Antarctic Cruise info wanted

[Hamnut]

Does anyone know if a HAL cruise in Antarctica is like cruising Glacier Bay or something different?

I am aware we will not go on shore but will we stay aboard ship and just cruise to and fro or will we board tenders or Zodiacs and get a more personalized experience up close?

Does HAL furnish parkas?

Any other info appreciated.

[OlsSalt]

No tenders.

No Zodiacs

No parkas

 

However, people do rave about even this 100% on-board HAL Antartica experience. Not too many choices if you want a more intimate on land experience - either you must take one of the very pricey under 500 passenger expedition ships, or the larger mainline ships like the always popular HAL offering that are not allowed on land. I remember however someone stating they loved their lower deck ocean view cabin on the HAL cruise because they could see the wildlife swim by.

 

Whether the Maasdam can offer this under their new "InDepth" cruise options is unknown since this older ship may not be ice-rated and would have to also take far fewer passengers to quality for any on land expeditiions or zodiac excursions. This is a very highly regulated and mercurical chunk of real estate, so best you stick with the specialty expedition offerings if you want more than a drive-by look see..

[rafinmd]

I have not yet done this with HAL (will on the 2019 Grand South America) but have with both an expedition ship and with Crystal. I believe the restriction on sending people off the ship is for ships with a CAPACITY under 400 (might be 500) so no HAL ship would qualify even if lightly loaded. I don't think bigger ships are allowed to have passengers get off to do scenic cruising, let alone landings.

 

What is different about Antarctica from Glacier Bay is that the landscapes, wildlife, and variety of scenery around the Antarctic peninsula have massive variation so there is plenty to see over a period of a few days. Weather permitting, scientists from Palmer station are likely to come aboard and do presentations so you will get a bit of a first hand Antarctic experience.

 

Antarctica is wonderful and I am thrilled to be going back for a 3rd time.

 

Are you looking at Antarctica as part of the 2020 WC or doing it as a part of a regular cruise.

 

BTW, in 2019 both Scrapnana and I will be on the Prinsendam Grand South America so you should have at least 2 live threads to look at and ask questions on.

 

Roy

[SilvertoGold]

Previous post is excellent.:):)

 

This cruise on HAL is very, very different from Alaska/Glacier Bay.

 

You are immersed in ice, snow, cold, maybe some wildlife and superbly majestic scenery 24 hrs a day for 3 days (usual itinerary).

 

Crossing Drake Passage (2 days) can be calm, rough or 40 foot seas (not often).

 

It sounds as if you might be better with an expedition cruise as opposed to HAL. That said, HAL does an excellent job of this spectacular cruise.

[Tfquig]

Last year they offered an excursion from Punta Arenas ,Chile. It was called antartica landing. I did not take it, but as I remember from the tour description it was a day trip by plane to one of the research stations and a hike to nearby penguin colony. I think the cost was about $1000.

[drowelf]

Previous post is excellent.:):)

 

This cruise on HAL is very, very different from Alaska/Glacier Bay.

 

You are immersed in ice, snow, cold, maybe some wildlife and superbly majestic scenery 24 hrs a day for 3 days (usual itinerary).

 

Crossing Drake Passage (2 days) can be calm, rough or 40 foot seas (not often).

 

It sounds as if you might be better with an expedition cruise as opposed to HAL. That said, HAL does an excellent job of this spectacular cruise.

 

We did this in 2015 and I highly recommend it. While you don't get off the ship in Antarctica, its still a breath taking experience. Although you have to be careful taking some breaths while you're off some of the larger penguin colonies. The smell that comes off some of those islands after 50,000+ penguins have been pooping on it for decades is quite intense.

 

We saw incredible sites for all 3 days we spent cruising around. We also got very little sleep, as we would be up and out on deck at 4am for 7-8 hours, dash back inside for a couple of hours and back out again until night fall. One of the best items was during a break inside, when just outside our balcony we came across a pod of orcas feeding on a kill. The ship stopped and we spent 30-45 minutes just hovering in place to watch it. We had a wonderful expedition team on board too. One of the gentleman was the former Operations Head of Antarctica Operations for the NSF. As well as being a wonderful cruise experience, I learned a great deal too.

 

We are planning on doing it again, even though we will have to repeat a bunch of ports to experience it.

 

Final thought -- Do It. You won't regret It! --

[DeepWaterMariner]

Completely different than Glacier Bay. Its like no place else on earth. Every day was different. I saw more wildlife in one day than I saw in my 5 trips to Alaska combined. The 3rd day was all about icebergs, huge tabular bergs that you can only see in Antarctica.

[Bill B]

I'll add my two cents worth to agree Antarctica is completely different than Alaska. Only someone who has done both can understand. While Alaska can be beautiful, Antarctica can be surreal.

[rkacruiser]

I'm not sure that I could add any more superlatives to those who have posted. A mention was made of the on-board Enrichment program and that provided an extra dimension to my cruise that I did not expect. I did expect commentary in scenic areas by the EXC Guide and that did happen. But the 3 Expedition Leaders provided their expertise when we were in scenic areas as well as excellent, informative programs in the Theater as well as a display in the Crow's Nest.

 

One word of advice: don't ever, ever leave your stateroom without your camera during the cruise!

[Turtles06]

I will also add my two cents that Antarctica is nothing like Alaska. Apart from everything else, the ice is indescribable.

 

Also, OP, if you can swing it, an expedition would be extraordinary. Not only do you get landings on the continent, walking around penguins, etc., but zodiac cruising -- being in those small little boats right at the surface of the water, getting up as close as safely possible to icebergs towering above you, and sometimes to leopard seals napping on ice floes or penguins walking on them, or whales swimming right under you -- was as amazing and stunning as being on land. (I've included a few photos below just to give some sense of what I'm talking about.)

 

In case it's of any help to you or anyone else planning such a trip, here's a link to my detailed photo journal of the expedition with Lindblad/Nat Geo we were privileged to be able to take five years ago:

 

https://antarcticjourney.wordpress.com/

 

 

 

 

 

(photos by turtles06)

[Bill B]

A word of advice -

If you are considering a 'round the cape' cruise that includes Antarctica, and you have a choice of sailing from west to east or east to west, choose west to east i.e. Santiago to BA (or Rio). If you do so, you will see Beagle Channel (similar in many ways to Alaska) before you see Antarctica... and the whole experience will 'build'. If you sail from east to west, Beagle Channel (while still beautiful) will seem extremely 'anticlimactic' after the splendors of Antarctica.

[MMDown Under]

I will also add my two cents that Antarctica is nothing like Alaska. Apart from everything else, the ice is indescribable.

Also, OP, if you can swing it, an expedition would be extraordinary. Not only do you get landings on the continent, walking around penguins, etc., but zodiac cruising -- being in those small little boats right at the surface of the water, getting up as close as safely possible to icebergs towering above you, and sometimes to leopard seals napping on ice floes or penguins walking on them, or whales swimming right under you -- was as amazing and stunning as being on land. (I've included a few photos below just to give some sense of what I'm talking about.)

In case it's of any help to you or anyone else planning such a trip, here's a link to my detailed photo journal of the expedition with Lindblad/Nat Geo we were privileged to be able to take five years ago:

https://antarcticjourney.wordpress.com/

Thank you for attaching your beautiful photos which capture the essence of a cruise to Antarctica. This is why so many passengers on a once only cruise of a lifetime to Antarctica, would love to make a return visit.

 

 

 

 

 

(photos by turtles06)

Thank you for your beautiful photos which capture the essence of an Antartica cruise, with landings.

[Hlitner]

Because of International treaties, the larger cruise ships (even including the HAL vessels) can do nothing more then cruise past parts of Antarctica. But there are some other smaller ship lines such as Ponant and Hurtigruten that actually have cruises that will take passengers ashore (in Antarctica) on Zodiacs. My personal issue with many cruise lines (including HAL) is that they advertise Antarctica cruises...but their passengers never get a chance to set foot on the continent. While that might be fine for many cruisers...we think it should be better disclosed that most Antarctic cruises just give you a view from the ship but cannot take you ashore.

 

Hank

[janmcn]

Yes, the smaller ships and "landings" would be great, but for those on more of a budget, the HAL itinerary fit the bill...plus, we were plenty close to the penguins often to smell them! Loved the experience, but also agree if going that West to East "builds" the cruise...and then we also topped it all off with a perfect day (unusual) in the Falklands! Loved the cruise...each day around Antarctica was totally different from the next. That surprised me.

https://quiltingjan.smugmug.com/Travel/2012/Antarctica/2012-Cruise-to-Antarctica/i-DRbs7ks/A

[rkacruiser]

A word of advice -

If you are considering a 'round the cape' cruise that includes Antarctica, and you have a choice of sailing from west to east or east to west, choose west to east i.e. Santiago to BA (or Rio). If you do so, you will see Beagle Channel (similar in many ways to Alaska) before you see Antarctica... and the whole experience will 'build'. If you sail from east to west, Beagle Channel (while still beautiful) will seem extremely 'anticlimactic' after the splendors of Antarctica.

 

Yes, absolutely my experience as well. The initial day in the Chilean Fjords found me retiring for the night thinking: "Is that all there is?" Each succeeding day: sightseeing--better and better and better the further South the Zaandam sailed.

[Hamnut]

Thanks to all for the informed responses and of course the beautiful photos.

We will be on the 2020 GWV and I now know what to expect. I am looking forward to this cruise with great anticipation and expectations. Will also check the blogs. Thanks for that heads up.

 

 

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[81Zoomie]

Yes, the smaller ships and "landings" would be great, but for those on more of a budget, the HAL itinerary fit the bill...plus, we were plenty close to the penguins often to smell them! Loved the experience, but also agree if going that West to East "builds" the cruise...and then we also topped it all off with a perfect day (unusual) in the Falklands! Loved the cruise...each day around Antarctica was totally different from the next. That surprised me.

https://quiltingjan.smugmug.com/Travel/2012/Antarctica/2012-Cruise-to-Antarctica/i-DRbs7ks/A

 

There are occasional sales that make the price point of an expedition cruise a little more in line with a drive by cruise. Especially true if you can travel during the beginning or end of the season.

[Pet72Vet]

Does anyone know if a HAL cruise in Antarctica is like cruising Glacier Bay or something different?

I am aware we will not go on shore but will we stay aboard ship and just cruise to and fro or will we board tenders or Zodiacs and get a more personalized experience up close?

Does HAL furnish parkas?

Any other info appreciated.

We did the Holland America Antarctica voyage in 2016 and were most pleased with the experience. No, you will not be furnished parkas by HAL, nor will you have the experience of boarding tenders or zodiacs. If you are looking for a more personalized experience, an expedition voyage would be more to your liking provided you don't object to the cost.

 

 

My husband and I very much enjoyed our voyage with HAL and our route was west to east so we witnessed the beautiful Chilean fjords and Beagle Channel prior to crossing the Drake Passage for the stunning Antarctica peninsula. Our crossing of the Drake was slightly delayed on account of gale force winds, but the captain of the Zaandam made up for any lost time so we didn't miss anything. There were outstanding displays and guest lecturers on board, as well as an onboard wildlife specialist...and once in Antarctica researchers and operation staff from the U.S. Palmer Station, Anvers Island, came on board for presentations. The cruise experience was just phenomenal. Personally, we did not miss getting suited up twice a day to stand in line and take our turn for what are classified as either wet or dry landings. Walking on the continent is also restricted to certain areas which are roped off...and we didn't need to walk among the penguins, elephant seals, leopard seals, etc. to enjoy their presence. No, it wasn't as up close and personal as being on land or in a zodiac...but we got wonderful photos nonetheless without getting off the ship. Our sailing was in February and the Lemaire Channel was also navigable allowing for significant views. The channel is often blocked with ice.

 

 

FYI - Princess is returning to Antarctica for the 2019-2020 season. We are typically Princess cruisers and would have sailed with them except they had discontinued their Antarctic itinerary when we journeyed there. We have looked at their upcoming itinerary, however; and we still think the HAL itinerary is more comprehensive. The Coral Princess itinerary appears to skirt around the Chilean fjords rather than doing the "inside passage" so to speak to enjoy the fjords. They also cram their sailing into a 12-14 day cruise as opposed to HAL's 22 day adventure. We will say we like the Princess food better than HAL...but entertainment is equally as good on either line. We would sail Antarctica, again, without a doubt; and simply because of the itinerary would choose HAL, again.

[drowelf]

Last year they offered an excursion from Punta Arenas ,Chile. It was called antartica landing. I did not take it, but as I remember from the tour description it was a day trip by plane to one of the research stations and a hike to nearby penguin colony. I think the cost was about $1000.

 

I remember this from our cruise too. But as I recall, it did not go off due to weather at the landing site. A member of one of our group tours later in the cruise was a bit bummed because he had booked it and it was cancelled.

 

Cheers,

[rafinmd]

Last year they offered an excursion from Punta Arenas ,Chile. It was called antartica landing. I did not take it, but as I remember from the tour description it was a day trip by plane to one of the research stations and a hike to nearby penguin colony. I think the cost was about $1000.

Actually, I looked at my upcoming Grand South America. The cost is $3,500 with special cancellation provisions and if cancelled due to the weather you are committed to a $1,199 tour that goes to a remote part of South America but not to Antarctica.

 

Roy

[OlsSalt]

To supplement the inability to 'walk among the penguins" on the HAL Antarctica cruises, the 4x4 excursion to the penguin colony on the Falklands Islands is pretty fantastic compensation. Thousands of them, totally unpreturbed by human presence and they even follow you around. These are king penguins with the yellow markings on their faces, not as tall as the emperor penguins but still plenty large and very engaging. Fantastic photo ops and a wild off-road adventure ride just getting there.

[DeepWaterMariner]

To supplement the inability to 'walk among the penguins" on the HAL Antarctica cruises, the 4x4 excursion to the penguin colony on the Falklands Islands is pretty fantastic compensation. Thousands of them, totally unpreturbed by human presence and they even follow you around. These are king penguins with the yellow markings on their faces, not as tall as the emperor penguins but still plenty large and very engaging. Fantastic photo ops and a wild off-road adventure ride just getting there.

 

There are several opportunities to see penguins up close without landing in Antarctica. We visited a huge colony on a tour out of Punta Arenas, saw more in the Falklands, lots from the ship in Antarctica, and skipped another penguin tour from Porta Medryn because we were penguined out.

[RuthC]

Actually, I looked at my upcoming Grand South America. The cost is $3,500 with special cancellation provisions and if cancelled due to the weather you are committed to a $1,199 tour that goes to a remote part of South America but not to Antarctica.

That tour was offered on my first Antarctica cruise back in '02, for a similar price, so the cost has stayed very stable. Got to give them credit for that, at least.

Back then there was a list of things you were required to bring with you that would have filled an additional large suitcase; don't know if those items are still required.

 

One reason I would be hesitant to take that excursion is that if you can't fly to Antarctica, you are still committed to the tour---but go to someplace that doesn't give you what you wanted from the excursion in the first place.