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Before heading back into the Drake Passage, conditions also cleared enough for the ship’s expedition team offer the traditional – and very popular -- polar plunge. My last expedition cruise in the Galapagos was also a life-changing and bucket-list experience. The difference was that we were so busy spending time off the ship every day that the design and décor of the vessel were not the top priority. And the days went by so quickly, even though we were limited mostly to indoor public spaces (except for wildlife viewing and the polar plunge). As the team mentioned on the very first day of the expedition, flexibility is critical. You might be disappointed if you're a planner and have your heart set on seeing the rookery of Gentoo penguins at Brown Station, an Argentinian research base.
Paula’s pantry
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Also, don't skip going on a landing or a Zodiac cruise when it's offered. You never know when the captain may have to shift course and cut out an excursion due to the ever-changing weather. The typical schedule consisted of a landing, Zodiac ride and/or sea kayaking in the morning and afternoon, conditions permitting.
Intimate Yachting Expeditions™
There were also special training sessions for passengers wishing to go kayaking or paddleboarding during the expedition. There was a group of kayakers, but I didn't see any takers for paddleboarding in the frigid Antarctic waters. From first-hand experience on their inaugural expedition, World Traveller offers passengers an exceptional way to sail. I was impressed by the knowledgeable and gracious staff, experienced expedition crew, and nearly flawless execution of our 9-night round-trip sailing from Ushuaia to Antarctica. An expedition to The White Continent is a trip of a lifetime and one that very few people in the world get to experience.
Falkland Islands
On all Atlas Ocean Voyages Antarctica cruises, shore landings, zodiac safaris, and the polar plunge are included in the cruise fare. Guests also receive a complimentary parka and use of knee boots during outings. In addition to included charter flights and a cultural immersion tour on these Polar Expeditions, all Atlas cruises include all dining and unlimited beverages like beer, wine, cocktails, specialty coffee, and fresh pressed juices. An in-room stocked mini bar and 24-hour room service are also part of the fare, as are gratuities, trip delay, and emergency medical evacuation insurance. With Atlas Ocean Voyages’ all-inclusive yacht experience, travelers don’t have to worry about all the details. The cruise includes roundtrip charter flights from Buenos Aires to the southernmost city and back.
There were cocktails, endless wine and live piano music after dinner in the upstairs Dome observation lounge, while cozy nooks all over the vessel practically demand that you curl up with a book and a cappuccino. Even then, I hadn't technically reached continental Antarctica, just an island north of the Antarctic Peninsula. It wasn't until the following day, when the ship slid into the serene, snow globe-like embayment of Paradise Harbour, that I could finally say I'd made it to the continent of Antarctica itself. Perhaps that's because Antarctica is a place of such extreme contrasts and contradictions.
South Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands
From our stateroom, we could see countless penguins dotting the coast. It wasn’t long until we were ashore for our second landing of the day where we got to see these irresistibly adorable Gentoo penguins up-close. With two days of cruising this Passage towards Antarctica and two days on the return trip to Ushuaia, this voyage is admittedly not for everyone.
Cruise Lines
This personalized service is certainly one of the benefits of small ship cruising. Unique to Atlas is the Alma section of the menu, featuring Portuguese specialties paying tribute to the cruise line’s heritage. I quite enjoyed the empanada, Portuguese sausage entrée, and the cheese tart dessert.
Like most cruise lines, the Madeira Restaurant boasts an elegant three-course menu each evening. It features some of the best dishes I have had at sea, like the roasted rack of lamb, black angus Chateaubriand, and the Hunan shrimp. Given the size of the vessel, the casual dining options were adequate; though, we would have liked a spot to grab a burger, grilled chicken sandwich, or pizza throughout the day.
They don't want to make the passengers or crew uncomfortable, especially when the staff needs to work in the galley. Atlas currently offers 9-, 11- and 13-night roundtrip expeditions to Antarctica from Ushuaia. The line will add a third ship in the region, World Voyager, at the end of 2024, and two more vessels are planned for the future. Rodriguez said they are looking to fly the Drake Passage on some voyages. However, navigating one of the world's roughest waterways is part of the experience of visiting this remote part of the world.
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Calling All Adventurers: Atlas Ocean Voyages Reveals New Polar Expeditions to Antarctica for 2025/2026.
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As we cruised around Pleaneau Island, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the beauty surrounding us. The majestic icebergs and playful seals created a magical atmosphere—a sensory overload in the best possible way. It was a truly spectacular pre-breakfast experience, and most passengers woke up early to enjoy it in the explorer lounge. Throughout the journey, we were constantly amazed by the abundance of wildlife in this remote region.
However, the pool and outdoor restaurants are closed during our Antarctica trips due to the cold weather. You will find the inviting lounge area on the other side of the restaurant. This spacious and comfortable space is perfect for passengers to relax, socialize, or take in the breathtaking views.
In addition to leading excursions, the team would also take turns hosting onboard lectures. On and off the ship we were regaled with tales of triumphant (and tragic) Antarctic expeditions, unexpected seabird facts and recollections of past adventures. For our 9-night expedition, we had a total of three landings, three Zodiac cruises, and three sea kayaking trips. We also had the polar plunge, considered by some to be a rite of passage when traveling to Antarctica. Forty-four passengers braved the frigid waters of the Neumayer Channel so they could have bragging rights for their bravery (or insanity) for making the plunge.
Plus, explorers will enjoy a complimentary Pre-Expedition Cultural Immersion to Tierra del Fuego or A True Taste of Chile. On board Atlas Ocean Voyages’ expedition yachts in Antarctica, guests will explore a range of polar expeditions with options ranging from 7 to 18 nights. Most expeditions sail roundtrip from Ushuaia, Argentina, while others offer the option of 7-night Drake Express expeditions departing from Punta Arenas, Chile. Heading to the very top of the ship (Deck 8), you will find the outdoor decks. Cruisers can enjoy a jog (or walk) when the weather permits on the jogging track.
So, after scouting the coast, the expedition team was not able to find a suitable landing spot along the beach. But, they decided to offer a zodiac ride, which would still allow us to “touch” the continent. While technically not part of the archipelago of the South Shetland Islands, Deception Island is not far from here. Our day started early at 6 AM with a scenic cruise into Neptune’s Bellows.
With the sea conditions and wind changing quickly, the call came in from the bridge to cancel the exploration just as our vessel was about to shove off. Our original 9-day itinerary included embarkation day, four sea days, and four “port days”. Given the unpredictable weather, three of the four days in Antarctica were defined as “Captain’s Choice” and our first port day was scheduled in the South Shetland Islands. In ideal weather conditions, guests get two outings each “port day”.
Offering 37 departures aboard the expedition yacht fleet of World Voyager™, World Navigator®, and World Traveller™, this will mark the third season featuring the entire Atlas Ocean Voyages fleet in the region. As a writer, I sometimes find I get lost in the poetry of a string of words. But as a journalist, it's my responsibility to seek out the truth — to experience the world firsthand and share what I've discovered. It was not uncommon to wake up expecting to go kayaking around an iceberg-filled bay only to find that even a landing wasn't possible.
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