I 1st heard about Quark Expedition from the author who wrote "Swimming to Antarctica" several years ago. Going to Antarctica has been a top travel bucket list item for a long time. I decided to go now as the trip wasn't going to get any cheaper and while we still have an Antarctica. I looked at other cruise lines and none offered the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Islands along with Antarctica. I figured if I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it right and see everything. I booked a double room and had a roommate assigned to me. She was awesome. I think the vast majority of the passengers were women traveling solo who had roommates assigned to them. I loved the fact that the ship was small - under 300 people including crews and passengers. It was a very imitate experience. I met fabulous people from all over the world. The expedition staff and hotel staff were amazing - very nice and personable. The food - OMG!!! World class. I have taken 2 Princess cruises in Europe previously and this was so much better. First, you were not nickeled and dimed to death. Second, bar and boutique prices were very reasonable. Third, all the excursions were included in the trip price. I paid extra for a massage and a facial - well worth the money and far less expensive than equal services here at home. I also paid extra for a one-time paddling (Kayaking) excursion. This trip was worth every last dollar I spent. On the last day when the 1st group disembarked, they played "Leaving on a Jet Plane" over the PA system. I cried and I wasn't the only one in the Club Lounge with teary eyes. I'm considering a trip to the 'top of the world' in 2024 and will definitely go with Quark.