North vs. South: Where is better for a luxury expedition cruise?

Sail among icebergs, glaciers and snowy peaks that plummet into the icy waters below as you voyage to remote polar regions. Expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica take you on a thrilling journey to some of the most astonishing places on earth. But which destination to choose for your next luxury expedition cruise: the North or South Pole?

Here we’ve provided the highlights of both ends of the earth, so you can decide which one’s for you!

Antarctica

Some of the greatest expeditions you will ever experience are on luxury Antarctica cruises. This glistening, frozen realm is unlike anywhere else on Earth and will dazzle you with its dramatic and untouched beauty.

In this remote corner of the world, you can’t help but be ensnared by its allure. Follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest explorers such as Roald Amundsen, Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton on an Antarctica cruise. Discover a land where ice-covered mountains rise up against the horizon and huge glaciers calve into the ocean. This is a land where seals, whales and penguins reign and spectacular species of birds such as the albatross grace the sky.

When you embark on cruise holidays in Antarctica, the cruise ship will navigate across icy waters to some of the most far-flung destinations on the planet, taking you on a trip of a lifetime.

Known as the “Gateway to Antarctica”, South Georgia is a popular destination on an Antarctica cruise. The rugged scenery is punctuated by towering fjords that plunge into the water below. The island is a haven for wildlife such as petrels, seals, penguins, whales and albatrosses.

Because of its accessible location, mesmerising scenery and rich wildlife, the South Shetland Islands are another popular feature of an Antarctic expedition itinerary. The islands comprise glaciers and many more islands, including Elephant Island, Penguin Island, Livingston Island and Deception Island, where you’ll find an active volcanic cone which heats the waters.

The Antarctic Peninsula makes up the most northerly part of the continent and stretches towards South America. This is one of the most beautiful and accessible parts of Antarctica and is home to countless seabirds, penguins and seals. Meanwhile, the Antarctic Sound is an iceberg-strewn channel also known as “Iceberg Alley”. Its wild, dramatic scenery and eerie silence, occasionally interrupted by the sound of whales, is occupied by seals and penguins.

Top 10 Antarctica highlights

1. Zodiac cruise
2. Kayak among icebergs
3. Whale watching
4. Visit the resting place of Ernest Shackleton
5. Helicopter flightseeing
6. Submersible diving
7. Scuba diving
8. Visit Elephant Island
9. Catamaran trip among penguin colonies
10. Snorkel with sea lions

Arctic

Explore this awe-inspiring land where icy blue waters are strewn with giant icebergs and glaciers on luxury Arctic cruises. The Arctic is one of the planet’s most fascinating regions. Not only is the dreamlike landscape filled with wonder, it is home to an abundance of wildlife. Polar bears, seals and whales grace the land and water and the raucous sound of seabirds punctuate the eerie silence.

The untouched ruggedness and stark beauty of the Arctic has been the centre of attention for many an explorer seeking to uncover its hidden secrets. The Arctic Ocean is hugged by remote villages that are rich in diverse culture and a history with Viking roots that permeates the soul of anyone who visits. But its wonder doesn’t end here. Mother Nature has blessed the region with the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun, two of the most stunning natural phenomena. The ships used for Polar cruises and Arctic expedition cruises are purpose-built to access the more remote ports that the larger vessels are unable to reach.

Occupying the no-man's-land at the top of the Atlantic Ocean Greenland doesn't really seem to belong anywhere. Though it has historical and cultural ties to Denmark the immense island is not really part of any continent meaning it is often overlooked by travellers hopping 'over the pond'. But the mysterious island holds secret wonders in its stunning Nordic landscape; including majestic mountain ranges jagged fjords and giant glaciers. Sparsely populated Greenland is a paradise for outdoor adventurers keen on activities like kayaking hunting and fishing mountaineering dog sledding whale watching and scuba diving. Truly an all-season travel destination Greenland is also a popular place to see both the Northern Lights and the famed Midnight Sun which keeps the northern parts of the island sunny for weeks on end in summer.

Though Greenland's population is small and scattered the culture of the local Inuit tribes blends with the heavy Scandinavian influences to create a unique blend of Europe and North America that proves fascinating to intrepid explorers. Many quaint villages are scattered along the country's west coast including popular towns like Nanortalik Qassiarsuk and the capital city of Nuuk. Though the towns and cities of Greenland can't compete with global capitals in terms of nightlife and shopping the frontier feel of the settlements is supported by good infrastructure for active holidays in Greenland including good hotels and restaurants and interesting museums and cultural attractions. Largely unexplored by package holiday tourists travelling to Greenland allows an opportunity to trek off the beaten path and experience the undiscovered treasures of the north Atlantic isle.

Top 10 Arctic highlights

1. Dog Sledding
2. Whale watching
3. Glacier hiking
4. Kayak among icebergs
5. Zodiac trip
6. Northern Lights tour
7. Submarine experience
8. Tundra hiking
9. Inuit cultural tour
10. Helicopter tour

Learn more about your next luxury expedition cruise; give the Panache Cruises team a call on 0161 513 8200 and they'd be happy to help!