Sarah was exceptional in knowledge, friendliness, approachability. Managed the whole expedition team seamlessly and had great stories. Seb was equally as good, incredible knowledge base; shared his personal expedition in re-enacting Shackleton's voyage to save self and crew. Sasha shared his experience of spending a year or more on the Ukranian station, which we did a drive by; couldn't stop because of covid issues. The people on station don't get covid because they are TRULY isolated . . . . and if a few bumbling fools like us visited, that blows their isolation. Whole expedition staff was international: UK, Canada, Ukranian, Russian, Argentine, and others; and that added a great flavor. Pablo and Javier were likewise knowledgeable and hilarious. They all added a level of humor and you could tell they enjoyed each other and worked well together.

Every daily expedition, the expedition crew were sprinkled across the site to provide insight. Sue was incredible with her knowledge of birds ("they aren't far from home; the sea is there home!) The zodiac crew was great and the zodiac expeditions (when we didn't go for a land expedition) led us thru ice fields, humpbacks, 3 types of seals (including one munching on a penguin), Petrels walking on water, and so much stuff. Rooms had a TON of storage space. Food was excellent, good variety and quality. Packed too much. When done, pull out one of everything and leave it at home: long-sleeve shirt, short-sleeve shirt, polar tech, long pants, socks, shoes. It is so cold (surprise!) that you never sweat so it's not like you are soiling your clothes. Expedition clothes were identical every day, and if I'm out in 32F or 0C temps, I am not sweating. It's fairly cool in the ship, too. If you are on expeditions for about half the day and on the ship about half the day, each set of clothes can last for days. Oh of course, on ship don't be wearing the same shirt every day, but one t-shirt can last 3 days and still be fresh. And expedition clothing, all anyone sees is your huge double-layered parka, your rain pants, and your cap.

Couple of suggestions: if your hands get cold, bring a few of those handwarmer pellet things (I didn't); and bring ski goggles I used sunglasses and for the Zodiac rides, it would have been so nice to have goggles on so the eyeballs aren't watering, and they can handle the bit of sea spray that happens occasionally. Read more