Answering the Call of Antarctica: A Luxurious Voyage on the Crown of the Arctic Cruise Through the Vast White Expanse

By Qiudou Travel Network | Photos by Haofu Travel

This is the world’s last frontier, the last untouched land—and a land that must not be spoiled: the Antarctic continent.

With an ice sheet averaging two thousand meters in thickness, Antarctica has no borders, no pollution, and no hostility. It is an otherworldly paradise, the last remaining pure land on Earth. Yet it is also the coldest, stormiest, windiest, and driest region in the world, cloaking this wonderland in breathtaking silver-white brilliance and shrouding it in an air of mystery. Thus, it stirs the adventurous spirit and curiosity of travelers, inspiring them to set foot on Antarctica, to stand amid its vast ice caps, ice shelves, icebergs, and towering mountain ranges, and to feel the immense power and wonder of nature.

▲ Embark on a luxury cruise to explore Antarctica’s fairyland—a once-in-a-lifetime journey!

Diverse and rich marine ecology—Beagle Channel
Begin your white journey to Antarctica by boarding a ship from Cape Horn, the southernmost city in the world. After two days at sea, passing through the 600-kilometer-long Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Gulf, you’ll enjoy views of lush vegetation, steep mountains, and glaciers before gradually entering the Beagle Channel—the meeting point of polar cold waters and northern warm waters.

The Beagle Channel marks the border between Chile and Argentina. Along the way, the towering Andes Mountains, covered in snow, accompany you as you head south. Passing through the renowned Drake Passage, the natural tunnel between the South American continent and the Antarctic Peninsula, you’ll explore this white ocean that connects South America and Antarctica. Due to the mixing of polar cold water and northern warm water, the area boasts diverse and abundant natural ecosystems. From the deck, you often have the chance to spot various unique Antarctic seabirds such as albatrosses, skuas, and black-browed gulls. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture these beautiful moments. However, because the dry, cold air from Antarctica and the relatively humid, warm air from the Americas alternate here, the seas are often windy and rough. While admiring the marine ecological beauty, stay safe!

▲ In the Beagle Channel, you might be greeted by black-browed gulls and other Antarctic seabirds!

A maze of icebergs at sea—the Weddell Sea
The Weddell Sea, located between Coats Land and the Antarctic Peninsula, feels like walking through a maze of icebergs at sea. Situated on the remote eastern coast, it sees few visitors, making it a paradise for marine animals and a stunning natural sanctuary.

The massive ice blocks floating on the sea serve as homes for seals, penguins, albatrosses, and various seabirds. Especially numerous are the cold-loving Adélie penguins and gentoo penguins, and it is also a breeding ground for Weddell seals. Seals can be considered the kings of this region, and they may welcome visitors with their ethereal calls.

▲ The Weddell Sea is a breeding ground for seals.

Experience the ultimate blend of “ice and fire” on Antarctica’s mysterious island
Deception Island, located in the South Shetland Islands in northeastern Antarctica, is one of Antarctica’s active volcanoes. Formed from black volcanic rock, Deception Island has a unique geographical environment and frequent geothermal activity, making it the only place in Antarctica where you can take a seawater bath.

It’s not easy for cruise ships to enter Deception Island. This narrow waterway has an unusually complex terrain, with a narrow active volcanic crater just 230 meters wide and a submerged reef called Ravn Rock in the middle. Therefore, you must first pass through a gap called Neptune’s Bellows, then navigate through the volcanic crater opening surrounded by snow-capped mountains 580 meters high to reach the calm waters of Port Foster.

▲ Come experience the surreal blend of ice and fire on Deception Island.

Head to Half Moon Island to admire the beautiful scenery of Antarctic mountains and glaciers
Half Moon Island, a subantarctic islet, is an excellent spot to land in Antarctica and witness the majestic surrounding mountain scenery—one of the most pleasant experiences. The 2-kilometer-long island features a crescent-shaped gravel beach and is a major breeding ground for chinstrap penguins. Additionally, Antarctic terns, southern giant petrels, skuas, and kelp gulls also nest here. Whales are often spotted cruising along the coast, and short hikes along the shore reveal waterfall-like glaciers and magnificent peaks. In summer, a temporary Argentine scientific station, Teniente Camara, conducts research here.

▲ Half Moon Island is a favorite habitat and breeding ground for chinstrap penguins and seabirds.

Travel to this secret land aboard a polar cruise that perfectly blends luxury and elegance
The Le Boreal, known as the “Green Ship” internationally, was specially designed by the renowned French designer Jean-Philippe Nuel for the polar climates and sea conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic. With 108 fully equipped rooms, each featuring a full-view balcony, it ensures every guest can enjoy the magnificent Antarctic scenery from their private terrace. Laundry services and 24-hour room service are provided throughout the journey. The perfect blend of luxurious and elegant design, paired with exclusive, private, and delightful facilities and services, makes you feel as though you’re on your own private cruise.

▲ Each cabin on the Le Boreal is well-equipped with its own full-view balcony to enjoy the scenery.

In addition to its premium cabins, the Le Boreal offers exquisite French and international cuisine, allowing guests to indulge in buffet lunches and themed dinners. Other amenities include an outdoor heated swimming pool, a large lecture theater, spacious lounges, a quiet library, a well-equipped salon, steam rooms, a spa, and a fitness center. The ship also has a doctor on board with comprehensive medical equipment, providing medical consultations and services throughout the journey.

▲ While admiring the vast sea views, treat yourself to a spa session to relax your body and mind.

Antarctica’s white crystal world is full of sparkle, vitality, as well as ruggedness and mystery. Let Haofu Travel accompany you aboard the comfortable and luxurious Le Boreal to this southernmost pure land, to uncover its rich polar landscapes and marine ecosystems.

More related information
▲ 16-Day Luxury Antarctic Cruise on the Le Boreal https://goo.gl/ueeAq8
★ Limited spots available for this exclusive group
Departure Date: [November 15, 2017]

For details, please contact:
Haofu Travel Agencywww.classice.com.tw
Taipei: (02)2778-0108
Taichung: (04)2320-2972