Alaska or Antarctica Cruise: Which one should you choose?
Both Alaska and Antarctica are extraordinary destinations. These are places that passionate travelers have listed on their dream travel lists. So, if you are one among them, you must understand the distinctions between Alaska and Antarctica to make a careful decision about your cruise holiday to these incredible destinations.
Antarctica Cruises
Pros
A one-of-a-kind adventure experience
Nowhere else on the planet would you find 24-hour sunshine while still maintaining temperatures that prevent complete ice melt. Here’s a destination with just a single sunrise and sunset in a year: a land covered in meteorite rocks, an active volcano, and ice-covered scenery as far as the eye can see. If you are passionate about wildlife viewing and nature adventures, the Antarctica cruise is your ticket for the ultimate cruise adventure in the Southern Hemisphere.
Limited tourists due to sustainable measures
Cruises to Antarctica are fewer in number than to Alaska. Antarctica is a vehemently protected destination, sustained by strict regulations to avoid overcrowding due to tourism. There are many regulations in place to keep a check on the number of people visiting this destination. Since only a limited number of tourists are allowed to visit at a time, the cruises have limited occupancy. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an amazing journey compared to other cruise adventures because it is less frequent and only available to a handful of travelers.
Unique Flora and Fauna
The flora and fauna in Antarctica are quite unique. While most of the land is covered in snow and ice, a few spots undergo slight changes during the summer, with moss and snow algae flourishing in the surroundings. The Antarctic region sees a healthy population of exotic and rare wildlife, such as emperor penguins, elephant seals, Antarctic blue whales, and krill, which thrive unperturbed in their natural surroundings without any human interventions. A cruise to Antarctica offers a golden opportunity to experience unique wildlife viewing.
Best Time to Visit
Antarctica cruises have departures in the austral summers from November to March when the ice and snow melt and the weather is not as harshly cold as in other months of the year.
Cons
Severely Frigid Weather
Antarctica’s weather is significantly colder than Alaska’s. Even though it is austral summer in Antarctica, the weather remains below 0 degrees Celsius most of the days. January is considered the hottest month in Antarctica, yet the ever-shining sun manages to raise the temperature only up to 15 degrees Celsius during the day. The temperature of Antarctica has never exceeded 20 degrees Celsius to this day. In comparison, even the coldest region in Alaska has only recorded -60 degrees Celsius as its lowest temperature ever, whereas interior regions of Antarctica have recorded chilling weather that drops below -80 degrees Celsius.
Endless Days in Summer Months
Apart from the frigid climate, the destination, being the southernmost continent on the planet and having proximity to the South Pole, witnesses 24 hours of daylight in the summertime. When you visit Antarctica from November to March, you will lose track of time as the day just stretches out due to the midnight sun phenomenon. This continuous daylight can mess with your circadian rhythm and internal clock, as the sky is never dark, and you never experience the inky night sky to which you are accustomed for a good night’s sleep.
Higher Chance of Seasickness
Antarctica lies at the southernmost point of the planet. To reach Antarctica, the cruise ship has to traverse through notorious waves and challenging waters, especially the Drake Passage. This passage has unpredictable waves, as it is the confluence point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Even those with strong stomachs may feel queasy on an Antarctica cruise journey. The choppy swells and intensely rocking waves, together with dry air, can result in severe seasickness.
Expensive Than Alaska Cruises
Many factors come into play that lead to an increase in the costs of the Antarctica cruise compared to Alaska. Due to the extreme remoteness of the destination, most of the cruises to Antarctica depart from Argentina or Chile, requiring travelers to fly to South America before boarding a cruise to Antarctica. Additionally, the cruises that can manoeuvre and meander through the rough seas demand specialized size dimensions and designs, which are less frequently operated by a limited number of experienced tour operators, which further drives up the cruise cost.If you are considering an Antarctic cruise, it’s important to weigh these potential drawbacks against the incredible opportunity to witness this unique and awe-inspiring environment. Venture out on an Antarctic Peninsula cruise expedition, not for leisure viewing but for an extremely thrilling adventure of your lifetime!
Alaska Cruises
Pros
Better Accessibility Than Antarctica Cruises
Alaska is the 49th state of the USA, and it edges the Western Canadian borders. Hence, it is easily accessible via the USA and Canada. Its significant proximity to the mainland and well-maintained ports make it a better cruise vacation, thus reducing travel time and costs compared to Antarctic cruises. Cruises are conveniently operated from major cities like Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Anchorage.
Relaxed Yet Thrilling Excursions
An Alaskan cruise takes you into deep seas, unveiling the region’s breathtaking beauty of icy mountain peaks and alpine national parks. However, apart from spending your day at sea, the Alaska cruise offers an array of delightful opportunities to try your hand at water sports activities, helicopter sightseeing, and more. With Alaska cruises, pre-cruise tour options with stays are also available where guests can opt for river boats or railroad experiences at Denali and Fairbanks before boarding the cruise for a sail on the Pacific Ocean. Docking at ports of call like Juneau and Ketchikan, you get plenty of time to experience the shores of Alaska.
Mingle with Locals
Unlike Antarctica, Alaska is teeming with people. In Antarctica, you have limited social interactions, as the only humans you meet are your fellow travelers and crew members. Antarctica has no human population apart from researchers and staff at scientific stations. On the other hand, Alaska is a thriving state in the USA with a population of more than 7,00,000. Its port-of-call towns offer ample opportunities to interact with locals. Hence, an Alaska cruise experience would not feel desolate compared to the Antarctica cruise. Alaska is also perfect for solo travelers. If you are interested in a solo cruise adventure, check out the complete solo traveller’s cruise guide for more insight.
Verdant Wilderness Beauty and Diverse Wildlife
Best Time to Visit
Travel time to cruise in Alaska also differs from that of Antarctica cruises. Being in the Northern Hemisphere, the best time to sail on Alaskan waters is during the summer months: June to September.
Cons
Similar Cruises in Europe
Alaska cruises offer a uniqueness in terms of a magical icy climate brimming with glaciers, coastal mountains, and fjords. However, this type of scenery isn’t rare to find. To experience similar scenery, you can also consider checking out Scandinavian or Icelandic cruises in Europe. Many travelers from the world’s eastern part find these cruises more accessible and convenient to reach.
Uncertain Weather
Though the weather is always cold in Alaska, it is expected to fluctuate. The days are longer in summer, but that doesn’t make much difference in the chilly weather. If you are wondering what to wear on a cruise in Alaska, the answer is layers of warm clothing, including woollens and thermals. On some days, heavy fog can lower the visibility so much that you would not be able to see any stunning scenery. Alaskan summers, even during the period of midnight sun, don’t guarantee bright, sunny days. The region is prone to unpredictable winds and rainfall.
Conclusion
Antarctica cruises have become more popular than ever. For someone who loves the frosty white snowscapes and deep blue waters and does not mind braving the turbulent waves, Antarctica beckons for the most surreal experience. It is an amazing way to set foot on the seventh continent of the world. With its vast, untouched landscape, Antarctica is an adventurer’s paradise, offering an experience like no other. Alaska, however, is close to human-inhabited areas and has some of the most beautiful national parks in the world and miles of coastline, making it a great place for whale watching and wildlife viewing. Choose Alaska if you want wintry scenery and an affordable, accessible experience in the Northern Hemisphere. Choose Antarctica cruises if you are yearning for an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime nature adventure. Likewise, you can also check out the Arctic vs. Antarctic cruises distinction to get a broader choice of options.
