Antarctica

In December 2024, I embarked on an unforgettable expedition cruise with Lindblad aboard the National Geographic Endurance. This state-of-the-art icebreaker ship boasts six decks and an impressive range of amenities, including a spa, two exquisite dining venues, a cocktail lounge, a library, a gym, hot tubs, fire pits, and even cozy igloos! While the onboard luxuries are remarkable, the true highlight of the journey was the adventure itself. With two daily excursions led by incredibly knowledgeable naturalists, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. I would return in a heartbeat and wholeheartedly recommend this once-in-a-lifetime voyage to anyone dreaming of exploring the 7th continent!

Antarctica: the only place where wildlife feels truly at peace. Untouched by human intrusion, this place is the perfect summer vacation for animals. It is more than a destination. It is the last true wilderness on earth. This place provides an out-of-this-world experience.

Traveling to Antarctica on the National Geographic Endurance was a life-altering experience. Witnessing the sheer beauty and grandeur of ancient icebergs, walking among Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins, and watching a humpback whale breach from the quiet stillness of our Zodiac are moments forever etched in my memory. The raw, untouched wilderness left me in awe—a reminder of nature’s magnificence.

For many, Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. It's a place shrouded in mystery and brimming with otherworldly beauty that draws adventure seekers and nature lovers. Visiting Antarctica is unlike any experience I've ever had. It's the coldest, driest and windiest continent on Earth, yet there's an unexpected warmth to its vast, untouched landscapes. The penguins, ever curious and friendly, seem to greet you as you disembark your zodiac, welcoming you to their icy world. The ice itself is an ever-changing masterpiece. You can hear it gurgle as it shifts and moves! There's no shortage of incredible activities to take part in, from kayaking and hiking to zodiac rides and cross-country skiing. The wildlife — birds, seals, penguins and whales — is abundant, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable bucket-list experience.

Embarking on a cruise or expedition to Antarctica promises a journey into the heart of pristine wilderness and unparalleled natural beauty. Beyond the allure of icebergs and glaciers, this frozen continent offers a rare glimpse into a fragile ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife, from penguins and seals to whales. Whether you're drawn to the thrill of exploration or seeking solace in the serene landscapes, Antarctica captivates with its untouched splendor and unique experiences.

All travel is enjoyable. But some are simply life-changing. An expedition to Antarctica truly falls under that life-altering category. For me, the trip just “happened”. I was at the right place at the right time, and snatched an amazing package thanks to Fora’s partnerships with Quark. This is one trip that made me smile, laugh, even cry. Yes, I welled up when I saw the penguins with their chicks. I welled up when I flew in a helicopter over massive glaciers. I stopped breathing when I saw a whale about five feet away, and when our ship sailed along an iceberg as large as Manhattan.

You may have seen dozens of hours of footage of icebergs, glaciers and wildlife on the internet. But nothing can really prepare you for what you experience when you are there in flesh and blood. It is surreal.

I am excited to present the details of my trip with you, to share the joy and hopefully inspire you to book that trip — you live but once!

Antarctica has always been my North Star—ironically, a frozen dream at the bottom of the world. Since childhood, when I first glimpsed those sweeping ice shelves and penguin colonies in a dog-eared National Geographic, the White Continent called to me with a voice both powerful and pristine. This guide emerges from that lifelong fascination finally realized. My journey felt like pilgrimage. As someone drawn to both the raw power of untamed nature and the profound silence of Earth's most remote places, Antarctica represented the ultimate destination—the last true wilderness where human presence remains beautifully transient.

There is something very magical about Earth's polar regions: sweeping, unspoiled landscapes, unique flora and fauna — and the thrill of discovering the world's most isolated areas. We are fortunate to live in a time when the adventurous traveler has a variety of choices for accessing these distant and stunning destinations in a respectful and safe way. Whether you are attracted to the Arctic's dramatic coastlines and native cultures or Antarctica's pristine icy wilderness, these cruises provide experiences that are unlike any other.

In December, I set out with my husband on an adventure visiting our final continent. Having cruised on Silversea previously to the Galapagos Islands, we knew this line would provide a stellar experience and a safe one. However, pre and post-cruise, we wanted to explore a bit of Santiago, Chile. We knew both properties offered through the cruise line would be wonderful bases for venturing out into this South American capital.

In December of 2023, I experienced the most awe-inspiring and life-changing trip of my life. Exploring the remote and untouched white continent of Antarctica was just magical, but it truly would not have been the same without the most incredible, kind, and knowledgeable staff on board. On top of this, the cruising experience on board the Scenic Eclipse || left me speechless. An open bridge policy allowing us to go behind the scenes with the captain, world-class dining, a helicopter that took us to an Emperor penguin colony, and a sauna where I was able to observe my first icebergs as we sailed across the notorious Drake Passage. The Spa suite on the Scenic Eclipse || also blew me away, an led color-changing shower, a jacuzzi, an adjustable bed, and a mirror that doubles as a tv. Having only 120 on board made the journey so special, with landings every day that just kept getting better.