Antarctica Cruise: The Drake Passage
Weather: Sunny. 30 degrees F
After a better-than-average Drake Passage we were quickly approaching Antarctica and hoped to see the South Shetland Islands in the late afternoon. The weather had improved, there was hardly any wind and the sun was shining. Just before the scheduled penguin lecture by Christian 2 humpback whales showed up near the ship and I stopped to watch them frolicking and showing their fins. The rest of the morning was dedicated to vacuuming our gear to avoid introducing non-native plants and animals into Antarctica.
Vacuuming continued after lunch. In the late afternoon Delphine gave us an introduction to the IAATO-guidelines, a set of rules on how to behave in Antarctica. They are designed to protect the unique and sensitive environment and ensure that our landings were safe and responsible.
Just before dinner we passed between the Aitcho Islands through the English Channel, a narrow strait in the South Shetland Islands framed by bizarre volcanic formations.
The day concluded with an extended Christmas dinner prepared by our chefs from Austria and India. Happy Christmas everyone! What an amazing place to spend Christmas Day, watching Humpback Whales as we arrive in Antarctica's South Shetland Islands!
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.