Polar Cruises Named World's Top Antarctica Travel Specialist

Named "World's Top Antarctica Travel Specialist" by Condé Nast Traveler

Specializing in Antarctica Travel and Arctic Cruises since 1996 Polar Cruises is the expert in small-ship travel to Antarctica and the Arctic. They are uniquely qualified to help you plan your polar expedition to the most pristine wilderness areas on earth.

Since 1991, Polar Cruises' staff has participated in voyages to the Antarctic and Arctic regions as Expedition Trip Leaders, Naturalists, Program and Operations Managers, and passengers. Polar Cruises staff knows the ships and trips from personal experience because they travel to Antarctica and the Arctic every season.

Many tour companies run Antarctica cruises and Arctic adventures, offering a wide range of polar travel options, itineraries, dates and prices. Polar Cruises evaluate the quality of the ships, operations, tour programs and companies, and provide polar cruise ship information and expedition trip reviews. Then they talk to you about your travel preferences and book the best polar vacation for you.

Antarctica is the southern polar region, and the Arctic is the northern polar region. Polar regions have extremely cold, harsh climates that require plants and animals to adapt in interesting ways.

What's the key difference between the regions? Antarctica is a continent surrounded by ocean, while the Arctic is an ocean almost completely surrounded by land.

Arctic ice is only a few feet thick (at most) with water under it, and that water is at least at least 30 degrees F. That's because it is mostly salt water, which stays liquid at a lower temperature than fresh water. Some of the water's heat escapes through the ice. Even in winter, some of the ice breaks up and releases ocean heat to warm the air. The Arctic receives relatively warm water from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Most of Antarctica is covered by a few thousand feet of ice – though there is some geothermal heat beneath the ice, that heat can't escape. The Southern Ocean surrounds Antarctica, and winds from its strong storms help create an ocean current that circles the continent. This reduces the amount of warm water that reaches the land. The result? The Antarctic region is colder than the Arctic.

A new Luxury Ship for Antarctica, the Clelia II is the latest addition to the Antarctic Fleet. This outstanding ship is luxurious in every detail and well-suited to traveling the beautiful and unforgettable waters of Antarctica and the Arctic.

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