[Antarctica Wiki] What is a typical day like on board during an Antarctic voyage?

Welcome, polar pioneers,

"That's totally boring. All you see is white snow all day long." I often hear people say things like this when it comes to traveling to Antarctica.

This assumption is far from the truth.

There is hardly a more varied daily schedule than during an Antarctic voyage. Not only do you have the whole day available for your program, but during the Antarctic summer between October and March, the sun never sets in Antarctica. This means you can also experience a multifaceted spectacle of color and light at night when the sun's rays refract in the ice and the Southern Ocean.

For (amateur) photographers, Antarctica is an El Dorado of color. It's no coincidence that many tours also offer photography workshops.

As you can see, there is no clear answer to the question of what a day in Antarctica is like.No two days in Antarctica are the same.The different regions and sightseeing opportunities, as well as the weather and ice conditions, determine everyday life on the ship.

The captain and expedition crew keep a close eye on the daily changing land and weather conditions and will keep you informed about your options for going ashore each day.

No two landings are alike: on some days, you will travel in Zodiacs(rigid-hulled inflatable boats)through channels and fjords or out onto the Southern Ocean and cruise among theicebergs. On other days, you will go ashore and hike, visit oldwhaling stations,hot springs,research stations,penguin colonies, thegraves of legendary polar explorers, and much more. If you travel with the MS Ortelius , you can also takepanoramic flights and go ashore with the on-board helicopter.

All landings by Zodiac or helicopter have one thing in common: they are all included in the price of the trip and, unlike other "normal" cruises, there are no additional costs for excursions.

On some trips to Antarctica , you will also get active: spend a nighton land,kayakacross the Southern Ocean, gosnowshoeingor evenice diving. Some of these activities should be booked in advance in Germany. Some are also subject to a fee. If you don't want to take part in these activities, you don't have to. Everything is optional, nothing is compulsory.

In addition, the daily program varies depending on what is offered on the ship. If you are traveling on a ship with an entertainment program and, for example, a wellness area, it is possible to take advantage of onboard programs. These vary greatly depending on the ship. Therefore, I would prefer to inform you about this in a personal consultation.

Puresea days, when there are no landings, are also not included here. Relax on board and attend lectures by the lecturers. The captain and his officers also look forward to your visit to the bridge and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

A day in Antarctica could look like this for you:

After getting up

In the morning, you will be awakened by an announcement from the expedition crew over the cabin loudspeaker. After getting up and washing or showering, put on casual, comfortable clothing for breakfast. This will be waiting for you in buffet form in the mess (nautical term for "restaurant" or "dining room").

All ships have a panorama deck or a lecture hall. This is where you gather after breakfast and the expedition crew will inform you about the day's program. In most cases, landings are planned and the lecturers will prepare you scientifically for the day's discoveries. Through presentations and lectures, you will learn about the special features of the geography, climate, geology, flora, and fauna that you can look forward to seeing on today's excursions.

The morning

Now return to your cabins and put on your expedition clothing: thermal underwear, breathable shirts and sweaters (layering technique!), expedition parka (in red! Provided by many shipping companies, sometimes free of charge), ski pants, sturdy headgear, and warm gloves. You will also need special rubber boots (more information in the inventia Antarctica and South Pole travel guide), which can also be provided free of charge on the ship if ordered in advance.

Pack spare gloves, possibly spare socks (in case you sink too deep into the Southern Ocean when disembarking—whether intentionally or unintentionally—and fresh water splashes into your rubber boots), and your camera equipment (protect it from moisture by packing it in transparent plastic bags) in your waterproof backpack.

As soon as the expedition leader asks you to do so via announcement, go to the small extended gangway and climb down. One Zodiac after another will arrive and be boarded by approximately 10 to 15 passengers. The expedition crew will assist you with boarding and will have already explained in detail during the introductory lecture on the first day how to connect to the Zodiac guide using a sailor's grip in order to board the boat safely and securely.

Here we go: motorized inflatable boats take you across theSouthern Ocean, sometimes at a leisurely pace, sometimes at breakneck speed. Depending on your location, you will visitpenguin colonies,volcanoes,mountains,hot springs, andRussian, American, or British research stations. Along the way, you will seeseals, whales, and seabirds.

Go on short hikes, observe animals up close, and explore the magnificent natural surroundings. Your Zodiac driver is part of the expedition crew and will provide you with information and entertainment.

How long such a landing takes depends—as with everything on your trip to Antarctica—on the weather, the destination for the day, the distance, and the time of day. The protection of animals and nature is always at the forefront of your voyages through this sensitive ecosystem.

At lunchtime

You will return to the ship around noon. You will often be greeted with a hot drink. You will take your expedition clothing to your cabin and then go to the mess hall for lunch . There are no set times for returning to the ship for lunch. The expedition takes priority.

After lunch, there is a lunch break. This can last one to two hours.

Relax in your cabin. Find a quiet spot in the library and browse through one of the books, for example about the spectacular race to the South Pole between Norwegian Roald Amundsen and Briton Robert Scott in 1910/1911. Find a comfortable spot on the panorama deck and watch the passing scenery from there. Or pay a visit to the captain on the bridge.

The second half of the day

After the lunch break, further landings may take place.

After dinner, you will meet again with the lecturers and expedition leaders to review the day's events.

Spend the evening with a hot drink on deck and enjoy the colorful spectacle of the midnight sun. An ideal opportunity to take unforgettable photos.

Have you signed up for camping? Then after dinner, you'll head ashore to build your little cave for the night. You'll never forget a night under the canopy of the sky and the Southern Cross.

Have a nice trip!

The daily schedule for Antarctic voyages varies depending on the route, duration, ship, and activities offered. We would be happy to advise you by phone so that you can decide which expedition is best for you.

>> You can reach us here. Request a callback.

With polar regards,

Yours, Stephanie Gräf