Question 1

What activities can I expect on a Polar Cruise?

Accepted Answer

All cruises in the polar regions operate to itineraries that are more-or-less fixed. We say more or less, because wildlife (breeding, seasonality) and weather always play an important role in routing. Most cruises will offer a range of land-based and water-based activities that you will enjoy at various points in your cruise, including:

- Land excursions (including hiking trails, visitor centers, time relaxing on beaches, observing animals, etc.)
- Bird Watching
- Snorkeling (from ship or beaches)
- Dinghy rides
- Kayaking
- Diving (on ships with diving itineraries)
- Naturalist presentations. These usually take place every evening - on board the bigger ships also with help of projectors, microscopes etc.

All boats carry English speaking, scientifically trained guides. They will lead you on your excursions, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the unique wildlife and habitats of the Polar Regions.

Question 2

What can you expect from shore landings during your Polar cruise?

Accepted Answer

Shore landings are an exciting part of your expedition cruise. Zodiacs can get you to some of the most remote places. When ashore, you will usually be briefed about what you can see, what you can do, and how to behave around wildlife. The weather and sea conditions can change quite quickly and drastictly, so keep a flexible mind and attitude during your expedition cruise.

Watch this informative video about shore landings during your expedition cruise from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.

Question 3

What can you expect onboard? What if I get seasick?

Accepted Answer

Making friends for life, fascinating lectures, nightcaps at the bar, whale-watching on deck...endless fun awaits you onboard your expedition cruise.

Are you prone to seasickness? We recommend taking your medications early, and going out on deck as much as possible. Fresh air and looking into the horizon is always helpful. A medical professional will be onboard, ready to assist you as needed.

Watch this informative video about life onboard an expedition ship and seasickness from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.

Question 4

What is a zodiac cruise?

Accepted Answer

Zodiac cruising is an essential part of any expedition cruise. Your expedition team are expert zodiac drivers, eager to get you to the most incredible and remote places in the Polar regions. Be prepared to have an amazing adventure and get a little wet!

Watch this informative video from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.

Question 5

What is an Expedition Cruise Ship?

Accepted Answer

The majority of expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic will make way via expedition cruise ships that have ice-strengthened hulls for sailing through floating sea ice and allowing access to remote areas. Expedition ships focus on natural history and culture and will provide onboard education programs like lectures and presentations. Expedition ships range from mid-range to luxury class, but they all offer comfortable accommodation and good quality onboard service and dining.

Question 6

What is ship cruising?

Accepted Answer

The zodiac cruises and landings are what you may be more excited about, but dont forget to take advantage of the amazing opportunity of wildlife and landscape sightings right on board the ship. Ship cruises offer some wonderful sights, sounds, and learning experiences.

Watch this informative video about expedition ship cruising from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.

Question 7

What to pack for your Polar Cruise?

Accepted Answer

Planning a trip to the Antarctic continent or the Arctic and wondering what to bring? You’re not alone. We’ve taken the stress out of packing for the adventure of a lifetime and have compiled a list of all the necessary things to bring to these ice-ridden continents. Please note that all of our polar expeditions will provide parkas and waterproof boots.

- Waterproof Pants — Lightweight waterproof pants in a pull-on style that can be worn over a warm insulating layer are best.
- Core Jacket
- Waterproof and Windproof Jacket — This will act as your outer layer.
- Insulating Base Layers — Pack a couple of warm base layers made from moisture-wicking fabrics such as polyester, polypropylene, and Smartwool. Layers are key to keeping warm in these sub-zero regions.
- Warm Socks — Lots of them. Smartwool is recommended for durability, warmth, and long-term value. 
- 2 pairs of waterproof gloves or mittens
- Scarf
- Hat — warm and windproof.
- High Factor Sunscreen — The ozone layer is at its thinnest above Antarctica, and there’s significant glare from the white snow and ice. This is a must.
- Everyday clothes to wear onboard. Bring footwear you can slip into quickly. There are lots of opportunities to see seabirds and marine life from out on deck. You don’t want to risk missing a pod of orcas because you had to lace your shoes.
- Camera and a waterproof camera bag
- Spare camera batteries
- Plug adapters and extension cord
- Binoculars — Vital for any expedition to Antarctica or the Arctic
- A lightweight and waterproof backpack
- Waterproof bag for smartphone 
- UV Filtering Sunglasses 
- Seasickness medication

Question 8

What to wear on your Polar Expedition Cruise?

Accepted Answer

LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS! That is a key to a comfortable expedition cruise. The weather changes very quickly and sometimes drastically. Come prepared with plenty of layers to put on and take off. A waterproof bag to store your extra layers and camera gear is a must. And dont forget to wear sunglasses and sunscreen, as the ozone layer in these regions is very thin.

Watch this informative video about what to wear aboard your Polar cruise from our expert guide and Polartours Brand Ambassador, Kevin.

Question 9

When is the best time to visit Antarctica?

Accepted Answer

The Antarctica cruise season begins in November and ends in March.
Each month offers something special-

**November:** Landscapes and landing sites are in pristine condition. A photographers dream. The days are starting to lengthen, and penguin chicks are hatching.

**December:** Arguably the best time to visit Antarctica, but also the most expensive. The temperatures are at their warmest, the daylight hours are long, and the wildlife is very active. This is a particularly great time for bird enthusiasts.

**January:** The peak Antarctica season, offering 24-hour daylight. You can expect adorable and fluffy penguin chicks, whale and seal spotting, and melting ice that will allow you to visit more remote Antarctic sights like the Ross Sea voyages.

**February:** This is the best time for whale-watching. Seal pups are also learning to hunt alongside their parents. By this time, sea ice will have melted, making it a perfect time for cruises to the Polar Circle.

**March:** As the season wines down, youll see fewer and fewer ships in the Antarctic seas. The temperatures begin to drop again, and youll experience some amazing sunsets. Its a great time to spot whales and fur seals, and penguins will already be molting.

Question 10

When is the best time to visit the Arctic?

Accepted Answer

The Arctic cruise season begins in May and ends in late September. Each month offers something special-

**May:** The first ships of the season usually arrive at the Svalbard archipelago. Sea-ice is still abundant, and youll see some pristine icebergs. Birds will begin nesting, and Polar bears will prepare for mating season. In ice-free waters, youll see whales and maybe even the elusive Narwhal.

**June:** As the ice continues to break, Icebreaker ships will be able to travel to the North Pole. June is the best time to spot Narwhals and even Polar bears hunting seals. You can also expect to see whales, walruses, and 24-hour daylight later in the month.

**July:** We are getting into the high season, where temperatures are at their warmest, and the wildlife is booming. By mid-July, the Hinlopen Straight is free of ice, allowing cruise ships to fully circumnavigate Spitsbergen. The Polar bear mating season begins, walruses gather in large numbers, and many whales can be seen off the coast of Greenland. If you venture into the Canadian High Arctic, you might see thousands of Beluga whales arrive in Hudson Bay.

**August:** There is little to no sea-ice left, which means the Northwest and Northeast Passages are available for those who seek a true Arctic adventure. The icebergs will not be as impressive or large, but youll be able to sail to Scoresby Sound in Greenland, or the west coast of Spitsbergen and have a higher chance of spotting a Polar bear.

**September:** The autumn colors are beautiful. Temperatures are starting to drop again, and you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. This is a great time to visit the east coast of Greenland.

Classic Antarctica

Embark on an adventure and discover incredible wildlife sightings aboard the Ushuaia Antarctica Cruises

Classic Antarctica

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A 11-Day Polar Expedition Cruise

The Trip Highlights

Your Polartours 'Plus' Experience

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