allows you to go for a (very brief) dip! If you stay on land to investigate the


old whaling station, walking through the 2ft-deep black volcanic causes steam to rise up and drift in front of you, mixing imperceptibly with the gently falling fresh snow.


Another alternative was to retire to one of the two outdoor Jacuzzis on the ship’s upper deck. Here, luxuriating in the hot water with a cold beer in hand while South Polar Skuas and Imperial Cormorants hovered above, looking down on penguins sitting on the ice flows, is a surreal experience I will never forget. Ultimately, though, it is the large- scale experiences that leave you spell- bound – the trips on to the mysterious, evocative islands and the chance to walk upon the Antarctic mainland itself. All of the pictures, all of the films, all


of the TV programmes, they simply do not do justice to this magnificent place. Awe inspiring only begins to describe it. Do go – you will never, ever regret it. 


FRAM FACTFILE Built:


Length: Beam:


2007 376ft 67ft


Passengers: 400


ITINERARIES: Hurtigruten runs eight distinct Antarctic voyages, plus the classic Norwegian coastal voyage, expeditions to Greenland and Spitsbergen and some European cruises.


The 15-day Weddell Sea Adventure leaves on January 21, 2012, and costs from £4,212 pounds (not including flights from the UK). Price includes: full-board cruise; transfers; return economy class flights between Ushuaia and Buenos Aires, including current taxes and surcharges; one night in Buenos Aires before and one night after the voyage including breakfast; and wind and waterproof jacket.


MORE INFO: In the UK, visit www.hurtigruten. co.uk or call The Cruise Line 0800 008 6677.


Autumn 2011 I WORLD OF CRUISING 55


Berths: Speed:


254 13 knots Tonnage: 11,64


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