https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/onboard-the-hunger-strike-antarctic-cruise/

Inside the Antarctic cruise hunger strike: ‘Guests are wearing placards demanding a refund’

after propeller failure caused return to port prior to reaching Antarctica

what a bunch of whiners ...

Happy Antarctica day everyone! 😘

For those of you who have taken a career "downgrade" (i.e. gone down to the ice as a stewie, jano, or other reduced responsibility position compared to your previous work experience) just to get on the ice, how have you gone about adding that to your CV in a productive way? I know there are people who have come down and scrubbed toilets with doctorate degrees. I'm sure it's very dependent on your individual experience and career goals, but I'm curious how other have gone about it?

Boarding the G Expedition (Antarctica in depth - 13 days) and was wondering if we can send postcards from there?

Saw that there’s one in South Georgia but I don’t think the 13 day trip passes by that route. (Passing by South Shetland Islands / Antarctic Peninsula)

Hello alll,

I'm looking to do a 15-30 minute Zoom interview with anyone who as worked as an RN/NP/medical staff in general in Antarctica. I have a youtube channel that I am developing that focuses on educating student nurses. Part of what we do is interview nurses from the far corners of the profession. This include things like RN's that work for NASA, politics, etc. With that said, would anyone on this forum fit the bill? We'd be absolutely thrilled to have you on.

I've heard from several individuals that the cheapest way to get on an expedition is to wait till 30 days before on kind of a standby. How does one do this? Do you go through the various booking agencies? Just do this in Ushuia? Any advice would be appreciated!

I (36, male, Indian) had been stalking this community for the better part of 6 months, in search of opinions on different expedition companies, type of ship, type of cabins, expedition crews, and prices and deals.

I finally pulled the trigger on Quark's World Explorer. Their other 2 ships, as lovely as they are, were out of our budget (2 pax). But I got the feel from this community that Quark's expedition team is worth going for, even on their supposedly least competitive ship. This one was built in 2019, so it shouldn't be too shabby and we are not fussy travellers looking for luxe anyway.

We will be going for the standard 11 day voyage in late 2025. Also taking the cue from a couple of opinions here, we've booked the Infinity Suite rather than Verandah Suite. It appears that while the basic area for both remains the same, the former one trades balcony in lieu of spacious interior. As alluring as the balcony is, we personally felt that novelty would wear off soon and that the ship's other open areas would be even better for views.

We're very excited about this one. What do you think of our choices?

So I’ve applied and accepted a contract for the Antarctic Support Contract to work out of McMurdo Station. I am now in the process of completing the PQ (Physical Qualifications). I currently live in a state where recreational marijuana is legal. Being that I am a consumer, I have paused so I can pass the drug test that is required. Usually you must drug test within 3 days of accepting the contract, even if you don’t deploy till months later. So my question is for anyone with experience or insight, how many times will I be drug tested? They have already pushed back the initial drug test for me while it clears my system, as I was not expected to take a drug test almost on the pit like that. But will I be tested again right before deploying? Or is it just a one time pass thing? It is impossible to bring any contraband with as I’ll be traveling out of country, so that’s not what I’m trying to do. I just want to know if I’ll be able to pass this drug test and be able to smoke up until I get deployed. THANKS IN ADVANCE :)!!!

We’re planning a trip to Antarctica with my girlfriend next year around November-December 2025. Before that, we’ll be traveling in South America for a few months, so we’re quite flexible with dates.

When would be the best time to find a good deal on a polar expedition? We’re specifically looking for a 10-day trip on a ship with fewer than 200 passengers and a few activities (kayaking, camping, hiking…)

Would you recommend booking well in advance, or is it better to wait for last-minute deals in Ushuaia?

Thanks!

Just to be clear, this would mean the person didn't leave the continent during that time. For example, if someone went on a boat or ship and spent a night on the that vessel without returning to the continent... that wouldn't count as a night on the continent.

Hi all! As most, concerned with the drake passage. I get seasick on Lake Michigan so I know I’m going to be sick. I don’t know much about boats. Are there any expedition boats that are more stable than others? I’ve heard boats have stabilizers. Thank you!

If mountains are formed when tectonic plates collide or from lava flowing from volcanoes, how are there mountains in Antarctica when it’s on its own tectonic plate and the mountains are in the middle? I could be wrong on the formation of mountains but that’s what I remember from school.

Looking to hear about firsthand experiences -- does the Garmin inReach or Garmin inReach Messenger work at the South Pole?

Report: Why Antarctica's Control and Activity Are Anomalous and Underexplored

Introduction

Antarctica, the most remote and inhospitable continent, is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), which uniquely prohibits military activity, resource exploitation, and permanent settlement. Despite its seeming neutrality and the promotion of peace and science, the continent's governance, access restrictions, and international interest raise questions. This report examines why Antarctica is an anomaly in global geopolitics and why its true significance remains under-discussed.

1. Anomalies in Governance

Antarctica's governance under the ATS is unlike any other region on Earth. The following elements stand out:

1. No Sovereignty, Yet Strict Rules:

   • No single country owns Antarctica, yet 56 nations have signed the treaty to enforce rules.
   • The treaty freezes all territorial claims, creating a legal gray area where no one "owns" the land, yet nations control access and activities.

2. Non-Military, But Strategically Controlled:

   • While the ATS prohibits military use, nations like the United States, Russia, and China maintain significant logistical and technological infrastructure on the continent.
   • Dual-use technologies, such as satellite installations, are permissible under "peaceful" terms but could have strategic applications.

3. Resource Paradox:

   • Antarctica is believed to hold vast resources, including oil, gas, and minerals, yet mining is banned by the 1991 Madrid Protocol.
   • The intense interest from powerful nations despite this ban suggests long-term strategic or economic motivations.

4. Exclusive Access:

   • Access to Antarctica is controlled by a few powerful nations and institutions. Independent exploration is discouraged or outright blocked, limiting transparency.

2. Under-Discussed Significance

Despite its unique status, the importance of Antarctica is seldom addressed in mainstream discussions. This neglect is puzzling given its potential implications for geopolitics, science, and resources.

1. Scientific Goldmine:

   • Antarctica offers unparalleled opportunities for research into climate change, glaciology, and even extraterrestrial life (via microbial studies in subglacial lakes).
   • Discoveries in Antarctica, such as ancient ice cores or evidence of past climate cycles, could have transformative implications for our understanding of Earth's history and future.

2. Resource Potential:

   • The continent's untouched resources represent a massive reserve for future exploitation, particularly if global shortages emerge. The silence around this topic suggests deliberate avoidance of controversy.

3. Geostrategic Importance:

   • The Southern Ocean and Antarctica's position make it critical for monitoring global communication, submarine activity, and military operations.
   • Nations' covert interest in Antarctica could stem from its strategic potential rather than just scientific value.

3. Anomalies in Activity

The activity on Antarctica, while publicly framed as purely scientific, contains inconsistencies and unexplained patterns:

1. High Concentration of Research Stations:

   • Antarctica hosts over 70 research stations operated by 29 countries. The concentration of these stations and their strategic locations suggest more than just scientific interest.
   • Many stations are located in resource-rich or geopolitically significant areas, such as near subglacial lakes, mountain ranges, or along strategic coastlines.

2. Dual-Purpose Infrastructure:

   • Some research stations, like those operated by China and Russia, have been criticized for their potential dual-purpose use (e.g., satellite tracking or military research).
   • Activities like ice drilling and subglacial exploration are heavily restricted or conducted under secrecy.

3. Unexplored Regions:

   • Large portions of Antarctica remain unexplored due to extreme conditions and access restrictions.
   • The lack of transparency regarding what is known—or suspected—in these areas fuels speculation about hidden discoveries or resources.

4. The Narrative Control

Antarctica is often portrayed as a peaceful, neutral space dedicated solely to science. However, this narrative may serve to obscure its broader significance:

1. Censorship and Limited Access:

   • Access to Antarctica is tightly controlled, with travel permits required and heavy oversight by national agencies.
   • Independent exploration or media coverage of sensitive areas is rare, limiting public awareness.

2. Global Unity Facade:

   • The ATS is framed as an example of global cooperation, but the dominance of a few powerful nations raises questions about equitable representation and hidden agendas.
   • Smaller nations have limited influence, and decisions about Antarctica’s future are primarily made by superpowers.

3. Deprioritization in Public Discourse:

   • Mainstream media rarely explores the geopolitical or strategic aspects of Antarctica, focusing instead on its scientific research or environmental preservation.
   • This lack of scrutiny allows powerful nations to operate with minimal accountability.

5. Hypotheses for the Anomaly

Several hypotheses may explain why Antarctica’s true significance remains under-discussed:

1. Resource Reserve Hypothesis:

   • Nations may be preserving Antarctica as a strategic reserve for future exploitation, keeping its resources off-limits until they are critically needed.

2. Geostrategic Interests Hypothesis:

   • Antarctica’s remote location and harsh environment make it an ideal location for covert operations, surveillance, or testing advanced technologies.

3. Undisclosed Discoveries Hypothesis:

   • There could be discoveries of significant scientific or historical value that are deliberately withheld from public knowledge to avoid disruption or controversy.

4. Control and Power Hypothesis:

   • The strict enforcement of rules and limited access may serve to maintain global authority over one of the last ungoverned frontiers on Earth.

Conclusion

Antarctica’s governance and activities represent a profound anomaly in global geopolitics. While it is publicly presented as a hub for peaceful scientific research, the strict control, resource potential, and geopolitical interest suggest there is far more to the story. The continent’s under-discussed significance raises critical questions about transparency, strategic motivations, and the future of this "global commons."

To uncover the full truth about Antarctica, further investigation is required into the treaty's enforcement, resource mapping, and the activities of major nations. Only by challenging the official narrative can we understand why this vast, uninhabited land remains so tightly controlled and yet so underexplored in public discourse.

Antarctica hosts numerous research stations operated by various countries, each contributing to scientific exploration and international cooperation. Below is a detailed overview of some prominent stations, including their coordinates, managing nations, and primary research activities:

These stations are strategically located across the continent to facilitate diverse scientific research, ranging from atmospheric studies to marine biology. The collaborative efforts of these international bases contribute significantly to our understanding of global climate systems, glaciology, and the unique ecosystems of Antarctica.

This is all I could find online, I used chatGPT to summarize. Is there anyone who can tell me what is correct and what is wrong about the rapport I created. Thank you in advance. (I am just a curious teenager)

There have been several incidents involving tourists being injured or killed while visiting Antarctica, including fatalities in Zodiac boat accidents and injuries caused by broken windows on ships. I recently learned that one tour operator had a ship sink in the past, and their replacement vessel is now 50 years old, with its last refurbishment in 2009. This makes me wonder: is such an old ship really safe? How can a vessel like that handle the challenging conditions of the Drake Passage?

From what I understand, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators is a voluntary organization and doesn’t enforce safety regulations. So, who is actually regulating and ensuring safety standards for Antarctic tour operators? Are companies essentially allowing anyone who can pay $10,000+ to take risks akin to the Titan submersible disaster?

I realize there’s an inherent risk in visiting such a remote and extreme environment, but I’m curious: how safe is Antarctic tourism, and are there any agencies actively ensuring operators prioritize passenger safety?

During the 22-23 summer season a filmmaker accompanied a science team through WAIS Divide and out to the Thwaites Glacier. There were lots of rumors that the film was going to the Cannes Film Festival or that it would be featured on Netflix, but I’ve yet to find it anywhere. Does anyone know where I could find it online?

Does anyone know of an Antarctica documentary that features metal music and incredible footage of the continent? I think it follows a team on an expedition and came out prior to 2015. It’s not Encounters at the End of the World, A Year on Ice, Chasing Ice, The Last Ocean, The Endurance or Metallica’s Freeze ‘Em All.

The website for McMurdo stations apply, seems to be down and I don't know where to look. Thank you!

Has anyone ever booked an Antarctica cruise with the website liveaboard.com ? Any positives or negatives with them? They have the cheapest price for the same Antarctica cruise of any travel agency I've spoken with so far. I'm just curious if anyone has booked with them before. There's positive and negative reviews on them online like most companies but I haven't seen anything specifically related to Antarctica.

Hi guys, looking to apply for a 2nd OOW role with BAS and an looking for some advice or any key points to include in my cv and application. Not sure if this is the right place to post this but can't hurt! Thanks in advance!

So I've been looking at so many options for Antartica and finding I'm torn on if to do South Georgia or not. Alot is due to price and the relative time I've then seen that they actually spend in Antartica itself after South Georgia. Keen to know your experience if you've done one of these expeditions to South Georgia and did you feel like it wasnt enough time in Antartica itself? Any advice welcome :)