Antarctica: Cruise’s photo pro makes sure your penguins are in focus

Summer may be the right time to think about cool places to visit come fall and winter. Antarctica comes to mind, especially because a 12-day tour to the bottom of the world is on sale through the end of July.

Luxury travel outfitter Abercrombie & Kent offers a December tour aboard the ship Le Boreal where participants learn to take great photos from photographer Richard Harker, learn about climate change from “Lost Antarctica” author James McClintock and learn about wildlife and geography from naturalists.

Penguins and a range of seabirds, whales, icebergs and glaciers are the highlights of a cruise that sails from Ushuaia, Argentina, through the Drake Passage to points south. After four days, participants arrive at islands that they explore with experts.

To make sure you get the best photos, Harker leads workshops on board and will be available for one-on-one coaching during the entire trip. Bonus stop: the Palmer Research Station on Anvers Island where the expedition will deliver waterproof GoPro video cameras, courtesy of the company’s philanthropic arm, to researchers.

The trip begins and ends in Buenos Aires.

When: The cruise runs Dec. 9-20.

Price: Starting at $9,995 until July 31 (down from $12,495) per person, double occupancy. It includes cruise accommodations, lectures, guides and related activities. International airfare is extra.

Info: Abercrombie & Kent’s Classic Antarctica, (800) 554-7094 or contact a travel agent