COLD COMFORT

Antarctica is a paradise for wildlife-watchers and photographers. Meet the penguins and people who make the Great White Continent unique

Cold Comfort

Superlatives abound in Antarctica. The world’s highest, driest, coldest, cleanest continent leaves an indelible impression on the imagination of anyone fortunate enough to experience its pristine wilderness. That epic voyage past Cape Horn and across the Drake Passage to the Antarctica Peninsula is the preserve of intrepid travellers inspired by the heroic legacy of Antarctic exploration.

Photo call
Unimaginably rich in wildlife, the animal cast of the Southern Ocean plays out a never-ending drama of survival and stealth. Leopard and fur seals, minke whales, several species of penguin and great flocks of seabirds – including the huge wandering albatross – live, feed and raise their young before your eyes in this surreally beautiful landscape. And if you manage to tear your eyes away from the wildlife, icebergs and glaciers present an equally enthralling sight. From the bow of an expedition ship, every view is a photographer’s dream – and thanks to long austral summer days, there’s plenty of time to take it all in.

Excursions by Polar Cirkel boats bring you close to vast communities of king, Adélie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins. If you’re feeling brave, you can even take a dip in hot springs.

History today
On board our ships MS Nordnorgeand MS Fram you’ll enjoy all the comforts of a modern vessel as you follow in the wake of the renowned Antarctic explorers. The ghosts of Scott, Amundsen and Apsley Cherry-Garrard haunt numerous historic sights we’ll visit, including polar cabins and bases; our route passes Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s crew wintered in 1915 while awaiting rescue after the Endurance was lost.

Green light
Throughout our operation in every corner of the world, our key objective is to ensure that all our trips are carried out in the most environmentally responsible way possible. We are a fully accredited member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators which promotes safe and environmentally responsible travel to this frozen continent.

We work with Climate Care to offer you the opportunity to carbon-balance your flights with contributions to projects designed to neutralise the emissions generated by air travel. For every passenger who books an Antarctic voyage we will also make a contribution to the Marine Conservation Society, dedicated to the protection of the marine environment.

Insight & sound
A voyage with Hurtigruten is about getting close to nature and meeting fellow passengers. Lectures and briefings – on wildlife, geology, history and environmental aspects – maximise your enjoyment and add to your knowledge about the places you’ll explore. More than that, our journeys allow you to experience the skies, seas and magnificent landscapes along coastlines worldwide – these unique environments are part of the appeal of these voyages.

Visiting the White Continent, even in a modern ship, still feels like a real expedition – and a rare privilege to be treasured.

Antarctic Discovery cruise (from £3,710 plus £160 tax). To book your Hurtigruten Antarctica adventure, talk to the Bales experts.