It is only in the past few decades that anyone but the most ardent explorer has set foot on the Great White Continent. This glacial wilderness still looms in all its purity, and except for a few scientific stations, there is little human presence here. But, life does, indeed, survive in Antarctica. In fact, it thrives. Rookeries of penguins that number in the tens of thousands. Birds and seals in glorious abundance. The world’s largest concentration of marine wildlife. During Antarctica’s austral spring, a miracle occurs as the continent experiences a rebirth under the ethereal glow of the Midnight Sun. It is this astonishing phenomenon, that we invite guests to witness next winter aboard Explorer II. With her ice-strengthened hull designed for cruising through these waters, Explorer II can carry up to 394 guests. But here in Antarctica, we’ve chosen to limit her complement to a maximum of 199 guests. That’s important, since crowds reduce the number of Zodiac and shore excursions possible each day. Moreover, exploring this pristine land with Explorer Cruises is your guarantee of the highest standards of expedition cruising in terms of comfort, safety and convenience.