November Reviews

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.

Everything about the trip was first-rate! Of course the geography and wildlife were spectacular, even more than we expected. But we were blown away by the expedition staff - by their amazing knowledge and ability to share it, their friendliness and the ability to adjust to situations at a moment's notice - like the time the captain slowed and turned and they launched zodiacs so we could see unexpected whales more closely. Our fellow travelers were all interesting and fun and the quality of the staterooms and ship generally were fantastic - as was the food!

Every moment we spent there was magical. One of the biggest highlights was spending a night on the continent and being close to nature and wildlife, specially to the cutest ever penguins. Surprisingly, the penguins were not afraid at all but rather curios and interested in us, strange visitors. The whole ship's operator crew of m/v Ortelius was simply amazing and absolutely professional in every possible way. They made our trip unforgettable.

I could write pages. The highlight was of course the wildlife. I have been to several places where I had seen pictures before I got to my destination and the reality greatly exceeded the pictures. There is no way you can imagine 200,000 nesting pairs of penguins or nesting albatrosses until youn have seen them in real life.

There are so many, but to name a few, the first site of the Antartica islands was overwhelming and such a great feeling that we had actually made it! Then stepping foot on land! So epic! I very much enjoyed daily zodiacs to land and the hikes we were able to do. Our first Zodiac ride, we got to see a baby leopard seal, which I guess is very rare to see. Another rarity we saw were a few pods of orcas swimming alongside the boat. They stayed with us for about an hour! The kayaking was one of the best days, and the ice camping was the best night (and morning thereafter with a beautiful sunrise on the mountain tops). The most exhilarating moments was the polar plunge (while it was lightly snowing). OMG the water was so cold! But it brought up this feeling of great anticipation and excitedness that I haven't felt since I was a child. The whole trip was absolutely amazing, and I'm so happy I was able to do all of these expeditions alongside my husband, Drew!

I was in a vessel with 50 other young women, which is rare and it was incredible! Lots of new friendships. The whole staff and crew of Ortelius was phenomenal! The landscape is incredible, not possible to take a bad picture, and loads of pinguins!

Impossible to state a highlight as one event built on the previous events. Even daft activities like a bar-b-que on deck as it snows and icebergs for decor, what can you say - brilliant. We were lucky with the weather so saw most things and other not so normal like 2 emperor penguins and an Leopard seal. The other passengers created a happy experience and staff and experts knew their stuff making the learning side enjoyable.

Probable the highlight (there were many) was landing on the continent. There were thousands of penguins, many whales, hundreds of birds. Mountains covered with snow. Icebergs everywhere some that rolled looking very wet, some with a dusting of snow that looked like powder sugar and some with seals laying in the sun. Strangers I never met acted like neighbors I knew for 10 years.

Kayaking with the humpback whales

Too many to tell. The visit to South Georgia was spectacular. The ability to see so many penguins and fur seals in their natural habitat was spectacular. But best of all were the guides. They were outstanding. They went above and beyond to make our trip both enriched and kept us safe.

When we arrived in Antarctica, and saw for the first time the magnificence of its imposing mountains

Waking up after camping on the ice to see the sunrise on the mountains surrounding.

Most scary memorable moment was going through the Drake Passage since there was a storm it was pretty rocky going through. The most exciting moment was actually stepping foot on Antarctica and being greeted by penguins.

Sea Kayaking and Polar Plunge

The highlight was the grandeur of the landscape. The people were mixed - a lot of lovely ones and quite a few rowdy types. The organisation of the crew every day to get everyone on shore was exceptional - Kayaking and snow shoeing were brilliant.

Trip was great; for subject matter, see paragraph above. Crossing the "Drake" was more arduous than I expected, and quite uncomfortable in both directions. My wife and I did not get sick, but we had the patch first, and then another med suggested by ship doctor, which seemed to work better. Highlight of the trip: interacting with other passengers on the ship, sharing stories of past adventures, and plans for the next. Most magical moments(2): going ashore at Cuverville Island, and walking among the penguins, which showed no signs of fear of humans, and climbing the hill above Neko Harbor, and seeing ice-covered mountains all around, and reflections on the water, which was perfectly calm.

The kayaking was fabulous, truly the best way to see things. Many of the kayaking moments stand out.

Honestly, there are almost too many to count. The top moments were probably seeing a pod of orcas off the side of the boat, seeing a caving iceberg, and climbing Spigot Peak.

Fantastic experience, would recommend to anyone interested in wildlife and the history of the area. Great informal atmosphere with no cocktail parties

Lots of wildlife - penguins galore, eggs & chicks. A humpback whale breaching close to the boat, orcas poking their heads up between the ice. Guides & staff were fantastic -nothing too much trouble. Loved going out on the zodiacs & lots of landings. Visiting a research station was very interesting. Getting close to wildlife, hiking on a glacier. Food on board was excellent. Drake passage was a 'rock & rolling ' adventure!!!!! Being chased by fur seals on the beach & having enormous elephant seals getting up close & personal!!