Antarctica
The Frozen Continent
For centuries, Terra Australis Incognito or the ‘Unknown Southern Land’ remained a mystery and an allure to cartographers, scientists and explorers alike. It was not until 1820 that a Russian expedition led by Fabian Von Bellinghausen aboard the ship Vostok first sighted the elusive continent and not until 1821 before man set foot upon the continent when sealers landed on the peninsula. Now, more than 180 years later, Antarctica has been famously explored and mapped by many nations carving a colourful history of high adventure, mass exploitation, cutting edge science and for the glory and honour of claiming the South Pole.
Today, the global issue for the Antarctic continent is it’s environment and it’s protection and a universal treaty ensures that nobody ‘owns’ Antarctica and the continent is one of global peace and scientific advancement. Pocket populations of different nations reside on the continent in their pursuit of knowledge and to expand and logistically support science and in recent times with growing concern of global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer, ‘the bottom of the world’ has received prominent attention from the world’s media and a boom in tourism.
Visitor numbers are increasing and a number of specialist operators continue to offer ‘expedition’ ships and cruises to Antarctica to experience the spectacular scenery, the frozen landscapes, the indigenous and stunning flora and fauna and a taste of history.