In winter, Antarctica is covered by the world’s largest ice sheet, covering approximately 19 million square kilometers (7.3 million square miles). This remote, surprisingly barren land holds the title of the coldest place on Earth, and getting there is a tough task for tourists. Yet, despite the harsh conditions, it is fast becoming one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations, according to a report CNN.
The news portal quoted the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which has been tracking the number of tourists visiting the white continent since the early 1990s, as saying that travel to Antarctica will increase post-Covid. It started long before. Bounce.
In the winter of 2017, just under 44,000 tourists visited Antarctica. This year, the number surpassed 122,000 visitors. And they’re coming in such numbers because travel to Earth’s coldest continent has never been easier – or more luxurious.
A few decades ago, Antarctic travel meant traveling on small ships, many of them former “ice cutters” from Russia, Canada and other polar countries. It was nothing but a luxurious experience.
Robin West, Seabourn’s vice president and general manager of expeditions, on his first trip to the area, said, “Many boats at the time were equipped with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. You’d write your name on the board over spaghetti or lasagna every night.” reported in 2002 CNN.
Some ships also had windows to look out. Today’s experience is completely different. Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, credits Lindblad and National Geographic cruise lines with opening up Antarctic travel to more visitors nearly a decade ago.
McDaniel said, “They were really pioneers in bringing the Antarctica experience to more traditional travelers. But those early sailings were less spectacular than today.”
“Recently Ponant, Silversea, Seabourn and Scenic have made huge strides with a market-top luxury experience, offering incredible onboard suites, exceptional dining and even spas. Cruise lines like Quark Creating products for adventure-seekers, offering things like cross-country skiing and camping.”