Polar Regions

A cruise to the beautiful wilderness of the Polar Regions is an experience to remember, where you can see wildlife in one of the most remote places on earth. Huge glaciers and untouched rock formations coupled with stunning polar skies are part of the appeal of the Antarctic.

A wildlife lovers' dream, the vast unspoilt wilderness is home to whole bird colonies, penguins, seals, albatross and Humpback, Minke and Orca whales. Many expedition cruise companies ply their way in the footsteps of polar explorers such as Roald Amundsen who set sail for the South Pole in 1910. The Antarctic simply exhausts superlatives being the highest, driest, coldest and cleanest continent on the planet.

The classic 12-day Antarctic cruise departs from the port of Ushuaia in Argentina and involves a crossing of the Drake Passage, home to seabirds such as black-browed albatross, sooty shearwaters and white-chinned petrels. Beyond the furthest reaches of Tierra del Fuego lies Antarctica's vast white wilderness.

Specialist vessels such as Silversea Cruises' purpose-built expedition ship Prince Albert II are designed specifically for navigating waters in some of the world's most remote destinations, including both of earth's polar regions. The 132-passenger ship boasts a strengthened hull and eight Zodiac boats to allow travellers to explore even the most off-the-beaten track locations.

At least two Zodiac departures are attempted each day visiting penguin rookeries and scientific research stations with guidance from an expert guest naturalist.