Crossing the Antarctic Circle, seeing Penguin rookeries, Elephant Seals, pack ice and Ross Sea ice shelf. Storm Force 10 in the roaring forties was dramatic, unfortunately a couple passengers suffered bruised/cracked ribs and a fair number shaken up. The cruise ship "World" was one day behind us during our tour of the Ross Sea. It was a surprise we were not alone but that such a large vessel had sailed so far South. Seem regulations will stiffen in 2018 requiring vessels to be polar strengthened and banning heavy diesel and so this was 'The World' last chance to make such a trip.

Very good - but very disappointed that thick pack ice in McMurdo Sound did not enable us to visit Scott Hut, Scott Base and McMurdo Station. A chance to visit Scott's hut was the reason why I wanted to visit the Ross Sea and while the landscape and wildlife were amazing I am left I thoroughly enjoyed the icing but missed out on the cake.

Yes

Service and support provided was very good

Seems the general rule is a trip in February offers a better chance that McMurdo sound will be ice free. This year however is unusual and there is no guarantee that 4m thick pack ice present in the sound will have cleared. The ship operator's owner intends to retire next year. The business will continue to be run by his 2 sons, it will be interesting to see how they fair.

Thanks for organising the trip - very memorable