It’s the blue-hued icebergs that still float across my mind when I think back to my Antarctica trip with Atlas Ocean Voyages. This once-in-a-lifetime experience had so many signature moments—plunging into 30°F polar water while humpback whales circled the ship; taking in the surreal, cinematic-like landscape; experiencing the continent’s all-embracing vastness; and listening to the gentle sounds of nature as it lulled me to sleep—but it’s the intense blue-colored icebergs that make their way into my daydreams.
I knew this would be a trip for the record books, but it wasn’t until I was crossing the famed Drake Passage and sailing along the Antarctic Peninsula that the magnitude—and the privilege—of the experience truly sank in. Whether feasting my eyes on towering, stunning icebergs, kayaking through glacier-embraced, mirror-like waters dotted with floating ice as whales called out in the distance or “oohing” while watching penguins clumsily make their way along the shore, I remained in constant awe of the natural world during this 13-night Ushuaia roundtrip sailing on board the World Traveller yacht.
Even for those of us who always seem to have one foot on a plane, ready to dash off to the next destination, Antarctica gives you pause. There’s still a sense of mystery around what to expect—it’s a destination that has the power to transform your clients. And Atlas Ocean Voyages takes that experience to another level.
Navigating the Antarctic Peninsula
I hopped on board Atlas’ purpose-built, polar-class yacht, World Traveller, in Ushuaia, following an overnight in picturesque Buenos Aires, an Atlas-exclusive charter flight to the “End of the World” and an afternoon exploring Tierra del Fuego National Park with fellow passengers. We sailed the Drake Passage for two days, finally arriving at the Antarctic Peninsula on a clear morning when visibility stretched as far as the eye could see.
During the crossing, passengers decided whether to sign up for kayaking or overnight camping excursions (both are add-ons not included in the all-inclusive pricing), we cleaned our personal gear to leave as light a footprint as possible, we learned about Zodiac safety and we headed to the mudroom for proper, excursion-ready outfitting.
It’s also during this time that one gets to know the expedition team and crew—including the captain—and has the opportunity to sit in on lectures covering the region’s wildlife, early explorers and the landscapes that make Antarctica so distinct. There are plenty of lectures in the yacht’s auditorium for the duration of the sailing, led by experts across a range of fields from history and photography to wildlife. These provide valuable context. The day’s program also includes expedition briefings, which outline the next day’s excursions and are not to be missed.
It’s important for your clients to understand that an Antarctic expedition doesn’t follow a set itinerary with specific details on how the days will unfold. The expedition leader, working with the captain, plans out landings and Zodiac scenic cruises in real time. It’s all about what our Expedition Leader, Ekaterina Uriupova, told the passengers on the very first day—flexibility, flexibility, flexibility. Where the ship heads depends on the ever-changing sea and the weather conditions.
Our voyage proved to be incredibly fortunate, with cooperative weather allowing us to take part in nearly every excursion over several days, missing just one. This is part luck and part the expertise of the captain and his team, along with the expedition leader and her team. Being on a yacht with a smaller passenger capacity also means there’s time for two daily excursions, an opportunity for your clients to step off the ship and onto Zodiacs—to hang with wildlife, get up-close to icebergs, go hiking and explore museums and whaling towns lost to time.
The Wilds
Antarctica’s bountiful wildlife awaits, and no matter how many of those adorable penguins you see—we saw plenty of the gentoo and chinstrap variety—one never tires of these Antarctic residents. I can’t tell you the countless times we made way for penguins as they waddled their way from the top of hills to shore for their daily food, and every time it was a unique experience.
There’s also a treasure trove of seals—from the vicious leopard seals, which we saw actively hunting penguins, to the playful fur seals, which decided chasing us around eerie Deception Island was a fun way to spend the afternoon. And did I mention the elephant seals that we watched with glee as they whiled away the afternoon along the shores of the South Shetland Islands?
Plus, during a March sailing, there are plenty of humpback whales. The latter are magnificent creatures that left us catching our breath, whether when viewed from the deck of the vessel or during a Zodiac cruise. In fact, one afternoon, we spotted them breaching in the distance—silence fell over everyone, broken only by that thunderous sound. There are, of course, myriad birds—from albatross to cormorants, petrels to countless others. And to catch them in action with one’s camera in slow-motion is a thing of magic.
Immersive Landscapes
We hiked across snow-covered ridges and rocky terrain; we made our continental landing at Portal Point; we sailed on Zodiacs along towering ice walls, their sheer scale accentuating the sense of proximity; we saw water so turquoise it looked as if it had flowed from the Caribbean Sea; we peeked into historic transit stations frozen in time; we saw vistas so excruciatingly beautiful it brought us to tears; we traced the paths of early explorers; and we stood at a grave site amidst the remains of a historic whaling station on a still-active volcanic caldera.
We visited places with names as evocative as the scenery—Deception Island, Half Moon Island and Paradise Bay, among many others. We sailed through the dramatic, iceberg-filled Lemaire Channel, with still, mirror-like waters and a passage so narrow that the scale of the surrounding cliffs was amplified. Even within the same corner of Antarctica, no two days looked alike—each brought a new landscape, and each was equally mesmerizing.
To be in Antarctica itself is surreal, and that sense only deepens when surrounded by such staggering beauty.
The Yacht Life
There’s something special about sailing the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands on a yacht—especially one as beautiful as the World Traveller. This intimate vessel fosters an easy camaraderie among passengers and the welcoming crew. The latter did not miss a beat, delivering seamless service with genuine warmth.
We called the Veranda Suite home (Atlas has transitioned to an all-suite experience), which is more than ample for a couple. I easily drifted off to sleep each evening on the sumptuous queen bed, the balcony door slightly ajar to let in the sounds of the wild. This 270-sq.-ft. accommodation features a very spacious wardrobe—we had more than enough room for all of our belongings, including all the puffy winter clothes. We made use of our sitting area, which comes with a sofa and vanity, and were delighted by the L’OCCITANE bath amenities. The plush terry bathrobes and slippers came in very handy during our polar plunge and the in-room Nespresso coffee machine was put to use when I wanted to have a morning brew on my roomy balcony.
That said, for a delish cup of coffee you could always find me at grab-n-go Paula’s Pantry, where I also grabbed home-made snacks throughout the day, including an addictive fruit and nut bar. Speaking of nuts, the nut bar set-up in the main dining room for breakfast buffet is out of this world—leaning into the healthy offerings that can be found on the menus, whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed each meal and I loved how varied the offerings were, even though we were a million miles from anywhere (think about the planning that takes). Breakfast and lunch had both buffet and a la carte selections, while dinner—everything takes place in the main dining room—is entirely a la carte, but, again, with an array of choices. The hot pot offering during select lunchtimes was a highlight, and room service is also available. My go-to spot was The Dome Observation Lounge—with 270-degree views through floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s the best seat in the house. Your clients can easily be watching the magnificent view from indoors and when a whale or other wildlife or natural wonder is spotted, they can quickly head outside for the perfect Instagram shot. The Dome, too, is where the passengers transition to after dinner for cocktails (it has a bar) and live entertainment.
The ship is also home to the aforementioned auditorium (for those all-important lectures), the Atlas Lounge with views of the surroundings, as well as a small, but nonetheless well-appointed spa and sauna (a must!). Plus, let clients know the bridge has an open-door policy and is a can’t-miss. There is also a pool (yes!) and a hot tub on the open deck, and a gym (although maybe don’t try using it during the Drake Passage crossing).
Of note: Atlas’ new Suite structure includes the Signature Collection—Adventure Ocean and Veranda suites; the new Concierge Collection—Deluxe Horizon, Deluxe Veranda and Horizon suites; and the top-tier Reserve Collection—Journey, Discovery and Navigator suites. Each collection offers select amenities, but let clients know that Atlas’ all-inclusive model means that while sailing in Antarctica, all landings and Zodiac cruises are included.
Contact Information
Atlas Ocean Voyages: agents.atlasoceanvoyages.com
