Antarctica: What to expect from a polar cruise

Firstly, polar ships are small, often with only a couple of dozen passenger berths onboard. There can be as many crew as guests! The expedition ships are usually purpose built for polar use, with reinforced hulls to protect them against ice bergs.

The observation decks are glazed in to protect you from the wind chill, but on bright days you can still go outside to feel the wind in your hair and watch pods of whale with absolutely nothing between you and them.

With a small number of people of the ship, you’ll get to know the crew and fellow guests well during your sailing. You will, of course, have your own cabin and en-suite bathroom, but meals tend to be communal affairs. The onboard lecturer — usually a respected naturalist or polar explorer — will socialise with you, and will also join you for shore excursions.

You can sail to Antarctica between November and March, though high season is from December to February. This is the Antarctic summer, so there are very few hours of darkness and the days tend to be bright if not warm.

The temperatures are extremely cold but you don’t have to worry too much about what to wear as nearly all the ships we use will lend you polar clothing for the duration of your voyage. These outfits may not be getting catwalk space at Paris Fashion Week anytime soon, but they will keep hypothermia at bay.