FAQ

Do you need to be equipped for an expedition to go on a cruise trip in the Antarctic? After all, down near the South Pole it must be extremely cold.
• No, you do not need any special equipment. Whether you sail on the HANSEATIC or the BREMEN, you will be supplied with a warm parka coat that will protect you against the weather, plus a pair of rubber boots. What’s more, the average temperature during the Antarctic summer is plus 2°C, which is warmer than it is in winter in many parts of Europe and America.

I understand that cruises in the Antarctic vary. Where are the best places to see local wildlife, and what animals can you actually see?

We have provided a brief guide below showing which animals are present in which areas (naturally, you will not always be able to see all of these animals at the same time).
• The following live on the Falkland Islands: Rock Hopper, Jackass, Magellan and King penguins, plus cormorants, albatrosses and – if you’re lucky – sea lions.
• The South Shetland Islands are inhabited by Weddell, crabeater and fur seals. Chinstrap, Adelia, Jackass and Macaroni penguins can also be found there.
• On South Georgia, you’ll find albatrosses, sea elephants, fur and Weddell seals and sea leopards, plus Macaroni, Rock Hopper, Jackass, Chinstrap and the familiar King penguins.
• With a bit of luck, you can also expect to see up to 5 different types of whale during a cruise trip in the Antarctic.

The Antarctic is clearly a very sensitive area. Can you actually go on land there at all?
• The conditions imposed on Antarctic trips are very strict. No more than 100 passengers are ever allowed on land at the same time, and each group (made up of 20 people) must always be accompanied by an experienced mentor/crew member. Both the HANSEATIC and the BREMEN are superior-quality Antarctic cruisers designed for taking trips in small groups – nobody has to stay behind on board.

Do you offer land-based excursions during your Antarctic cruises?
• During our Antarctic cruises, we make frequent landings with the ships’ Zodiacs. Whether you sail with the HANSEATIC or the BREMEN, these landings are included in the price.

What do you mean by ‘Zodiacs’?
• Zodiacs are versatile, motorised dinghies with seating capacity for up to 14 people. They give you the opportunity to observe animal life right up close, and because there are never more than 14 on board, you’re always guaranteed a front row seat!

Are cruise ships actually suitable for sailing in Antarctic waters? How far can they go?
• Naturally, the ice represents a genuine challenge for any ship, but the HANSEATIC and the BREMEN both have first-class certification – called 1 AS (E4) – to ply the icy waters of the Antarctic. A reinforced outer skin and modern technology protect them from dangers below the water’s surface. They can therefore reach places that remain off limits to other ships. The journey through pack ice or alongside extraordinary icebergs provides exclusive and unforgettable moments for anyone travelling in the Antarctic. And due to the shallow draught of both ships, they can sail close into the shore and move deeper into bays than many other boats. Both the HANSEATIC and the BREMEN have already sailed the Ross Sea, thus penetrating all the way to the Australian and New Zealand side of the Antarctic. On some journeys, the ships have even crossed the Polar Circle, and some continue to do so to this day.

How can I tell if an Antarctic cruise is really ‘genuine’?
• The primary requirement for any ship offering ‘genuine’ Antarctic cruises is that it is designed to the highest standards for navigating icy waters. In this extraordinary region of the earth, ships’ hulls must be able to withstand extreme stresses and strains. You will therefore often see Antarctic cruises offered on less well-equipped ships that on closer examination turn out not to be what they seemed, as they only skirt around the periphery of the region. Meanwhile, the classic Antarctic journey is from South America to the Antarctic Peninsula.

What do you mean by mentors?
• Mentors are what we call the experts we have on board with us. They include glaciologists, geoscientists, biologist and historians – often experienced explorers themselves – who present passionate talks and tell you everything there is to know about what’s happening above, below and on the ice during your walks on land.

Will I also be able to find out more about the Antarctic while I’m on board?
• In order to enable the events of the day to be reviewed and explored in more depth, ‘recap’ sessions are carried out on board, where guests are able to pose questions about what they’ve experienced to the ship’s captain, the guides and the mentors. There are also talks given by the mentors. Film presentations on special Antarctic themes, readings and slide shows round off this programme of informative on-board events.