BEST TIME TO GO TO ANTARCTICA?

It is only possible to visit between late October and late March (summer in the southern hemisphere), however within this time frame there are a few variations:

Late October - November:  Courtship and mating season for the penguins of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands begin. The winter ice is breaking up to form fantastic icebergs. Wildlife courtship rituals continue, including male seals establishing their breeding beaches, Wildflowers are in bloom in South Georgia and the Falklands.

December - January: High summer in Antarctica - long days and the 'warmest' temperatures and the penguins, seals and seabirds are active everywhere. Christmas and New Year is a very busy time for Antarctica cruise travel, so if you wish to travel at this time please plan well in advance.

February - March: These are the best months to see whales such as humpback, sperm and orca. Fledgling penguin chicks can be seen and sea birds are still abundant

BEST TIME TO GO TO THE ARCTIC?

The summer months of May, June and July are the best times to spot wildlife and enjoy the 'midnight sun'.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Our cruises in the Arctic start from £2,825 / $3,150USD for 8 days on the beautiful 3 mast schooner.

For Antarctica, prices start from £4,899 /$6,515 USD for a 12 day expedition, the price increases the longer your trip, up to £12,699 / $17,055 for our 19 day cruise following Shackleton's journey. For our Antarctic Cruises this also includes an extra free night in Ushuaia pre departure to help get over jet lag or travel delays before you join the boat.

WHAT'S INCLUDED ONCE ON THE SHIP?

Everything on board is included apart from tips, souvenirs, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks (there is water, tea and coffee available at all times, this is free). This also includes lecturers from on board scientists, naturalists and historians. As well as all that, our price incudes zodiak boat rides and excursions. 

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?

A full packing list can be found in the Holiday Information section on each of our tour pages, but in general, lots of warm base layers, socks, hat, gloves as well as sun glasses, down jacket, casual shoes for on board and wellington boots and hiking shoes for time on the ice. If you opt for any excursions such as kayaking, camping you'll be provided with the specialist equipment. 

DO I NEED TO PRE-BOOK THE KAYAKING AND / OR CAMPING OR CAN YOU JUST DECIDE WHEN ONBOARD THE SHIP?

Yes, you need to pre-book. You can not book this once you are on board. Please book this with KE as early as possible to avoid disappointment, as there are very limited spaces.

WHAT WILL CROSSING THE DRAKE PASSAGE BE LIKE?

All of our cruises that go to Antarctica cross the Drake Passage, which takes nearly 2 days. It is well known for having potentially rough seas. It is a good idea to take some sea sickness medicine with you in case you do get any bad weather along the way. The amazing scenery of Antarctic is sure however to far outweigh any potential rough seas.

WHAT ARE THE CABINS LIKE?

It's best to call the KE office on +44 (0) 17687 73966 / Toll Free: 1 888 630 4415 to disucss and book your cabin, or if you would prefer to go ahead and book online this is not a problem, we will look up the availability in all cabin types for you and get in touch as quickly as possible with the options. There are many different cabin options but if you're a solo travellers you won't be charged a suppliment if you're happy to share. This is an example of the cabin options on board our Antarctica Classic Cruise.

FIRST HAND ACCOUNTS OF POLAR CRUISES

Many of the KE staff have first-hand knowledge of the ships and polar regions so please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.

For an indepth account of our adventures in the Arctic and Antarctica take a look at the following KE staff blogs, reveiws and videos:

• Ashley Toft, KE CEO: Quest for the Antarctic Circle: Ship's Log
• Chloe Johnson: KE's Polar Cruise Product Manager: Serenity in Svalbard

For the latest reviews from our Polar Cruise travellers follow this link. Polar Reviews