Great. If you are going late in February or March I would highly recommend a circle crossing. The feel and look of Antarctica certainly changes down there.

Spectacular. Otherworldly. Impossible to convey what it's like to some one who hasn't been there. And 'yes'.

Yes

Swoop were very helpful and we used the complimentary neck warmer things which they sent. We went with the ship operator they recommended. The ship was just the right size with 130 passengers, not too big, not too small, the 'expedition' element was certainly there but the food was also amazing. The enthusiasm, knowledge and experience of the adventure staff was also incredibly high.

The Antarctic is very difficult and more magical south of the circle in February and March. Definitely worth it. In December apparently the ships seldom get there. Our ship was the first to get through 'The Gullet' (a narrow short cut with lots of sea ice) in 7 years apparently.

I have only camped for one night in my entire life. This was it! I wasn't cold and I did sleep but I'm not exceptionally a fan of camping. I'm glad I did it but it's more fun to tell people about than to do. People who enjoy camping and even those who don't should do it. It's nice to hear the sounds of the ice in night.

The Argentinians are friendly, helpful and seem to be happy and relaxed. I very much enjoyed Buenos Aires, El Calafate (the glacier is very much worth a look even if you have just been to Antarctica) and Igaazu where the falls are spectacular!

The expeditions and landings were generally twice per day. We also had zodiac safaris in addition to the landings. The ship itself, the 'Expedition' was also small enough to 'go on safari'. The wildlife was numerous and spectacular. The icebergs (down south in February and March) were amazing. The shapes, textures and blue hughes putting any human artist to shame.

Take Argentinian Pesos for that part of your trip. US dollars are accepted in many places but Pesos are preferred. The 'blue' exchange rate being no better than a good one which you can find online in the UK and more 'faf' while you should be enjoying the country. Our ship accepted US dollars but a credit card with a good exchange rate will take care of that. No actual dollars were required. If you go late in the season definitely do a circle crossing. We didn't feel sick on the Drake and we are susceptible to motion sickness but we took just about every anti-sickness remedy there is. I wouldn't advise people to take everything obviously but a Spannish remedy called 'Biodramina' (pridoxine hydrochloride) seemed to be the main one to do the trick. I'm not sure that it's available in the UK so I'm not officially recommending that people take any medication for legal reasons! If you want a good adventure based expedition go on a ship about the same size as 'ours' (130 passengers). Small enough for plenty of landings and capable of getting into small places but big enough to feel spacious onboard.