If your clients have ever dreamed of seeing Antarctica but quickly shelved the idea, thinking “too rough, too hard, too remote”, it’s time for a rethink. Thanks to new ship technology, smarter itineraries and game-changing expedition ships, visiting the last frontier is now smoother, safer and more accessible than ever, as Karryon’s own myth (and ice) breaker DANI TUFFIELD finds out on a trip to the White Continent.
Myth 1: “The Drake passage will be too rough to handle”
There’s no sugar-coating it: the Drake Passage, the body of water between South America and Antarctica, has a reputation. You will either get the “Drake Shake” if you are unlucky, the “Drake Lake” if you are lucky or more often than not, something in between.
But here’s the good news: new ship design and technology are rewriting the story. Ships like Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine, which I was lucky enough to travel on, are purpose-built for polar navigation, featuring advanced stabilisers that significantly minimise motion.
Plus, many Antarctic operators, Quark included, offer one-way flight options across the Drake, so clients can choose to skip the crossing altogether, if they prefer. Sail one way, fly the other – being an explorer has never been easier.
Myth 2: “It’s too hard to get on and off the ship”
Getting on and off the ship used to be an adventure in itself, but not anymore.
Today’s polar ships, especially, have been designed with ease and safety in mind. Quark’s Ultramarine, for example, features two dedicated sea-level embarkation points, meaning faster, smoother zodiac boarding with less waiting, fewer crowds and much easier access for travellers of all ages. Your clients don’t need to be athletes, just ready for adventure.
Myth 3: “Antarctica is only for hardcore explorers”
Once upon a time, visiting Antarctica was reserved for seasoned explorers with weeks (and iron stomachs) to spare. These days, it’s an experience for every traveller with a spirit of adventure.
From luxuriously appointed cabins, world-class dining, spa services and onboard lectures by leading scientists, today’s Antarctic expeditions blend the thrill of exploration with the comfort of a boutique hotel.
Plus, you now have the option of utilising flights to and from Antarctica. Quark Expeditions’ Fly the Drake options cut out the two-day crossing entirely, getting clients from Punta Arenas (Chile) to King George Island (Antarctica) in just a few hours.
Personally, I liked the kudos of crossing the Drake, but it is definitely a great option to save on time or to skip the crossing for anyone nervous about it.
Myth 4: “Packing for Antarctica is a nightmare”
Think clients need to splash out on a wardrobe full of expedition gear? Think again.
Most operators, like Quark, take care of most of the essentials, providing clients with high-quality parkas and waterproof boots for the duration of the trip. That means less stress, less baggage and more room for camera gear or souvenirs.
And if they forget anything? No problem. Most expedition ships come with a well-stocked onboard shop, with everything you could possibly need and a lot that you just really want!
My top packing tips
- Do not take a beanie with a pom pom as you will definitely want to wear the hood of your parka on zodiac rides. Pom poms make it harder to keep them on. I speak from experience!
- Invest in thin, fully waterproof pants that you can layer up underneath. Many people on my trip took ski pants that were not 100% waterproof and ended up in the shop.
- Take slip-on shoes that have a grip on the sole. You will spend a lot of time in the dry room getting in and out of your outdoor gear and slip-on shoes make it so much easier to get out and to the restaurant for a hot chocolate and cake quicker.
Say yes to new adventures
If your clients have Antarctica sitting on their “one day” list, now’s the time to help them make it a “right now” reality.
With cutting-edge polar ships, flight options across the Drake, easier access to zodiacs, packing made easy and the industry expertise of brilliant expedition companies, there’s never been a smoother path to the adventure of a lifetime.
For more information on Quark, visit www.quarkexpeditions.com.
In this exclusive, we go inside the exciting world of polar travel with Kendall Roberts, MTA.
The writer was a guest of Quark Expeditions.
