Exploring the wonders of Antarctica is an experience unlike any other. Like a living version of a National Geographic magazine, discovering this icy continent is a surreal experience. Humans have been doing it only since the early 20th century – and one of the most popular ways to visit? A seven-day Antarctica cruise.

Whether you set sail from South America, New Zealand, or Australia, the journey to Antarctica promises stunning scenery and up-close encounters with some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife. From colossal icebergs to ancient glaciers, from puffins and seals to Whale feedings, the journey offers a supremely rich adventure as you traverse from continent to continent.

The incredible photos, videos, and memories collected along the way will serve as lifelong memories. But Antarctica remains a fragile environment and a seven-day cruise will give you the time to truly appreciate it.

For instance, rather than dashing in and out of glaciers and icebergs, a seven-day Antarctica cruise will give you the opportunity to get really intimate with them, stop and admire them from every possible angle, and even venture on heli-tours for a bird’s eye view. On longer cruises too, you will be given the chance to disembark and explore the environment, go on hikes, and get off-the-beaten path.

Cruising in luxurious comfort and style, you’ll have plenty of time to eat, sleep, and relax to a backdrop of epic sights. Working with international conventions, all tour operators are expected to avoid disturbing the primary Antarctic wildlife while on expeditions. On many cruises, zoology or marine biology experts are onboard to answer questions about the local habitat and fauna, making such voyages a unique learning experience.

Finally, selecting a seven-day Antarctica cruise can be more economical than shorter tours. With longer stays, you’ll also avoid the traditional time crunch associated with shorter voyages – giving you more flexibility to spend time taking in the incredible sights.

From scientists to photographers to serious adventurers, a seven-day Antarctica cruise is certainly an eye-opening journey that’s sure to remain etched in your memory for the rest of your life.