Luxe-Adventure on the Seventh Continent

The pandemic has created a laser focus on future bucket list travel more than ever before. For some, it’s a safari; for others, an overwater bungalow in the Maldives or a hike to Machu Picchu. They’re on my bucket list, too, but there is one other-worldly place that I’ve been dreaming about for years.

Add This to Your Bucket List

Imagine: 

• Hearing the thundering crash of a massive glacier calving as a colossal chunk drops into the icy sea right before your eyes
• Watching with shocking fascination as a Leopard Seal tosses an Emperor penguin in the air before devouring it. 
• Observing a majestic albatross (with an impressive wingspan up to nine feet) soars alongside your ship as the sputter of a humpback whale exhaling from its blowhole as it comes up for air
• Witnessing the breathtaking breach of a pod of Orca whales visible in the distance.

Where is this exotic place? You guessed it: Antarctica, the last great untouched wilderness, a continent of stunning, alien beauty with a rich history of adventure and exploration.

What Makes Antarctica So Incredible?

Antarctica’s icy landmass is greater than Europe and doubles its size in winter. In the summer (November to March), shrinking sea ice allows cruise ships access to this magical world. There’s simply no place like it on Earth. Going to Antarctica is, without doubt, an adventure most people have only once in their lifetime. 

Most people make the long trek to Antarctica for a few reasons.

1. Wildlife.

Several creatures found nowhere else on the planet call Antarctica home. You may meet the acquaintance of Gentoo penguins on the jaw-dropping coastlines of the Antarctic Peninsula, encounter emperor penguins, elephant seals, and blue whales, the largest and loudest animal in existence. WINTER/SPRING BREAK TIP: February or March is the peak time to spot whales in Antarctica, as well as see penguin chicks at their most active and curious. 

2. A Photographer’s Dream.

Antarctica’s landscape is mind-blowing! One of the best reasons to go to Antarctica than to see one of the world’s last truly untouched wilderness, often described as ‘Jaw-droppingly beautiful,’ with your own eyes. Antarctica is not only home to more than 500 other glaciers but has the largest glacier in the world (Lambert-Fisher Glacier is around 250 miles long and up to 62 miles wide).

3. Endless adventure.

 You can camp on the ice, kayak among the icebergs, take the ‘polar plunge’ and swim in sub-zero waters, scuba dive, and perhaps come face-to-face with a seal underwater, cross-country ski, or go mountaineering. Snowshoe with expedition guides, and, for the brave, challenge yourselves to stand-up paddleboard, sail on inflatable Zodiac boats to visit penguin rookeries on the Antarctic peninsula, and get up close and personal with massive, drifting ice floes.

4. Education you’ll get nowhere else.

 Programs usually include fascinating lectures on various polar topics from a professional expedition team of scientists, naturalists, and biologists. You’ll learn about the history of Antarctica, and its flora and fauna, including penguins (of course!), whales, seals, and plant species.

5. An Uncertain Future. 

Climate change has adversely affected Antarctica’s ecosystem, and there is a genuine chance that Antarctica will not be the same soon. Bringing it to the top of your bucket list will ensure that you can experience it’s glory before it’s too late.

How do you get there?

Most visitors arrive by ship on ice-breakers or vessels with reinforced hulls. Several cruise lines serve Antarctica, so how do you choose the right one for you? Anyone who knows me knows that I like to do things in my unique way, and I connected with the Atlas Ocean Voyages vibe right off the bat! This brand-new luxe-adventure cruise line was created for the curious and adventurous traveler, providing once-in-a-lifetime moments. Their definition of luxury is simple elegance combined with valuable experiences. It is all about stepping off the beaten path and embracing the wanderlust spirit. Welcome to the Atlas Ocean Voyages luxe-adventure experience!

The Atlas Ocean Voyages Difference

Atlas’ smaller ships (carrying fewer than 200 guests), with 98 staterooms and suites (98% of which have a private balcony), get closer to the action. You don’t have to think about anything – it’s all taken care of FOR you and includes everything:

• Private charter jet service for Antarctica sailings (roundtrip airfare from 16 North American gateways for all other destinations)

• A complimentary land excursion in every port (zodiac guided expeditions in Antarctica)

• Open bars and lounges with complimentary premium spirits, fine wines, and champagnes, as well as mineral water, non-alcoholic beverages, and specialty coffees 

• Michelin-inspired gourmet international cuisine, plus 24-hour in-room dining 

• Prepaid gratuities

• Emergency Evacuation & Return Insurance (the first and only cruise line to do so)

• Butler service in suites

• Amenities and features onboard, and everything else in between. They call it “All-Inclusive All the Way,” so guests enjoy a seamless, unforgettable luxe-adventure expedition.

The maiden voyage of Atlas’ World Navigator is scheduled to take place in mid-2021. Initial destinations include The Black Sea, Mediterranean, The Holy Land, South America, and Antarctica. Four more expedition ships are planned for release between 2022 and 2023.

This bucket-list topping experience is available only a few months of the year because the extreme climate usually makes Antarctica off-limits. Yet, with the innovative Atlas Ocean Voyages, families can explore the coldest, driest and windiest continent during summer in the southern hemisphere (November 2021 and March 2022) from a luxurious home at sea.

Luxury Solar Eclipse Cruise

This year, you can see a total reverse solar eclipse pass over the Scotia Sea in Antarctica, which happens only once every 400 years, beyond a doubt making it a once-in-a-lifetime celestial phenomenon. 

To visit Antarctica and see the incomparable beauty and diversity of one of our last pristine and unspoiled environments is an experience you’ll have nowhere else. If an Antarctica adventure is on YOUR bucket list, let Premiere Luxury Travel design the experience of a lifetime! Click HERE to get started!