What to do on the continent?

We were thrilled when we learned that Quark Expeditions was taking us to Antarctica. Then curiosity and confusion took over. What happens on an Antarctic Expedition?

We had yet to learn what life was like on an expedition vessel. Were we going to be on old Russian icebreakers?

Was it our intention to work with scientists in the region? Who goes on this ship? Are expeditions only for the rich?

What to Expect on an Antarctic Cruise

Many people need help understanding the Antarctica Expedition.

The South Pole is a popular destination for vacationers, but many people need help figuring out what to do when they arrive.

Contrary to popular belief, Antarctic Expeditions are not only for the wealthy. All walks of life can go on an Antarctic expedition.

We had an entire cruise with professionals from all walks of life: business people, retirees and nurses, travel professionals, family members, and even families. Antarctica is more expensive than other trips, but many save up for it.

Some people want to see the 7th continent in person, while others dream of it.

With the Antarctic cruise season well underway, we wanted to give our readers a taste of what they can expect when they visit Antarctica. Enjoy this video of our Antarctica Expedition before you continue reading.

Arrival – Ushuaia Argentina

Most people who travel to Antarctica do so from the Southernmost town in the world. Ushuaia is Fin Del Mundo, the End of the World. It truly feels like you are at the bottom of the earth when you visit this southernmost city in the world.

Arriving a few days early in Ushuaia, a small city at the bottom of South America, is an excellent way to begin your trip.

Visit the Maritime Museum, the shops and restaurants in the area, and the Beagle Channel Many. Accommodations range from hostels to luxurious hotels. There is accommodation for all budgets and tastes.

The Expedition Ship

Sea Spirit by Quark Expeditions exceeded our expectations. The Sea Spirit is an all-suites ship with only 114 passengers.

A large, comfortable lounge with a library has an open bar.

The dining area has a luxurious, spacious feel and a large deck with a Hot Tub.

Breakfasts and lunches are buffets. Dinners are four-course meals with wine choices. On balmy days, we even had barbeques outside.

There is also a large room for daily presentations and slides.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with large duvets.

There was a big closet for our parkas, gear, and other items. We also had a table and couch to relax on. The room had a TV, plenty of outlets for our electronic devices, and a large bay window.

Antarctica Cruise in Luxury

This luxury Antarctica Cruise has all the elements that make up an expedition, including lectures, wildlife viewings, hiking, and exploring.

Lectures

The lecture room is a great place to meet and listen to the presentations of the highly knowledgeable staff while crossing the Drake Passage.

There are marine biologists and conservationists. They also include geologists, professional photographers, and zoologists. Historians and naturalists. This staff has been well-educated.

The Drake Passage

The Drake Passage has the roughest waters in the world. Twenty thousand sailors lost their lives while exploring these waters.

The 21st Century is a much better time for cruise passengers to Antarctica.

Captain Peter has been navigating these waters for over a decade and has state-of-the-art stabilizers. With our Dramamine and a healthy dose of Sea Spirit, we were prepared to face the waves.

We found it to be a pleasant experience, almost enjoyable, even though Drake was throwing the boat around.

Incredibly, we managed to sleep through it all. But we did. We heard of passengers being thrown out of bed, unsecured items flying in the air, and many praying to the porcelain gods.

We hit the Drake at 11 pm and slept just before the big waves.

We heard some yelps as we slept from the cabins around us. The ship was rocking from side to side.

I woke up with sore hands and wondered why my hands were cramped. I realized I had subconsciously clutched the mattress all night to keep myself from rolling onto the floor.

Cruise the Lemaire Channel and Gerlach Straights

The Lemaire Channel is one of the highlights of a voyage to Antarctica. You can see why it was nicknamed the Fuji Funnel by photographers in the past.

This channel is beautiful. Most passengers spend their time on the bow taking photos and admiring the view.

Quark Expeditions provides you with parkas that you can keep to stay warm.

Our captain’s navigation through the icebergs on this narrow passageway was awe-inspiring.

Visit Penguins

The penguins are the main attraction of a trip to Antarctica. After crossing the Drake Passage, you will land on an Island to observe the penguins’ daily activities.

It is essential to respect their paths and avoid blocking their highways to the sea. The tour leaders place cones on the ground to let passengers know they should avoid penguins’ paths.

It is essential to disturb their lives as little as possible. You must keep at least five meters away.