Rather than just taking a cruise along oft-sailed routes, why not be part of a true expedition style voyage? As a passenger on a sturdy ice-strengthened vessel, travel east beyond the Antarctic Peninsula towards the Weddell Sea. Here, the only ‘accessible’ emperor penguin rookery in the peninsula awaits on Snow Hill Island.

The route is rarely navigated and ice conditions can make progress slow and sometimes impossible, but, if the weather and ice are favourable, onboard helicopters will lift passengers to a location around a 45 minute walk from the rookery (so as not to disturb the penguins), and you will continue the journey on foot. If the ship doesn't make it as far as Snow Hill, it will position itself on the edge of the ice to try and spot lone emperors heading out to open water, and there may be trips by helicopter to search for individual birds in alternative locations.

Whatever the outcome, the beauty and emptiness of the wild and untamed Weddell Sea - with its striking tabular icebergs and abundant and varied life forms – will make this an unforgettable expedition of a lifetime for all on board.