Show Your Pride in Antarctica With This Cruise of a Lifetime
Planetdwellers and Pride Tours Chile have united to present the LGBTQ+ trip of a lifetime in the seventh continent of Antarctica.
Antarctica has no permanent human population or government; the laws are mostly based on nationality. There are no laws prohibiting homosexuality in Antarctica, and the code of conduct on this icy frontier skews towards the values of adventure, conservation, diversity and inclusion. What a relief. Nevertheless, a Pride cruise such as this, spearheaded by the visionary Aussies at Planetdwellers, is just what we need in these fraught geopolitical times.
Vacationer is extremely excited to be one of the voyagers on board this upcoming Pride cruise. I eagerly await that moment when we cross Drake Passage as LGBTQ+ sailors and stand with our own rainbow flag on the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. Won’t you join me in exploring Antarctica in a luxurious expedition vessel, watching whales breach alongside the expedition ship, and even watching a gay polar plunge. I’m not quite sure I’ll be taking part in that but you never know!
And while I’m so excited about the glaciers, penguins, whales and seals, and placing a progressive rainbow flag on the southernmost continent, there’s even more reason to rejoice in the expedition! When it comes to LGBTQ equality, Antarctica is considered LGBTQ-friendly, with same-sex marriage legal in some parts of the region. Did you know?:
- Same-sex marriage has been legal in the British Antarctic Territory since October 13, 2016. The first same-sex marriage in the territory took place in 2022.
- It’s possible to marry in the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, and the civil code of France applies. France has recognized same-sex marriage since 2013.
- The non-profit organization Planting Peace has called Antarctica the “world’s first LGBT-friendly continent.” They traveled to Antarctica with a Pride flag to raise awareness about equality for queer people.
- For some time, the research stations on the continent have been known to support diversity and inclusion.
About the Greg Mortimer
The Greg Mortimer features a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, zodiac launching platforms, a restaurant serving excellent meals, a gym, a sauna, jacuzzis, a mudroom, and many other amenities. In case you’re a little bit worried that you may be “roughing it” on your voyage, check out the ship’s unique features and onboard facilities here.
This world-first new-class ship brings you closer to the environment of the world’s southernmost, coldest, and driest continent, invites communal areas, and has unsurpassed environmental credentials. We’re told it makes for the perfect base camp for adventures at the outer limits of human exploration. Brought to us by Aurora, winner of World’s Best Expedition Cruise Line 2023 – World Cruise Awards. Or take a tour by watching this video:
So, here are a few things I’m looking forward to in my adventure with 100 other LGBTQ+ seafarers:
Spectacular views over Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego at the journey’s outset.
The Drake Passage crossing, and learning about Antarctica’s history, wildlife and environment.
Wildlife experiences with many seabirds, including majestic albatrosses and giant petrels.
That moment, nearing the South Shetland Islands and the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula watching for our first iceberg. Then reaching the Antarctic Convergence when we are surrounded by icebergs.
I’m anticipating Zodiac excursions and wandering along pebbly beaches, visiting penguin rookeries, and hiking to snow-covered ridgelines to gaze at snowy mountains and ice-speckled oceans.
I’m looking forward to the freshest air on earth, the greatest views in the world, days filled with light, skies filled with stars—and specially-curated, hosted events onboard the ship, where we can all relax and make new friends and swap stories after an exhilarating day.
On sea days, I’m sure I’ll be enjoying the facilities on board the vessel, including the gym, sauna and jacuzzis or relaxing in one of the observation lounges and gazing out at the white continent. I know I’ll be in expert hands, and I know I will be entertained. The Divine Miss Bete will be joining our expedition, and it wouldn’t be a Pride cruise without that endangered art form, drag.
I just know it will be the trip of a lifetime!
