A Journey to Remember: A Passenger’s Review of an Antarctic Cruise
Our incredible journey to Antarctica began with a thrilling flight into the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, where we spent our first night. We took advantage of our short stay by exploring the local sights and experiencing the culture around our hotel. The following day, we flew into Ushuaia, where we stayed for two nights. Our initial night was spent in a charming Airbnb nestled in the heart of the town. Ushuaia, though small, is bustling with quaint shops and delightful restaurants to explore.
On our second night, we experienced the luxury of a resort and spa located on a nearby hill, which was included in our cruise package. This resort was an oasis of relaxation, featuring both heated indoor and outdoor pools, along with a rejuvenating sauna. Although we didn’t indulge in any massages, the option was available. The resort also boasted a lovely café and a full-service restaurant, where we enjoyed a splendid breakfast the following morning.
Our luggage was conveniently collected from the hotel, and a complimentary shuttle whisked us into town. We decided to explore Ushuaia with a self-guided tour, finding it to be a worthwhile experience. Later, we gathered at the docks for another shuttle ride, which was part of our cruise experience. Upon boarding the ship, we were warmly greeted in the lounge area, where a delightful welcome reception awaited us.
We enjoyed complimentary beverages and a variety of delicious hors d’oeuvres, including sandwiches and cakes. The expedition team was incredibly welcoming, always keen to ensure everyone was content and enjoying their time onboard.
As part of our cruise, we were given a red parka to keep and take home as a souvenir. It was very high quality and more than enough to keep us warm on all of our excursions. This thoughtful touch underlined the care and attention to detail that characterized our whole experience.
One of the highlights was meeting Sergey, a member of the expedition team who has travelled to over 140 countries, including both the North and South Poles. His stories and experiences added a layer of depth to our adventure, making us appreciate the unique opportunity we had embarked upon.
Throughout our cruise, the hospitality was exceptional. The hotel manager and maître D were ever-present during dinners, making sure every guest's needs were met, including providing gluten-free and lactose-free options for those who required them. Their dedication and attentiveness went far beyond the usual service, creating a comfortable and accommodating atmosphere.
Marta, another incredible team member, was in charge of logistics and organized so many aspects of our cruise seamlessly. Her attention to detail ensured everything ran smoothly, allowing us to enjoy our journey without any worries.
We were also fortunate to have a professional photographer onboard, whose main role was to photograph and document our cruise. On the last day, we were treated to a stunning presentation of his work, which captured the essence of our adventure. We each received a flash drive in the shape of our ship, "Sea Spirit," containing all the photos taken, along with our itinerary and daily menus. It was a wonderful keepsake that we will cherish.
A special highlight was when the chef personally visited each table to gather feedback on the meals, showing a genuine interest in our dining experience and openness to suggestions or critiques. This personal touch made our Antarctic adventure with Poseidon Expeditions a truly memorable experience, underpinned by exceptional service and care.
As we landed on the Antarctic Peninsula, we were immediately surrounded by an adorable throng of penguins.
Learning about their colonies was fascinating, especially the fact that they have the right to walk first, gracing us with their regal waddle. Our New Year's Eve celebration was unforgettable, marked by a barbecue on the ship with a succulent roast pig and a festive atmosphere. My partner, Robert, loved these details, making our New Year experience one to remember.
The sight of seals lounging on icebergs and whales breaching in the icy waters was a breathtaking spectacle. Our guides, Martin and Yamil, led our kayaking adventure, where we were grateful for the kayaks equipped with rudders, which made navigating the icy waters a breeze.
The daily programs were a delightful highlight of our cruise. I loved that there was always something to look forward to, like the day when the cinema showed "Happy Feet." It was a charming experience, complete with both salty and sweet popcorn available for everyone, creating a cozy and cheerful atmosphere onboard.
Near the end of our journey, we had the thrilling option of participating in a polar plunge. Jumping into the freezing Antarctic waters was an extraordinary experience that left us feeling invigorated and alive. It was a moment of sheer exhilaration, and one that I will never forget.
Having a room with a balcony turned out to be the best decision. We were able to witness 80% of marine life from our private space, without the hassle of dressing and running through the ship in the cold. The personalized welcome note and cookies with our names in our room added a lovely touch that made us feel special. The excellent cleaning service ensured our room was beautifully made up every day, enhancing our comfort during the voyage.
All these thoughtful details and experiences made our Antarctic journey not just a trip, but a cherished memory that we will hold dear for years to come. The human touch from Sergey, Marta, and our photographer enriched every moment, making this expedition truly unforgettable. With 99 countries behind me, Antarctica became my 7th continent, adding to the thrill of this extraordinary adventure. The inclusion of the red parka was just one of the many ways the cruise exceeded our expectations, providing both practicality and a meaningful memento from our adventure.
