Historic region for polar exploration
Ross Sea, Antarctica
A region of islands, ice and scientific bases. The region surrounding the Ross Sea is also home to one of the world’s largest volcanoes. This is a wildly remote area, so more rarely visited than some other parts of Antarctica. As with other southern regions, the distances covered are wholly dependent on the weather and the amount of pack ice.
Background
Scott and Shackleton had bases in this area. A number of these have been preserved and visitors can get a feel for life there from the food and equipment left behind. There are memorials too to those who died. Today there are a number of scientific stations here, of which MacMurdo is the largest.
There are enormous penguin rookeries – Paulet Island alone is home to at least 100,000 breeding pairs. An incredible amount of bird-life, seals and whales may also be seen.
Relaxing
Facilities vary on the different ships, but most offer a bar, a library and an observation lounge where you can sit back and enjoy the magical scenes that you sail by.