November Reviews

Seeing the Iceberg, A23a and soon after two Blue whales,

Cruising down the Neumeyer channel, sunny , no wind, surrounded by absolute breathtaking beauty, snow covered peaks, reflected in the calm waters, nature at her best.

Being w tens of thousands of Kind Penguins on S Georgia

Cuverville Antarctica was magical. When we arrived and getting ready to take the zodiac to shore, there were a few penguins on a couple of hilltops. It looked like it was going to be a quick landing with a few photographic opportunities. As we were heading towards shore, droves of penguins were porpoising towards shore with us. Our landing was perfectly timed to the breeding migration of the Gentoo penguins. Thousands of penguins descended upon the landing area and it felt like they waited for us to arrive. I didn't want to leave.

Having had a rocky start with our first planned ship our G experiences on the MS Expedition was way beyond our expectations. We give the total experience 10/10. The standards on the ship were exceptional from the cleaning staff, the variety and excellence of of food and their ever smiling, genuine staff, the comfort of the dining and entertainment bar. The zodiac team were exceptionally careful in all sorts of weather, the professional, expert team gave us amazing information and planned our days and the itinerary diverted around extreme weather events beautifully.The range of ages, singles and couples were all very relaxed and everyone mixed around and no pretension. All enthusiastic, avid travellers. We were exceptionally lucky with divine weather in the Falklands and South Georgia and a calm Drake. Wonderful snowing days in Antarctica with often sky blue times when on the zodiacs. Saw every wildlife, birds and some humpbacks, super close.

Overall, the trip was great - the staff, the other passengers, the activities I participated in, the food, the overall quality of every detail. I loved kayaking, but the camping was cancelled due to bad weather. Also this voyage we visited Port Lockroy and could see the history of humans on Antarctica. The surprise was passing through the Drake in a hurricane.

There were so many, it's impossible to pick one. The accommodations and equipment was top flight. The expedition leaders were exceptional -- SO knowledgeable in their fields, competent, inclusive --- their lectures were a high point when we were on the boat. Camaraderie among the passengers was also memorable --- such a diverse and eclectic group of travelers!!! The experience was unparalleled in every respect !

There are so many! Watching the penguins with the expedition guide Serena. After learning so much about them it was fascinating to observe their behavior which an expert!

It's really hard to single out the best bits as the whole holiday was awesome. Climbing to the base of Torres del Paine & the base of Mt Fiz Roy were the highlights of Patagonia. The whole Antarctica experience was amazing endless sea, sky & icy mountains unimaginable scenery. Seeing the wildlife up close was something to treasure for ever.

Being able to sail into the Weddel Sea and seeing Elephant Island - in the tracks of Shackleton. Or perhaps at Gold Harbour, South Georgia with our close encounters with the elephant seal weaners.

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.

Highlight: Cuverville Island We liked the landscape and the wildlife a lot. Due to strong winds, quite some landings had to be cancelled (including the camping), but this was well explained and managed by the crew. The staff was very good.

I am from New Orleans, LA. and have not seen so much snow and ice. I have never been skiing so the highlight of my trip was after I fell going down a slippery slope, I decided to ski down the slope on my butt while pushing down on my trekking poles. I may have started a new tradition in Antarctica. The landscapes and wildlife were unbelievable: from the penguins, birds, seals and whales to the gorgeous icebergs of all different sizes and colors and, most importantly, visualizing all of the stories of the early explorers to Antarctica. What courageous men they were! I am telling my grandchildren to go Antarctica while they are still young not like their 80 year old granny.

Hard to choose one. Kayaking within feet of a couple of feeding humpback Whales. Being so close to so much wildlife and them being at ease with out presence. Seals, cormorants, penguins, squas all within feet of us, and all of their choosing.

That first step on Antarctica soil (well, rocks). I needed the kind hands of several Ponant crew, but that moment was incredible. Walking along the beach -- needing to pause as a Gentoo waddled right towards me. Seeing, hearing, and smelling the colony, the brace of Antarctic cold made the experience visceral.

The highlight was the wildlife. We saw penguins, seals and three types of Whales. The landscape is absolutely stunning. The talks on board were very high quality and the food and wine was first class. I got a free upgrade to a double room with window. People choosing this trip were all very bright and interesting and a good mix of young and old

Sitting in (attempted) silence on a zodiac boat and hearing glaciers collapse, whales exhaling, and penguins squawking.

The helicopter crew and Ryan the Expedition Leader deciding they could make the trip of 62 miles each way to the Snow Hill colony and then of course, actually making it there in the wind and snow! Secondly the helicopter sight seeing trip over Hidden Bay - just incredible.

The landings on Antarctica, coupled with the zodiac cruises in the area, were quite memorable. We had numerous whale sightings while cruising and the icebergs were incredible.

Opening the door to the outside deck and getting my first look at South Georgia Island - I literally gasped!