🐧❄️ Bracco Cruise & Travel Presents: How to Get to Antarctica & What to Expect at the Bottom of the World

 

🐧❄️ Bracco Cruise & Travel Presents: How to Get to Antarctica & What to Expect at the Bottom of the World

Dreaming of Antarctica? Let Bracco Cruise & Travel help you turn that frosty fantasy into a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime adventure! From curious penguins to endless glaciers, here’s everything you need to know before heading to the seventh continent.

1. By Ship – The Classic Explorer’s Route

Setting Sail from Ushuaia, Argentina

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing through icy waters, this is your classic adventure. Depart from Ushuaia, Argentina—the southernmost city in the world—and embark on a thrilling journey across the Drake Passage. Though the seas can be dramatic, they offer a real sense of adventure and authenticity as you cross into the Southern Ocean.

Expedition Options:

  • Hurtigruten: Known for its sustainable cruises, Hurtigruten offers an authentic expedition experience. Their ships are smaller, which means you’ll have more personal encounters with wildlife like seals, penguins, and whales.

  • Ponant Cruises: Experience luxury as you sail aboard Le Laperouse, where elegance meets adventure. This expedition yacht offers luxurious amenities while taking you on a journey to the Antarctic Peninsula, where you can set foot on the ice.

2. By Plane – Skip the Drake, Fly to the Ice

Fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island

Pressed for time or simply not a fan of rough seas? There’s no need to endure the Drake Passage. Instead, take a short, scenic flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, just off the coast of Antarctica. In just two hours, you’ll be touching down on the frozen frontier and boarding your expedition ship to explore the icy wonders of the South Shetland Islands.

Expedition Options:

  • Quark Expeditions: Quark’s “fly-cruise” expeditions are a great choice if you want to maximize your time on the ice. Their exclusive flights and luxury expeditions bring you straight to King George Island, avoiding the Drake altogether.

3. By Luxury Expedition Yacht – Sailing in Style

Set Sail from Ushuaia with Ultra-Luxury Yachts

For those who want to experience both comfort and adventure, luxury expedition yachts are the way to go. These ships offer intimate settings with no more than 150-200 guests, allowing you to explore in style. With gourmet dining, heated suites, and personal guides, you’ll feel like a true explorer.

Expedition Options:

  • Viking Ocean Cruises: Known for its elegant ships, Viking offers an Antarctic experience that combines luxury with exploration. Their expeditions allow you to dive deep into Antarctica’s remote regions with top-tier service and access to expert guides.

  • Abercrombie & Kent: Known for its ultra-luxury cruises, Abercrombie & Kent's Le Boreal ship offers an elite way to visit Antarctica, with guided Zodiac landings and unique cultural experiences from the very first step on land.

4. By Expedition Cruise Ship – Full Throttle Adventure

Set Off with Polar Expedition Specialists

If you're the type who loves a true expedition experience, going with a dedicated polar expedition ship is the perfect choice. With expert guides and small-ship amenities, these cruises offer a no-frills adventure, giving you a true taste of the ice and snow.

Expedition Options:

  • Lindblad Expeditions: With more than 50 years of exploration, Lindblad has pioneered polar adventures, offering deeply immersive Antarctic cruises. Their fleet of expedition ships, including National Geographic Explorer, guarantees up-close wildlife encounters and a focus on sustainability.

  • Oceanwide Expeditions: These no-nonsense, rugged ships offer a thrilling way to reach the Antarctic Peninsula. Oceanwide’s voyages include icebreaker ships like MV Ortelius, which can handle extreme conditions and provide landings in some of the most remote parts of the continent.

BONUS: Reaching Antarctica in Style – Private Yacht Charters

For the Ultimate Adventure Seekers

Looking for an exclusive, all-out Antarctic experience? Why not charter a private yacht to take you to Antarctica? Tailored to your preferences, you can design your own route, land on the continent’s most untouched locations, and enjoy full privacy with expert guides and a luxurious onboard experience. A true dream for those seeking the absolute pinnacle of adventure.

Expedition Options:

  • EYOS Expeditions: Offering bespoke Antarctic charters on private luxury yachts, EYOS delivers a one-of-a-kind adventure with customized itineraries, luxurious onboard accommodations, and unparalleled access to Antarctica's most remote regions.


🧳 What to Know Before You Go

🌍 Language: No official language in Antarctica, but English is widely spoken on expeditions. You might also hear Spanish, French, or German on board.

🥶 Weather: Antarctica is the coldest, driest continent. Summer temps range from 28°F to 46°F, but winds can make it feel colder. Layered clothing is essential.

💵 Money Matters: No banks or currency here. Most ships accept cards; U.S. dollars are preferred if cash is needed.

💳 Tipping: Expect to tip 10–15% of your cruise cost at the end of your journey—either in cash or charged to your onboard account.

🔌 Power Up: Ships typically offer Type C (220V) or Type A (110V) plugs. Bring a universal adapter just in case.

🧊 Fascinating Antarctic Facts

  1. Antarctica is massive—the fifth-largest continent, covering 5.4 million square miles, and 98% is ice-covered.

  2. The Antarctic Treaty, signed by 54 nations, ensures Antarctica remains a peaceful, scientific preserve.

  3. There are no permanent residents—just researchers and scientists in seasonal stations.

  4. Penguins love visitors! With no natural land predators, they’re friendly and curious.

  5. Enjoy 24 hours of daylight from November to March, and full darkness during the winter months.

🐧 Ready to Start Your Journey?

Whether you're craving the thrill of crossing the Drake or prefer the comfort of a flight to the ice, Bracco Cruise & Travel will craft your perfect polar escape—complete with expert guides, personalized service, and those adorable penguins.

📩 DM us today or comment “Antarctica” and we’ll send you our exclusive guide to planning your dream expedition!







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