Visit The Icy Polar Regions

By Author: Jeff Hewson
Total Articles: 13
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Why take the same old cruise to a tropical destination when you can go on a true adventure. Travelling to one of the Earth’s Polar Regions – the Arctic or the Antarctic – is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that will instill wonder in any visitor intrepid enough to make the journey, while still being comfortable and safe.

If you are looking for a vacation that is well off the beaten path, but also like the organization and comforts that come with a cruise, then look no further than a trip to one of the Earth’s Polar Regions. Whether you head north to the Arctic or south to the Antarctic, you will experience an adventure that is breathtaking and unique.

Antarctica is the continent that straddles the South Pole. It is large – about two times the area of Australia – and is covered with thick sheets of ice that never thaw, even during the "summer" months. Antarctica is the coldest and windiest place on Earth. There is almost no land-based life there and no permanent human settlements, because the conditions are so extreme. All in all, not a great place to live – but a fascinating place to visit. ...
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The many Cruise Ships Antarctica attracts are filled with tourists that are more adventurous than your typical suntan set. They can see past the chilly conditions to the remarkable landscape and unique sea-based animal life, such as whales, seals, and water birds. Of course, no trip to the Antarctic is complete without taking a good close look at the penguins. You will be guided on either day trips or multi-night stays as you observe these curious creatures from close at hand.

In the other direction, Arctic Cruises 2012 will show you not only the same types of magnificent landscapes and animal life (such as polar bears), but also a glimpse of a distinct human element. The Arctic, as typified in Northern Canada and Greenland, is actually home to many intrepid outposts of human civilization. Experience the culture of people who live and work in areas most people would find inhospitable in the extreme.

No matter which Polar Region you visit, you should bear in mind that these areas are vulnerable, and tourism has an impact on the environment if it is not done responsibly. These areas are typically protected by treaties, such as the Antarctic Treaty System (a series of international agreements that started with the Antarctic Treaty of 1959), designed to prevent nation-states from despoiling the land or sea, but tourism has its own problems and can be a source of environmental degradation (through pollution, wildlife disturbance, or some other ill effect). For this reason, it is crucial that you choose a tour company that is committed to preserving the Polar Regions in as pristine a condition as possible.

A cruise to the Arctic or Antarctic can be the thrill of a lifetime. Plan carefully and enjoy every minute.

The author of this article is associated with One Ocean Expeditions, a company that organizes exciting Arctic cruises 2012, environmentally cruise ships Antarctica to the Arctic and Antarctic regions.