Customer Reviews

We were extremely lucky with the weather -- lots of sunny days and overall very calm seas. The food was much better than I expected. Our landings went well - only 2 had to be cancelled due to winds preventing the landings and only was was a wildlife landing at Sauders for Rockhopper penguins. The other was Deception Island which was more about the polar plunge, not much to see there in terms of wildlife.

All excursion were very good.

The highlight was breaking through the iced up Lemaire channel. Scenery was amazing and wildlife interesting if limited in species. A pleasant interesting bunch of tourists from several countries all of whom were keen to get out, see things and learn. We’ll show them photos of the animals, birds, icebergs, sea conditions, the ship and the journey there. No surprises.

The highlight was mountain climbing in a snowstorm. Meeting a lot of interesting and accomplished people was the surprising part of the trip. I was shocked at how bad the seasickness was. I normally do well on boats, but I did get sick. I received adequate warning to prepare, but it was still shocking.

The highlights were the Shackleton history and being able to stand on the top of the pass were the trio looked down on the whaling base at Stromness-their destination. Weather was perfect. The landscape was stunning- a glaciologists dream. Many interesting people on the ship. Only 60 passengers so quite intimate. Staff were very good- very friendly and knowledgeable . Was ssitting in the lounge early one morning and the 1st officer came down and told me to come up to the bridge to see the whale that was only a 100 metres away.

Kayaking among the icebergs, looking at penguins.

I really enjoyed seeing all of the wildlife on this trip. We saw dolphins chasing the boat. We got up close and personal with humpback whales. We saw orcas chasing or playing with (unusual siting) seals and hunting penguins in the sea. We saw different types of seals and penguins who were all very curious about us. The continent was not what I expected. I expected to see nothing but snow and ice but saw so much more. The people on the cruise were friendly and I had no problem getting to know most of them, even when language was a bit of a barrier. The food on the ship was amazingly delicious (and fattening). The crew was friendly and helpful.

The whole of Antarctica is the highlight without a doubt. All the senses are overwhelmed and truly a special and spiritual experience. Landscapes were spectacular from the glorious sunny days and magnificent mountains, glaciers, and icebergs. Equally spectacular was watching the weather close in and clouds descend down the mountains. Of course a highlight for me was to dive there and especially within the Antarctic Circle, dive and iceberg and dive with penguins and seals. Saw more penguins, whales and seals than I expected and the ability to land and get up close and personal with them was fantastic. The crew on Plancius were fantastic, very knowledgeable, exceptionally professional and very accommodating. I met some great and very interesting people among both divers and passengers. Surprises included the quality of the service, expedition staff on Plancius, and restaurant quality meals!

We were amazed by the beauty of its nature. The steep hill with their snow and glaciers. The icebergs were so huge and colorful. The gentoo penguins were the only breed we saw, but they were cute for a few days. We sat with different people at every meal and met some really interesting people. The ship was a good size for this trip. I would not want to go any larger since we would have not been able to make landings at some of the places we did. The ship's operator provided a very nice experience, with the only downside being that some of their lecturers were not well prepared.

Was great. Amazing sights and scenery. The huge penguin numbers at Salisbury Plain and St Andrews Bay were mind blowing. Albatross at Prion Island and the scenery was stunning.

The trip was well organised and went as well as the weather allowed. The highlight was undoubtedly the day we walked on the main continent twice, saw whales, did a Polar plunge and went sliding down a hill near Neko harbour. The group was great, a lot of groups formed but everyone was friendly to each other. Every one of the crew was also helpful, cheerful and friendly. The penguins were cute, the icebergs immense, the seals all over the place and the whales frustrating

We saw a lot of ices, which is all whites, the scene is fantastic. I believe that there will be no where else like here in Antarctica. The penguins and seals are so cute, and we saw many of them. It was my first time seeing a whale this closely. the weather there when we went ashore are amazingly sunny; people on ship are all nice and kind, we really enjoyed talking to them when we had a coffee or tea on deck 5. I will definitely recommended this trip to my friends.

The trip was fantastic. The highlights included: -Cruising on the zodiacs through icebergs -Hiking up beautiful mountains in absolute silence -Hanging out with the penguins -The incredible photographic opportunities

The day trips onto Antartica proper were fabulous and the scenery and wildlife just beautiful.

The ship, the expedition team, ship (hotel) staff and overall organisation of the tour were exceptional. The commitment all expedition staff had to ensuring everyone had a great time, as well as safe and practical journey, and the service given by all ship staff, food preparation and variety and cabin service was excellent and of the highest standards. This is all alongside the exceptional and very special landscape and wildlife of Antarctica. Wildlife such as birds and penguins were in their thousands and the scenic landscape was breathtaking.

The wildlife was the highlight.

Great experience, not one particular highlight, just the whole experience! Landscape stunning, difficult to describe its uniqueness. Lots of penguins, seals. Limited whales which was a little disappointing but thats wildlife...... Crew and expedition staff were friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Unfortunately on board ship there was a rude and disrespectful Chinese party.

Landing to Antartica

Watching the gentoo penguins swimming and landing on Deception Island

Apart from the Polar Plunge, being surrounded by humpbacks gently going about their business but allowing us to be close by.