Personal Journeys to Antarctica: Cruise vs. Air Travel Experiences and Insights
Antarctica has always been a compelling travel destination for many intrepid explorers. Over the years, various modes of travel have offered different experiences for visitors, each with its own unique insights and challenges. In this article, we explore two distinct journeys to Antarctica, one by sea and the other by air, and share the personal experiences and opinions of travelers who have ventured to this remote continent.
Seafaring Adventure: Eco-Cruise to Antarctica
Back in the year 2000, just before the millennium, I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Antarctica. The trip was a month-long expedition which began on December 26, 2000, the day after Christmas. We left from Santa Monica, surfaced through the Drake Passage, the roughest stretch of water in the world, and arrived in the Antarctic waters well before the end of January 2001. The journey was part of an eco-cruise, a small ship accommodating 450 passengers, which significantly enhanced our ability to go ashore multiple times. Our ship organized small group excursions, allowing us to explore the continent on shore and through Zodiac boats amid icebergs and bergy-bits.
Another group I know took a different route, opting for a large luxury cruise. However, due to the size and layout of their ship, such an opportunity to reach the shore was limited. Our personal preference, based on our experiences, is that crossing the Drake Passage requires a smaller ship that provides opportunities to step on the continent. The smaller vessel allows for more intimate and meaningful interactions with the wildlife and landscape of Antarctica.
A 12-Day Antarctic Cruise Experience
Lately, I returned from a 12-day Antarctic cruise aboard the medium-sized ship, the Expedition, which accommodated 124 passengers. The cruise was organized by G-Adventures, a company known for its commitment to responsible and sustainable travel. During the trip, we had 10 opportunities to leave the ship and go ashore, adding to the unique experiences of our journey.
The aim of the expedition was to reach as far south as possible, and we managed to get to 68°18′ south. Antarctica was teeming with wildlife, particularly penguins and whales. The crew of the ship was equally amazed by the experience, and it was evident that everyone was in awe of the pristine and untouched beauty of the continent.
Historical Antarctic Expedition: 1972
Going even further back in time, in 1972, I had the opportunity to fly to Antarctica. The journey was an extraordinary one, with a series of airways connecting different bases and locations. I boarded a U.S. Air Force C-141 jet, and the number of people on board is a mystery, as I have no data to confirm the exact number. The trip took me from Davisville, Rhode Island, through Travis Air Force Base in California, to Pago Pago in American Samoa, and finally to Christchurch, New Zealand, from where I flew to McMurdo Station in Antarctica.
I spent 13 months at McMurdo Station, working in various capacities. I was responsible for managing a warehouse, hosting a radio show at WASA FM-100, and performing as part of a country music band, McMurdo Country Sound. In my downtime, I worked part-time in the library and managed the run of the base newspaper, McMurdo Sometimes Sunday Supplement. While there, I engaged in many adventures, among which driving a dump truck across the frozen Ross Sea to a distant oil field was particularly memorable.
Experiencing Antarctica through both cruise and air travel, as well as through a longer-term stay in a research station, has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the continent. Whether by sea or air, Antarctica offers a remarkable blend of adventure, wildlife, and history, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking an earth-shaking experience.