December Reviews

Kayaking with humpback-whales, breaching, spouting - and only a few meters away was probably the highlight Meeting lots and lots of penguins - and seeing them come pretty close to you, when you sat down quietly - was also fantastic The ship's crew - both staff and guides - were amazing and there were some great fellow travelers too

Camping in Antarctica

Seeing hundreds of thousands of king penguin on South Georgia

Truthfully, the sunset on the first night was otherwordly. However, the frequency and the amount of wildlife that we encountered on the trip was also fantastic.

Our trip was so wonderful! The ship, people, service, excursions, food and the entire experience were just top notch.

There were so many! I think the most emotive was the camping experience on Antarctic "soil", others include incredible landings with many penguins, to watch them in their habitat, the whales and orcas' viewings, the first encounter with Antarctica, on the early morning of our arrival, the ice closing on us in one of the landings, the so interesting talks about what we were viewing , the fauna and other subjects, the possibility to go to the bridge and look at the navigation instruments and the incredible view from the bridge itself, the gentleness and availabitlity of all the personnel that took care of us, especially George, Valeria, Lucia and Saskia...

Too many highlights to count - The landscapes and wildlife were stunning. I met some lovely people on the ship and made some lasting friendships. I was really impressed by the way the passengers were led to seats and were not left to find someone to sit with. This was particularly helpful as many were travelling alone. Finding that my great, great grandfather's ship (SS Great Britain) ended up in the Falklands and featured prominently in the museum. Also being able to follow my grandfather's route around the Horn, around which he had sailed nine times in the American wheat clippers. All a bit of unexpected family history. Stepping ashore on Elephant Island.

The stark beauty of Antarctica really opened my eyes to this part of the world. We were able to see numerous types of penquins, two types of whales, many seals, etc. And seeing the chicks was a highlight for me. The biggest surprise for us is that we made record time crossing the Drake Passage..as it was truly the DRAKE LAKE in both directions! We got lucky.

Well Antarctica was impressive with all its splendor.. it’s vastness, whiteness. And for a few of the coves we were able to get in. But South Georgia.. was the highlight with so much wildlife and the history. The museum in Grytviken and the church were also very interesting. All the penguins - thousands of them at a time was very overwhelming at times. And Malvinas was good to as we learned more about its history.

Engaging my girlfriend in Antarctica. But kayaking with a humpback whale was also great.

Camping on the Antarctic land was the most amazing and serene experience we ever had or will have in future. It was the best to dig your own "grave", sleep under the stars, hearing avalanche and having penguins and seals lying around.. Very very surreal and most memorable experience on this trip.

Too many things to mention. Kayaking through brash ice, over shadowed by 100 ft icebergs, the brilliance and purity of the light and air. The topogrophy was breathaking, very emotional, calm and inspiring.

Drake passage, Lemaire Channel entry, Paradise bay, Kayak, Camping....All will be cherished for life.

The highlight was having the opportunity to fulfull my bucket list in ,of my husband. The landscapes are breath-taking and the wildlife interesting. Watching the penquins walk, run, fly, swin was delightful. Seeing whales jump about was a sight to be seen ! Beautiful birds everywhere !! There were 65 folks on the tour - 4 continents, 7 languages. I was the oldest passenger. Many of the young chinese ladies, told me that I was their inspiration which made me feel good. They were delightful !! Biggest surprise was the rough waters the first night out, going through the Bransford Straight. I was very sea sick as were many folks !! A big surprise to say the least. The magical moment is simply the beauty of the land.

Up close with Humpback Whales while Kayaking..

The trip was incredible and I enjoyed all of the landings the most. I think the highlights were seeing all of the wildlife, like penguins, whales, and seals, and experiencing the stillness and vastness of the place. The people I met on the boat were a lot of fun, and I was happy that this trip had young people (millennials) who I hung out with, as well as older people. The only surprise was how much Antarctica affected me on a deep and almost spiritual level with its beauty and remoteness.

It was my life's dream to visit the emperor penguins. Whereas the other expedition led by Quark was able to helicopter carry 123 passengers over 64 nautical miles to the Snow Hill Islands on November 16 (2025), Oceanwide made a decision against it apparently when we were 50 miles away from the Snow Hill Island. Their reasoning was that the sea ice accumulation was overwhelming. After undertaking rigorous phhysical therapy for my arthritic knees for several months only for this once-in-a-life-time trip, this was was the most disappointing and memorable moment of my trip. I had booked this trip way ahead and paid at least $5,000 more than those who booked at the last moment. Including my travel insurance, air fare, extended hotel stay at Ushuaia because of canceled flights, I ended up paying about $22,000. I never expected to have this disappointing experience.

Seeing huge blue icebergs for the first time as we sailed by.

Kayaking among the whales

Penguin watching