An Honest Reflection on Our Once-in-a-Lifetime Antarctica Cruise Adventure
As a travel blogger committed to sharing the full spectrum of experiences, both good and bad, I find it essential to be transparent about our journey to Antarctica. Last December and into January, Max and I embarked on an 18-day adventure, including a once-in-a-lifetime 16-day Antarctica cruise with Princess Cruise Line. The anticipation for this trip was almost overwhelming. I couldn’t stop thinking about the adventure ahead, even knowing we wouldn’t set foot on the Antarctic continent. The sheer excitement was tangible.
However, once the trip concluded, I struggled to muster the motivation to write about our experience. Initially, I thought my reluctance stemmed from the realization that I might just not be a cruise person. After months of introspection, I realized my lack of motivation was tied to a deeper, more complex issue: my intrinsic human need to engage all my senses when exploring new places. While we could see, smell, and hear the Antarctic surroundings, we couldn’t touch the ice, the land, or the ice-cold water, which left me feeling somewhat unfulfilled. This realization made me feel ungrateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, as if my inability to write about it somehow diminished the incredible journey we had.
Knowing from the outset that we wouldn’t be able to set foot on Antarctic soil didn’t lessen the initial disappointment, but it certainly didn’t diminish the awe-inspiring experience that followed. After giving space to these emotions, I became overwhelmed with just how incredibly fortunate I am to have had my body transported to a part of the world that most people never get to see with their own eyes. In these months of silence, it allowed me to do some soul-searching and truly appreciate how lucky I am to live the life I do.
This realization led me to ponder the human desire to manipulate and interact physically with our environment. Was my disappointment selfish, driven by a need to touch and claim a part of one of the world’s last untouched frontiers? Perhaps. Regardless, this internal conflict delayed my ability to articulate our experience. Then later, it was further delayed by feelings of being overwhelmed and replaying each beautiful moment of the trip over and over in my head with no end in sight with how to organize my thoughts.
In the spirit of honesty and transparency, here are the reasons you should NEVER go on an Antartica cruise.
Reason Number One: The Views Are Too Beautiful
Our adventure commenced with an eight-hour flight to Santiago, Chile from Miami. The same day, we explored the vibrant city of Santiago, soaking in its rich culture and history.
The next day, we took a two-hour taxi ride from Santiago to San Antonio, where the port was located. As we boarded the ship, the excitement in the air was electric. The anticipation of the journey ahead filled us with joy and wonder.
The first two days at sea provided ample time to relax and explore the ship. We attended insightful lectures, indulged in delicious cuisine, and made new friends with fellow travelers who shared our enthusiasm for the upcoming adventure.
The Strait of Magellan and Punta Arenas
Navigating through the Strait of Magellan on was a breathtaking experience. The rugged landscape and the historical significance of this passage left us in awe. We could feel the weight of history as we sailed through waters that had been navigated by explorers centuries ago.
Our first port stop was Punta Arenas. A charming city rich in culture and history. We spent the day exploring local sites, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere, and appreciating the unique blend of old and new.
The journey took an unexpected turn on day 6 when our scheduled stop at Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, was cancelled due to weather conditions. We also had to forgo scenic cruising around Cape Horn as we entered the Drake Passage. The notorious passage lived up to its reputation with rough seas that tested our resilience and added an element of adventure to our voyage.
Reason Number Two: Too Much Excitement
Our excitement reached its peak when we finally arrived in Antarctica on day 8. Elephant Island is a rugged, ice-covered island located in the Southern Ocean, near the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. Part of the South Shetland Islands, it is named after the elephant seals that early explorers observed on its shores. The island is historically significant as the site where the crew of Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated Endurance expedition took refuge in 1916 after their ship was crushed by pack ice. The island features steep cliffs, glaciers, and harsh weather conditions, making it a remote and inhospitable environment. Despite its challenging landscape, Elephant Island is home to diverse wildlife, including penguins, seals, and seabirds, which thrive in its icy waters.
After cruising around the rugged landscape of Elephant Island, our adventure took an exciting turn! The captain achieved the seemingly impossible! Due to perfect conditions and precise navigation, our ship became only the second cruise vessel ever (at that time) to lay eyes on A23A, the largest iceberg in the world.
This colossal iceberg, with its flat top and steep sides, spans an area of approximately 4,250 square kilometers (1,640 square miles), making A23A roughly equivalent to about 5.4 times the size of New York City in terms of area. The sight of this immense, pristine block of ice floating serenely in the open sea was nothing short of breathtaking, a powerful reminder of the awe-inspiring natural forces that shape our planet.
Reason Number Three: Risk of Being Captivated by Penguins and Whales
On day 9 we did scenic cruising through Admiralty Bay. This route allowed us to witness several research stations and observe the local wildlife. The sight of humpback whales breaching and penguins waddling along the ice floes was a highlight of our trip. These moments were a stark reminder of the incredible biodiversity that thrives in such harsh conditions.
As we continued our journey through Charlotte Bay on day 10, we were treated to spectacular views that seemed almost otherworldly. The extended daylight, with sunset after 11 pm and sunrise at 2:58 am, added a surreal quality to the experience, making it feel like we were in a different realm altogether.
Our last day in Antarctica was spent cruising around Deception Island. Deception Island earned its name from its deceptive appearance as a calm, sheltered harbor. However, it is actually the flooded caldera of an active volcano, creating a unique and dramatic landscape.
Heading back through the Drake Passage, a sense of bittersweet farewell lingered in the air. The realization that we were leaving such an extraordinary place was accompanied by deep gratitude for the unforgettable experiences we had in this remote and awe-inspiring corner of the world.
The return journey through the Drake Passage on day 12 was another day of rough seas, reinforcing the adventurous spirit of our voyage.
Reason Number Four: Overwhelmingly Exciting Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounters
On day 14 we ported at the Falkland Islands. After setting foot on the Falkland Islands, we were whisked away in jeeps for an exhilarating over-hour drive across the vast plains of the island by Port Louis Tours. Our destination was Seal Bay, a privately-owned property where we were privileged to observe multiple breeds of penguins, including Rockhoppers and Gentoos. This area, known for its stunning scenery and rich biodiversity, has strict visitor limits set by the family who owns the property. This ensures the safety and happiness of the penguins in their natural habitat, allowing us to witness these incredible creatures up close without disturbing their environment.
Following our time at Seal Bay, we embarked on a short drive to another part of the island. Here, we were treated to breathtaking scenery and sightings of King and Magellanic penguins. As we enjoyed a leisurely bagged lunch, surrounded by the sights and sounds of this pristine environment, the experience of being in such close proximity to these majestic birds was truly unforgettable.
As we sailed towards Montevideo, we had time to reflect on our journey. A day at sea on day 15 allowed us to relax and share stories with fellow travelers, reminiscing about the highlights of our trip.
Arriving in Montevideo on day 16 we explored the vibrant capital of Uruguay, soaking in its rich culture and history. Our final destination, Buenos Aires, awaited us on day 17. The lively city provided a perfect end to our incredible journey with its lively atmosphere and charming streets.
Reason Number Five: Too Many Fascinating Lectures, Activities and Cocktails
You might wonder what fills the days at sea when we were unable to disembark. Some days began with attending fascinating lectures led by destination specialists, wildlife experts, naturalists, scientists, and other specialists in their fields. These sessions deepened our understanding of the places we would visit and the wildlife we would encounter, adding layers of knowledge to our journey.
The ship’s crew always had a diverse itinerary of activities planned, ensuring there was never a dull moment. From engaging in onboard games and activities to enjoying leisurely walks along the ship’s decks, we kept active and immersed in the ever-changing oceanic landscapes. It was a unique experience to witness the transitions in weather as we crossed different regions of the ocean – from needing shorts under the sun, to bundling up in a winter coat against the chill, and then just a light coat as we sailed through various climates in one trip, experiencing all four seasons.
During colder spells, we found warmth and comfort next to panoramic windows with our favorite drinks in hand and binoculars at the ready to spot marine life and distant ships. It was during these moments that we forged new friendships, such as with a sweet couple celebrating their honeymoon, with whom we often shared drinks and stories.
One of the highlights of our days at sea was slipping into our swimsuits and indulging in the ship’s hot tubs. The contrast of warm waters against the cool Antarctic air provided not only relaxation but also stunning photo opportunities, with massive icebergs as our backdrop.
Throughout our voyage, the crew’s kindness and hospitality made every day onboard feel like a celebration of exploration and camaraderie. Whether it was gathering for lectures, enjoying drinks with newfound friends, or marveling at the ocean’s wonders from the hot tub, our days at sea were filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable moments.
Reason Number Six: To Many Life Changing Moments
From witnessing the majesty of humpback whales and penguins to engaging in fascinating lectures and taking in the breathtaking scenery, we are incredibly grateful for the journey. This voyage taught me a lot about the importance of taking a moment to reflect and consider the bigger picture. It’s okay to feel disappointed in a moment, but pausing to think about what’s happening around you can often lead to a shift in perspective. Most of the time, a change in perspective is all you need to see things in a new light. The camaraderie we shared with fellow travelers, the warmth of the ship’s crew, and the beauty of the oceanic landscapes all contributed to making this voyage unforgettable.
Exploring Antarctica on this cruise was a dream come true, and sharing my journey with you has been a joy allowing me to relive all my favorite moments! But my passion for travel extends beyond just blogging; I’m also a professional travel planner, dedicated to helping others craft their own unforgettable adventures! If you’re inspired by my Antarctica Cruise and are ready to embark on your own expedition, click here to start planning your trip to Antarctica. Let’s make your travel dreams a reality!
