Antarctica quiz: Find out which cruise line is right for you…

Of course, the best way to narrow down your options and find the right cruise line for you is to speak to one of our expedition experts here at Mundy Adventures. We've been to Antarctica, and between us we've travelled on all the key expedition lines, so we can give you first hand advice based on your individual interests and requirements.

However, we thought it would be fun to put together a little quiz, to help steer you towards the type of Antarctica cruise that we think you'll enjoy. Simply make a note of the answer that best describes you for each question, and we'll tell you at the end what sort of Antarctic explorer we think you are…

1. What is your main motivation for visiting Antarctica?

(a) I've always dreamed of visiting Antarctica - this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that I've been saving up for.
(b) I'm interested in science and nature, and I want to explore this pristine ecosystem.
(c) I love cruising, and I haven't been on a cruise to Antarctica yet.
(d) I've been to Antarctica before, and now I want to explore in more depth.

2. Which part(s) of Antarctica are you interested in visiting?

(a) Just setting foot in Antarctica is enough for me - I'm happy with the most basic itinerary.
(b) I want to visit the Antarctic Peninsula, and maybe South Georgia and the Falklands.
(c) I'm interested in all of the above, and I'm also intrigued by the idea of visiting the Ross Sea from New Zealand.
(d) I want to cross the Antarctic Circle and see remote regions of the Ross, Bellingshausen and Weddell Seas.

3. What are you most excited about seeing in Antarctica?

(a) Everything! I'm excited about the idea of being there at all.
(b) I'm excited by the idea of getting up close to the wildlife and taking some great photos with my expensive camera.
(c) I love the idea of watching icebergs float by as I relax in the Jacuzzi.
(d) I'm hoping to see emperor penguins and the more remote regions of Antarctica.

4. What are the most important features of an expedition ship to you?

(a) The most important feature is that it's affordable - I don't mind if I'm on a slightly larger ship.
(b) I want to travel on a ship with top-of-the-range scientific equipment and excellent guides and lecturers.
(c) I like my luxury - a suite with a balcony, a range of fine dining restaurants, a good spa, and maybe even a butler.
(d) I want to travel on a ship that is as environmentally sensitive as possible, utilising the latest green technology.

5. Do you have any preferences when it comes to your fellow travellers?

(a) I'd prefer to travel with other Brits and Europeans.
(b) Nationality is not important to me, but I prefer a slightly younger, more active crowd.
(c) A luxury experience is the most important thing to me - I have no problem with being the only Brit on a ship full of Americans or Australians.
(d) I'd love the chance to travel to Antarctica with scientists, climatologists and other experts in their field.

6. How would you like to explore ashore?

(a) I'm happy to only make one landing a day and make the most of that time ashore.
(b) I want to be as active as possible - skiing, kayaking, hiking, maybe even scuba diving!
(c) I'm happy to pay extra to explore by helicopter or submarine.
(d) I want to push the envelope and explore where few other tourists have ever set foot.

7. Apart from expedition cruising, what's your favourite way to travel?

(a) I'm usually happy to arrange my own accommodation online to save money.
(b) I enjoy escorted touring and 'soft adventure' holidays.
(c) I'm all about cruising - I enjoy 'classic' cruises to places like the Mediterranean or Caribbean.
(d) I like adventurous holidays and expeditions, trekking and visiting remote or unusual destinations.

8. Apart from Antarctica, which other expedition destination is at the top of your bucket list?

(a) I'd love to see the Northern Lights in Norway.
(b) I want to visit the Arctic, perhaps the Svalbard archipelago or Greenland.
(c) I'm interested in tropical destinations like the Galapagos, the Kimberley and the South Pacific.
(d) My dream is to visit the North Pole, and maybe the South Pole too if possible!

Now add up your answers and find out what sort of Antarctic explorer we think you are…

Mostly (a) - Expedition First Timer

A trip to Antarctica is the realisation of a life-long dream. You've probably never been on an expedition cruise before, and perhaps you never will again after this, so you're looking for advice on how to get the most out of your holiday and ensure that every penny counts. A cruise line like Hurtigruten Expeditions would be a great fit for you, with fares at the more affordable end of the scale for Antarctica. Hurtigruten's ships are a little larger than most expedition vessels, at around 500 guests, but they offer a comfortable and contemporary base for your expedition, particularly the newer hybrid-powered ships MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen.