These cruises depart from Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentina, and navigate the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands before paralleling the Antarctic Peninsula. Unlike regular “cruise” cruises these ships are smaller and you only travel with about 200 other people. Onboard these renovated Russian “Explorer” ships are scientists, wildlife experts, and those experienced in the region providing lectures and first hand information. Plus fine cooks and first class service.

Now there’s one less boat. This week the G.A.P. Adventure owned “Explorer” hit an iceberg and sank. Fortunately all 154 people transferred to a nearby vessel as this rusty looking but beautiful ship made it’s way to the sea floor. Even though the ship sank slowly, the images of people packing lifeboats in the frigid Drake Passage are stunning. Now they can truly say they are “Adventure Travelers,” and I’ll bet there’s one lady on board they named Molly Brown.

Perilous voyages aside this is still my dream trip – however it’s a bit above my level of budget travel. Every so often I do visit Abercrombie and Kent to check prices, read journals, and live the adventure, even if only for five minutes at work.

Images from The Sun. Check out the slideshow as well.

p.s. If anyone loves my blog enough to fund this trip – my Paypal account is currently accepting deposits. I think cyberbegging certainly would be more fiscally responsible than cashing out my 401k.

p.p.s I just read this after posting. If you’re looking for a great pun to make your friends groan the Sidney Morning Herald headlines “Chile Rescue After Tourists’ Ice Collision.“