A Balcony on an Antarctic Cruise?

      Clients are often skeptical of having a Balcony on an Antarctic cruise.  Why pay the extra money for an outdoor space, in what is reputed to be the coldest outdoor space on the planet?

      Having had a balcony now on two successive polar cruises - one in Greenland and one in Antarctica - I do recommend a balcony, particularly in Antarctica.  Here’s why:

              -  The Antarctic Peninsula is actually not as cold as its reputation would have you believe.  You’ll be visiting in the summer, when temps range from the mid-teens to the mid-forties.  When the sun is out, its not at all ridiculous to enjoy some time on your balcony.

              -  Even if travelers aren’t cold-blooded like me, folks will definitely enjoy the ability to step out onto their own balcony, briefly, for photo opportunities.  Having quick glimpses of whales, seals, icebergs, penguins and magical landscapes are all pretty constant as your ship moves from place to place in Antarctica.  Being able to step outside your own room, wearing (just about) whatever you are wearing, is quite luxurious.  Snap some photos, take in the views, enjoy your surroundings… without having to bundle up or dress more appropriately to get to a top deck public space.

               -  I really enjoyed being able to prepare for off-ship excursions in my room, then simply stepping out onto my balcony so I didn’t overheat.  Getting the timing right so that you are bundled at the exact moment your group is called to the zodiac staging area can be tricky.  Get too bundled, too early, and you start to sweat…. too late and you end up holding up the show.  With a balcony, I was able to be bundled early, yet still control my core temperature.

               -  Sunrises and sunsets.  Sunrises and sunsets in the high latitudes can be special.  They will be long, as the sun slides down at an incredibly acute angle - potentially then dipping back up before it ever gets fully dark.  They will be colorful, as the sun bounces off of so many different shades of white and blue.  And they can be at very odd hours, sometimes occurring in the wee hours of the morning.   Having a balcony allows for more enjoyment of this under-rated Antarctic highlight.