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.
Mostly (b) - Active Adventurer
You don't just want to see Antarctica; you want to feel the crunch of the snow under your snowshoes, hear the cracking of icebergs as you kayak across the water, and experience the thrill of camping overnight in one of the most remote locations on earth. While you like to travel in comfort, the idea of having a butler really isn't for you; the quality of the onboard expedition team and the ship's scientific equipment is much more important. Cruise lines to consider include polar specialist Quark Expeditions, Australian outfit Aurora Expeditions and the highly experienced Lindblad Expeditions, who have a long-standing partnership with National Geographic.
Mostly (c) - Luxury Lover
In the past you might have dismissed the idea of an expedition to Antarctica; 'roughing it' just isn't for you. But things have changed dramatically in the last few years, with a new generation of technologically advanced, ultra-luxury expedition ships that will take you to the ends of the earth without compromising on comfort, service or style. Top choices include Silversea Expeditions, pioneers of the luxury expedition concept, and recent entrants to the market Scenic, with their sleek yacht Scenic Eclipse. You may also be interested in Seabourn's new expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit.
Mostly (d) - Polar Pioneer
You are looking for an experience that goes way beyond the traditional idea of a cruise, whether it's a voyage to parts of Antarctica where few other humans have set foot, or the opportunity to take part in scientific research on board a high-tech vessel featuring the latest technology. For you there is really only one option: French cruise line Ponant's groundbreaking hybrid-powered luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, a truly unique ship that visits parts of Antarctica that other cruise lines simply can't reach.
Get your free Antarctica guide
Our expedition cruising guide to Antarctica will tell you everything you need to know, including when to visit, what to see and how to get there.
