WATCH THIS BEFORE you book an ANTARCTICA 🇦🇶 cruise

Antarctica cruise seems to be gaining in popularity recently. But there are so many things to consider before booking one. In December 2022, I went on an Antarctic expedition cruise with PONANT on Le Boreal, and it took me a lot of research beforehand to decide on the right cruise line to go with.
I spent a lot of time researching different aspects of Antarctica cruising, and I thought it would be useful to create a video to answer some of the questions that I had before, which I think many of you watching this video may have.
#antarctica
#ponant
Here are the links of companies that run Antarctica cruises:
Lindblad Expeditions: world.expeditions.com/
PONANT: ponant.com/
Silversea: www.silversea.com/destination...
Quark: www.quarkexpeditions.com
Viking: www.vikingcruises.co.uk/exped...
G Adventures: www.gadventures.com/
Hurtigruten: www.hurtigruten.com/en-gb/exp...
Norwegian: www.ncl.com/uk/en/cruises-to/...
Aurora: www.aurora-expeditions.com/ex...
Hapag-Lloyd: www.hl-cruises.com/destinatio...
0:00 Opening
1:10 What does it entail?
1:28 Scenic cruising
2:57 Expedition cruising
3:50 Is the sea rough?
4:10 Drake Passage
6:25 Which itinerary?
8:06 When to book?
9:41 When to visit?
13:26 Which cruise line?
17:45 Conclusion

[@KenTravels360]

If you have any questions that I haven't answered in this video, please put them down here. Either other viewers or myself may be able to answer them. And if you've found this video useful, please consider subscribing to my channel.

[@sagarPandya24]

Duration and cost of your cruise.

[@KenTravels360]

@@sagarPandya24 It was 10 days and you can see the price of the cruise going forward on PONANT's website: uk.ponant.com/antarctica-emblematic-antarctica-bo281223-11

[@melindas.7084]

Do you have any Packing/Gear Recommendations? Great video - thank you!

[@KenTravels360]

@@melindas.7084 sure check out this video to see what’s to pack and dress. HOW TO DRESS for ANTARCTICA expedition cruise? kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5-6oYBsqpeSisk

[@CruisingwithChooChoo]

Hi Ken: I’m doing my research on an expedition cruise to Antartica and I have found your videos to be very helpful. I’m having a hard time finding a company that provides emergency evacuation from Antartica. I have looked very closely at my travel medical insurance policy and they only cover medical repatriation, which is not the same as emergency evacuation from Antartica. I have also contacted MedJet and they also do not provide emergency evacuation from Antartica. Did you purchase emergency evacuation insurance? What company did you use? Thank you so much.

[@LuckyIndian24]

Ken, please also make another video titled, "How to make to the point and time-effective travel videos" .. absolutely loved your tone, flow and brevity. Jai Hind from India

[@KenTravels360]

Thank you so much!

[@jodymeacham2502]

This is a very informative and useful video for someone thinking about an Antarctic cruise. I particularly liked the way you organized the video and broke down the short Austral summer cruising seasons into the sub-seasons that detail the weather, ice conditions and wildlife viewing opportunities of each. Thank you for this. Great job.

[@KenTravels360]

Thank you, I am glad you found the video useful. I hope you will find the Antarctic cruise that you like and I am sure you will enjoy the experience.

[@travelingwithteddyg7472]

Thank you for the information. Very informative video. I just booked the Antartica cruise itinerary with Celebrity for 2026.

[@KenTravels360]

Glad it was helpful! I hope you will enjoy your Antarctica cruise!

[@anthonymcneill1465]

Thank you for all the details and information!

[@KenTravels360]

Glad it was helpful! Appreciate your watching and commenting.

[@user-pt5eb6cz9l]

Thanks, Ken. Very informative and enjoyable.

[@KenTravels360]

Thanks for watching and dropping a comment. Much appreciated.

[@cocococo5087]

This was really informative. Thank you for the video🤗

[@KenTravels360]

Glad it was helpful! Please consider subscribing! :)

[@Cmbuie123]

One of the most informative videos I have seen- well done and thank you!!!

[@KenTravels360]

Wow, thank you! Glad you found it informative!

[@anniekirts6621]

Very informative, thank you so much! 👍❤🙏

[@KenTravels360]

Glad you found it useful, thanks for commenting!

[@921rubbeet]

Such a helpful video!!’ Thank you so much for your great work on this and for sharing it! Very much appreciated! ❤😎

[@KenTravels360]

You are so welcome! Hope you find the right cruise!

[@johanmichielsens2880]

Great insights! Thank you sir 🙏🏻

[@KenTravels360]

You’re welcome!

[@patya1341]

really good informative video thanks

[@KenTravels360]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lx425]

Very informative video, thank you!

[@KenTravels360]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for visiting!

[@jean-pierretan4273]

Such a useful guide to Antarctica cruise, thank you! I really appreciate the effort you've put in for such a comprehensive and informative video.

[@KenTravels360]

Thank you for your kind comment!

[@naimishrajyaguru5609]

Really very informative, Keep up the good work

[@KenTravels360]

Thank you, glad you found it useful. Please consider subscribing.

[@JohnP9999]

Really informative Ken, and it's got Angela interested in following in your footsteps :-) Just the right amount of information - good job!

[@KenTravels360]

Thanks John, I think she will be very interested in the next video in which I will show the actual Antarctica landings!

[@healinginfluence]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@KenTravels360]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@Notguilty907]

Ken, This has to be the most comprehensive informative video on South Pole cruises. Thank You. I have just returned from a Cape Horn Cruise, and wish I would have added the Antartica portion. I do plan to return now I have this valuable information. It was well present and easy to understand . In other words, excellently presented. Than You.

[@KenTravels360]

Thanks for your kind comments. I am glad it's a helpful video to you!

[@kathyhiggins2847]

Thank you Ken for this wonderfully informative video. There is so much to consider for this bucket list trip. Your organization of the information presented was fabulous, especially regarding the timing of the trip. I haven’t seen any other video with as much information in one place. We are in the researching phase for our trip. Thanks for all the websites. Now to watch your landing videos😍

[@KenTravels360]

Thank you Kathy for your comments. Selecting the right cruise is indeed so important for this once in a lifetime trip. I remember how overwhelming it was when I first tried to research the options myself, so I am glad you found this useful.

[@PEDALTHIS]

Very nice video Ken. Thank you

[@KenTravels360]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for visiting.

[@SlavGuns]

Very informative, thanks

[@KenTravels360]

You’re welcome. Glad you found it informative.

[@mick32156]

Great video thanks.

[@KenTravels360]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@tctriv9278]

Great video...thank you!

[@KenTravels360]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for visiting.

[@geograph-ology4343]

Your video was spot on! You covered the important facts and figures. My wife and I were going to go on Hurtigruten until the pandemic but we finally went on Ponant, who are fabulous. They worked incredibly hard to ensure we got as much excitement for our investment as possible, Anyone going via the Drake will certainly need to take sea sickness meds with them just in case.Thanks for a great review of what awaits them. No one will ever regret the money once they get there.

[@KenTravels360]

Thanks for the comments! You are right, the experience is worth the money!

[@nataliaburakovaUK]

Thank you very much! ❤

[@somanchan]

Very informative. Thx

[@KenTravels360]

Glad you found it useful, thanks for your comment.

[@delonhui3855]

Hi Ken thank you for your Videos 👍they are great. I live in Uk too and planning an Antarctica cruise December 2023 or January 2024.

[@KenTravels360]

You're welcome. I hope you will enjoy your cruise!

[@shiweicai4872]

Great information.

[@KenTravels360]

Thank you.

[@billb6744]

Very good presentation. I took the Lindblad Expedition in Dec. It was the absolute BEST!! A great experience in every way. December is a very busy travel time, especially flights to Buenos Aires. My flight from Houston was full 3-4 months before departure. I would not let the Drake Passage be a deturrant, if you do then you are missing out on an experience of a life time.

[@KenTravels360]

Thanks for your comment. I agree. The Drake passage wasn't that bad, particularly with modern cruise ships with very good stabiliser.

[@hannahhensley6830]

Thank you ken 😊

[@KenTravels360]

Welcome!

[@LibinMathilakam]

Very informative

[@KenTravels360]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cashandramara2867]

Thank you for your informative video. I'm interested in an Antarctica cruise from Cape Town South Africa.

[@KenTravels360]

Thanks for watching and I'm glad you found it useful. To the best of my knowledge, I am not aware of any Antarctica cruises from Cape Town, as it's so much further away from Antarctica.

[@empowercarole11]

Excellent video with a very comprehensive look at the Antarctica adventure. Including the cost comparison, makes your video head and shoulders above the rest. 🌹

[@KenTravels360]

Thank you so much for your comment. I’m glad you found it useful.

[@grotius912]

Thank you for the informative video. I was wondering what you thought of Antarctica21 as an option - they also offer fly in options like Quark.

[@KenTravels360]

You’re welcome. I haven’t heard of them until you just mentioned it. It seems they are a Chilean operator and the ships are quite small. The number of staff is quite small, so it depends on what you seen most from an Antarctic cruise. I couldn’t imagine they have many naturalists on board for example.

[@aussieanne6812]

Hi Ken, your video is extremely useful for anyone wanting to know about cruising the Antarctic. I am sorry it wasn’t available when I booked my Ponant Antarctica cruise before COVID struck and meant it was postponed for two years! After watching the video I am even more excited to be doing the cruise on Le Boreal embarking on 5 January this year. My only question is about the boots that can be hired on board. What are they like and how much do they cost to hire. I have my own waterproof, calf length boots but am now wondering if I need to take them? Would appreciate your advice.

[@KenTravels360]

Hi Anne, thanks for your comment. Their boots are really good quality, and it's absolutely free of charge to hire them. Their boots are waterproof, also calf length, and in case you haven't watched it, you can see the boots in my video Crossing The Drake Passage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYSvgHlmrryCjNU I think if you don't want to carry the extra weights, then just use their hire boots. But if you are especially attached to your own, bring yours along. Beware that on the domestic flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia (and back), you are only allowed 23kg of baggage allowance by Aerolineas Argentina, and when you finish the cruise, you will have an extra, lovely, parka jacket from PONANT that you would sure want to bring back with you (you can also see it in that video).

[@erictraveltea]

Thank you for your video is very fantastic and complete with antartic information , do you recommend hurtigrutten expeditions ? Thank you i live in punta arenas chile i am saving money for travel to antartic

[@KenTravels360]

Thank you for your comment. Deciding a cruise line for your Antarctica expedition is important, when you are spending that much money. Try to research with different travel agents and ask everyone with experience to find out which cruise line is the best for you. Most of the Antarctica cruise lines are very good anyway. It comes down to what they offer exactly and what you want.

[@Eddie-jr6bs]

Best takeaway - the excursion limit you want to know besides 500. Good to know; thanks!

[@KenTravels360]

Thanks. Glad you found it useful.

[@billieford9683]

I have just started researching for this and was hoping to go in early 2025, however based on what you are saying I may need to delay another year. In addition I wish to go to the South Pole. Your knowledge and experience is very helpful. Thank you

[@KenTravels360]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. I wish you the best in arranging your Antarctica cruise.

[@billieford9683]

@@KenTravels360 thanks. Especially looking forward to the convergence of the 3 oceans. I never get seasick and actually love the rocking motion.

[@CruisingwithChooChoo]

Fantastic video!! Thank you so much! I’m hoping to go an an Antarctica cruise and you touched on so many different aspects of it. Your video was so informative. How able bodied must a person be to do the expedition cruise? I can get in and out of a zodiac but due to back problems, I have difficulty standing and walking for long periods. Do you have to hike long distances to get to see the penguins? Also do recommend buying from the cruise company or from a travel agent? Thank you so much for this video!

[@KenTravels360]

Thank you for your comments. You don't have to walk far too see penguins. At some landings you could see it as soon as you land. If you haven't yet, check out my other videos such as this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4bSdqRnqtyIhMk You can see some of them were right by the landings. As for buying direct vs travel agent, it's a matter of personal preference. I prefer to control every aspect of the travel myself so I wouldn't like using a travel agent. But if you prefer to have someone else to take care of all the other aspects like the international flights, the hotels etc then I am sure using a travel agent will save you time.

[@CruisingwithChooChoo]

@@KenTravels360 Thank you so much, Ken. I really appreciate this. Which cruise line would you recommend for Antarctica? I will watch the video you provided in the link. Thank you once again.

[@KenTravels360]

I think it depends on what you rate mos important. Comfort? Food? Landing and excursion quality? I think most of them out there are good. It sometimes depend on which ones have the right date and price for you too.

[@CruisingwithChooChoo]

@@KenTravels360 Thank you once again!

[@KenTravels360]

I hope you find an Antarctica cruise that will suit you. It’s definitely an experience worth doing at least once in your life. Good luck!

[@wanhuilim7656]

Hell Ken, do have any tips or recommendations for a guided land tour for South America please?

[@KenTravels360]

As South America is large, it's best to decide which places you want to visit and then find local tours using Getyourguide or viator etc. That way you can pick the best tours at each place according to your interest.

[@wanhuilim7656]

Hi Ken , thank you for very informative video. Your link doesn’t include Antarctica expedition by National Geographic any reason for that please?

[@KenTravels360]

Thanks for watching. I thought National Geographic Expeditions are run by Lindblad, which I did list. In general, while I tried my best to list as many operators as possible, I could only list the ones that I was aware of. Your comment, will however, help others to check out National Geographic Expeditions too, thank you!

[@lesterhousel]

We are booked on Viking. Polaris in feb 2025 for landing and Submarine dive..

[@KenTravels360]

That sounds exciting. I am sure you'll enjoy it!

[@historywhirls]

Should I choose Lindbland expeditions or Silversea?

[@KenTravels360]

It looks like Silversea's ships are bigger than Lindblad's, with maximum capacity of passengers around 274. That means zodiac landings will be divided into groups of 3, so you may get less time ashore, as well as spending more time just waiting on the ship. Lindblad's have max capacity of 128, so you should get more time on the continent. However, Silversea is more luxurious. So, if pampering is important, then Silversea may be better. Lindblad is actually more expensive, but it does have a very good reputation. I think Lindblad will appeal more to those who would like an authentic, adventurous and immersive expedition.

[@negraiacatalin6595]

I sold a kidney 😅and paid this Ponant Le Boreal dream cruise (Jan. 6th 2024). My wife and I are extremely excited. Question: Could we also have winter pants offered on board? Thank you for your presentation.

[@KenTravels360]

Thanks for watching! You’re gonna enjoy dream cruise! Only boots and jackets are provided, so you should bring your own winter pants.

[@kitten100]

any suggestions for a budget cruise during February 2025

[@KenTravels360]

G Adventures sometimes has budget friendlier cruises. Otherwise it’s just a case of checking all the different lines to see which one has the right cruise at the right price for you.

[@kitten100]

@@KenTravels360 Thanks, G adventure has no cruise during feb 25. Still looking for other cruise

[@dzz88utube]

How is seabourn cruises?

[@KenTravels360]

They could be a good choice for Antarctica. When I was considering a Svalbard cruise, they came up quite high in my research. But I haven’t actually cruised with them so I can’t actually review them.

[@tharintharin9574]

If I want to travelling to Antarctica how can I contec them

[@KenTravels360]

Either contact your travel agent or book online on the website of the cruise lines.

[@ramanpreetsingh9888]

How much total expense we can expect?

[@KenTravels360]

It depends on which line and cabin you choose. Once you have paid the cruise fare there is actually very little extra you need to spend.

[@sagarPandya24]

There is nothing to buy in Intarctica😜😅

[@sagarPandya24]

Bro, check Oceanwide expeditions, they are nice, experienced and cheaper than others, just not as luxurious than them. 2 weeks cost you around ₹7.5 lakh while others cost around ₹12 L

[@arlinewong2127]

I was on an Antarctica expedition in January 2024. I sailed with Viking Octantis. Very comfortable and well-planned cruise. I paid a higher price to include my airfare. It was an imposing Antarctic Circle, with wildlife, Birds, floating icebergs, beautiful glaciers, etc.

[@KenTravels360]

Thanks for dropping a comment about your experience. I am glad you had a great time.

[@sagarPandya24]

You forgot to mention Oceanwide expeditions.

[@KenTravels360]

Thanks, my list is not meant to be exhaustive, but just the one that I am aware of, at the time of my research. Thanks for mentioning them for other viewers.

[@sagarPandya24]

@@KenTravels360 they're not as luxurious as Ponant and others but still budget friendly and reliable.not everyone can go for luxurious options

[@insandistr]

HK accent...

[@KenTravels360]

Accents can be tricky, but I'm focusing on getting my message across clearly. Thanks for watching my video

[@javierramirez4722]

Not everything ...is there an inner city found overthere by Chile explorers they make the mistake of let thei ....north country... we're it WAS. They at the meantime kick them out of there....a forbiden área to visit or overffly

[@KenTravels360]

??

[@ZoubeirsWorld]

Are you drunk or on meds?