Antartica, the 7th Continent Day 1 - 4
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My Antarctica trip began when I first set eyes on our ship as we arrived at the port in Ushaia. She was majestic. All my fellow cruisers on the coach were ohh'ing and ahh'ing. Previously we had only seen her in brochures and videos, and now we were boarding her to start the trip of our lifetime for the next 12 days.
Day 1
We were welcomed by the ship General Manager by the gangway, offered champagne onboard as we checked in, and made to feel like VIPs by the crew. The joys of luxury cruisingāŗļø
Then we were taken to our staterooms (never call a room a room onboard a cruise ship š) where our luggage was already waiting for us. Another joy of luxury cruising where we don't need to lug our bags around ourselves. The stateroom was lovely. It had a decent size sitting area and full length window to admire the views outside. I'll do a separate post about the ship later on for those who are interested.
After settling down, it was time for the mandatory safety briefing. Safety is always the most important at sea. We had to report to our muster station with the life jacket from our room, and were told how to put it on correctly. That's basically a drill in case there's an emergency so we know where to go and what to do, and not panic.
I ended my first day on board taking advantage of the free drinks whilst watching the beautiful sunset as we cruised away.
Day 2
Going to Antarctica by sea takes two days via the Drake passage. Flanked by the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern oceans on either side, the Drake passage is approx 800km in between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and no land mass anywhere to be seen. The Antarctic circumpolar current, the world's strongest current, swings around this area, potentially creating massive waves up to 20m in the very worst conditions. That's when you get the infamous Drake Shake. Some cruisers look forward to that for the total Antarctica exhilarating experience. Fortunately, sometimes you may get the Drake Lake, a calm crossing not too dissimilar from normal cruises. You won't know till you're there. Luckily, we got the Drake Lake. Phew! What a great start to our journey.
Day 2 was spent on the logistics matters. Mandatory briefings on what to expect on land, what we can and can't do, and how to get in and out of the zodiacs safely. We also tried out our new parkas and boots sizes, and got our outer gear, trousers, gloves and hats etc checked and vacuumed clean to make sure we don't bring any biohazard on land and contaminate the continent and wildlife.
We spent the rest of the time exploring the ship and trying to be unsociable, meeting our fellow cruisers. We were going to be with them for 11 more days, might as well see what friends, if any, we make.
Day 3
Our Drake Passage crossing was so good that we actually managed it in a day and a half. Despite the overcast and -2 degrees, it was confirmed we would have our first landing at Barrientos Island in the afternoon!!!! That's a pretty big deal in Antarctica, where sometimes landings have to be cancelled due to adverse weather, so getting an extra one was a big bonus.
Strictly speaking, the Barrientos Island isn't on the Antarctic continent mainland. It's part of a cluster of islands 120km north of the Antarctic peninsula. As expected everyone was very excited on our first landing and we went out in groups for the short zodiac ride from the ship to land. Everything was well organised to make sure each passenger got their one hour on shore, and that we didn't exceed the 100 people limit at any one time on land.
It was quite overwhelming when I got off the zodiac and stepped on the 7th continent at last!!! I wasn't crying with joy here, just trying to adjust my hat because it was so windy š But seriously, it felt great, and I stood there for a moment taking everything in.
Once we landed (see the cluster of people by the shore) we could walk either to the left or right, but we had to follow the paths in between the cones laid out by the expedition team. We're not allowed to deviate from the path, and we're not allowed to walk towards a penguin. We were, after all, visiting their home, and we had to respect them. If a penguin walks towards us or crosses our path, we have to stay 5m away or back away slowly from them. That's to prevent us from disturbing them too much and passing any disease to them or vice versa. Avian flu was detected in the Antartica last year, and that is a big concern for everyone as it could wipe out the wildlife.
We headed right first, which was nearer, to see some penguins. It's not a massive colony as we often see in photos, but that didn't matter. I was happy to be here and embrace whatever was on offer. Then we trekked to the other side. When it's just a massive sheet of snow-covered land, distance looks quite far away. In reality, it's probably only 200m. The difficulty was a combination of the excitement of actually being here at last, getting used to walking on snow in our gear after being on board for 40 hours, and a bit of a slope which some seniors struggled with and had to turn back. I forged ahead and made the most of my first landing.
We were so hyped after our first ever outing on the Antartica. And to top everything we got to celebrate our wedding anniversary that evening. This year marks a major milestone in our marriage, hence another reason to do this special trip.
Day 4
I woke up the next morning and was rewarded with this stunning view outside my stateroom. You'll see a bit more of it in the video.
Today we'd go for our second landing at Portal Point. The crew said it's known for its broad snowfields, calm waters and sweeping views of surrounding glaciers. We could already get a taster of it from the zodiac on the way there.
This landing involves a fair amount of walking. The expedition team had already mapped out the route and prepared walking sticks for us when we landed. We walked one after another, not too unlike the penguins, as we waded through the pristine snow, hearing it crunch beneath our boots on ever step. It was cold, windy and snowing, but who cares when you're at the Antartica! It was an incredible feeling. I never thought I'd enjoy it so much walking in freezing cold weather for an hour.
Next part
Day 4 afternoon will continue in my next post, here's a teaser. Let's just say we had a whale of a time!
Video music credit to @ravenmus1c who gets 5% beneficiary of this post as a thank you
Here are my previous posts for my Antartica trip
Antarctica - the 7th continent
My day by day Antartica journal
You can check out all my travel posts on the Worldmappin here or click below
!worldmappin -64.500700 lat -61.765500 long <Portal Point, Antartica> d3scr
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Wow! š² I never imagined these tours were done on such luxurious boats. What an experience! š
There are a range of ships that go to Antarctica, from ex working or research ships which are a little more basic to ultra luxury ones. There's even one ship that has a helicopter on board and takes people out in Antarctica!
I think I only saw research ships in documentaries, haha... With helicopters! š®
That looks amazing! Was the air crisp? I imagine it was very dry. It's funny how we're drawn to penguins š. Looks like a really well organised trip.
The air quality was excellent, hubby has sinusitis and he said he felt a lot better there, like no symptoms at all, until we got home again. Likewise, I had some skin allergy on and off this year, but it all disappeared once I arrived. Not sure why as I was covered up all the time.
https://www.reddit.com/r/antarctica/comments/1pqy4w5/two_travelers_in_the_land_of_glaciers/
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Wow looks incredible and sounds very well organized. State room is really nice.
Makes sense to have the limits of people to protect the wildlife and habitat. Interesting.
Happy anniversary! Great adventure to celebrate
They're very strict on protecting the Antarctica, and rightly so. That's why most people go on ships with less than 200 people as large ships aren't allowed to go on land at all, and even then they can only go on small groups each time
Interesting. Makes sense!
Lovely post, so many amazing photos. Looks like it was an amazing trip i do love the look of that ship it looks stunning and the room omg that room is way better than some hotel rooms ive stayed in.
Glad to hear you have had a great time, have a good christmas
I thought I'd treat myself for a special trip, and glad I did.
Have a great Christmas yourself!
Hi, there is real flabbaergasting author: [Philippine corruption] Ferdinand Marcos and the Philippines The Political Economy of Authoritarianism #2/163
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Wow, that does look like a beautiful ship! Plus the scenery... OMG. I have never been on a cruise and the idea of all those people in such a small space never really appealed to me, but a smaller ship like this I might be able to do.
With large ships you can sort of avoid people because you are one of thousands on a ship, which to be fair nowadays can be quite big that you don't feel like you're on a ship. Whereas on a smaller ship like this with less than 200, it's difficult to avoid people and you might be obliged to be polite and do a bit of small talk with people as a minimum.
Ah yeah, I am horrible at small talk. Plus my wife and I always feel like we attract the weirdos. I think it's because we are so accepting or something. I don't know... My sister and her husband are going on a Alaska cruise next Spring. I will see how that goes for them.
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unbelievably jealous. Antartica is totally on a hit list. Though sounds like you were lucky in Drake, ive heard it can be a nightmare even in a fancy ship with decent stabilizers.
enjoy
I'm so glad we got the Drake Lake both times, even though people say you need to experience the Drake shake for the total package. I'd pass on that!!
yeah.... you almost feel cheated out of your experience if you are not deathly ill in your cabin... lol...
hopefully one day we can get there.
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I canāt even imagine how cold that place must be, the mountains are already covered in ice. Iāve also seen some videos showing how beautiful it is, but the weather and temperature look so cold it could make you cry.
At times it does feel a bit emotional standing there, knowing how lucky I am
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STOPThis is a big experience. I would like to do the same once.
I would highly recommend it, sooner than later, because you never know how the landscape will change in future years, plus it can be a little by tiring sometimes especially for the more senior people
You are 100% right, but itās so hard to choose between all the projects! I went to the south of Argentina by motorbike two years ago and I had thought about it, but the price was really high at the last moment.
What a nice expedition you had...a once in a lifetime experience going through this place..I think this is the most expensive type of travels in the world..you're very lucky to have this tripm.keep safe
It's definitely the most expensive trip I've been on so far, but I think it's worth every penny
Antarctica always feels less like a destination and more like a privilege. The contrast between luxury onboard and the rawness of the land is pure fascinating. š
I feel like it's a privilege as well, less so on the financial side, but more because it's such a unique, important and valuable place that we need to respect and protect it. Being there is a privilege for that reason
Am soooo happy for you, you made it to Antarctica! I felt exactly the same - overwhelmed - and deeply impressed - and privileged - when I set foot on Antarctica for the very first time. This was back in 2007, but still remember my time on that continent vividly!
You're likely not there anymore, therefore my next advice isn't possible to follow up. When I was tripping around Antarctica, I as often as possible found myself in secluded spots, away from the group, from anybody, just by myself. In those moments, I had the deepest emotions in all shapes and forms. The connection with Mother Earth. The extreme circumstances people endured when exploring this part of the world. The remoteness of the place. And many other feelings and realisations, which in the end I may be able to summarise as: Majestic!
My best encounter with life during the trip: 1) a sea lion swimming around our zodiac at a few meters distance and subsequently a 15-minute play - catch and let go - with a penguin before it killed it (not that I liked the killing, not at all, but wild nature so close by was impressive to watch, and 2) some kind of eagle coming to me as if it intended to attack and then decided to hoover in front of me for at least half a minute at a few meters distance watching me closely into my eyes before it decided to continue its patch elsewhere on the vulcano beach where all this happened.
Looking forward to your next posts about this trip! And meanwhile, enjoy all the experience and hope you will continue to feel the same whenever I look back on what I experienced down south.
Wow!! You were one of the early travellers there! How was your journey across the Drake passage back then?
I been looking through all my photos since I returned home to remind myself of the trip. On reflection, I think I was so mesmerized by the whole landscape, that I probably didn't appreciate and feel it as much as I should have.
I saw some whales from the zodiac that was quite near, that was about it, as we're a bit too early for the whale season. Nothing like your encounter with the wildlife which sounds amazing.
I suppose so. Back then only 30k travellers per year allowed. Not sure the situation these days.
Rough and Rocky. I was at the end of the season, the last weeks. February or March, if I remember well. On an ex-marine boat, rebuild it inside into a low luxury (ie, all very basic) cruise boat. With just 30 passengers. I was allowed in the wheelhouse, and loved it when we went full into the waves, most others got a bit scared, thinking we would sink. We were close to not sailing, having to wait for better weather on our trip towards Antarctica. But hey, ex-marine boats are built for rough waters, and am so happy I actually experienced the extremes! š„³
One may feel this afterwards still. Hope you do.
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Never mind the penguins, what's with the automated window!?!? :)
Those penguins are so hardy to survive there and we need to protect them. It's good to hear that they take so many precautions. Safety is more of a priority in such conditions. I hope they are extra careful not to leave anyone behind.
It does look amazing and I'd love to go.
It was between the big window, or a smaller room with balcony which I know I wouldn't use. The window was perfect for viewing if we spotted anything outside and gave us more space inside.
It's actually very difficult to leave people behind as there's always a guide standing at the end of the route and they check everyone on and off board, like the big cruise ships. The colourful parkas also help to identify people amongst the white
I hope you get to go sometime, it's so amazing, and it would be nice to follow your ancestors footsteps!
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Thanks so much again Kim!!
ššš always a pleasure to follow our adventures @livinguktaiwan
Antarctica is a beautiful sea with ice. Where your collective journey is really interesting and feeling hard. I am very happy to see the distribution of wonderful penguin birds here. These places with ice look really interesting. However, the wedding anniversary celebration is extraordinary by ignoring your beautiful walks and different foods. I wish you success in prayer, love and travel.
Thanks!
You are most welcome sir
The pictures and video look breathtaking! I am sure this was a lifetime experience, so great!!
Thank you so much for using our music and for crediting! I appreciate! <3
!LUV !LOH
Thanks for the music! I messed up the benificiary settings, will sort it out after payout
DonĀ“t worry. :)
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Ah, what a treat. An excellent anniversary celebration, truly epic! Hahahaā¦ I loved the photos and the video, and how great that you used Ravenās music. Itās a pity for those who couldnāt walk there because of the slope. Understandable, as it looks extreme, but still sad not to enjoy everything to the fullestā¦ Even so, I think that World Navigator must have been pure luxury. My mouth is watering again just thinking of that cake with strawberries, chocolate and creamā¦ hahaha.
Did you manage to make friends there?
Because of the cost, there were quite a few retirees there, and unfortunately a few struggled a little, which was a pity.
The food was amazing and top notch, and yes we made some good friends. We got to know a couple from Singapore very well and will keep in touch as we will likely go to Singapore sometime in the future
The continuing adventure following the foot steps of the explorers Amundsen, Shackleton and Scott at least a safer guided version of the polar spectacle.
I put on a sweater while reading this.
!LOL
Some of the expedition team were very into Antarctica history and they gave talks about those brave people. It was very interesting and has aroused my interest in the topic
Did you get the chance of touring any of the Scientific stations or old camp sites of the explorers or are they generally Off Limits?
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Wow that's called adventure. Hope you enjoyed so much. It's like a dream come true ā¤ļø
I recognise that in my geography classes, when I teach about the white continent, as Antarctica is known, is when my students enjoy themselves the most.
The flora, fauna, climate, hydrography and other natural resources are extremely unique.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this publication, and the images, the video, and the way you recount the events of each day are truly beautiful.
Thank you for sharing.
Happy Sunday.
Cheers and best regards.
Beautiful and exciting adventure in Antarctica. Beautiful photographs.
Beautiful video, penguiiiiiiins!
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STOPWow, what an incredible trip! Your seventh contains... You could say you're a woman of the world, hehehe. A cold way to celebrate a wedding anniversary, you must be a passionate couple šš¤š«¢š«£ hot š„
Simply amazing photos!!!
What a once in a life time experience.
I'm sure it met and surpassed all expectations šš» šš» šš»
Pauline, this is a amazing! What a fun anniversary trip. That stateroom is great, the windows! Remote and so clear. Perfect to be able to see the awesome landscape all the time. Cute that you all walked in line like the penguins. :) What an incredible experience. I am looking forward to lots more!