Antarctic cruises with polar plunge

The polar plunge is the voyage's rite of passage: a leap into water around 0 °C, usually from the gangway with a safety line, occasionally off a beach — famously at Deception Island's geothermal shore. Participation is free, voluntary and wildly popular.

The shock lasts seconds, the bragging rights are permanent, and a warm towel (sometimes a shot of something stronger) waits at the top of the ladder. Doctors screen participants on some ships.