Antarctica for the Holidays

There is a certain group of people for whom a warm, tropical climate is just not the right cruise setting; especially at the holidays. Rather, they would prefer to walk on frozen tundra; surrounding by white snow drifts where polar bears, penguins and white fox roam abundantly.

The opportunity to take such a trip is rapidly coming to a close. Crystal Cruises has announced that their last sailing to this breathtaking destination will be the 2009 / 2010 holiday season. A nineteen day journey will begin in Buenos Aires, traveling from there to Valparaiso and onward to locations in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. Not to be missed will be the spectacular sights in Cape Horn and the Chilian Fjords. Guests will also have the option of taking the full 62 day voyage, departing from Miami.

Discontinuing this cruise itinerary was decided for Crystal Cruises by the mandate of a halt to almost all passenger vessels in the Atlantic Ocean beginning in 2011. The issue held with the passenger vessels is not the passengers themselves, but rather certain fuel oils that are carried on board such ships that is necessitating this move.

One of the most amazing features of this cruise is the climates of the locations visiting. Stopping at the Christmas season in Antarctica, guests will have a full experience of a white Christmas that will accented by the wildlife indigenous to the area. For passengers with an adventurous spirit, the option to fly to King George Island and walk on Antarctica, visit a King penguin colony as well as enjoy a helicopter ride to view humpback whales in a protective sanctuary. As if this were not enough, holiday dinner parties on board the Crystal Symphony will truly exhibit the holiday festivities.

After leaving Antarctica, guests will then enjoy warm, summer temperatures of South America, as stops in Chile and other ports offer passengers hiking opportunities in the mountains and exploring the Amazon.

Those interested in spending the most amazing holiday season of their lives should look for more information at www.crystalcruises.com.