Coolest Cover Ever: Abercrombie & Kent and SI Swimsuit in Antarctica

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2013, which will hit newsstands and launch online at www.si.com/swimsuit on February 12, was shot on all seven continents, a first for the magazine, which is celebrating its 50th issue. The historic fashion moment is front and center as Kate Upton lands the cover for the second year in a row, capturing her set against the Antarctica backdrop.

"We wanted to make history with an issue that captured the excitement and adventure of some of the world's most exotic places," explains SI Swimsuit's Senior Editor MJ Day. "The most challenging location proved to be Antarctica, so we turned to luxury adventure travel experts Abercrombie & Kent. Their expertise helped make this epic journey for SI Swimsuit picture perfect."

Interesting facts about the SI Swimsuit and A&K Antarctica photo shoot:

• Length: 10 days from Ushuaia, Argentina, to the Antarctic Peninsula and back
• Number of people: 12
• Most challenging outside temperature: 23 degrees Fahrenheit with 20 knot winds
• Hours of Daylight: the long days in December meant it was light enough to shoot outside until midnight

"We were honored that Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2013 came to us with this logistical challenge," said Abercrombie & Kent founder, chairman and CEO Geoffrey Kent who was onboard 'Le Boreal' November 27 to December 10 to insure every aspect of the shoot went as planned. "It's all about organization and timing, and that's where we excel. A&K is known for providing unexpected comforts and amenities in remote destinations. What made this opportunity so special for us is that it was the culmination of Abercrombie & Kent's 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2012."

Aside from the cover, inside SI Swimsuit 2013, a multi-page spread pictures model Kate Upton sporting the latest high fashion swimwear, framed by glaciers and icebergs, and even curious penguins. Blessed with unusually good weather, Kate is also seen relaxing on the sundeck of the luxurious adventure cruise ship, 'Le Boreal,' on which the crew travelled to Antarctica and back.

Additionally, SI Swimsuit 2013 will reveal exclusive behind-the-scenes footage with “The Making of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2013: 7 Continents, 17 Wonders,” airing on The Travel Channel on February 17 at 8pm EST.

To view more footage of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit filming in around the world visit: https://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2013_swimsuit/video/

Dates and prices for all Antarctica journeys with A&K have been announced for December 2013 and January 2014. Call 800 554 7094 or visit www.abercrombiekent.com for more information.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Sports Illustrated