Highlight was Wilhelmina Bay where we saw whales up close and personal. Landscapes was surreal, and pretty amazing. Wildlife, only saw two types of penguins which was the gentoo and adelie, hoped to see more. People were great. Surprises - the ship decided to delay sail to the next day because we had to wait for 2 passengers who were late due to airport strike - honestly the two passengers should not fly in at the last minute to board such an important cruise and the ship of 100+ people should not have to wait for 2 people... - and also partially due to a 'storm' - but next day we sail we caught another storm anyway.

At first a very slow start, but later turned out to be decent and pretty good.

Yes

Expectations were somewhat met. Many places at the beginning were blocked and we couldn't do any zodiac excursions. Seems like sailing below the antarctic circle is ....just that - crossing a line. Expected to see a bit more below ...

Travel arrangement before - staying at the Arakur but having to check out early and wait a few hours before we get transferred to the ship - did not like this at all. At least some arrangements could have been made for us to get to the ship earlier or late checkout. Travel arrangement after - great. no problems. Did not receive the swoop neck scarf that was sent out to some participants!!!!

Zodiac departure could have been planned better. Split landings/cruisings were handled albeit poorly where the group dressed up in everything had to wait inside the ship in full gear which was hot!! Confusions about groups going to landing or groups going to cruise...

Maybe forget crossing the antarctica circle line... seems like there's a lot of time wasted getting there ....