This was the most amazing cruise. We were lucky on the Drake's Passage in that the swells were only 2/10 so that was a good (and very welcome) start! We headed straight down to the Antarctic Circle as the weather was so good and the views were absolutely stunning. We managed to do all the landings that were planned. We saw abandoned research stations which were fascinating with all the old food left in the huts, loads of penguin colonies with all the babies chasing their mums for food, loads of seals and loads of whales. We had a big group of orcas with a baby come right up to the ship to get a good look one day.

We camped out one night which was an experience, especially with a couple of seals and some penguins watching us all put our tents up.

The ship itself is an old car ferry and as such is quite basic, but the staff more than made up for it. The bar men knew our names within a day (which probably says a lot about how much we drink!). The expedition team were the most enthusiastic team I have ever come across. They gave lots of talks on the sea days and did a recap each evening before dinner where any questions were answered. The food was absolutely delicious with good choices. We even had a barbecue out on deck one night! The lounge was a good size with tea and coffee available all day. The band (made up of crew members) played a couple of times in the evening in the Polar Bear Bar and there was karaoke one night, but apart from that most people just went back to their cabins in the evening and the odd few went to the Polar Bear Bar for a drink and a natter. Read more