Try Camping - in Antarctica!

If our picture (above) looks a little bleak, don't let that put you off - because it represents a unique opportunity in the cruise world to go camping in one of the most pristine places on the planet.

 

We know here at World of Cruising that our readers are a pretty adventurous bunch, hence we thought the idea of spending a night with thousands of penguins would have significant appeal. This is Paulet Island in Antarctica, and it is a truly amazing place.

And, next winter, adventure cruise specialists Hurtigruten have added an extraordinary new excursion that will allow guests to pitch tents and spend a night like no other, camping in this unworldly terrain. This excursion is for true adventure seekers who want to indulge their spirit of discovery. In a small group of no more than 15, they will be taken ashore to set up camp and spend the night, equipped with outdoor equipment specially tailored to the region, including warm winter sleeping bags and expedition tents.

 

Even more importantly, Hurtigruten is now offering this 13-day “Land of the Penguins” voyage departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, on November 19, 2014, from just £5,699 per person (for an inside cabin). Flights and one night in a hotel before and after the voyage costs from £1,750 per person, while the unique camping excursion costs approximately £330 per person (payable locally).

More info: call 020 3582 6642 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.

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Explore The Falklands & South Georgia

Here's a great offer from Noble Caledonia this week, with a chance to save on a wonderful 22-night cruise to Antarctica that also takes in the Falklands and South Georgia. Book by April 30 and save £400 per person on a 2011 departure (£300 per person on 2012), with prices now from £6,995.

In today’s highly accessible world, there are few places that still hold the power to enthrall and enchant. Antarctica is certainly one of these.

Antarctic Peninsula

Explore both sides of the Peninsula, taking in such memorable sights as the Antarctic Sound, often referred to as Iceberg Alley. Explore with Zodiacs, cruising among ice floes, land at penguin rookeries and visit research stations. Most Antarctic Peninsula cruises will include Deception Island. A highlight of any voyage comes as you navigate through the narrow entrance and sail inside the volcanic caldera. Hot, geothermal springs bubbling up close to shore allow those more hardy souls to experience a very hot and very cold bath almost simultaneously!

Other highights include - Paulet Island (above): Ice conditions permitting, this is a fascinating place and home to hundreds of thousands of Adelie penguins. Unconcerned by our presence they carry on about their business as do the blue-eyed cormorants and Weddell seals. Petermann Island: Visit the bridge as you deftly nudge aside ice floes and navigate the Lemaire channel to Petermann Island where Gentoo penguins have formed their southernmost nesting colony. Humpback and minke whales are often sighted offshore here.

The Falkland Islands

Combining the Peninsula with a few days on the Falkland Islands makes for an interesting contrast. The wildlife on these 420 rocky islands is staggering and it is a truly enchanting place, a true outpost with a unique character and particularly fascinating for the British.

South Georgia

Although South Georgia is a couple of days extra steaming from Antarctica, it is well worth the effort. Here you will experience one of the world’s natural wonders, the ‘Alps in mid-ocean’.

For more info, visit www.noble-caledonia.co.uk or contact the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Time Spent at Sea has moved and can now be found at World of Cruising. You can follow World of Cruising on Twitter and Facebook for the very latest in cruise news.

If you haven't already, subscribe to the World of Cruising magazine today.