An Exclusive Antarctica Expedition

My vacation began in beautiful Buenos Aires, Argentina. Like many capital cities, it offers a host of cultural and historical sites as well as trendy neighborhoods with a thriving food scene. I recommend flying in a day early to visit the highlights such as Teatro Colón and Casa Rosada. The Recoleta and Palermo areas are also worth a visit.

I caught a chartered flight to Ushuaia and set sail for the notorious Drake Passage. The unpredictable crossing was choppy on the way out so I was glad to have brought medicine. The Ponant team kept us busy with a full schedule of activities while at sea. There was plenty of time to explore the ship’s amenities, get fitted for the provided expedition gear and mingle with fellow passengers. I traveled solo, choosing Ponant for their generous list of all-inclusive no single supplement cruises, and found the other passengers extremely friendly.

Penguin sighting; penguins during a landing

I was particularly impressed by the onboard experience. I would encourage clients to try as many of the educational and entertainment activities as possible. The expedition team offered informative lectures and films on topics such as wildlife, glaciers and Antarctic exploration — all in English and French. There was also a theater show, trivia, high tea and live music. Ponant offers around-the-clock room service in all cabins and multiple restaurants. At meals and otherwise, I found the staff exceptionally accommodating with requests. The well-appointed cabins include a coffee and tea bar, mini fridge, comfortable seating, generous storage and a spacious balcony. A balcony cabin is especially important for Antarctica because, while sailing, the captain announced several wildlife sightings including whales right up against the ship. These were often fleeting moments so it is best to always have your parka ready.

Cove sailing on a Zodiac

Before I knew it, it was time for the first Zodiac landing in the South Shetland Islands. Over the next five days, I completed 11 landings and Zodiac cruises. For landings, the expedition team went ashore first, scouted the environment and marked off an area for us to explore. We were free to take our time watching the penguins, seals, other wildlife and scenery. I was surprised by the variety of landscapes including an ice-free island and the caldera of an active volcano. The expedition team experts were always on hand to point out hidden gems and answer questions. At other times, we stayed in the Zodiac boats and enjoyed a guided sailing around a scenic iceberg-laden cove.

Caldera Island

I recommend Antarctica cruises to my clients looking for an unexpected, once-in-a-lifetime vacation. The indescribable scenery and abundant wildlife make for an experience you will never forget. Get in touch and let me help you plan your Antarctica expedition!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.