Unexpected Things I Learned on My Antarctica Cruise
Three weeks, seven penguin species, one polar plunge, and more photos than I will ever finish sorting through. I spent two and a half years preparing for this trip, was about as prepared as I've ever been for anything, and there were still things I wish someone had told me before I left. Here they are, in no particular order.
The Southern Ocean is alive and belongs to the wildlife. Primarily penguins.
Penguins and seals are everywhere you look in Antarctica. On top of glaciers, swimming in the ocean, and covering every single inch of land you can see. South Georgia and the Falklands are where we got the most up close with wildlife and saw by far the biggest numbers of penguins, seals, and birds, but Antarctica felt more like it belonged to them, not us. It is one of those things that you just have to experience to fully comprehend.
Seabourn Venture Zodiac in Antarctica
Zodiac seats are cold
This may sound silly but it caught me off guard. “Scenic cruising” means you’re sitting on a hunk of freezing plastic that’s been outside for hours. I got very, very cold, and wore extra layers on bottom for all non-landing zodiac trips from there on out.
Nap if you can
Two excursions a day plus early wakeup calls add up fast. The smart people napped between the morning and afternoon outings. I have never once been able to nap on a cruise, so I was tired for most of this trip. Worth every minute, but tired.
The sun barely sets
Antarctic summer means nearly constant daylight, so every night you're choosing between sleeping and staring out the window at whales. I have never spent so much time just looking out a window, and I'd do it all again. If light keeps you up, bring a sleep mask.
Wear real sunscreen
UV levels down there can be intense, and we saw people get genuinely sunburned, especially in South Georgia, where it was warmer and more faces were uncovered.
Plan for your feet
Seabourn, along with most other expedition lines, provides the boots we wear off of the ship in Antarctica. Part of the prep work on that first day crossing the Drake Passage is to try on boots to find the right size. Fit is important - hikes can run a mile or two, over snowy, rocky, hilly terrain, and blisters caused some serious issues for multiple people on our sailing. My husband brought orthotics to go in his boots, and I doubled up on socks. Both strategies can work to ensure a comfy fit.
You don't need a fancy camera
Every photo in this series came from my iPhone 15 Pro Max. The scenery does the heavy lifting. If you already know how to use serious camera gear, bring it, rent lenses, do the whole bit, but don't buy new equipment just for this trip.
A Magellanic Penguin in the Falkland Islands
Penguins are loud, and they smell
Their sound is unmistakable and easily captured on film. That smell though - it’s also unmistakable, and I had absolutely no idea. By the end of the trip I'd actually started looking forward to it because it meant penguins were close by.
If you're dreaming about Antarctica and want help figuring out the right ship, itinerary, and timing, get in touch. I'd love to help you plan it.
