i'm down in antarctica at the moment working on one of the british bases, but i've also worked on the cruise ships that come down here in the austral summers. much of the advice that's been given already is good, but it's worth re-iterating a couple of points. 1) most of the ships that run down here are small (50-100 passengers), but there are some larger ships that can carry up to 500 passengers (although they rarely run with more than about 200 due to landing restrictions). most run from ushuaia (the argentinean side of tierra del fuego) or punta arenas (the chilean side of tierra del fuego), but you may see some that advertise an antarctic visit as part of a route between buenos aires or montevideo and santiago. if the latter then you will not be doing landings - you'll only see antarctica from the ship. small ships are definately the way to go - they can do landings that the bigger ships can't, and you'll get more time in the boats than you will on the bigger ships. IAATO is the trade organisation for the majority (but not all of the ships) working down here. like all trade organisations they have their flaws, but they do have a reasonably solid set of environmental policies, and for that reason are worth making use of. 2) going to ushuaia or punta arenas and picking up a last minute deal is possible but is risky - you need to be prepared to sit and wait. in addition there has been a huge growth in demand for antarctic cruises since the sinking of the explorer last year. add that to the financial problems being faced by many of the cruise companies (which is leading to problems keeping the ships in fuel) and you get a combination that means that many of the ships are already running to capacity. but there are certainly good deals to be had if you have the time and flexibility to wait. 3) one of the responses mentioned the various activities that are available to passengers. be aware that not all ships offer these activities. 4) it is true that many companies will supply you with wet weather gear, but the quality varies. you're best advised to get some decent quality gear before you leave - i personally use the layering systems used by mountaineers. it's expensive but reliable and won't let you down when you most need it. you mustn't under-estimate the weather down here: i've had it turn from a beautifully calm clear sunny day to a force 7 with heaped waves, driving snow and a windchill of around 30 degrees. ski wear will not work in those conditions and you are putting your life in danger by relying on it. 5) time of your trip really depends on what you are looking for. cruise ships start coming down here from the middle of october through to the middle of march. at either end of this season you're more likely to get to feel antarctica's teeth - ice, biting winds, high seas and so on. however you won't get such good wildlife at the beginning and end of the season. in addition fewer ships run at the beginning and end of the season so you're far less likely to run into another ship every day. in november you are less likely to see whales - they tend to still be head south across the drake passage - but you will see many of the birds (including the penguins) sitting on their eggs. the eggs will hatch around the middle of december so young chicks will be visible between then and the end of january by which time they will begin to start fledging. you'll see plenty of chick chases at this point. seals will tend to be visible throughout the season, although the best chance to see young pups is late november through december. from personal experience your best chance of seeing whales is december through to the middle of february, although it's not impossible outside those times. 6) someone mentioned taking boost bars. don't bother - you'll be extremely well fed whilst on the ship and taking of food onshore is against IAATO regulations, although some companies will take emergency rations ashore whilst doing a landing.

i WENT WITH ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION.COM AND LIKED THEIR SERVICES.

an alternative way to sail to Antartica... http://www.barkeuropa.com/en/destinations/18-sailing_to_antarctica

Go on the smallest vessel that you can afford! We went with Quark on a Russian ship M/V Professor Multanovskiy on their "Classic Antarctica Adventure" through a company called Arcturus www.arcturusexpeditions.co.uk Commencing in Ushuaia, it's 12 days long and you get the opportunity to Sea Kayak, Camp (max 10 people), Swim and Scuba dive (subject to having open water qualification). Lot's of zodiac trips and only 48 passengers on the boat. But be prepared for extreme sea conditions - Drakes Passage. But go soon! Maybe combine with time in Patagonia afterwards and you'll need to travel light - internal flights have limit of 12kg per person - The ship supplies all extreme weather gear requirements.

Not actually giving answer but unsure how to ask Danny a question! I really would like to go to Antartica and take my 6 year old with me, which companies would take children (by the next season she'd have turned 7) She's a great traveller.

Oh forgot to add. Although it is way more expensive, the cruise out to South Georgia is totally worth it! South Georgia is teaming with wildlife and bursting with history. We only two or three actual landings in Antarctica, but about 6 on South Georgia. On that particular they do landins in the South Shetlands, Falklands and attempts at Elephant Island, where Shackleton's crew waited for rescue. Shackleton's grave is at Grytkiven, South Georgia as well. So, look into South Georgia....it's totally amazing.

Quark Expeditions, all the way. I went in Nov. 2008 with them and have to say that the smaller boats offer more flexibility in the landing sites and number of landings. If you go with a huge cruise ship, your time will be more limited at each landing, and you will likely do less. Check out Quark!

I have heard it is a fantastic trip to Antarctica, sadly, I was unable to go everywhere, but it is cold, as you would expect. i would find someone who has been there before and get them to help you, as they would be more experienced.

Check out Antarctica XXI, I went with them on 2005, one of the greatest trips ever! URL: http://www.antarcticaxxi.com/

If you're going for the penguins, best time to go is earlier in the season (Dec-Jan), for whales its later in the season (Feb). If you get the opportunity sleep on the ice overnight - it was the best thing I've ever done (that and going swimming - instant pins & needles)!

We went to Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego) and booked last minute on a "cheap" cruise. We booked on a small boat M/V Ushuaia and it was the best trip ever. Everyone on it was up for having a great time and because there were only about 50 of us it meant there were no limitations to stopping anywhere. You can hire boots and ski trousers and jackets if you don't have them but its not really too cold. Either that, or get a job working as a support staff for one of the bases. NSF american base (McMurdo station) has up to 800 support staff in a summer...

take lots and lots of clothes, oh and also take some "boost" bars

Small ships - yes. ONly 100 people are allowed to 'set foot' on Antarctica at a time, so more than that is too much. Check IAATO for a list of oeprators other than what Mick mentioned, o choose a company that suits your needs. And, it's cold ut not THAT cold. I went in March and when I left Canada it was colder here than it was in Antarctica. Go for it...the Drake Passage can be a WILD ride, take precautions if you're prone to motion sickness. Camping in Antarcitca isn't really 'camping' you barely get any time there, so read up on all the activities companies advertise.