Travelling to one of the most remote places on Earth, where very few people ever get the chance to visit, naturally comes with plenty of questions.
I had the privilege of travelling to Antarctica last December with HX Expeditions, and I wanted to share my experience for anyone considering this extraordinary adventure and wondering what it’s really like.
I’ve always loved sharing my travel stories, which is one of the reasons I became a travel professional many years ago. So, here’s a snapshot of my unforgettable journey to Antarctica.
The Journey Begins
My adventure started at Heathrow Airport, flying with British Airways on a route that briefly touched down in Rio de Janeiro before continuing to the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
As part of the HX Expeditions package, guests spend a night in Buenos Aires before travelling onwards. This ensures everyone is well rested for the early morning charter flight to Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city and the gateway to Antarctica.
Just three hours later, after a spectacular flight over the Andes, I arrived in Ushuaia, ready to board my home for the next adventure: the beautiful Roald Amundsen.
A Different Kind of Expedition Ship
The Roald Amundsen is a stunning Scandinavian-inspired hybrid expedition ship, thoughtfully designed with sustainability and mindful travel at its heart. Operating in one of the world’s most fragile environments, every detail reflects a commitment to responsible exploration without compromising on comfort.
I was fortunate enough to be staying in a suite, which included access to the Arakur Spa before embarkation. a wonderful opportunity to relax and take in the breathtaking views of Patagonia before setting sail.
Life Onboard
From the moment I stepped onboard, it was clear that this wasn’t a traditional cruise experience.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, attracting like-minded travellers who share a passion for nature, wildlife and discovery. Rather than thinking of it as a cruise ship, it’s better described as a floating expedition vessel.
Large observation decks provide incredible viewing opportunities, while comfortable lounges invite you to sit back and watch the ever-changing scenery. Guests can choose from a selection of excellent restaurants, enjoy informative lectures from the expedition team, and spend time in beautifully designed spaces that fully embrace the spirit of exploration.
Every area of the ship is designed to connect you with the destination, building excitement for the incredible experiences that lie ahead in Antarctica.
Crossing the Drake Passage
The next stage of my journey involved crossing the legendary Drake Passage, a voyage that takes around two days.
The Drake often receives mixed reviews because of its reputation for rough seas. Some travellers experience the famous “Drake Shake,” while others are lucky enough to enjoy the much calmer “Drake Lake.” Whichever version you get, I found it to be the perfect opportunity to slow down, unwind and fully embrace expedition life.
Rather than rushing from place to place, I spent time enjoying my spacious suite and exploring everything the ship had to offer. I treated myself to a relaxing massage in the spa, soaked in the outdoor hot tubs while surrounded by nothing but endless ocean, and watched the world drift by from the observation deck.
Before reaching Antarctica, every guest is fitted with their waterproof landing boots and receives an expedition jacket, which is included as part of the experience. The expedition team ensures everything fits perfectly, so you’re fully prepared for your first landing on the White Continent.
One of my favourite moments was sitting with a glass of wine, watching magnificent wandering albatrosses effortlessly glide alongside the ship. With their incredible wingspans, they seem to dance on the wind, rarely needing to flap their wings as they soar above the Southern Ocean.
The crossing is also an opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers and the expert expedition team. Daily lectures and presentations cover everything from Antarctic wildlife and history to conservation and photography, building excitement for the adventure ahead.
Guests are allocated into small landing groups and have access to the onboard app, with complimentary Wi-Fi included throughout the voyage. The app keeps you updated with daily schedules, landing times and Zodiac excursions, ensuring you never miss a moment of the experience.
By the time the first icebergs appear on the horizon, you’ve had time to rest, learn and connect with both the destination and the people sharing the journey. The anticipation builds with every passing hour, making that first glimpse of Antarctica even more unforgettable.
First Glimpse of Antarctica
There is nothing quite as humbling as waking on your first morning in Antarctica, opening the curtains and witnessing a landscape that can only be described as magical.
An endless world of pristine white stretches before you, illuminated by the most extraordinary light, with the sun sparkling and dancing across the snow and ice. Visiting during the Antarctic spring means the continent is full of life, with longer days, incredible wildlife activity and a sense of renewal that is impossible to put into words.
For anyone who truly appreciates our planet and the extraordinary places that still exist untouched by mass tourism, it is an emotional moment. You realise just how small you are in comparison to the vastness of this frozen wilderness and how privileged you are to experience it.
Almost immediately, you feel an overwhelming desire to step ashore and become part of this remarkable environment.
My first excursion was an evening Zodiac cruise. These large inflatable expedition boats, carrying around ten guests, allow you to get incredibly close to the wildlife while respecting the strict guidelines that protect this fragile ecosystem.
As we glided silently through the icy waters, snowflakes began to fall around us, creating an atmosphere that felt almost dreamlike. In the distance, whales surfaced and gracefully disappeared beneath the water before reappearing moments later, while curious penguins played along the shoreline, completely unfazed by our presence.
Many people imagine Antarctica to be unbearably cold, but the reality is surprisingly comfortable. With the right expedition clothing, the crisp air feels fresh and invigorating rather than harsh, adding to the sense of adventure.
It was one of those rare travel moments when time seems to stand still. There was no noise apart from the gentle sound of the water, the calls of the wildlife and the quiet excitement shared by everyone onboard. It was, without question, one of the most memorable evenings I have ever experienced and the moment I truly fell in love with Antarctica.
My First Steps on the White Continent
The next morning, bathed in glorious sunshine beneath an endless blue sky, I stepped onto the Antarctic mainland for the very first time.
It’s a moment that appears on so many bucket lists, and as I chatted with fellow travellers from every corner of the world, I realised we were all sharing the same feeling. For many, this was the experience they had dreamed about for years, a once-in-a-lifetime moment that had finally become reality.
Equipped with walking poles and sturdy snow boots, we made our way across the pristine, snow-covered landscape, accompanied only by the sounds of nature and the company of hundreds of penguins.
Already busy preparing their nests, they seemed completely unbothered by our presence. In fact, it often felt as though we were the visitors in their world. They confidently waddled past us, following the well-worn penguin highways that criss-crossed the snow, occasionally stopping to inspect us before continuing their way.
One question I’m often asked is whether you need to be exceptionally fit to visit Antarctica. The answer is reassuringly simple: no. The expedition landings are designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities, and the experienced expedition team is always on hand to offer support and guidance.
Whether you choose a gentle stroll along the shoreline or a slightly more challenging walk to a viewpoint, the pace is relaxed and there is never any pressure to keep up. The goal isn’t to cover miles—it’s to slow down, take in your surroundings and appreciate one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.
Every landing offers you something different, but they all share one thing in common: the feeling that you are experiencing a place that remains wonderfully wild, beautifully untouched and unlike anywhere else on the planet.
There is so much more I could share and would be happy to talk to anyone who would like to know more to arrange your perfect expedition to Antarctica.
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