If there is one place on earth that makes a person feel like they are on another planet, it has to be the awe-inspiring continent of Antarctica.

This cold, dry and windy ice-covered landmass, has no permanent residents, no reptiles and not even a time zone, but still tops the bucket list of luxury seeking travelers, despite the harsh polar conditions.

If you are planning your luxury tours in Antarctica , this travel guide will show you how to get the most out of your trip to the seventh continent.

Getting to Antarctica

While a cruise is a common way to travel to Antarctica, the journey takes two days,(one way), on sea and involves crossing the Drake's Passage, one of Earth's roughed waterways, which most people wish to avoid.

It is recommended to opt for a flight+cruise package from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island, which takes two hours as opposed to two days of sailing, and avoids the notorious Drake's Passage as well.

As you alight from your small jet plane, a Zodiac boat will take you to an awaiting cruise ship for cruising in the calm waters of the western Antarctic peninsula and see the same landscape and wildlife as on the longer cruise. After the cruise is over, you will be flown back to Punta Arenas.

Best time to visit Antarctica

The polar ice breaks up between the months of November to March and is the only period which allows cruise ships to pass.

In this narrow travel window, there are lots of variations on what you wish to see on your Antarctica cruise trip.

While November is ideal to view the beautiful coastal landscapes of Antarctica, December and January offer 24 hour daylight and welcome warmth. This is also the best time to see whales and penguins.

By February and March the cruise season begins to wind down, you see fewer wildlife, except for fur seals on the peninsula. However, since the snow cover is less, Antarctica is at its photogenic best.

Understanding luxury travel to Antarctica

Traveling to Antarctica offers a harmonious blend of comfort and unmatched experiences against the backdrop of the most pristine and isolated environments to be found anywhere else.

A luxury expedition to Antarctica often comes in the form of high class cruise liners featuring spacious staterooms and exclusive base amps equipped with all the luxuries you would expect from any 5* hotel.

Apart from the amenities on these luxurious trips, gourmet dining and services extends far beyond the ordinary, featuring the best chef's from around the world, observation decks for panoramic views and expert-led excursions to get up close to the wildlife.

Another exclusivity of your Antarctica expedition, besides the remoteness of the destination, is the limited numbers of fellow cruisers and the personalized premium services onboard.

This could be sipping champagne under the surreal midnight sun or having a professional photographer capture images of your unforgettable interaction with penguins on land.

The ultimate aim of these exclusive top notch services is to elevate the overall cruise experience and provide a bagful of lifelong memories for taking back home.

Planning your luxury adventure to Antarctica

Both cruise and basecamp experiences in Antarctica are perfect for exploring the region, but that may depend on your style and preference of traveling.

Cruise ships offer a diverse itinerary, plus the luxury and comfort of onboard amenities, while a basecamp adventure is right for those desiring an immersive land-based experience.

When packing for the trip of a lifetime, remember to carry waterproof gear, sturdy boots, binoculars and a camera.

Be prepared for adverse weather conditions and formal wear for onboard dining on your luxury trip.

Consult your travel agent for advice and recommendations and follow them to the hilt on your Antarctica voyage.

Whether you opt for an exclusive cruise or an immersive basecamp, there is no doubt you will encounter unparalleled beauty and adventure.

Luxury cruising to Antarctica

Cruise ships which sail to Antarctica are characterized by their state-of-the-art features and cutting edge technology to provide an exclusive and sophisticated way for guests to explore the breathtaking beauty of the continent.

The cabins are well-furnished and spacious and the large windows offer great views of the surrounding landscape and other ensuite facilities designed for ultimate passenger comfort.

Onboard amenities on the cruise ships can rival the best of land based star hotels by providing services to pamper and please the guests after an exhilarating day of shore excursions.

Evenings are complemented by fine world class wines to add to the stunning views of an iceberg or two drifting down the dining room window.

Moreover, the itineraries offered by these cruise companies are so meticulously curated to include all the iconic sites such as sailing through the magnificent Lemars Channel and viewing ethereal ice formations on Paradise Bay.

Encountering wildlife is the highlight of the cruise trip with opportunities for guests to spot seals, penguins, whales and a staggering number of seabirds.

These highly personalized cruise trips and the exclusive shore excursions are led by expert naturalists and historians that provide a great insight on Antarctica’s history, ecology and geology.

This enriching information and informative exploration goes into deepening the understanding of this unique environment to the cruise guests.

What is the basecamp experience like?

The basecamps of Antarctica present a luxurious bespoke and authentic experience to immerse in the heart of this frozen continent in a highly sophisticated retreat, literally in the middle of nowhere.

The very concept of a luxury basecamp involves creating a safe and comfortable sanctuary amidst the untamed beauty of the place.

Facilities at the basecamp are designed to harmonize with the environment and yet provide guests opulence as well as eco-conscious space.

Another thing which sets these luxurious abodes apart are the plethora of activities offered, tailored to the individual needs of every guest.

While some may want to explore the captivating landscape, others may wish to go kayaking along the beautiful shorelines in an area cruise ships cannot enter.

A prime advantage of a luxury basecamp is the flexibility it offers for land exploration that surpasses those provided by a traditional cruise ship.

Rather than just sailing past a region, guests can spend extended time on land to explore a specific area, to allow for a better interaction with the wildlife and the surrounding environment.

Last but not the least, the small group size of the basecamp members fosters a sense of community and hands-on interaction with knowledgeable guides and conversation topics that promote a far better experience of this extraordinary land.