Thread: Do we REALLY want to go to Antarctica?

I´ve booked with the Hurtigruten Cruise MS FRAM for December 2008....I think it will be something very special.

Just to give you an idea, we´ll be reaching the end of the world (fin del mundo) !!!:

to the End of the World ....Antarctic

My husband wanted to do a cruise of South America to go around the horn. I agreed to it because we would get to combine it with a trip to Iguazu Falls and the ship went to the Falklands. Unfortunately we had to cancel.

Since then, I have looked at other cruises to the same area, and everyone wants to go to Antarctica. That's just not my cup of tea. Seeing Ushaia and Stanley and how people have been able to adapt to the cold would be interesting, but an uninhabited ice floe is not my idea of a destination.

Now I am willing to listen to different opinions, and I am ready to change my mind if there are facts that I don't have. However, keep in mind that I moved to Houston to avoid snow and shovelling.

On our last 2 cruises, we went mostly because my DH was raring to go. I ended up being pleasantly surprised by how much I liked Serbia and Bulgaria last year and Georgia and Odessa, Ukraine this year. But it was the people and the culture in those places that made a difference. Perhaps Antarctica will offer a different kind of surprise for me. Meantime though, it is not on my wish list.

Wow. I really talked a lot.
Lulu - you asked if you want to go. Well, what do you like to do on a cruise?

• Do you generally enjoy ports where you stay outdoors, or do you like seeing the "sights"?
• Are you a beach freak or a sun worshipper?
• Is tendering a problem for you?
• Do you like the cold?
• Do you enjoy museums?
• Are you a birdwatcher?
• Are you a photo buff?

I think you see where I am heading. By the way, here is a link to learn more about what to expect on an Antarctic cruise and reviews from people who enjoyed it:
Antarctica Cruise and Travel Guide

Originally Posted by MCcruiser

Lulu - you asked if you want to go. Well, what do you like to do on a cruise?

• Do you generally enjoy ports where you stay outdoors, or do you like seeing the "sights"?
• Are you a beach freak or a sun worshipper? LOVE THE BEACH
• Is tendering a problem for you?
• Do you like the cold?
• Do you enjoy museums?
• Are you a birdwatcher?
• Are you a photo buff?

Except for not minding tendering , we HATE doing the above things!
That's why I'm thinking we might really NOT want to go!

Honestly, we ONLY reason I want to go is because it's there!

If we do ever decide to go to Antarctica, it will be an extra cruise. For sure we have to get our "Caribbean Fix" in every year!

--> Thanks for the site info. It's a good one!

Cruiser,that was a very interesting article and it got my interest. However this cruise would be at the bottom of my wish list. Living in MN and traveling in our winter to an area that is as cold or colder than what I am trying to get away from, just doesn't appeal to me.

houch, I KNOW how cold it gets near you, and I agree with your reasoning.

Dolores mentioned earlier that it is a different kind of cold. Because of the humidity, it FEELS colder in Minnesota than it is. There is very little humidity in Antarctica apparently, so it can be much colder and not feel as bad. But I am still not sure that the dryness would appeal to me either.

Lulu, you mentioned going there because it is there. I understand that, and I've done trips like that, but usually for one or 2 days, and I could get there by car!

Caramelo, please don't let our lack of interest discourage you. My husband and I enjoy different places than most people. This just isn't one of mine. Vacations are very personal and can be precious. I don't want us to rain on your parade.

Yeah, right. Those 'different kind of cold' arguments don't carry any weight with this Floridian.
It was in the 50's here when I got up this morning, and that is TOO COLD for me. I went outside for just a moment, and was cold through and through for a good 10 minutes AFTER I came in.

I'm like you Sheila. Or worse. Anything below 75F, and I need a sweater. Below 68, and it's COAT weather. If I were a plant, I would be an orchid.

No longer wanting to go to Antarctica!

After that ship sank I started reading other things about the safety issues. Even the double hulls are not a sure thing with the iceberg situation. Guess I'll never make it to ALL 7!