If I had collected a pound for every time a conversation about Antarctica had begun with ‘We don’t normally go cruising’, my wife would be truly happy. In fact, it’s such a common prelude that setting the record straight feels distinctly overdue. So this is my attempt to, and perhaps along the way to debunk a few pre-set ideas.
While it’s widely acknowledged that a ship still offers the best means of access to Antarctica, this doesn’t automatically mean that you’re going ‘cruising’, a word which for many instantaneously conjures up (with a shudder) thoughts of deck quoits, cocktail parties, evening floor shows and sharing your holiday with hundreds of others. For the traditional world of ‘cruising’ – in the Mediterranean, Caribbean or on The Nile – couldn’t be a more different beast from an ‘expeditionary voyage’ to Antarctica, which is what Swoop Antarctica specialise in. In fact they’re hardly related – more like second cousins, twice removed.
So what is an expeditionary voyage, if not a cruise?
In short, it’s the very antithesis of a traditional cruise: It’s an active, adventurous and educational undertaking by small ship into remote regions with a flexible schedule to experience that region at first hand.
| Traditional Cruise | Expeditionary Voyage | |
| Nature of trip | Holiday | Adventure |
| Size of ship | 500 – 4000 passengers | Less than 120 passengers |
| Routing Itinerary | Fixed | Flexible |
| Activity Level | Passive | Active |
| Land Excursions | Limited to port calls (optional) | Twice daily (mandatory) |
| Adventure Options | Not available | Optional camping out, kayaking, etc |
| Onboard Activities | Wide variety of activities & entertainment | Limited to the onboard lectures and library |
| Educational | Lectures on some ships, but typically not the main emphasis | A key part – accompanied by a team of experts with a scheduled lecture programme |
| Dress Code | Comfortable by day, but pack your cocktail dress and a tie for evenings | Very informal. Dress for comfort and leave your glad rags at home |
| Wow Factor | Depends | 10 |
To boldly voyage or leisurely cruise?
The choice is yours, but…it will cost you a pound.
