Common belief most people get wrong about an Antarctica cruise
An Antarctica cruise is at the top of many travellers' bucket list.
But venturing to the icy continent is a big - and expensive - undertaking.
However, an expert who have been multiple times says there's something wannabe visitors get wrong about heading to the isolated continent.
READ MORE: 'Always': The number one non negotiable for travelling with friends
For many travellers, an Antarctica cruise is at the top of their bucket list. Getty
You don't have to be super active or fit.
"There's a common misconception that expedition cruising requires a high level of physical fitness, but that's not the case," Robin West, VP of luxury cruise company Seabourn Expeditions tells 9Travel.
"Guests have access to a wide range of activities suited to different comfort levels, from Zodiac tours to nature walks and immersive submarine dives."
READ MORE: The filthiest item on a plane is actually something you bring onboard
However, if you're used the routine of cruising, you'll have to change your expectations.
There's no set schedule like on board traditional ships.
"Each day's plan is shaped by weather conditions, wildlife sightings, and the expertise of the expedition team, ensuring that guests are in the right place at the right time for the most memorable encounters," Robin says.
"This flexibility allows for unique moments, whether it's an unexpected whale sighting, a rare bird landing nearby, or the opportunity to explore an unplanned but spectacular landing site."
Robin West, VP of Seabourn Expeditions, has been to Antarctica many times. Supplied
Plus on an expedition cruise you're guided by professional experts on board.
Many companies also provide all the gear you need too, which is why you'll see photos of guests all wearing the same jackets.
Seabourn gives out Helly Hansen parkas and even waterproof boots.
Cruisers will also need to layer warm clothes plus bring sunglasses to combat the glare of the sun on the ice.
One thing which might put off cruisers is crossing the notorious Drake Passage to reach Antarctica.
"Yes, it can be lively," Robin admits. "But our ships are equipped with advanced stabilisers, and most guests manage just fine."
READ MORE: How to cruise to Antarctica - without spending tens of thousands of dollars
Some aspects of the voyage make travellers unsure. Supplied
He advised speaking to your doctor to get special medication if you're planning the voyage.
Robin reckons everything you go through to get there is worth it.
"Over the 15 years of leading expeditions to Antarctica, two memories stand out for me," he says.
"The first one was witnessing a pack of killer whales, hunt kill and eat a minke whale off the bow of a ship.
"Secondly, stepping ashore at Salisbury Plain in South Georgia and seeing the sound and colour of 250,000 pairs of King Penguins.
"It's like visiting another planet and that's why many guests find it hard to compare or explain."
READ MORE: How to see Antarctica in a day from Australia
