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The bathroom was also large by cruise ship standards, with a tiled rain shower that had multiple wall jets,and even a bench – a feature which came in handy during rough seas. Unfortunately, the weather gods didn’t stay on our side – always a risk on any expedition to the polar regions. We spent the rest of the trip skirting around and through extreme conditions, including 100 knot winds that Captain Ulset said were the strongest he’d encountered in his 38-year career at sea. I’m ready to book my next – and extended – adventure to explore deeper into The White Continent and cross over the Antarctic Circle. An expedition to Antarctica is a shared experience with fellow travelers and the crew.
Deck 7 – The pool, Jacuzzi, and running track.
There were many options, including freshly baked pastries, cereals, yogurts, fruits, and made-to-order omelets. The quality and variety of the breakfast offerings were impressive. Freshly squeezed juices and a wide selection of grains, nuts, and fruits are available for the healthy conscious. I watched a few lectures about Antarctica given by the expedition team when I was too lazy to go to the theatre. A representative from Atlas will greet you in the hotel Lobby and give you all the info about the charter flight for the next day. The advantage of having Altas organise the charter flight is that your luggage is taken care of.
Adventures in Antarctica: Just Back from Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Voyager
In a single day on our sailing, the landing sites could easily change two or three times. The itinerary for this particular voyage originally included three days of "Captain's Choice" ports of call along the Antarctic Peninsula such as Danco Island, Neko Harbor and Cuverville Island. Nor did we see emperor or king penguins, which you'd typically only see on itineraries to other Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. The itinerary, as it so often was, had to be shifted at the last minute, and suddenly I didn't have a whole day to mentally prepare myself for the plunge — it was simply time.
Prepare For YourAntarctic Expedition
Plus, in the evenings, Zaccaria organized screenings of documentaries every other night — including one that he filmed during his time at Dumont D'Urville. Other times, when this wasn't possible, we could still usually go on a Zodiac cruise to see wildlife and the dramatic Antarctic landscape from the water with a member of the expedition team. Their expertise included everything from kayaking and paddling to photography, mountaineering, history, geology, ornithology and marine biology.
These provide a unique perspective and allow a closer connection with the environment and the wildlife. Throughout the entire journey, the safety and well-being of the passengers were of utmost importance to the Atlas World Navigator team. They ensured that all necessary precautions were taken to protect both the travelers and the fragile ecosystem of Antarctica. During our 9-night Antarctica cruise, we spent five nights cruising and four days exploring Antarctica.
Hi, we are Chris and Rickee and we have been cruise journalists since 2002. We love sharing our experiences on our website, blog and YouTube channel. This upcoming season offers unparalleled polar adventures, allowing guests to explore the awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife of the Antarctic region while experiencing the luxury and expertise that define our voyages. The weather limited us to just five of the eight potential included off-ship excursions — three landings and two zodiac rides.
Fellow Passengers
While the menus are not as extensive as some cruise lines, the dishes were upscale and diverse spanning various global cuisine and preparation methods. Each evening, the menu consists of a small plant-based section, always available items like steak and salmon, as well as a selection of rotating starters, main courses, and desserts. Also, there is the nearby sauna and relaxation zone, which is included in the cruise fare. There is also a spa with two treatment rooms offering a variety of massage services for an upcharge. Down on Deck 4, which is the hub of activity on the ship, there is the fitness studio. With some free weights and cardio machines, it will help you stay active during your time onboard the ship.
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Between the two, plus our pianist Chase Chandler, we were regaled with soul, Broadway, pop, and even opera on select evenings throughout our voyage. There are very strict rules about excursions in Antarctica, issued by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which are designed to protect the natural environment. Only 100 passengers from a ship can be on land at any given time, and ships that carry more than 200 passengers are limited to specific landing sites that can handle larger capacities. And ships that carry more than 500 passengers can't do landings at all. Fortunately, World Traveller carries a maximum of 184 passengers in Antarctica — and on our sailing, we had exactly 100, which meant that we could all get off the ship at once. Like the vast majority of my fellow guests, it was our vessel's very first voyage to the White Continent.
Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica Departure Ports
As the weather cooperated, we could do a second landing at Useful Island. From the moment our Zodiac arrived, we were greeted by the incredible sight of thousands of penguins. It was a sight to behold as they waddled and hopped along the rocky terrain, going about their daily activities. So, picture this – I’m standing on the edge of the boat above a near-frozen sea in Antarctica, surrounded by vast stretches of ice and snow. The air is crisp and biting, and I can feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins.
While it was difficult to walk a straight line and the outdoor decks were closed, we thankfully did not experience any seasickness. Though, a good majority of guests, and crew, were down for the count. That is why is it always good to come prepared with seasickness aids just in case. For these outings, guests are divided into groups which rotate timeslots during the cruise. Each group is called at a designated time to enjoy a morning outing and an afternoon outing dependent on weather conditions. Sightseeing zodiac safaris are approximately 60 minutes long and shore landings are approximately 90 minutes long.
I felt fine throughout the trip, though to be clear, we had a particularly easy crossing. For people who do find themselves turning green at sea, know that a rough sailing on the Drake could mean stomaching waves that frequently reach 20 to 40 feet in height for two whole days. Atlas is one of just a few cruise operators who offer the camping excursion as an add-on.
This is a critical area of the ship as it is the departure point for all the expeditions. It has been purposed built for polar expeditions and is one of the reasons why Atlas ships are a great option for Antarctica expeditions. Each passenger is assigned a locker where you can store your boots, jacket, and other outdoor equipment.
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Many cruisers did choose to spend several days ahead of the cruise exploring the city. However, given our travel schedule, we opted for just the one night in this Argentinian capital. As part of the maiden voyage, the cruise line hosted a special dinner, complete with a chorizo steak and a tango dance show.
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