The edge of the pack-ice expands for miles into the ocean and the savagely low temperatures make visiting less than pleasant. Then you've got the dark days with almost no sunlight and you'll have gathered that Antarctica is not very people-friendly at this time of the year. Spring and summer on the continent are milder. There is life around the coastline and the rim of pack-ice retreats. This is the time for cruise ships to set sail and take their passengers on a voyage of discovery to a very special world.
Most tourists visit Antarctica by ship.
These are vessels that can withstand a storm and cut a way through the ice. This is the most comfortable way for travellers to get to know this land of extremes. A number of different companies organise cruises. This international organisation ensures that the trips organised by its members are in total harmony with the fragile nature of Antarctica. So it is important to ask as many questions as possible.