Customer Reviews

The trip lioved up to all our expectations and more. Highlight was the bubblenet fishing of the Humpback whales really close to the ship and the Antarctic plunge which could have been on a beach at home for air temperatures but not the ocean. The guides were so knowledgeable and helpful, it became like one big happy family

Thoroughly enjoyed the landings and all the wildlife, but unfortunately due to a medical evacuation we spent the majority of the holiday at sea, which was a big disappointment.

Our trip on Polar Pioneer was outstanding. We loved the ship and it’s crew, who together with the expedition team make our voyage unforgettable. Highlights: sleep over on the ice, sun sets, icebergs Landscapes: sensory overload

From beginning to end the trip was fantastic. It was so educational and I learned more about the wildlife, geology and history of Antarctica than I could have imagined. All the staff and crew members were knowlegeable and helpful. The highlight had to be getting so close to the humpback whales while we were on the zodiac

Overall, the trip was good. Excellent guides, service on board, etc. The landings we were able to do were excellent, and we totally lucked out with beautiful weather and a calm Drake Passage on the way back.

Our trip was in three parts. For me one of the highlights was completing the W trek, the variety of terrain and the smooth organisation added to this. We then visited Los Glaciares where a highlight was seeing thePerito Moreno Glacier. Antarctica offered us the opportunity to reflect on a wonderfully different world. A highlight for me was waking up after camping out on the ice and seeing the wonderful colours reflected in sky and sea. And also the fantastic and uninhibited display of curiosity and fun all around us by a pod of whales. To be so close to creatures like this was a truly one of experience

The ship was very stable, nice and the food was better than expected. The staff was very professional and always helpful. The group was a microcosm of the world with people from all over. 99.9 percent spoke English and we all got along wonderfully. My roommate was great and the cabin location was perfect for an old guy. Three of us had a birthday on the same day and we got cake and a song which was special. The only reason that I wouldn't visit again is due to my age. I do not recommend the hotel where I stayed, plus the cost of the private transfers which should have been better explained, otherwise it was great.

The general itinerary was great, but we found the extra activities such as kayaking and camping to be the most memorable. I liked the idea of the closed group for kayaking since it did seem to take a while for people to get comfortable, and I could not imagine having to repeat that process every outing. The scenery kayaking through some of the harbors seemed out of this world. We also saw orcas on multiple occasions with the pod coming right up to the ship. One pod was even hunting a seal. It was all very exciting!

Some places were truly magical . Highlight was camping and whale watching with the zodiacs . Overdose of penguins and ice !

Overall, excellent. I love the landscapes; the vast watery, icy nothingness. There was a lot less wildlife than I had expected, as we really was not that far down south at 68degrees. The most magical moment was when a humpback swam under the zodiac I was in, and I could see clearly its fins and white body, so close that I could almost touch it. I wish I could have reached out to stroke its body as it reared up its head near the zodiac!

Great , except for the drake passage

Highlight was Wilhelmina Bay where we saw whales up close and personal. Landscapes was surreal, and pretty amazing. Wildlife, only saw two types of penguins which was the gentoo and adelie, hoped to see more. People were great. Surprises - the ship decided to delay sail to the next day because we had to wait for 2 passengers who were late due to airport strike - honestly the two passengers should not fly in at the last minute to board such an important cruise and the ship of 100+ people should not have to wait for 2 people... - and also partially due to a 'storm' - but next day we sail we caught another storm anyway.

The spectacular day with the whales dancing for us all. What a show! I love the glaciers, the total quietness and most of all, the feeling that we as human sapiens are simply a dot in this world when you are surrounded by the white centuries-old glaciers. The ship operator's staff was really excellent. I love how the whole trip was so well organized, and the staff of the vessel Resolute was undeniably very friendly. My most magical moment was the sunset whilst laying in the sleeping bag camping on the glaciers. An epic sight of the magnificent sunset in the South.

8

Wow and wow! The scenery, wildlife, the ship crew, the adventure guides and most of the guests on board. Magical was when the zodiacs were zig zaging through the loose ice floes.

The highlight for us was the day we went through the Lemaire Channel, visited Pleneau Bay and Port Charcot, did the polar plunge, and had a deck BBQ dinner. It was an amazing day. The landscape and wildlife were incredible. Conceptualizing the sheer quantity of ice surrounding you is breath taking. And the penguins were always funny to watch. The guides were incredible and beyond knowledgable. Their passion is contagious and it was clear they love their job. Fellow passengers and other ship crew were also extremely friendly and interesting. One unfortunate surprise was the final payment process. The payment processor was through a different company and country than any of the previous payments, so getting approval from one's card issuer was unnecessarily challenging for many passengers. This could've been prevented by communicating the information prior to departing Punta Arenas. Our most magical moment was at the Port Charcot hike where scenery was truly amazing and looked like a painting.

Very luxurious cruise, fantastic exploration team that provided though information, lectures, trips on zodiacs and large "citizen scientist" programs. Icebergs and all wildlife was observed close up and the whenever anyone saw more animals, it was announced over the PA system so everyone could see them. It included some fun events like a photo contest, charity auction, and "get to know your team" game.

For me the highlight was being at the top of Useful Island early in the morning with clear blue skies. Everywhere we looked there were white mountains, islands, wildlife and blue water. I was really impressed with the professionalism and friendliness of the ship's operator and the Hebridean Sky staff.

Minus one day of seasickness, I could not have asked for better.

I would say that the highlights were the landings and zodiac cruising. The landscape and wildlife were in a word amazing! Otherworldly! The expedition team MADE the experience... so informative and caring! I was surprised that the Drake crossing was SO SMOOTH! Wonderful Crew and perfect weather. The morning we spent on Useful Island... it was a pre-breakfast landing and it was just perfect... I will never forget it!