The ends of the Earth
The Arctic and Antarctic are otherworldly places of furious extremes, where unfamiliar rhythms and patterns will keep you in a perpetual state of wonder. Both offer glimpses of life lived on the edge, where there is little room for second chances. Both will strip you bare, turning you into a wiser and more humble version of yourself. - Kerry van der Jagt
Brought to you by Ponant Cruises
This cruise ship can go where other ships cannot
As Antarctica becomes crowded with ships, the Le Commandant Charcot can push through pack ice and into regions of seas typically only reached by military or scientific vessels.
- by Jamie Lafferty
The one destination no traveller can ever be fully prepared for
There’s an astonishing prep list before you can even set foot on the White Continent. But, in this harsh environment, even the most prepared can expect the unexpected.
- by Katrina Lobley
Europe doesn’t get more far-flung, or magical, than this breathtaking place
Created by volcanic eruptions and subsequently eroded by glaciers, winds and waves, this dreamlike archipelago sits halfway between Iceland and Britain.
- by Steve McKenna
How the ultra-rich cruise: On board the world’s most-travelled superyacht
Last year the Hanse Explorer clocked up a staggering 65,555 kilometres, many of which were racked up during charters for the rich and famous.
- by Rachel Ingram
See ‘the most beautiful place on Earth’ while you still can
Everything on an Arctic trip is delivered with a degree of melancholy since all the beauty we see comes with a disclaimer: best you see it now.
- by Craig Tansley
New ice age: 10 unbelievable Antarctica experiences
From polar camping to exploring in a luxury sub, there’s no time like the present to super-size your visit to the White Continent.
- by Katrina Lobley
Polar plunge: What it's like to take a dip in Antarctica's freezing waters
Blue skies and placid waters notwithstanding, it's counterintuitive to swim in the inhumanely cold waters of Antarctica.
- by Catherine Marshall
The world’s southernmost town becomes expedition cruise hub
A new departure hub designed to take pressure off Antarctic launch ports is behind one cruise line’s aim to help preserve this pristine environment.
- by Catherine Marshall
Nine must-do highlights of Longyearbyen, Norway
Huskies, breweries, fine-dining and glaciers: there’s a lot to warm to in this icy destination.
- by Craig Tansley
A place where the sun never sets (though you still might not see it)
Tourism is still a rarity when exploring this part of the Arctic.
- by Jamie Lafferty
Surprises come thick and fast in this remote, fragile land
A circumnavigation of Spitsbergen delivers exceptional Arctic wildlife in one of the world’s most remote and fragile environments.
- by Andrew Conway
See this magnificent place before it’s gone forever
I’ve read a lot about global warming, but seeing it so starkly in action is shocking, and it makes me wonder if I should be here at all.
- by Brian Johnston
Short on time? This Australian ship can do Antarctica at express speed
I’m doing what is surely the shortest journey you can have while cruising this remote corner of the world. But there’s still time to be overwhelmed.
- by Ben Groundwater
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/luxury-small-ship-cruises-20240503-p5foon.html