At the southernmost tip of Earth lies an ultimate natural wonder—Antarctica. This is a nearly untouched, pristine land with majestic glaciers, exotic wildlife, and a continent covered in endless ice and snow, which is the ultimate goal on many people’s travel bucket lists.
One of the best ways to explore this mysterious land is by taking a luxurious cruise, crossing the turbulent Drake Passage, to face the splendor and desolation of the Antarctic continent.
Traveling to Antarctica by cruise not only allows you to witness its breathtaking natural beauty firsthand, but every time a penguin dives into the sea, every whale spouts water, and every landing presents new landscapes and adventures. It’s a journey to rediscover oneself and understand the world. 
When people think of Antarctica, the first impression is often one of ice and snow, with extremely cold winters. However, from November to February each year, during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, is the best time to travel to Antarctica.
The Ocean Endeavour is a six-star polar cruise ship that first sailed in 2021, with state-of-the-art systems, luxurious decor, spacious public areas, and cabins, featuring 102 suites, a 360-degree panoramic deck, two restaurants, three bars, an opera-style auditorium, and expansive outdoor viewing areas.
First, we will fly to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, and the next day fly to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. Ushuaia is a port city, serving as a supply base for many Antarctic cruises and expeditions. After a brief visit, we will board the ship in the evening, embarking on our journey across the Drake Passage, which takes about two days to reach the Antarctic Circle.
On the third day after boarding, we will land at the Great Wall Station on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. We will use two 9-seat helicopters for transport, allowing for in-depth photography of the 8,000 Emperor penguins on Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea. We will also photograph 1 million Adelie penguins, (South) Gentoo penguins, and Chinstrap penguins on the northern and eastern islands of the Antarctic Peninsula. The photography sessions in the Weddell Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula will last up to 5 days, ensuring a higher success rate for capturing Emperor penguins. In South Georgia, we will photograph 600,000 King penguins and (North) Gentoo penguins. The beauty of Antarctica is not limited to penguins; there are also ice, seals, whales, and birds…
Best Time to See Penguins
From mid to late October to mid-November each year, Emperor penguins are busy caring for their chicks, King penguins are indulging their young, and the smaller penguins are busy building nests, courting, mating, laying eggs, and incubating. This is the ideal time for penguin photography.
Emperor Penguins – The Largest Penguins
There are approximately 18 species of penguins worldwide, distributed in the Southern Hemisphere, mainly on the Antarctic continent and its surrounding islands. The pinnacle of Antarctic travel is undoubtedly visiting the Emperor penguins.
Due to the Oscar-winning documentary “March of the Penguins” and the BBC’s “Frozen Planet,” Emperor penguins living in Antarctica have become global star species.
Emperor penguins stand between 1.15 to 1.22 meters tall and weigh between 44 to 90 pounds. Their habitat is within the ice shelf, requiring helicopter transport to visit (as breaking through the ice would damage the shelf). Only about 1,000 people have the chance to visit each year. On Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea, there are 8,000 Emperor penguins. From late October to mid-November, Emperor penguins are nurturing their chicks, creating a heartwarming scene.
King Penguins – The Most Beautiful Penguins
King penguins are the second tallest, measuring 85 cm to 1 meter in height and weighing 30 to 34 pounds. They have a “gentlemanly” appearance, making them the most elegant, gentle, and beautiful among Antarctic penguins. Millions of King penguins gather together, mixed with thousands of seals, some sleeping, others playing. South Georgia Island is known as the “Galapagos of the Poles,” “Antarctic Wildlife Paradise,” and “Serengeti Plains of the Southern Ocean.”
South Georgia Island is about 160 kilometers long and 32 kilometers wide. Despite the year-round snow cover on the mountains, the temperature is relatively mild due to the convergence of cold and warm currents, making the sea rich in food, hosting an astonishing number and variety of species, including various penguins, seals, Blue-eyed Shags, Antarctic Terns, and Albatrosses. The sight of vast colonies of King penguins is breathtaking.
From late October to mid-November, the white snow makes South Georgia Island even more picturesque.
Small Penguins – Easily Seen Beautiful Penguins of Antarctica
The good-looking penguin species in Antarctica include the two taller species, Emperor and King penguins, and three smaller species: Gentoo, Adelie, and Chinstrap penguins. All are majestic, composed, and unafraid of humans.
Gentoo, Adelie, and Chinstrap penguins are less than 1 meter tall and weigh under 9 kilograms. They have distinct physical features. Gentoo penguins have white feathers between their eyes, and their beaks are red. Adelie penguins have a noticeable white eye ring, while Chinstrap penguins have a clear cheek stripe.
Gentoo Penguin
Adelie Penguin
Chinstrap Penguin
These three species of penguins engage in nest-building, courtship, mating, laying eggs, and incubation from October to November. From December to February of the following year, the penguin chicks undergo their growth phase. By the end of February to early March, the chicks reach maturity and begin venturing into the sea to hunt for food.
Polar Expedition Activities
Helicopter exploration, appreciating the polar beauty of Antarctica, reaching further places, participating in more adventure activities than regular itineraries, and gaining a deeper Antarctic experience.
Helicopter Exploration
Zodiac Tours
Landing and Trekking
Polar Plunge
Expert Lectures
A trip to Antarctica without these adventures is incomplete.
Public Facilities
Whale Restaurant
Located at the bow on Deck 5, the main dining room can accommodate all guests and expedition staff for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea, with complimentary wine and beer. It has four doors connecting to a 360-degree panoramic deck for spontaneous photography.
487 Restaurant (Bar)
Located at the stern on Deck 6, offering light meals all day, extended hours for formal meals, pre-breakfast, afternoon, and evening snacks. It also serves as a bar and cafe, a great place for guests and expedition staff to relax. The adjacent stern deck is ideal for barbecues and parties.
Polar Ambassador Theater (Bar)
Located on Deck 5, it’s a venue for group activities, meetings, classes, and forums. The expedition leader summarizes the day’s activities and previews the next day’s plans here, and the team members host numerous polar-themed courses. It also functions as a bar and cafe for relaxation.
Panoramic Lounge (Bar)
Located at the bow on the top Deck 7, the main bar connects to the top deck.
Library
Located on Deck 7, it houses books mainly related to polar regions and literary classics.
Spa Center
Located at the stern on Deck 7, featuring a massage room, hairdressing salon, relaxation lounge, gym (yoga room), and sauna, with massages using VOYA organic skincare products from Ireland, based on hand-picked organic seaweed oil.
Bridge
Located at the bow on Deck 6, directly accessible from the bow deck, allowing guests to visit upon request.
Changing Rooms
Located at the stern on Deck 2, with wider corridors, ample seating, and conveniently located bathrooms for quick changes into and out of expedition gear.
