Luxury Antarctica

The Antarctic  season starts late October and runs until March. These are the only months of the year when temperatures are known to reach above 0 degrees Celsius during the day on the Antarctic Peninsula, and though the east tends to be colder, it is still more tolerable at this time of the year.

The most common option is on an expedition cruise vessel, specifically designed for polar waters. Most cruises departure from Ushuaia, at the very south of Argentina, some from Punta Arenas, Chile. There are a few options out of New Zealand and occasionally Hobart, Australia. Another way is by flight, departing from Punta Arenas, Chile, landing on King George Island near Antarctica, and joining your cruise ship there. Another option is by private charter plane from Cape Town, South Africa, landing on a runway in Antarctica itself.

Antarctica is the coldest and also the windiest continent in the world.  The interior of the continent is an extremely cold area, however this area is not generally the area you would visit.  On expedition cruises to Antarctica you are going to visit the the coastal areas or the Antarctica Peninsula. These areas have milder temperatures, during the summer months temperatures in the Antarctic Peninsula range between -2°C - +5 °C.   Some areas, like the Ross Sea do get significantly colder with temperatures down to -20°C. 

Yes, you can. To reach the South Pole, travelers will need to book a small plane that can land on the ice near the pole, where they will be allowed to explore the research base there, weather permitting.

Wild emperor penguins are only found in Antarctica. However you will not find them in all areas of Antarctica, only select Antarctica expeditions go in search of emperor penguins, so be sure to check this. Areas include Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea, Bellingshausen Sea, and a colony that can be access on a 2 hour flight from Whichaway Oasis.