This was my first cruise ever and somehow I picked Antarctica. Honestly, it exceeded everything I expected.
The trip started slow with the Beagle Channel out of Ushuaia, then we headed south. The Drake Passage was apparently as calm as it gets and we had sunny weather almost every day in Antarctica, which I’m told is very lucky.
Once we arrived, we were landing almost every day. Hiking daily except the last day, with options to kayak and even cross country ski. Penguins everywhere, morning noon and night. We also saw killer whales and humpbacks. From the ship you really want a long lens if you’re into photography.
Food and service were ridiculous in the best way. Almost too good. Beds were turned down multiple times a day. Sauna and hot tub got a lot of use. The bridge was always open and binoculars were just sitting there for anyone to grab, which was awesome.
A few things I wish I knew beforehand:
Taller boots are better. Mine were fine but Lindblad’s loaners were taller.
Sign up for the igloo immediately if you want it. It filled up fast and we missed out.
Be friendly from the start. There were zero icebreakers and suddenly you’re all eating together. Everyone was great, just a little socially abrupt at first.
It was colder in NYC than Antarctica. The provided jacket was more than enough.
You will gain weight. Constant amazing food, desserts, wine, tea time (aka cake time).
The staff were incredibly relaxed and flexible. Yes, there are rules, but it never felt rigid. We even had spiked hot chocolate while cruising in Zodiacs, sometimes before lunch, which still makes me laugh.
The biggest thing though is the place itself. Antarctica is just… untouched. No roads, no noise, no infrastructure. Just rock, snow, ice, and wildlife. Walking there felt different. Simpler. It made everything else feel unnecessary.
Coming back to Ushuaia felt weirdly jarring. Concrete, noise, normal life. On the ship, things like “whales off the starboard side” or “penguins visible from the bridge” became normal way too fast, and then suddenly it was over.
If you’re even thinking about doing Antarctica and can swing it, do it. I already miss it more than I expected.
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