Antarctica

Blue-Green icebergs the size of cathedrals are mirrored in a sea of glass, home to seals and humpback whales as the sun sets on snow fields stretching to a limitless horizon.

To Captain Cook, Antarctica was a "land doomed by nature to an everlasting frigidness" which he deemed unworthy of exploring further. How wrong he was. Those who followed in his wake have discovered a magical "White Continent" which is one of nature`s last, most remote and fascinating strongholds.

Who visits Antarctica?

Though high levels of physical exertion or fitness are not required, this is certainly not a passive destination. Remote, pristine and still little visited, Antarctica by its very nature means that you will experience a hands-on exploration with a group of curious, energetic, like-minded fellow passengers, led by veteran lecturer/guides on expeditions that bring this incredible environment within reach.

How cold is it?

In Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, the only months that visits are feasible are the austral summer months of November to March. During this time daily Antarctic temperatures along the Antarctic Peninsula average from 25 to 45F and may climb as high as 50F on the more northerly islands. Wind-chill is as important as temperature in its effect on the visitor. The continent's ice cover and gravitational forces conspire to produce a type of wind unique to Antarctica - katabatic winds may suddenly surge producing a blizzard like effect and stop just as suddenly. Such conditions call for special wardrobe planning.

A&K provides each cruise passenger with a water-resistant, hooded parka especially designed for conditions in Antarctica - a lasting momento as well as practical apparel. For further advice on clothing, we will provide you with a recommended clothing list.

A wildlife paradise

The long and, even today, virtually total absence of a human presence here has protected one of Antarctica's greatest attractions: its wildlife. On your journey you'll share the surrounding land and sea with dozens of unique species, many unafraid and unperturbed by your close presence. Depending on the locations visited you may encounter the following:
Antarctica: seals - leopard, crabeater, fur, elephant and Weddell; whales - orca, humpback and minke; penguins - chinstrap, Adélie and gentoo; birds - wandering and other albatross species; snow, pintado and Antarctic petrels; skuas, sheathbills, Antarctic terns and blue-eyed shags.
South Georgia: seals - fur and elephant; birds - king penguins and various species of albatross.
Falkland Islands: mammals - fur seals and dolphins; birds - upland geese, peregrine falcons, king shags, Magellanic snipe and black-browed albatross (New Island); rockhopper (New Island), gentoo and Magellanic penguins.

When to visit

We schedule our visits during the austral summer, so that you can enjoy the power and grandeur of icebound Antarctica at its most comfortable season, warm enough to dine and sightsee on deck. Within this period, each month has special highlights including:

November - Early December (late spring - early summer)
Winter pack ice begins to melt and break up, creating new landscapes of sculpted ice with abundant pack ice and pristine icebergs.

Courting season for colonies of penguins and seabirds, recognisable by spectacular displays of courtship rituals. Seals visible on fast ice and shorelines. Spring wildflowers blooming on the Falkland and South Georgia Islands. Research activity at its height. Elephant and fur seals establish their breeding territories.

Mid-December - January (full summer)
Wildlife in full swing as temperatures warm and activity levels rise. Late December and January are usually Antarctica’s warmest months. On South Georgia and the Falklands, first penguin chicks emerge and fur seals are breeding. Longer days create great light conditions for fabulous photographic opportunities and you can read a newspaper on deck at midnight! Seal pups visible on South Georgia and the Falklands. Antarctic chicks hatch. Whales increasingly numerous. Receding ice may open new channels for exploration.

February - March (late summer)
Beautiful sunrises and sunsets create stunning photo opportunities. Whale-sighting at its best. Penguin chicks begin to fledge. Receding pack ice permits forays farther south and into the Weddell Sea. Snow algae blooming. Falklands chicks leaving the nest. Fur seals increasingly common on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Why A&K and the Minerva?

Experienced Captain and Crew

On board Minerva you will travel with a distinguished team headed by a professional expedition leader and cruise director, and supported by a Captain and officers who know every inch – and every strength – of their hardy vessel.

Exceptional Expedition Leaders

The exceptional calibre of expedition staff and lecturers who accompany each Minerva voyage (including: naturalists, geologists, zoologists, polar explorers, historians, ecologists, oceanographers and mountaineers) is a point of real pride. Their expertise makes a very special contribution to the unique on-board mood of relaxed conviviality blended with the real sense of adventure and discovery. They provide on-board briefings as well as escorting all shore excursions, bringing into focus the unique environment you are visiting.

Smooth Sailing

Minerva is equipped with retractable stabilizers, designed to minimize side-to-side motion in potentially rough seas. Bow thrusters add precise manoeuvrability and an ice-strengthened hull takes the capable Minerva with confidence into southern harbours from Paradise Bay to the Falklands.

Safety

A&K and Minerva puts safety first and foremost. Minerva is a double hulled Ice Class vessel with an ice rating (Italian RINA Class 1-D) which exceeds that required for operating safely in Antarctica. She is equipped with the latest navigation, communication and safety equipment, including a GMDSS emergency communication system and a satellite weather system, receiving real-time satellite images of weather and ice conditions. In the event of an emergency, lifeboats aboard Minerva' are enclosed and equipped with survival gear, blankets, food and water.

Ecologically Sound

A key concern of Minerva is the safeguarding of the fragile ecosystems through which we sail. Crew and expedition staff observe the highest standards of environmental awareness ensuring that we leave nothing behind but our footprints – and take nothing with us except memories.

Just the Right Size

On other cruises, in different destinations, Minerva can carry up to 360 passengers. However here in Antarctica, A&K has chosen to limit her complement to a maximum of 198 guests. Great crowds of passengers not only dilute the Antarctic experience, but also reduce the number of Zodiac and shore excursions possible each day. This allows A&K to offer only outside cabins and suites, so everyone has a private window (or porthole!) on to the amazing landscapes. Whilst on board, the smaller passenger list gives everyone extra room to stretch out and enjoy public areas like the gymnasium, library and beauty salon.

View the Minerva deck plan here

Just the Right Atmosphere

Although Minerva rivals many traditional cruise ships in terms of comfort and on-board amenities, the atmosphere is fundamentally different. She’s an extremely comfortable, travelling ‘base camp’ for a unique maritime adventure.

Staff and crew will surprise you with ad hoc lectures, endearing entertainment, wonderful meals and you will be rubbing shoulders with some of the leaders in Antarctic study and exploration. It all adds up to create a unique ‘non cruise ship’ atmosphere on board: informal, unregimented and with a warm sense of camaraderie.

For details of the itineraries offered by the Minerva, please refer to ‘Journeys’.