The Voyage to the Waters of Antarctica -A Cruise With A Real Difference –
Viewing Antarctica’s majestic beauty by ship
The two cruises into Antarctica by the Star Princess this year are a further test
of the appeal of such a long no-getting-off cruise itinerary. The long flight to
the port of embarkation (Buenos Aires) and the fairly long cruise (16-days) are a
deterrent for many travelers. But, this is a special voyage - where the cruise is,
in fact, the destination. Being on board a ship among the great scenery of
Antarctica is the highlight of this voyage. This is a cruise for those who are not
seeking the charms of sun-splashed ports and ancient cities.
From Buenos Aires - the itinerary was:
-- Call No.1 - Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
-- Cruising - The Island waters of Antarctica - 4 days
-- Call No.2 - Ushuaia, Argentina
-- Call No.3 - Punta Arenas, Chile
-- Call No.4 - Montevido, Uruguay
-- Call No. 5- Buenos Aires disembarkation
Nautical map of the itinerary
There are no ports to “collect” in Antarctica and there’s no setting foot on the
actual land of the White Continent. So Princess is still watching carefully for
customer acceptance of this itinerary. The single Antarctic cruise in 2007 has
been followed by two in 2008-- evidently, some encouraging signs perceived by
the reception of the first venture down far, far South. It is very probable that the
Star Princess is the largest vessel ever to sail so far south.
On my voyage there were travelers from all over the world, attracted by the
special appeal of the pristine vistas promised in the promotion materials. And
on my voyage they were well rewarded with sparkling mountains and brilliant
fields of glacial snow as well as bobbing icebergs.
Glacial vistas abound amid bobbing icebergs
Excitement was generated several times a day by whale sightings and the odd passing
iceberg with any penguin population. Whales, it seems, do not "frolic" in these waters as
we see in the TV film. They are in summertime Antarctica only to enjoy a prolonged dinnertime.
There really is a certain mystique to the whole idea of picking your way through the icebergs - just for sightseeing. It seemed the the Star's Antarctic-bound passengers were properly prepared for the chilly on-deck temperatures (around freezing) on the cruise. Our particular voyage enjoyed rather milder than usual temperatures. The over-the-deck winds were not exceptional - due to the slow sailing speeds adopted for the sightseeing portion of the voyage. The on-deck fashion for just about everyone consisted of ski-parka jacket over substantial woolens. The addition of scarf or muffler, along with ear-covering headgear and gloves, made a wardrobe for comfortable sightseeing. Warmth for deck-strolling in Antarctica is far more important that any sort of fashion statement!
Pristine settings rim often hostile waters
The bridge of Star Princess was obviously very cautious in the approach to any
thing this icy and rocky - with floating ice being give a very wide berth. One
planned entry into a mountain-rimmed bay was cautiously eliminated for
weather reasons. There are historic references “book-ending” the featured navigation through Antarctic waters - with first the Falkland Islands visit and the later calls at
Ushuaia (Argentina) and Punta Arenas (Chile). These end-of-the- world
settlements are part of the many tales of hard fought passage-by-sail through
these frequently treacherous and hostile waters. It is therefore quite
remarkable to sail around the island that is actually Cape Horn while sipping a
cup of tea on one’s Star Princess balcony.
All the area’s maritime history is recent enough to be really engaging and filled
with brave stories of exploration and seamanship - all of it stirring stuff!
With these added ‘before’ and ‘after’ features on the itinerary, I believe the
Star’s voyage created a fine (but very civilized) adventure for big-ship travelers.
Thrills such as these can rarely be experienced in such comfort!
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After her South American run this year, Star Princess will redeploy to Alaska for the summer/fall season. Star Princess will return to return to Antarctica in 2009 for two voyages - January 17, 2009 and February 14, 2009.