An absolutely magical experience. Incredible scenery and wildlife, scientists on board and leading expeditions, incredible food, very attentive and helpful staff and crew. The boat supports important research by faculty and grad students studying climate change, ornithology, geology, marine mammals, and a very significant study collecting data on the presence of microplastics in the Antarctic Ocean. You get to interact with these folks every day, making this a great educational experience as well as a stunning immersion into a beautiful landscape. It was a refreshing change to go on a cruise where, for more than ten days, you don't see a single plane or automobile, and where there is absolutely no place to spend money even if you wanted to. And on the far edge of the world, you still have an incredible variety of sumptuous food, wonderful places to relax, a large and absolutely first-rate library with books of all sorts, and a captain and crew who are clearly at the top of their game. We have done 8+ Viking cruises and this one is in a class by itself. Our best vacation ever.