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From the depths of winter, when the continent is plunged into perpetual darkness to summer’s midnight sun and milder temperatures, Antarctica’s weather is like no other. While it might be icy and cold all year round, the Antarctic climate is one of dramatic contrast in many ways. You can expect a striking ice-clad landscape no matter the time of year, but what else do different months bring? Here’s all you need to know about the weather in Antarctica and what time of year is best to visit. What’s the climate like in different parts of Antarctica? With such a vast distance between the Sout...

Few stretches of water have a reputation quite like the infamous Drake Passage. Having claimed thousands of lives and hundreds of shipwrecks, this convergence of seas was once one of the most dreaded areas of ocean amongst seafaring men. Nowadays, with high-tech equipment and polar-ready ships, Drake Passage is safe to cross and can provide an enthralling adventure. But its history remains intriguing, to say the least. Let’s dive into the details of this mysterious route and the recent discovery of one particular shipwreck: Shackleton’s Endurance. What is Drake Passage? Discovered in 1525 ...

Swan Hellenic announces massive Arctic season sale to celebrate early launch of SH Vega SH Vega’s maiden voyages will form cultural expedition cruise pioneer’s Arctic season, launched with celebratory deep discounts to support trade partners Nicosia, Cyprus: Today, Thursday the 5th of May 2022 SH Vega’s maiden voyages will form cultural expedition cruise pioneer’s Arctic season, launched with celebratory deep discounts to support trade partners Nicosia, Cyprus: Today, Thursday the 5th of May 2022, Swan Hellen...

SH Diana is name of Swan Hellenic’s third and largest bespoke expedition cruise ship Cultural expedition cruise pioneer reveals name while reporting strong progress on construction of third next-generation ship Nicosia, Cyprus: Today, Thursday the 6th of April 2022 Swan Hellenic announced that construction of its third and largest next-generation ship was proceeding smoothly at Helsinki Shipyard, with more than half the structure already assembled and all but two blocks now delivered. Crowning the announcement was news revealing her name ...

Five questions about visiting the Antarctic Peninsula answered The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most accessible parts of the Antarctic continent due to its proximity to South America. It's also popular because of its relatively favourable climate, fantastic scenery and abundant wildlife. Where is the Antarctic Peninsula, and what is it? Known as Tierra de O'Higgins Land in Chile, Tierra de San Martin in Argentina, and formerly Graham Land in the United Kingdom, the Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost part of mainland Antarctica.GeographyPart of the larger peninsula of West Antarcti...

Swan Hellenic unveils next Antarctica season with generous launch savings Announcing SH Vega is to join SH Minerva for its 2022-2023 Antarctica season, the cultural expedition cruise pioneer adds two new early itineraries following massive inaugural success Nicosia, Cyprus: Today, Thursday the 31st of March 2022 Swan Hellenic announced its 2022-2023 season cultural expedition cruises of Antarctica. The new season will reprise the itineraries with which the iconic company so successfully returned to the waves thi...

The White Continent: what's there and why it needs to be on your bucket list A single colour attributed to an entire continent makes for an intriguing prospect. But what is the White Continent and why does it continue to capture the imaginations of intrepid minds? What is The White Continent, and how did it get its name? The continent of Antarctica is also known as The White Continent. Most of its 14 million square kilometre area is covered in ice. In fact, 90% of the ice on earth can be found in Antarctica. This vast ice coverage has earned it the appropriate moniker the 'White...

Swan Hellenic announces changes to 2022-2023 cruises in response to Ukraine crisis SH Minerva sets new course with additional UK Celtic discovery sailings, while second ship SH Vega now due to launch in September and join her for next Antarctica season Nicosia, Cyprus: Today, Monday the 21st of March 2022 Nicosia, Cyprus: Today, Monday the 21st of March 2022, Swan Hellenic announced a series of changes to its 2022-23 cultural expedition cruises, responding both to the tragic situation in Ukraine and ongoing COVID-related restrictio...