Category: Reviews

In recent years, Swan Hellenic have burst onto the Antarctic expedition cruise scene with great energy. Although they were the original pioneers of cultural cruises way back in the 1950s, it’s only in the last decade that they’ve turned their attention to polar waters. Their collection of three purpose-built expedition vessels, the sister ships SH […]

Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to cruise to Antarctica nearly a dozen times. I’ve sailed on old-style expedition cruise ships, boutique ships with modern X-Bow designs and skipped the Drake Passage altogether on a Fly & Cruise trip to the Antarctic Peninsula.  On my most recent trip, I joined the Scenic Eclipse for […]

Since its launch in 2021, the expedition cruise ship Ultramarine operated by Quark Expeditions has rapidly become a popular choice for Swoop Antarctica passengers. Its modern design, 1A+ ice class rating (putting it just shy of being an actual icebreaker), 199 berths and broad suite of adventure activities have all helped establish its place in […]

I’ve worked in the Antarctic cruise industry for 16 years, and travelled south on a wide variety of ships. In my earliest days I sailed on some of the last generation of ex-research expedition vessels, where bunks and shared bathrooms were the order of the day. Since then I’ve seen new generations of ships launched, […]

One of the most common pre-voyage questions I get asked is: “What’s the Drake Passage like?” Returning clients rarely mention the Drake, especially if they enjoyed two easy crossings (one there and one back). With an estimated one in three crossing being a bit lumpy, those who have experienced the storms and rocked their way […]

I have now sailed into Wilhelmina Bay on two separate voyages, and kayaked there once. Along with Cuverville Island, it’s my favourite place on the Antarctic peninsular. If the sun is shining, Wilhelmina, literally sparkles, huge mountains rise from a crystal sea, and the icebergs are the size of houses, with shapes, moulded by time […]

“No matter how well travelled anyone was, we all had the same sense of childlike wonder in Antarctica. It exceeded all expectations: the scale, serenity and beauty of the continent makes an indelible mark on the soul.” Swoop Antarctica customer Declan took the trip of a lifetime on Swoop’s Antarctic Basecamp Adventure in December 2016. […]

Polar plunges are quite literally the coolest thing you can do in Antarctica. On my last voyage 48 out of 92 people jumped into the icy water; that’s quite a lot. I’m going to take some credit for that enthusiasm. I was ready for the jump well ahead of time, walking around the lounge of […]