In addition, National Geographic Resolution can spin completely around in place, thanks to two Azipod thrusters that hang down below the vessel and can rotate a full 360 degrees. This gives it a wider range when traveling in Antarctica. The ship has powerful engines that let it travel at more than 16 knots even in rough seas - several knots more than is typical for most expedition vessels. It carries a polar class rating of PC 5 Category A, a notch above most Antarctica cruise vessels. (Photo by Gene Sloan/The Points Guy)īuilt by Ulstein, a Norwegian shipbuilding company known for producing hardy vessels, National Geographic Resolution boasts an extra-strong hull that lets it bump through ice that would stop many lesser ships. We only could do that, and get so deep into the ice, because National Geographic Resolution is tougher, faster and more maneuverable than most existing expedition cruise ships.Ī toast to crossing the Antarctic Circle, with floating icebergs as a backdrop. Lallemand Fjord was so far south that we had to cross the Antarctic Circle - the latitude where the sun never sets at the height of the austral summer - to get there. To get us into the ice, the ship had to travel farther south than some expedition ships will go in Antarctica, to an ice-clogged waterway known as Lallemand Fjord. Related: An untamed wilderness: Discovering the wild dreamscape of Antarcticaīy late January, when I first arrived in Antarctica to test out National Geographic Resolution, the fast ice mostly had melted away in the northernmost areas of the Antarctic Peninsula that draw the bulk of Antarctica expedition vessels. ![]() Those that are usually only do it early in the Antarctica cruise season, when fast ice is more plentiful. Not every expedition cruise vessel is capable of pushing itself into fast ice in Antarctica to give passengers a chance to walk above the frozen sea. It's also a particularly hardy and versatile one. National Geographic Resolution is an expedition cruise ship - a type of cruise ship that is specifically designed for adventurous travel to remote, hard-to-reach places such as Antarctica. Others just gazed in awe at the larger-than-life scene all around: Snow, ice, glaciers and mountains as far as the eye could see.Įven for people like me who have traveled by ship through polar regions many times, it was a special moment - one made possible by the remarkable abilities of this new vessel. Some passengers hiked a circular path stomped out in the snow by our guides. What followed was an hour-long celebration that included lots of selfie-taking, snow angel-making and a few impromptu snowball fights. Presentations on history, wildlife, geography, etc.Walking on sea ice. Services of Expedition leader, naturalist staff and expert guides Non-alcoholic beverages including soft drinks, coffee, tea, hot chocolate as well as light snacks Transfers from airport to pier for catamaran cruise including lunchĬabin accommodation aboard cruise as selectedĪll meals aboard ship throughout your voyage Group transfer from hotel to airport for charter flight to Ushuaia Group transfer from airport to hotel in Buenos Aires (only for flight arrival at set time)ġ night hotel accommodation with breakfast and city tour in Buenos Aires ![]() Journey to Antarctica: the White ContinentĮpic Antarctica: from Buenos Aires to Bluff, New ZealandĮpic Antarctica: from Bluff to Buenos Airesįor passengers utilising pre-expedition package with charter flights to/from Ushuaia: Please Note: All images featured are rendered and actual images may vary.Īntarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands Not only will you be travelling with an extremely knowledgeable expedition team, you will also be travelling on board an environmentally sustainable and responsible ship. In 2019, the fleet of National Geographic ships have become 100% Carbon-Neutral. Made for exploration, the National Geographic Endurance is outfitted with kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing crafts, underwater cameras, video microscopes to explain elements of the surrounding environments, a hydrophone to listen to the vocalisations of marine mammals, an open bridge to constantly talk to your captain and expedition crew along with snorkeling gear and wet suits for underwater excursions. Designed to provide an extremely smooth ride in even the most adverse of conditions, reduced spray on deck and wave-splicing action making for superior observation. The Category A vessel is a fully stabilized, highly strengthened ship designed to navigate polar-passages and uncharted waters all year round. ![]() Launching in 2020, the National Geographic Endurance is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose built for polar navigation. ANTARCTICA, SOUTH GEORGIA AND FALKLANDS.Planning Your Antarctica Cruise from Australia.
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