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Antarctic Cruises - Holiday Destination

Antarctica is the southernmost continent on earth. Spread over the South Pole, 98 per cent of the landmass is covered in ice.

Devoid of permanent human residence, Antarctic cruises are ideal for those who want to see the extremities that nature has to offer in terms of wildlife and geography. Travellers can also enjoy a break from modern city or town life, while enjoying top of the range accommodation and activities.

Those taking Antarctic cruises can expect to see penguins and fur seals on the world's coldest continent, as only creatures adapted to cold can survive there.

At the Vostok Station in Antarctica, scientists recorded the world's lowest temperature in 1983 of minus 89 degrees Celsius.

Despite these temperatures, its glacial surface means that sunburn is common due to the snow reflecting the ultraviolet light falling on it from the sun.

Those enjoying Antarctic cruises can look forward to viewing some unusual meteorological occurrences such as the Halo phenomena, in which ice crystals reflect and refract light from the sun causing it to form rings and pillars of light which glisten like diamonds.

With no permanent inhabitants residing in Antarctica, the region remains relatively unmarked by man's presence as the Antarctic Treaty prohibits military activities and mineral mining in the region,

In addition to huge icebergs, those taking Antarctic cruises will be able to witness "majestic" mountain ranges and a range of wildlife in a truly wild setting.

The Antarctic tourist season runs from October to April and has seen numbers grow from around 6,000 visitors to 35,000 in the last 30 years.

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