December Reviews

A perfect day on Stonington Island. The temperature was about 45*F, no wind, and bright sun. We were off ship to go visit the earliest remaining US Antarctic Camp (circa 1940). The magic started as we headed back. The Greg Mortimer was in this small bay waiting for all the zodiacs to get back to ship. We were in no hurry... but heading back, the floating sheet ice was continually moving with the current and making a "jigsaw puzzle" effect in the entire bay. None of the 5 zodiacs could follow the same path back. It was such a surreal feeling zig-zagging back and forth through the sheet ice... each zodiac finding its own path in the quiet and still bay. No one spoke... no one wanted to break the magic.

The impressive silence (except for the sounds of breeding penguins) in the area, being so close to wildlife and respecting that for a full 100%

The entire adventure was amazing, I could literally highlight all the activities one by one. The crew was fun and extremely helpful, the food and the services were excellent and every little thing on the ship was designed to make sure that we had the time of our lives. What did I love the most? The animals for sure! I wanted to snuggle up with those curvy seals that always had a smile on their faces and I had a hard time not to hug those clumsy little penguins always curiously staring at us. Seeing a whale made us run to the windows or out to the deck every single time, even on the last day, even if it was 6 am in the morning and we wore nothing but our pyjamas under our coat. Last, but definitely not least, Antarctica is the cupid in my life's love story. My boyfriend had never heard of anyone dreaming about Antarctica before but wanted to get on board. One thing led to another and we suddenly were not only planning the trip but were also falling in love. My best and dearest memories would already tie me to this amazing continent but in Neko Harbour he also proposed to me making this journey truly unforgettable.

The only reason I wouldn't visit again is it's a "once in a life" opportunity! Going once was enough. I'm not sure I'd be up for the Drake Passage a second time, and it just costs a chunk of money to go in the first place. The highlights for me were Cuverville, Cierva Cove and Wilhemina. The landscape was beautiful. I wanted to go early in the season to see white - snow, icebergs, clear landings. And I definitely saw that! Blue icebergs were breathtaking. We saw all three peninsula penguins, seals, minke, killer and humpback whales - fantastic! The people were wonderful. There were only 63 passengers on the ship which was really nice having a smaller group. The crew is stellar, top-notch. So helpful, knowledgeable, and safety conscious. I will tell my grandchildren that I saw the great white continent and if they ever have a chance in their lifetime, they should go. It's truly a spiritual experience.

There were many- but cruising up to glacier at thee d if an amazing day with bright blue skies, the glacier in full view with sun shining and a leopard seal flaring by on an iceberg was spectacular. Zodiac raising with the humpback whales and floating among the icebergs south of the Antarctic Circle was full on wonderful!

Seeing a Cathedral Iceberg, South Georgia, East & West Falklands

The raw and natural scenery of Antarctica is spectacular.

We loved the excursions, especially kayaking. The age range onboard made it fun to hang out with other passengers, and the expedition crew was out of this world.

After going through all this it is tough to see doing it again with out some incentive and other vacationplans to feel as if we might accomplish something

The multitude of wildlife on S Georgia, the icescapes on and around the Antarctic peninsula . The knowledge and infectious enthusiasm of the expedition leaders . The gourmet dining and wining and the luxury of the cruise ship.

Stepping onto the Antarctica mainland. It was my 7th continent to touch in my lifetime.

There were so many memorable moments! If I had to choose, it would be our days in Antarctica, the hike to the caldera on Penguin Island, our first landing on the continent, the hikes to the top of hills for magnificent views, the zodiac cruises to see wildlife and icebergs. Getting to see the wildlife in their natural habitat was nothing short of amazing!

Our ship encountered a huge group of feeding humpback whales. We were surrounded by them for approx. 1.5 hours as we watched them feed, play, breech, dive... it was an enchanting experience. I never thought I would be so up close to these beautiful creatures.

No one moment as so many incredible experiences during the holiday.

I describe this adventure as going to the moon and back. Of course, a trip like this is very weather dependent - but our weather could not have been any more perfect! Our expedition leader, Sarah, was determined to get us off the ship as much as possible. She only wanted to share her knowledge and the beauty around us. Her enthusiasm was infectious. We had 17 landings and 2 cancelled landings, of which one was substituted for a zodiac excursion so we didn't miss the penguin colony. So you ask what was my most memorable moment - every day, every longing, every guide, every lecture was memorable. This was an other worldly experience.

Seeing Killer Whale hunting and the massive A23 iceberg

Honestly the people and crew I spent time with while on the cruise. I went solo and was worried about being bored and alone on the cruise. I'm glad my budget basically had me limited to having a shared quad cabin. I ended up making friends with some amazing people in my cabin and the guys next door as well. I hope we all keep in contact. Also the crew was AMAZING they were professional but all so real and their backgrounds and histories could keep people entertained for days.

Experiencing Lemaire Channel with such beautiful weather conditions!

There are quite a few actually, difficult to choose. I'll share one each for Antarctica and Patagonia. Antarctica - very up close a couple of humpback whales, directly by the bow of MS Seaventure, almost could touch them, as they blow and surface for a good 10-15 minutes pushing the broken ice around them. Bliss. Patagonia - horseback riding up the base of Las Torres, allowed me to soak up the views near and far, riding high above the side of mountain, looking down the valley, up Las Torres view, absolutely fantastic point of view.

Standing on the Antarctic continent with all the penguins & the majestic mountains & glaciers all around.