Tag: Antarctic cruise

The Drake Passage. A name that is renowned amongst many of the most adventurous globetrotters, and one that even the most experienced of explorers can be apprehensive to consider. This stretch of sea is one of the most unpredictable bodies of water in the world. But don’t let that frighten you, because the Drake Passage […]

For many years, the best way to experience Antarctica on an expedition ship was to take a scenic zodiac cruise or to visit a landing site to put your foot on the Seventh Continent. These remain classic experiences – gliding past icebergs or leopard seals sleeping on an ice floe, or being overwhelmed by wildlife […]

As one of the planet’s most remote and inhospitable destinations, Antarctica remains undiscovered by the average tourist. But to the most adventurous of travellers who take the great leap south, there is plenty to be enticed and amazed by, no matter where you explore on the continent. Antarctica’s icy landscapes are dotted with islands, glaciers […]

The seas around Antarctica teem with life, from penguins by the thousand to enormous humpback whales gorging themselves on krill. But what supports these ecological riches? Phytoplankton, that’s what: tiny single-celled plants converting sunlight into chemical energy to feed the ocean, sucking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere at the same time. On my most […]

The expedition cruise ship Hondius has proved a popular addition to the polar fleet since it was launched in 2019. Carrying up to 170 passengers, its Basecamp Adventure offers kayaking, camping, snowshoeing and even mountaineering. This is added to the regular landings and zodiac cruises, giving guests a host of different ways to discover Antarctica […]

Since its launch in 2021, the expedition cruise ship Ultramarine has rapidly become a popular choice for Swoop Antarctica passengers. Its modern design, 1A+ ice class rating (putting it just shy of being an actual icebreaker) , 199 berths and broad suite of adventure activities have all helped establish its place in the polar fleet. […]

It’s a question that we get asked all the time at Swoop: when exactly is the best time to visit Antarctica? The answer of course is that it depends entirely on what it exactly is that you want to get out of your trip: Antarctica is an amazing destination for expedition cruising whether you sail […]

It’s an open secret for anyone cruising to Antarctica that you don’t have to spot a penguin on the peninsula to kickstart your wildlife experience. The Drake Passage – that long stretch of sea that separates South America from Antarctica –  offers some tremendous birdwatching. And thanks to a new citizen science programme, cruise passengers […]