The adventure begins in Ushuaia

Our adventure started in Ushuaia, the southernmost city on the planet. With just 24 hours before embarkation, we hired a car and explored the wild beauty of Tierra del Fuego National Park. Towering peaks, dramatic coastlines, and windswept forests welcomed us at every turn. Thankfully, Quark Expeditions arranged our internal flight, hotel stay, and luggage transfer, leaving us free to embrace the unknown without a care in the world.

Wildlife encounters you’ll never forget

Imagine standing on the deck of an expedition ship, watching a humpback whale breach just meters away. Or hearing the exhale of an orca as it surfaces alongside your zodiac. These aren’t just sights — they’re sounds, sensations, and moments that stop you in your tracks. Antarctica delivers one awe-inspiring experience after another. It’s like living inside a nature documentary… except it’s real, and you’re right there in the middle of it.

Every day is an adventure, literally

No two days were ever the same. While our expedition team shared a plan each evening, Antarctica dictated the true schedule herself. Watching our ship’s captain and Expedition Leader adjust course in real-time to chase better weather or follow a pod of whales was incredible. Their skill turned every detour into another unforgettable experience. Crossing the Antarctic Circle? That was a day we’ll never forget.

You’ll learn more than you ever expected

This wasn’t just a holiday, it was a journey of discovery. Onboard lectures covered everything from penguin behaviour to ancient glaciers, all led by true experts. Many had worked with the BBC or held Guinness World Records. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and we found ourselves completely captivated by subjects we’d never thought much about before. Yes, even rocks!

What we wish we knew before we left

One of the best pieces of advice we were given? Don’t stress about taking the perfect photo. From the first iceberg to the final sunset, it’s easy to get caught behind the camera. Thankfully, a professional photographer onboard was there to capture the magic for us. That gave us the freedom to just look up and experience the wonder of Antarctica with our own eyes.

Would we go again? Without hesitation!

What surprised us most was how many fellow travellers had done this trip before — some even multiple times! We thought it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but now we understand why people keep coming back. Once Antarctica gets under your skin, it never really leaves.

This specific itinerary, Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition, stands out for several reasons:

• You’ll actually cross the Antarctic Circle – a major milestone that only a handful of expedition ships achieve.
• Travel on the Ultramarine, a purpose-built polar vessel with next-level comfort, stabilisers for smooth sailing, and even twin-engine helicopters for optional aerial experiences.
• Daily Zodiac excursions and landings – get closer to wildlife and remote landscapes than you ever thought possible.
• Onboard expert team – including marine biologists, glaciologists, and historians who deliver inspiring talks and personal insights.
• All-inclusive comfort – Quark includes your gear, transfers, hotel stay, meals, and more. You’ll even get to keep the expedition parka!
• Commitment to sustainability – travel responsibly with a company that supports polar conservation and adheres to strict environmental standards.

Is this trip right for you?

If you’re passionate about wildlife, photography, or just exploring places most people only dream of, this journey belongs on your list. You don’t need to be super fit — just mobile and open to adventure. It’s a wild, raw, and soul-stirring destination that’s more accessible than you might think.

5 tips for future explorers:

1. Let experts help – travel with a company like Quark that knows this region inside and out.
2. Be open to spontaneity – flexibility unlocks the best surprises.
3. Pack for comfort, not style – layer up and embrace the elements!
4. Leave space for awe – put the camera down sometimes and take it all in.
5. Start dreaming now – Antarctica may feel far away, but it’s closer than you think.

Ready to go?

Antarctica isn’t just a destination, it’s a revelation. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the ends of the Earth, now is the time to make it real. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, the White Continent promises something extraordinary every single time.

Contact me for more information or to start planning your expedition cruise today.