison has degrees in both geography and political science and developed a deeper interest in the Circumpolar World and the geopolitics and peoples of the Arctic while studying in Canada. She has been sailing with PONANT as a naturalist guide since 2018. Alison speaks both French and English.

Alison Thieffry

Daphné Buiron

Daphné Buiron holds a doctorate in glaciology and spent 14 months at the Dumont d'Urville scientific station in Antarctica. She then decided to devote herself to the protection, study and exploration of the polar regions, firstly as a teacher and researcher, then as a guide-naturalist. Daphne has been sailing with PONANT since 2015. She speaks French, English and German.

Participate in studies into the way ecosystems work by collecting data as part of special citizen science sessions conducted onboard this floating polar monitoring and research station. Missions that sharpen your powers of observation!

• Taking photos of whale flukes and helping supply the Happy Whale tracking app with data
• Identifying and counting seabirds so that their distributions and life cycles can be better understood
• Describing atmospheric phenomena so that the way surface and air temperatures interact can be better understood
• Observing and listening to underwater wildlife using cameras (ROV) and hydrophones
• Collecting samples of plankton , which is fundamentally important for all marine life, so its reaction to temperature changes in the polar environment can be analysed
• Analysing the samples collected through microscopes

Our team of scientific mediators is trained by the Polar Citizen Science Collective

The Polar Citizen Science Collective is an international association that enables everyone to practically contribute to a better understanding of the polar regions through participatory science projects.

Conceived from the outset as a ship of scientific opportunity, the Le Commandant Charcot is equipped with a range of research-dedicated facilities:

• A modular wet lab with a side door providing access to the sea for deploying sensors or collecting samples with plankton nets.
• A dry lab connected to an entirely science-dedicated onboard network and designed for carrying out computer work and data analysis.
• Lecture theatres for sharing knowledge and information with cruise guests.
• A quarterdeck that can be used for deploying sensors, especially via the ship's hoist.

“Thanks to the instruments already installed on board,* the Le Commandant Charcot is also able to continuously supply data about the thickness of the ice, the water, sound velocity and the climate.” Hughes Decamus, chief mechanic

*SIMS (Sea Ice Monitoring System), thermosalinograph, miniSVS, meteorological and oceanographic station.

The common areas of Le Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot has spaces that have never been seen before in the PONANT fleet, designed and fitted out to serve all your needs and requirements whilst at the same time preserving the privacy of each passenger. They were designed by two world-renowned French architectural firms: the Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel and Wilmotte & Associés, whose design brief was to create a real connection with the surrounding landscapes. Names derived from Inuit culture have been attributed to some of them as a reminder of our deep attachment to this fascinating culture.

Expeditions and conferences rooms - Deck 3

• Two dedicated expedition boarding and disembarking rooms to port and starboard.
• A conference room ( Ilua - to be inside, to understand) : 30 seats

Reception - Deck 5

• A 270 m² (2,906 ft²) reception space
• The expeditions desk
• The onboard administrative services
• The sales office run by our reception and voyages manager
• The photo area : « Studio Ponant »
• "Oscillations": a digital artwork by Miguel Chevalier

The theatre Kita (let’s go) - Deck 5

• Capacity for 270 persons
• Cutting edge audio and lighting technology
• LED stage background wall enabling the projection of ultra-high resolution media

The main lounge - Deck 5

• A 313 m² (3,369 ft²) main lounge
• A 24 m² (258 ft²) cigar lounge
• A tea room and bar with a programme of live music on certain evenings

Promenade Deck - Deck 5

The outside promenade deck is uninterrupted. This means that, unlike most passenger ships, it is possible to walk all the way around the ship and to the bow. It is also equipped with benches heated by energy recovery and two Swarovski Optik telescopes.

Boutique Illu (the igloo, the house) - Deck 5

The Illu boutique is a space of wonder, an authentic extension of your journey and the ship, dedicated to the polar world. 95% of the souvenir range is made in France.

• A range of Dodo and Pomellato jewellery and watches from Ulysse Nardin and Garmin.
• A range of ready-to-wear clothing and special outdoor items suitable for the polar adventure: The North Face, Garmin, Swarovski Optik, Vuarnet, Feelfree, Icebreaker, Black Diamond, Suunto, Eric Bompard
• Bespoke tips and advice from experts about how to get the most out of the onboard experience and the shore excursions
• A multilingual range of publications covering each different destination: informational guides, gorgeous photographic books, novels and adventure stories, a special range for children, etc.
• Unique souvenirs so you can share the magic of the Charcot experience with others
• A range of accessories for the home

"French designers Gangzaï and Atypyk have created a collection of polar-destination-styled postcards, notebooks, bookmarks, magnets, mugs, coasters, aprons and toys such as spinning tops and tangrams for the Le Commandant Charcot.” Vittoria, gift shop manager

The pool deck - Deck 9

• A heated indoor swimming pool with a superb skylight thanks to its large glass roof
• A sunroom with large external-facing windows
• A Detox bar with sofas and armchairs
• Blue Lagoon pools, an outdoor heated lagoon with a temperature that ranges from 27 to 37° C using recycled energy from the ship
• A giant firepit ( Inneq - le feu), so you can enjoy the polar landscapes in complete comfort
• An outdoor bar (Blue Lagoon bar) where you can enjoy a varied and refined range of sweet and savoury food throughout the day (11:00-18:00)

The Observation Lounge Anori (the wind) - Deck 9

• A bar and a 262 m² (2820 ft²) observation lounge
• Library, reading area, live entertainment on certain evenings
• 2 Swarovski Optik telescopes

Wellness Lounge Nuan (wellness / happiness) - Deck 9

A hair salon facing the boundless horizon, massage cabins with large windows, a sauna with an unobstructed view of the immense white polar expanse… The wellness areas on board Le Commandant Charcot take on a new dimension. These spaces, designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, combine design and comfort, and have been created with expert know-how using repsonsible brands.

“We wanted to created a sensory journey in connection with the Conservatory, which is home to the heated indoor pool and the Detox Bar. The curves are very soft and understated, and exotic materials have been used, like the raw Carrara marble with pearlescent reflections in the treatment rooms, or the black marble in the relaxation area” Chloé, Spa Manager

• 430 m² dedicated to wellness
• Spa Biologique Recherche : 3 massage and beauty cubicles (including one double cubicle with sea view), a nail salon, 2 lounges with sea view to to wait or relax after a session
• A hair salon with Davines products
• A Sauna ( Ikuma - the burning heat)
• A Snow Room ( Siku - the ice) a fun and invigorating snow bath you can try out after leaving the sauna
• Gym with with sea view and TECHNOGYM machines (elliptical trainers, Kinesis®, 3 treadmills, exercise bikes, rowing machine…), dedicated coach and group or private lessons (according to availability) of fitness, yoga, pilates, meditation, aquagym...
• A heated indoor swimming pool ( Imaq - sea water) with countercurrent swimming and a superb skylight thanks to its large glass roof

For Le Commandant Charcot , PONANT has chosen to work with two new partners: Biologique Recherche for facial and body treatments, and Davines for hairstyling. These two brands share the same philosophy of bespoke, personalised service and care for the environment.

• 100% made to measure: a tailored approach with indvidually selected procedures.Every treatment is unique.
• Natural and eco-friendly active ingredients: naturally or plant-sourced raw active ingredients, packaging made from recycled materials

Two signature treatments designed to give you a gentle return on board after shore excursions in extreme environments have been created especially for the Le Commandant Charcot : "expedition return" and "exploration return".

View the spa menu

The restaurants onboard Le Commandant Charcot

An integrant component of the PONANT hallmark approach, fine dining takes on an impressive new look on board Le Commandant Charcot . Chef Alain Ducasse and his team offer contemporary French cuisine of the highest standard. These artists align culinary know-how and cutting-edge kitchen technology to bring dishes worthy of the world’s top restaurants to the sea.

Gastronomic Restaurant Nuna (the earth) - Deck 5

Nuna, the 484 m² gastronomic restaurant at the rear of deck 5, can seat all the ship's passengers at a single sitting. Elegant and refinement are all part and parcel of the à la carte dining experience it has to offer at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The ship's second bridge is located at the back of the restaurant: behind its large windows, you will have a front row seat to observe the crew during their operations.

• Capacity : 245
• French and international cuisine
• Signature dishes by Alain Ducasse
• Fine wine cellar
• Furniture by Ligne Roset
• Bernardaud French china and glassware by Elne

“To go where others do not go - in the geographical sense but also in the gastronomic sense, such is the challenge that we take up on board Le Commandant Charcot . This experience is absolutely unique: never before has the French art of living been so far-reaching, and we are very proud to contribute to it with PONANT.” Jérôme Lacressonnière, Director at Ducasse Conseil

Restaurant Sila (the sky, outside) - Deck 9

In a more relaxed atmosphere, a 320 m² restaurant located at deck 9 will welcome you for your breakfasts, buffet lunches and themed dinners.

• Indoor capacity: 142

Open-air bar Inneq (the fire) - Deck 9

At the open-air bar, you can enjoy a varied and refined range of international sweet and savoury dishes throughout the day (11am-6pm), as well as a permanent menu.

• Bar capacity : 79
• Restaurant capacity : 62

A more eco-friendly sailing

PONANT’s latest addition to the fleet, Le Commandant Charcot - the very first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration ship powered by liquified natural gas, is the epitome of a more responsible and sustainable sailing. Safe and low impact polar navigation is her area of expertise, taking advantage of the latest innovations and even developing new, market-leading technologies and solutions to make Le Commandant Charcot one of the most advanced polar vessels at sea today.

Exceptional suites and staterooms

Equipped with 123 suites and staterooms with private balcony or terrace, Le Commandant Charcot is fully in keeping with the PONANT philosophy: to provide a rare and exceptional ambiance for every passenger welcomed onboard and reinforce the feeling and sense of sailing on a private yacht. At the rear of decks 6 and 7 are four stunning 94 m² (1,011 ft²) split-level suites equipped with private terraces and jacuzzis. The breathtaking 115 m² (1,237 ft²) Suite de l’Armateur (Shipowner's Suite) on deck 8 features wide sliding glass doors offering stunning panoramic views and opening out onto a 186 m² (2,002 ft²) private terrace.

See the staterooms

A unique concierge service

To assist you in all the steps related to your cruise, our Concierge Travel team is at your dispposal at any time. Our experts help you plan and develop your tailor-made trip. Before embarking Le Commandant Charcot , rest assured our team had handle every details.

Information & reservations + 33 4 91 26 62 20 [email protected]

The world's most powerful propulsion pods, providing safety and exceptional 360° manoeuvring ability in the ice.

LIQUIFIED NATURAL GAS (LNG)

Only ship in the world that is genuinely autonomous for a period of one and a half months using LNG thanks to 2x 4,500 m3 tanks.

ELECTRIC POWER

Largest battery bank ever installed on a cruise ship. Zero emissions and quiet sailing in electric mode in protected areas.

RESPECTFUL TOWARDS ECOSYSTEMS

Shell and sea creature detectors, electronic positioning system without the need for anchoring, ballast water processing, reduced noise and vibrations.

Only passenger ship in the world with a PC2 polar class shell, ensuring total safety and the ability to travel through channels inaccessible to other expedition ships.

ELECTRICAL QUAY CONNECTION

in ports that are equipped.

RECYCLED ENERGY

Blue Lagoon baths and benches on the promenade deck heated by recycled energy generated by the ship’s propulsion.

WASTE REDUCTION

Onboard production and bottling of drinking water in glass containers, supply and provision of stainless steel flasks, elimination of single-use plastics.

CONTROLLED ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Optimisation of navigation routes, energy management systems, ship speed limitation.

CERTIFICATION

Clean Ship label awarded by the Bureau Veritas guaranteeing reduced atmospheric emissions and water and waste processing.

LOW EMISSIONS

25% less carbon emissions, 85% less nitrogen oxide emissions and 95% less fine particle emissions.

RÉDUCTION DES DÉCHETS

Mathieu Petiteau , Director of New Construction at PONANT

We had to imagine, develop and design everything from A to Z. No ship like Le Commandant Charcot had ever seen the light of day. Going to such privileged environments without limiting our impact as much as possible was out of the question.

The art of polar navigation

Le Commandant Charcot is the world's first passenger ship to be fitted with a Polar Class 2 (PC2) hull. This gives it the ability to sail between the sheets of drifting sea ice and reach the most remote and isolated regions, when conditions allow. Protecting the polar ecosystems and the coastal sea ice – a vital habitat for marine wildlife – is our priority. Expertise, innovation, humility before nature, cooperation with local peoples and ensuring a minimal impact on the environment are the fundamental concepts behind responsible exploration.

See all our commitments

Etienne Garcia and Patrick Marchesseau , Captains onboard Commandant Charcot

Le Commandant Charcot is both an extraordinary vessel and a safe and comfortable ship. It's a sailor's dream; an outstanding accomplishment You simply could not do better when it comes to sailing in polar regions; though to minimise our impact as far as possible, we explore these regions with a tremendous sense of humility.

Pioneer of safety regulations in the polar regions

The rescue and safety equipment developed and designed from scratch by PONANT for Le Commandant Charcot (Ice Cube, group survival kit, floating polar shelters and survival suits) currently exceed the existing safety criteria established by the tourism industry as well as the military, raise the bar for maritime safety and standards in polar tourism, and help experts across the world to devise new safety strategies

Ecosystem-friendly landing protocols

Our approach is also based on a carefully considered choice of itineraries , the drafting of a specific environmental brief for each sensitive region or area, a code of conduct for passengers, and of course, a zero tolerance policy regarding the impact we leave behind when we travel through an area. PONANT is a member of IAATO (the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) and AECO , (the International Association of Expedition Cruise Operators for Responsible, Environmentally Friendly and Safe Tourism), two organisations responsible for regulating tourism activities in Antarctica and the Arctic . Our itineraries and protocols in the polar regions are designed in accordance with the directives issued by these organisations , which stipulate the maximum number of passengers allowed to disembark and the specific conduct to be followed (i.e. maximum wildlife approach distances; briefings for passengers, crew and expedition personnel; the level of Antarctic experience of expedition personnel; and emergency and medical evacuation plans).

Technical Specificity

Services provided

• Concierge Service: tailor-made and fully customisable services, from your reservation until you return from your trip
• Glazed private balcony for all our staterooms and suites
• Terrace for the Duplex suites and the Owner's suite
• 24-hour room service
• Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
• Individually-controlled air conditioning
• Dressing room with shelves and closet
• Dressing table and hairdryer
• Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
• Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
• Electronic safe
• Direct line telephone
• Bose Bluetooth speaker
• Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
• 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
• 3 ADA staterooms

Your stateroom category

Stateroom size

• - than 269 ft²
• + than 269 ft²

Prestige Stateroom Deck 6

Prestige Stateroom Deck 7

Prestige Stateroom Deck 8

Deluxe Suite Deck 6

Deluxe Suite Deck 7

Deluxe Suite Deck 8

Prestige Suite Deck 7

Prestige Suite Deck 8

Grand Prestige Suite Deck 6

Privilege Suite Deck 8

Duplex Suite Deck 6

Owner's Suite

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MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

MercoPress, en Español

Montevideo, April 7th 2024 - 03:15 UTC

Russian billionaire announces first private icebreaker: Antarctica cruise in 2022

One of the top 50 richest Russians, banker Oleg Tinkov, wants to present what he calls a first private icebreaker to the public next year, before the €100 million vessel sets sail to the Antarctic among other destinations.

Founder and owner of Tinkoff Bank, worth US$2.2 billion, is going to show off the SeaExplorer 77, the newest addition to his pet-project, La Dacha, at the major global yacht show in Monaco as early as 2020.

After the presentation, the super-yacht will head to the gems of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles and Madagascar, Russia’s scenic Kamchatka peninsula and Alaska, before challenging its reinforced icebreaker hull in Antarctica in late 2021 and the beginning of 2022.

“It is yachting, but a completely different one,” Tinkov explained. “It’s about exploring, but not about drinking martini and showing off in Saint-Tropez.”

The ‘icebreaker’ cost the billionaire more than €100 million (US$112 million). The banker wants to enjoy it himself for around 20 weeks per year and plans to lease it for the rest for €690,000 per week.

The entrepreneur says he was the first to order such a vessel. In fact, it is an expedition yacht, which can break ice up to 40 centimeters thick and maintain autonomy at sea for up to 40 days. The 77-meter vessel, offering luxury accommodation for up to 12 guests in addition to the crew, also features two helicopter hangars, a dive center and decompression chamber, and carries a submersible, two snow scooters and wave-runners.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates has already showed interest in the luxury sea adventure, and wants to have a three-week long charter, while a Russian businessmen from the Forbes list, whose name Tinkov did not reveal, wants to rent the boat for six months.

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Icebreaker Cruise to Antarctica – What is an Icebreaker?

Which tourism operators can offer an icebreaker cruise to Antarctica? This is a question I often hear from people interested in travelling to Antarctica , and it’s an interesting question for me as the questioner usually assumes that an icebreaker is the best and safest ship to travel to Antarctica. Icebreakers are certainly hearty ships, but maybe a better question is – What is an icebreaker, and should I travel on one to Antarctica?

Everything you need to know about an Icebreaker

An icebreaker is a ship that has a couple of essential qualities. It needs to have a reinforced hull for work in ice, but this doesn’t define an icebreaker as all sensible ships operating in the  polar  regions have reinforced hulls. An icebreaker must also have the ability to push through ice, preferably multi-year ice. To push through the ice, it needs to be designed to break the ice without affecting the ship’s stability in the water. Powerful icebreakers often have a flat bottom hull, allowing the vessel to essentially ram thick ice, raising its hull above the ice and crushing it.

 And it’s these flat bottom hulls that often mean that icebreakers are not the best ships to take to Antarctica as a  cruise ship .  The lack of keel means that the vessel is less stable in the open sea , and although that doesn’t mean the ship is necessarily more likely to sink, it does provide a  less pleasant sailing experience  from the perspective of someone travelling on board.

Should I travel on an icebreaker to Antarctica?

So unless you’re wanting to crunch through miles of thick ice (which you normally wouldn’t want to on an Antarctica cruise as it takes a lot of time) then an icebreaker probably isn’t the sort of thing you want to travel on. What you probably do want however is an ice strengthened ship which has reasonable stabilisers to make your cruise as safe and comfortable as possible. But how do you tell if a ship is suitably strengthened? Well the short answer is that they all are essentially – otherwise they wouldn’t be allowed to travel there in the first place by IAATO – the organisation that oversees tourism in the Antarctic.

But some ships are better than others for sure. The other thing that makes it hard to compare is that there a range of different ice classifications for ships. There are Russian, Finnish, American and a more recent International classification. Within the tourism industry the Finnish system seems to be used most and most Antarctica Tourism ships fit into their 1A, 1B or 1C categories, A being the strongest and C being the lowest.

Look out for any reference for these three ratings when comparing ships as this is your best way to gauge the relative capabilities of one Antarctica ship compared to another.

We offer a  range of Antarctica cruises  and flights to suit all budgets and travel styles, and endeavour to match you up with the most suitable expedition option for you. From epic voyages to the Ross Sea to classic cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula and flights to Antarctic islands, our range of adventures is as varied and enticing as the icebergs you’ll no doubt come across! Contact us for more info. Visit our  Antarctica Cruises page for our complete list of Cruises and  Specials deals  page for our current offers. 

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• Icebreakers

Akademik Tryoshnikov icebreaker

Cruise line AARI Russia (Icebreakers)

Akademik Tryoshnikov icebreaker current position

Akademik Tryoshnikov icebreaker current location is at South Africa (coordinates -58.07618 S / 20.96225 E) cruising at speed of 13.4 kn (25 km/h | 15 mph) en route to ANTARCTICA. The AIS position was reported 22 minutes ago.

Specifications of Akademik Tryoshnikov icebreaker

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Akademik Tryoshnikov icebreaker - user reviews and comments

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VIDEO: Ponant's Le Commandant Charcot meets Russia's nuclear icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy near North...

In the Russian Arctic, the 150-m icebreaking cruiser Le Commandant Charcot crossed paths with the Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Let Pobedy/50...

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Other AARI Russia cruise ships

• Akademik Fyodorov icebreaker

• January 25, 2024

Everything You Need to Know Before Boarding an Antarctica Icebreaker Cruise

If you are looking for a typical tourist trap of a vacation, then it’s best to scroll on. An Antarctica icebreaker cruise is probably not for you.

There is a time and place to lounge in a poolside cabana and sip strawberry-infused daiquiris. But, aboard an Antarctica expedition ship is just not one of those times.

I’ve been to the world’s southernmost continent a number of times. As a small ship cruise expert, it’s part of the job I have to do to stay knowledgeable for my clients. It helps me help them to make the best travel choices to meet their needs.

Allow me to share my experience aboard Quark’s 50 Years of Victory icebreaker cruise.

An Antarctica icebreaker cruise is no ordinary trip

Antarctica is the Earth’s southernmost and least-populated continent. It’s a place with weather so harsh yet equally breathtaking at the same time. You won’t find traffic jams here unless you’re caught waiting behind a raft of sea lions. There aren’t any mobs here, either. Wait, correction. Of course, the rookeries of penguins count.

You are cut off from the rest of the world. And it is oh so glorious… and peaceful.

But Antarctica isn’t just for the Shackletons and the Scotts . And you don’t have to be a rugged, leathery-skinned worldly seafarer to enjoy the earth’s most chilly and remote locations either. I believe there is a fledgling explorer hidden amongst us all. I invited my good friend Lorraine and her 82-year-old mother with me on this journey. We still swap stories about what a memorable time we had.

Life aboard an Antarctica icebreaker cruise

We set out on our journey in November, which is springtime for the Antarctic region. The vessel that would be our home for the next 11 days was Quark’s 50 Years of Victory. It’s a Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker research vessel built to withstand the harshest of icy waters. It can accommodate just under 128 passengers and around 140 crew members, including the expedition staff.

While it won’t win any awards for luxury ship design, this Antarctica icebreaker cruise is comfortable, has all the necessary amenities required, and can batten off any wild waves the mighty Drake Passage may toss your way.

They don’t call it the “Drake Shake” for nothing

Crossing the infamous Drake Passage, the corridor between mainland South America and the South Pole is an experience unto itself.

How long does it take; To cross the Drake?

About two full days. You might get lucky and experience calm waters that will rock you to sleep, but it’s good to be prepared. I highly recommend consulting a travel doctor for advice on preventative relief for potential sea sickness. You have options.

Regardless, ships like the 50 Years of Victory were built specifically to weather the most dramatic of crossings. I always felt safe.

During the crossing, we spent hours on deck watching the albatross, petrel, shags, skuas, and gulls soar above the ship.

And when we grew tired of becoming couch ornithologists, we grabbed a seat in the lecture theatre, where the expedition staff prepared us for the day ahead. We learned about exploratory history, marine biology, geology, glaciology, and, of course, the birds. So much to learn about birds. Yes, this included the show-stealing penguins.

After 11 days, I never tired of watching the toddler-height, Charlie Chaplin comedians of the South decked out in their formal black and white waddle across the frosty landscape.

There was also plenty of time to read in the library in between meals while getting to know our fellow Antarctic voyagers. For some, it was their first time ever experiencing snow and cold. As three hearty Canadians accustomed to chilly temperatures, we found their reactions adorable.

A Day in the Life of Antarctica

Once we reached Antarctica, our days typically started at 7 am for breakfast before a short orientation from the expedition leader. He or she would go over the loose plan for the day. And was quick to remind us that things could change in an instant. Antarctica has a way of laughing at those who try and make plans. The weather remains fickle, and the captain and expedition team are always looking to take advantage of opportunistic wildlife encounters.

A typical day included two excursions by Zodiac. We’d maneuver around icebergs, hoping to catch a glimpse of pods of blue and humpback whales, leopard, fur and crabeater seals, or maybe even some Commerson’s dolphins.

Or we might do a landing near a penguin colony to watch the antics of the loveable and quirky bird. There are eight species that can be found hanging out near the chilly continent. You may not get lucky to see all eight, but you won’t tire of the search.

On other days, we’d go to one of the research stations, hoping to learn about some new scientific discovery that was unfolding right before our eyes. Some adventurous guests chose to go ‘cross-Antarctica-skiing’, mountaineering, and even kayaking. After returning to the ship for a hot lunch, we’d go back out and do it all over again.

The atmosphere aboard an Antarctica icebreaker cruise

You build close friendships with your fellow travellers when you take a small ship cruise. With less than 150 passengers on board, most of whom share a similar worldview, it’s an easy, laid-back atmosphere.

Meals were a family affair, and everybody ate together. People were chatty and eager to share what they’d seen during the day.  And then, later in the evening, we’d gather in the bar area, like a bunch of kids around a campfire, to hear gripping tales of past voyages from the expedition staff. 

I guess storytelling must be a pre-requisite to land the job – because they were all so good at it. The team joined this Antarctica icebreaker cruise from around the globe, but they all shared a similar passion for the flora and fauna of the polar regions.

The people you meet aboard an Antarctica icebreaker cruise

Reaching land on the elusive seventh continent is, for many, a completion of a lifetime travel goal. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to find many of your fellow travellers will be well-travelled.

There is no need to be intimidated, though. The one thing I know for sure is that travel is an ideology that humbles the most boastful of men. I met the most interesting people aboard the Russian icebreaker cruise.

One 83-year-old Kiwi gentleman was travelling with his granddaughter. As a younger man, he’d spent his career working on tall ships that sailed between the UK and the South Pacific. Did he have some nail-biting stories to share. Completely fascinating. His dream was to sail around the legendary Cape Horn once more, so our Captain did his best to get the ship within a few miles of this iconic landmark.

I often get asked what the nationality breakdown will be on board. The majority of polar cruises I sell cater to an international clientele.

Seasonal Changes and Wildlife

Antarctica’s travel season runs between October and March, but the tourist season really swings into action in November.

The first time I journeyed south was in March (considered the fall). By March, things are winding down. There are fewer ships, but temperatures are beginning to drop. And while you miss out on seeing penguins and other birds hatch, you are more apt to catch a glimpse of whales and fur seals. And the sunsets! The fall has the best sunsets on the continent than any other time of the year.

This visit, however, was in spring. It’s still a bit chillier than the temps experienced between December and February, but the clear skies, virgin ice, and snow offer photographers the most ideal backdrop. The contrast of the landscapes is extreme, with black mountains stark against the angelic white snow and crisp glaciers.

The best part of travelling in spring is seeing the fauna come alive. In November, they are just beginning to mate and build their nests. By December, the eggs have been laid, and the chicks are starting to hatch toward the end of the month.

Come January, the penguin chicks are getting bigger, and some are leaving the nest to form crèches as protection against predators while both parents go to sea to collect food for their young.

In late February and early March, most penguin chicks have fledged, and many parents have left to begin their annual moult. Many of the colonies that were covered in several metres of snow in November are now muddy and covered in guano, with little snow to be seen. Still, the little penguin chicks had us roaring in laughter and smiling with their amusing behaviours.

Travelling during shoulder seasons like November and March can offer more attractive rates over the more popular and warmer December to February months.

Final thoughts on travelling on an Antarctica icebreaker cruise

Travelling to the world’s chilliest and highest continent is a lifetime experience. I don’t want to say, “once in a lifetime,” because I’ve already been twice and gladly go again.

For a land that is vast, cold, and seemingly inhospitable – Antarctica is unusually welcoming!

With ice-capped peaks floating in the ocean amongst friendly seals and penguins galore as icebergs float by – Antarctica is probably the closest you can get to being out of this world without leaving Earth.

Antarctica is a journey I’d recommend to any adventurer who loves nature and is a searcher of the novel. It appeals to the romantic, the pioneer and the knowledge-thirsty wanderer. Most of all, it’s an experience tailored specifically for those who aren’t afraid of feeling small in this big, big world.

Antarctica is waiting for you. Call to book an appointment with me, and let’s talk.

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Antarctica: Penguin cruise tourists trapped in sea ice

Eighty British tourists on a journey to watch emperor penguins in the Antarctic have been stranded for a week after their cruise ship got stuck in the ice. The Kapitan Khlebnikov, a Russian icebreaker that takes people through the icebergs of the Weddell Sea and to Snow Hill Island rookery, set out on 3 November and was due to return tomorrow.

But bad weather caused the sea-ice to compact, making it impossible for the ship, with its 105 passengers, including the 80 Britons, to break through. Among those on board are a BBC crew filming The Frozen Planet , a nature documentary series produced by Alastair Fothergill, who also made Blue Planet . A BBC spokeswoman said the team, who were supposed to take helicopter rides from the ship to film the penguins from above, were frustrated but in no danger.

There are also biologists and geologists on the ship, who are said to be giving daily conferences to keep passengers entertained.

Passing the message on through a satellite phone, a passenger, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: "The first three days went according to plan, but then the weather started changing. Now we have to wait for winds to change."

The passengers and crew are in no danger and it is expected that the ice will decompress enough over the weekend for the ship to navigate its way out and return to Ushuaia, Argentina.

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The Chinese icebreaker Xue Long (seen above) evacuated 52 passengers by helicopter from the research vessel Akademik Shokalskiy this week.

Antarctic Ship Drama: What Is an Icebreaker, Really?

Former U.S. Coast Guard officer reflects on the need for more polar-worthy ships in a warming world.

Drama continued to unfold Friday in the frozen sea around Antarctica as a Chinese ship that aided the trapped Russian vessel, M.V. Akademik Shokalskiy , found itself also stuck in the heavy ice. (Related: " Antarctic Ship Rescue: 5 Lessons From the Trapped-Vessel Drama .")

The struggles of the Chinese ship, Xue Long , or Snow Dragon , which had provided the helicopter used in the airlift rescue of 52 passengers aboard the Shokalskiy , raise new questions about icebreaking vessels and the limits of their capabilities.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), which coordinated the rescue, said the Chinese ship was in no immediate danger but appeared to be trapped. The Australian icebreaker that is carrying the rescued passengers from the Russian ship, the Aurora Australis , was standing by to offer possible assistance, while officials assess whether changing conditions would free the ship. (Related: " Best Pictures From Dramatic Antarctic Ship Rescue .")

National Geographic talked to one of the leading experts on icebreaker technology, retired U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Jeffrey M. Garrett , who served as the first commanding officer of the icebreaking cutter, the USCGC Healy , when it was delivered in 1999. Garrett served on a National Academies of Science committee in 2005 that urged that the United States invest in upgrading its icebreaking capability. (See " Arctic Shipping Soars, Led by Russia and Lured by Energy .")

Garrett spoke by telephone from Seattle, where he is now a private maritime affairs consultant.

What is an icebreaker?

It's a complicated question. There's a whole spectrum of ice capability for ships. There are ships with some extra hull protection and some extra protection for propellers and rudders that can go through very light ice, and it goes all the way up to strong and powerful ships that can go through just about anything. And there's not a real good terminology. It's like saying something is a "truck." Well, that can mean anything from a pickup to a huge semi. People ask, "What's an icebreaker like?" There are all kinds of them, and you've got to dig a lot deeper to know what it's capable of doing.

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What about the Shokalskiy and the rescue ships in the Antarctic?

The Shokalskiy is an ice-capable ship, built in the Soviet era, and its main function is now expedition and tourism. The three ships that made attempts to reach it are all probably on the high end of the ice-capable scale, but I wouldn't classify them as icebreakers. (Also see: " Who's on That Russian Ship Stuck on Antarctic Ice? ")

What's the metric that people use to tell the difference between an ice-capable ship and an icebreaker?

One of the rules of thumb is how many feet of ice could it break at a given speed. The U.S. has two of the most powerful non-nuclear icebreakers in the world, the Polar Sea and the Polar Star . They can break over 6 feet [1.8 meters] of ice continuously at [a speed of] three knots. [One of Russia's largest nuclear-powered icebreakers, considered the strongest in the world, could break] probably upwards of ten feet [three meters]. [A ship that is merely "ice-capable"] would break 3 feet [0.9 meter] of ice or less at that speed.

What is making conditions so hard for these ships in the Antarctic?

The toughest kind of ice is sea ice that's under pressure from wind. Ice has a rough texture, and wind will push an ice field close together and actually pile the ice up. I think this is essentially what happened to the Russian ship. The blizzard or heavy winds put the ice under pressure and jammed it up. ( See your Antarctica photos .)

Aren't there forecasts or warnings that could help ships avoid such situations?

There is a lot of weather information available. The Antarctic, of course, [is] not as well covered. So sometimes forecasts are over such a wide area, you don't know how forecasts apply to localized areas. There's a lot of trash talk on the Internet about how they didn't look at the weather. But it's often tough to predict—especially in polar conditions, which can change quickly. You can always "Monday-morning quarterback" these things. Should they have gone in there? Well, clearly not, you can see now.   (See also: " Ship Stuck in Antarctica Raises Questions About Worth of Reenacting Expeditions .")

If Russia's nuclear icebreakers are so powerful, why wouldn't they be dispatched to help?

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It's not like sending the AAA tow vehicle. It's a 20,000-mile [32,100-kilometer] journey. You're talking weeks and weeks. Also, the Russians are now in winter. Their icebreakers are all employed [in the Arctic]. We are in the Antarctic summer, so those ice conditions are probably going to get better. There's a very good chance the wind will die down or shift and they'll be able to get out.

Also, there's kind of an urban legend that Russian nuclear icebreakers can't go into warmer water because their cooling systems wouldn't be able to cool the nuclear reactors adequately. [Although we don't know if that's the case,] the Russians have never sent one of their nuclear [icebreakers] near the equator. Add to that the possible uproar about sending a nuclear ship into the pristine Antarctic, and it is not something the Russians are likely to do.

How different is an icebreaker from other vessels?

The question sometimes comes up of whether we can just retrofit existing ships—why don't we just put more steel in the hull and then it can go in ice?

But there's a significant difference in open-water vessels and ice-capable ships, and if you want an icebreaker it really must be built that way from the keel up.

You've got to protect things as mundane as the intakes where seawater comes in. [Intakes have to be screened] because ice can break into small pieces and enter the ship and clog the intakes.

You don't just take a normal ship's hull and make it into an icebreaker. The hull shape must be different. It has to have a bow that can crush ice, and the rest of the form has to be shaped in a way that it can go through ice efficiently. It's not just the size and thickness of the hull framing. It has to be very strong, but you also have to have all the ship systems strengthened so they can deal with cold weather: propellers, rudders.

What about power?

You have to have lots of horsepower and an ability to readily reverse and stop the direction of thrust quickly. The Polar -class ships have a very unique system, with two kinds of propulsion: a diesel-electric system for steaming over long distances, and gas turbines—like those on a commercial jet—that [provide extra power]. But the gas turbines burn a whole lot of fuel very fast. So the captain constantly has to make the decision on how much turbine power to use. [An icebreaker like the Polar Star would carry about 1.3 million gallons of diesel fuel aboard.]

How much does an icebreaker cost?

If you want something powerful, you are looking at almost $1 billion. You could probably design a more moderate ship that would meet most U.S. needs for something less, but you're talking about an expensive vessel.

Are we at the point where we need more ships with icebreaking capability, not just the U.S. but around the world?

The simplistic question you often get is, "With global warming, why do you need icebreakers?" But in the Arctic, you have more thinning and decrease in the ice pack, and that's making ice conditions more unpredictable. It's not like everything's getting easy. In some ways, global warming has increased the need for icebreaking and ice-capable vessels in both locations.

The Arctic is seeing a big increase in energy development and more shipping, and in the Antarctic you have more tourism. (Related interactive map: "The Changing Arctic .")

Now it appears that the Akademik Shokalskiy is not in immediate danger, but if a ship gets stuck and it gets dragged aground by the moving ice field, the hull could be punctured and this could have severe environmental consequences.

Follow Marianne Lavelle on Twitter.

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Russian Cruise Ship Carrying 100 Tourists Stuck in Antarctic Ice

MOSCOW – A Russian icebreaker carrying over 100 tourists, scientists and journalists on a cruise around Antarctica was struggling to free itself from sea ice but was not in any danger, a shipping company said Tuesday.

The Captain Khlebnikov icebreaker is about 5 miles from clear water near Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea, German Kuzin of the Fareastern Shipping Company told Russia's Vesti 24 television. He said neither the ship nor the passengers faced any risks.

The ship was trying to move slowly through the ice but the winds were too light to break up the ice pack, he said. An Argentine official said the ice would delay the ship's return by three to six days.

"The icebreaker is trying to move and is waiting for more favorable winds," Kuzin said. "After the winds get stronger, the ice grip will weaken ... and it will break free."

Kuzin said the tourists were using the unplanned stop to take helicopter tours of the surrounding area. Russian news agencies said a BBC camera crew filming a documentary about the Antarctic was also on board.

"They are implementing the tour program in full," Kuzin said. "The captain reported that the situation on board is normal."

The cruise was advertised as a unique opportunity to watch Emperor Penguins in their natural habitat. The Finnish-built icebreaker has been used as a cruise ship for several years and carries two helicopters.

Natalie Amos, a spokeswoman for holiday tour operator Exodus Travel, said 51 British tourists were among the ship's 101 passengers.

Paul Goldstein, a guide and photographer with Exodus on the ship, told BBC News that the ship was trying to move.

"We're breaking ice," he said Tuesday. "Obviously there's frustration, but we're going to get back perfectly safe."

He said some people had sunburns but there have been no other complaints.

Rene Reibel, operations chief for the Argentine Coast Guard in Ushuaia, told The Associated Press that the icebreaker was moving amid floating ice and no one was in danger.

"This ship was never stuck or run aground," he said. "It's floating, it has its engines and control."

"There is a lot of floating ice, as happens in this time of year, and the boat encountered a large ice mass, which has slowed its return to Ushuaia," he said Tuesday.

Reibel said the ship's return has been delayed from Nov. 16 to sometime between Nov. 19-21.

A spokesman for the Met Office, Britain's weather service, said stations along the Weddell Sea reported temperatures ranging between -7 and -11 degrees Celsius at 7 a.m. EDT Tuesday.

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U.S. sends icebreaker to free Russian ship trapped in Antarctica — and the Chinese vessel sent to rescue it

The Chinese ship’s helicopter rescued 52 scientists, journalists and tourists from the Russian ship who are now on their way home aboard an Australian icebreaker

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A U.S. Coast Guard heavy icebreaker left Australia for Antarctica on Sunday to rescue more than 120 crew members aboard two icebreakers trapped in pack ice near the frozen continent’s eastern edge, officials said.

[np_storybar title=”Terence Corcoran: Science of climate change not on the same course as reality” link=”http://opinion.financialpost.com/2014/01/02/terence-corcoran-science-of-climate-change-not-on-the-same-course-as-reality/”] The key to success when stuck on a giant floe of irony is to pretend it doesn’t exist, which is exactly the trick performed by Prof. Chris Turney, leader of the global warming science expedition that was rescued Thursday by a Chinese icebreaker off the coast of Antarctica.

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The 122-meter cutter, the Polar Star, is responding to a Jan. 3 request from Australia, Russia and China to assist the Russian and Chinese ships because “there is sufficient concern that the vessels may not be able to free themselves from the ice,” the Coast Guard said in a statement.

The Russian research ship Akademik Shokalskiy has been trapped in ice-clogged Commonwealth Bay since Christmas Eve, while the Chinese ship which came to its rescue, Xue Long or Snow Dragon in Chinese, reported on Friday it too had become stuck nearby.

A day earlier, the Chinese ship’s helicopter had retrieved from the Russian ship 52 scientists, journalists and tourists who are now on their way home aboard an Australian icebreaker, Aurora Australis.

Authorities say the 101 crew aboard the Chinese ship and 22 aboard the Russian ship were well provisioned and in no immediate danger.

The Polar Star cut short its planned stop in Sydney, Australia, to assist. It left Sydney on Sunday morning local time, Coast Guard spokeswoman Chief Warrant Officer Allyson Conroy said in an email.

“Our highest priority is safety of life at sea, which is why we are assisting in breaking a navigational path for both of these vessels.” Vice Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, the Coast Guard Pacific Area commander, said in a statement.

“We are always ready and duty bound to render assistance in one of the most remote and harsh environments on the face of the globe.”

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s Rescue Coordination Centre, which oversaw the rescue, said the Polar Star, the Coast Guard’s only active heavy polar icebreaker, would take about seven days to reach Commonwealth Bay, depending on weather.

After the Snow Dragon reported it was stuck on Friday, AMSA told the Aurora to stay in the area, with its rescued passengers on board, in case help was needed. Under international conventions observed by most countries, ships’ crews are obliged to take part in such rescues and the owners carry the costs. On Saturday, AMSA said the Aurora was allowed to continue and that the Chinese and Russian ships were safe.

Andrew Peacock, an Australian doctor and photographer who was rescued from the Russian ship, said he and his fellow passengers “have been and continue to be thankful for all the help we have been given and … aware of the cost and inconvenience to others.”

“Handwritten notes of gratitude from each person rescued have been scanned and faxed to the captain of the Chinese ship and Chinese authorities and we remain concerned for that ship and the Akademik Shokalskiy which remain in the ice and we fervently hope that the Polar Star gets there quickly to free those vessels and their crew,” Peacock said in an email from the Aurora on Sunday.

The Polar Star left its homeport of Seattle in early December to take part in one of its main missions, Operation Deep Freeze, to break a channel through the sea ice of McMurdo Sound to resupply and refuel the U.S. Antarctic Program’s McMurdo Station on Ross Island.

A reporter for China’s official Xinhua News Agency who is aboard the Snow Dragon, Zhang Jiansong, said an iceberg appeared over Thursday night and blocked the ship’s return route. He said the ship would again try to find a way out, possibly as early as Monday when westerly winds would hopefully loosen the ice’s grip.

Zhang said late Saturday that the 101 crew members on board the vessel were safe and had plenty of supplies.

The Snow Dragon was 21 kilometres from open water, he said.

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Antarctica Cruises, Ships & Tours

10 top antarctica cruises & tours for 2024-2025, classic antarctica air cruise, antarctica - basecamp, antarctic express: fly the drake, antarctic small ship expedition, south shetland islands and antarctic peninsula, antarctica express air cruise, antarctic explorer: discovering the 7th continent, epic antarctica: crossing the circle via falklands & south georgia, 8 antarctica cruise deals for 2024-2025, find the perfect antarctica trip, cruise one way & fly one way, adventure expeditions, luxury cruises, our most remote antarctic expeditions.

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Weddell sea, tips for planning your antarctic cruise, how to choose an antarctic cruise.

• Book early! Fewer than 60,000 people step foot on Antarctica each year and many ships fill up many months or even years ahead of time. Plan your trip at least a year ahead of time, or even earlier if you can, for the best prices and selection.
• Choose a smaller ship, preferably with less than 200 passengers. By choosing a smaller cruising vessel for your Antarctica cruise, you are guaranteeing yourself a superior on board  experience with more opportunities for daily excursions to small bays and ports. Ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not allowed to land their passengers ashore in Antarctica.
• Choose your cruise based on activities, destinations, and cruise line experience. Use this guide, or contact one of our Antarctica cruise experts  and we'll help you find the itinerary and ship that is best suited to your you. 
• Be prepared for rough seas. If you are affected by motion sickness, then take tried and tested medications or treatments. Consider taking a flight cruise that can fly you either one, or both ways from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island.

Top-Rated Small Antarctic Cruise Ships

Magellan explorer, sylvia earle, ultramarine, greg mortimer, national geographic endurance, ocean albatros, world explorer, ocean adventurer (sea adventurer), ocean victory, ms seaventure, antarctica highlights.

• Zodiac Expeditions: Delve into the heart of Antarctica's icy realm on Zodiac expeditions. Get unbelievably close to massive icebergs and glaciers that defy imagination. Encounter unique wildlife such as seals, penguins, and majestic whales, making every moment a captivating memory.
• Antarctica Camping Trips: For an unparalleled connection with the environment, camp under the starry skies of Antarctica. Some cruises offer camping experiences complete with all the necessary equipment, ensuring your safety while you immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the continent.
• Kayak Among Marine Life: Glide through the pristine waters of Antarctica in a kayak, coming face to face with the remarkable marine life that calls this continent home. Paddle through stunning ice formations and observe seals and penguins in their natural habitat.
• Snowshoeing and Skiing: Embrace the adventure spirit by snowshoeing or skiing on the pristine slopes of Antarctica. Some cruises include these exhilarating activities in their itineraries and provide top-notch equipment for guests seeking an adrenaline rush.
• Glacier Hikes: Embark on glacier hikes through awe-inspiring white landscapes, all while spotting the incredible wildlife that inhabits this unique region. It's an opportunity to stay active and witness wildlife thriving in their natural habitat.
• Scientific Explorations: Visit science research stations and onboard science labs to delve into the cutting-edge research conducted in Antarctica. Learn about the history of exploration in Antarctica and gain insights into the current challenges facing the continent.
• Breathtaking Sceneries: Be prepared to be mesmerized by the inspiring and breathtaking sceneries of Antarctica. Marvel at the incredible species that call this pristine wilderness home every step of the way.
• Relaxation and Luxury: Amidst the adventure, take time to unwind and pamper yourself. Enjoy moments of relaxation as you tour or sail through the blue waters of Antarctica. Many cruises offer onboard services like spas, massages, fine dining, hot tubs, and more, ensuring you have the best of both worlds during your expedition.

Antarctic Wildlife

Top places to visit in antarctica.

• Antarctic Peninsula : This is one of the most visited regions in Antarctica and is known for its stunning landscapes, research stations, and abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. Cross the Lemaire Channel back or from notable visitor sites along the Antarctic Peninsula include Paradise Bay , Deception Island , Neko Harbor, Cuverville Island, Half Moon Island, and Petermann Island.
• East Antarctica: The vast and largely unexplored eastern portion of Antarctica contains the coldest and driest areas of the continent.
• West Antarctica: This region is characterized by its massive ice sheets and glaciers, including the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. It is an important area for scientific research on climate change.
• Ross Sea : Located in the southernmost part of the Pacific Ocean, the Ross Sea region is home to the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice shelf in Antarctica. It is a critical area for studying the continent's marine ecosystem, Visit Brown Bluff (Tabarin Peninsula) or sail to the remote Peter I Island and Macquarie Island as you approach New Zealand .
• Weddell Sea : Situated off the eastern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea is known for its diverse wildlife and historic significance, including the famous Shackleton expedition.
• South Orkney Islands: These islands are a sub-Antarctic archipelago located in the Southern Ocean, not far from the Antarctic Peninsula. They are home to various bird species and marine life.
• South Shetland Islands : This archipelago is a popular stop for Antarctic cruises, serving as a gateway to the continent. It is known for its research stations and wildlife, including penguins and seals. Notable visitor sites within the South Shetland Islands include Livingston Island, Hannah Point (Livingston Island), Elephant Island , and Aitcho Islands.
• South Sandwich Islands : This group of uninhabited islands located in the South Atlantic Ocean is home to a variety of seabirds and marine mammals, including chinstrap penguins, fur seals, albatrosses, and orcas.
• Sub-Antarctic Islands: These islands are scattered throughout the Southern Ocean and are known for their unique ecosystems, including various bird species and marine life. Sail to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island . Explore visitor sites such as Port Stanley (capital), Saunders Island, Carcass Island, West Point Island, and Sea Lion Island.
• Scotia Arc: This chain of islands and undersea ridges connects South America with the Antarctic Peninsula. It is an important migratory route for marine animals.
• Balleny Islands: These remote sub-Antarctic islands lie in the Southern Ocean and are known for their isolation and unique geology.

Antarctica Travel Guide

Ushuaia airport & transportation, antarctica fly + cruise, best time of year to travel to antarctica, antarctica weather.

• November: This is when tourism to Antarctica begins to kick off. Days start to lengthen, and sea ice retreats, marking the Antarctic "spring" in full force. While temperatures are still chilly, it's a great time for those seeking pristine landscapes and wildlife, including penguin mating rituals and seals having pups. Skiers and snowshoers will find ideal conditions in November and early December
• December: Among the most popular months for visiting, December offers optimal weather, long days, and access to stunning scenery and wildlife. It includes the austral summer solstice, providing extended daylight and relatively warmer temperatures. Penguin hatchlings and chicks are a highlight, and it's a great time for various activities, including kayaking and camping.
• January: Another prime month for tourism, January features ideal weather conditions, long daylight hours, and extensive access to the mainland and coastline. Temperatures are at their warmest, and there's an abundance of wildlife to observe, including penguins and increasing numbers of whales.
• February: Although tourist numbers start to decline from the December/January peak, February continues to offer fine weather. Daylight remains ample, and sea ice is at its yearly minimum, allowing for deeper exploration into the Antarctic wilderness. Whale-watching is particularly rewarding during this time. Scuba divers may prefer mid-December through mid-February
• March: The tail-end of the austral summer provides less-crowded sightseeing opportunities, minimal sea ice, and the chance to experience the "Antarctic fall." While temperatures cool off, March offers lower cruise prices, clearer waters for diving, and unique wildlife experiences, such as leopard seals hunting penguin chicks.
• Don't introduce any non-native species that could become invasive species.
• Always listen to your guides and the ship's crew while on day-trips.
• Make sure to observe animals from a safe distance and never try to touch them (at least 15 feet is a good recommendation).
• Don't feed any animals.
• Stay on designated walking paths.
• Allow animals enough space to make their own navigation decisions. 
• Do not surround any animal or go between baby animals and their mothers.

What's it like on an Antarctic Cruise?

A Typical Day on an Antarctica Cruise

Expeditions to the south pole, south pole expeditions.

• The cruising season in the Arctic is from May to September, while in Antarctica it runs from November through March.
• While temperatures in Antarctica can be more extreme than in the Arctic, the cruising season tends to stay between 20-30 degree Fahrenheit, with plenty of sunny days (sometimes with 24 hours of sunlight each day). 
• A trip through the Arctic might bring you through any of the following countries: Canada, the US, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and Finland. Longer comprehensive cruises might do the whole Northwest Passage or cruise almost all of the Arctic Circle. Cruises board either in Scandinavia, Russia, or Canada.
• Antarctica trips either start in Ushuaia, Argentina for cruises or Punta Arenas for the fly cruises over the Drake Passage . 
• Polar bears or Penguins - While penguins are so prolific in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean that the idea of not seeing hundreds on your cruise seems absurd, the polar bears of the Arctic can be much harder to spot (though some feel that they are more majestic and rewarding when you do spot them). NOTE: Polar bears live in the Arctic and penguins live in the southern hemisphere, so there is nowhere (other than perhaps a zoo) where you will see them both living in their natural habitat on the same trip. 
• Wildlife in Antarctica features more whales and many different types of seals. 
• Active travelers might prefer Antarctica for the chances to do activities like camping, kayaking, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, paddleboarding or scuba diving, which aren't included on Arctic tours for safety reasons.
• Ice vs. Land: Antarctica is aptly named the White Continent because its landmass is almost entirely permanently frozen ice and glaciers with towering rocky mountains, while the Arctic Circle goes through a summer season of lush vegetation when its icy coat melts away.

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Penguins of antarctica.

• Adelie Penguins - are common along the entire coast of the Antarctic continent and is the most widely-spread penguin species.
• Emperor Penguins - the tallest, heaviest and perhaps most famous of the penguin species.
• King Penguins - the second largest penguin, and similar in appearance to the Emperors, King Penguins live in the sub-antarctic islands and northern regions of Antarctica.
• Rockhopper Penguins  - get their name because they are found jumping from jagged rock to rock instead of waddling like most penguins. 
• Chinstrap Penguins - are easily distinguishable by their black chinstrap, which makes it look like they're wearing a bicycle helmet!
• Gentoo Penguins  - are related to the Adelie and Chinstraps, and perhaps the speediest of the penguins in the water. 
• Macaroni Penguins - with their distinctive spikey orange crests, are perhaps the world's most abundant penguin species, though they only visit Antarctica part of the year.

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Australian Antarctic Division 'struggling' to use $528 million icebreaker for science voyages, review says

When the RSV Nuyina was first launched in 2021, the state-of-the-art vessel was described as a "Disneyland for scientists".

However, an internal review that the federal government initially refused to release has raised questions about whether Australia's only icebreaker is fulfilling its research capabilities.

In addition to its remit of transporting cargo, fuel and personnel to Antarctic stations, the $528 million ship is supposed to provide 60 days a year of dedicated marine science voyages.

But despite completing multiple resupply missions since coming into service, as well as a rescue operation , the Nuyina has yet to conduct a single expedition focused solely on marine science.

A previously scheduled science voyage to the marginal ice zone was cancelled last year because of delays caused by mechanical problems on the vessel.

It means the first research-focused voyage won't occur until early 2025, when scientists take part in a marine campaign at the Denman Glacier .

The dearth of science-based voyages to date is one of several issues raised in a report the federal environment department declined to release to the ABC.

The report, which was marked as "sensitive", was only made public after Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam successfully moved a motion in the Senate ordering the production of documents.

Prepared by the Department of Finance in February, the report said Australia's reliance on one icebreaker to meet multiple demands is leaving some of the ship's capabilities under-utilised.

"The [Australian Antarctic Division] is struggling to allow sufficient time on the ship to deliver marine science," the report stated.

"This is beginning to (and could continue to) raise concerns within the scientific community."

According to the report, discussions with the government were intended to take place regarding "the suitability of a single vessel operating model for AAD".

"Given Antarctic science is an important benefit that government sought from the investment in the RSV Nuyina, there may be a need to consider whether the single vessel model is going to achieve all that is required from government in the Australian Antarctic Program," it stated.

The report does not include comments about whether a second vessel should be considered to overcome the competing demands.

But Senator Duniam told the ABC alternative options should be on the government's radar.

"If we're serious about being a leader in the region — and the region is not just the Indo-Pacific, but also the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic territories — we need to make sure we do have appropriate resources deployed," he said.

"And if it does mean we need to consider an alternative model to supplement the role of the RSV Nuyina, then we should look to that.

"There are a range of measures that could be deployed, including the chartering of vessels for certain periods of time throughout the calendar year when appropriate."

'Significant impact' if risks transpire

The report is based on a review that examined eight focus areas surrounding the vessel, including governance, risk management and readiness for service.

Overall, the report said it "appears probable" the AAD will be able to realise the Nuyina's anticipated benefits.

However, it flagged several issues that could have significant consequences.

"Remaining questions about the resolution of past propulsion system issues, as well as the incomplete commissioning work (especially in relation to science systems) brings the possibility the vessel is unavailable for key roles," it stated.

The report also suggested the private company contracted to operate the vessel, Serco, could face increased crewing costs, and that "AAD may find itself without an operator for the vessel".

It said the AAD was aware of the issues and had plans in place to respond.

"However, if one or several of these [issues] transpired, they would have a significant impact on the government's ability to achieve the benefits expected from the investment," it said.

The report also flagged "infrastructure gaps" in Hobart and at Antarctic stations that were impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of the use of the ship's capabilities.

One of the gaps relates to the wharf where the Nuyina berths at Hobart's Macquarie Point, which is in need of a significant upgrade.

Another issue is that the ship is unable to refuel in Hobart because, due to safety concerns, it has not been given permission to travel under the Tasman Bridge in order to reach a nearby fuel depot.

It means the Nuyina must travel more than 600 kilometres to Burnie in Tasmania's north-west to refuel , adding almost $1 million to the AAD's annual fuel bill.

The review also noted that the Nuyina was "not well designed to support and re-supply Macquarie Island", where the AAD has a research station.

Work underway to address issues: AAD

The AAD said the Nuyina was one of the most complex scientific icebreakers in the world, and that it would serve Australia's interests for the next three decades.

"Over the past 12 months, RSV Nuyina has supported resupply activities at Australia's research stations including, delivering personnel, cargo and equipment," an AAD spokesperson said.

"The Nuyina has also assisted critical Australian Antarctic Program science activities, including sea floor mapping, the Southern Ocean plankton survey, the deployment of whale and krill monitoring devices and support for the Denman Terrestrial Campaign."

The spokesman also said many of the issues raised in the report were being managed effectively.

"The gateway review found the overall delivery confidence for the project to design and build Nuyina was good," they said.

"It also noted that the AAD has completed work, or has work underway to address all issues."

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