As itineraries for Antarctica are determined so heavily by the weather and ice conditions, it is impossible to say what landings you’ll make on your journey.
Glacier! (Rachel Shull)
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve typed that to travelers as they plan for their Antarctic journey. On the receiving end of that news, it can feel like you’re being told you’re going to Europe, but not told which countries. Having experienced it firsthand, I know that “Antarctica” is honestly going to be your only destination listed on your itinerary.
We had at least one shore landing planned each day. PLANNED. Luckily, there was never a day that we didn’t get off the ship (excluding the Drake Days of course) but we got 4 landings and 7 zodiac cruises total.
So many people focus on the landings, but really the zodiacs offered some of the best wildlife viewing and iceberg photography. We’d get to break away from the group and go explore. Our zodiac drivers were very excited to be back for the season. With full enthusiasm, they’d point out tiny specks on the ice they somehow recognized as a seal. We’d slow down the engine and head that direction for a closer look.
Seal! (Rachel Shull)
They would often make a point to turn off the engine entirely and ask everyone to be quiet to just enjoy the serenity. I will treasure these moments.
Being on shore was great to finally walk around new territory and just observe the penguins. We never had any “hikes” per se and were given pretty strict boundaries. The penguins were the main focus so I didn’t mind. Each of our excursions were about an hour each and they always flew by way too fast.
Penguins! (Rachel Shull)
Sometimes I hear other travelers' Antarctica stories where they got to be on shore for hours at a time, or they got to snorkel with a seal, and I get jealous. And then I hear other stories where a giant storm came in and the ship had to turn around 3 days early and I remember: Antarctica is for adventurers, not planners.
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.
