Antarctica Cruise

When I made reservations a week before the trip she helped me get all my documents and everything else I needed, spending a lot of time on phone calls and emails.

The ship’s staff was wonderful. They were very knowledgeable and friendly. They sat with guests at dinner and spent time with us in the lounge. They shared their knowledge, enthusiasm, and experiences with us. They also watched out for older passengers like myself and were always willing to lend an extra hand if you needed to get in or out of the zodiac or seemed to be struggling on a slope or step. They seemed to anticipate your needs and I couldn't have asked for anything more. I think the most memorable part of the trip was the penguins everywhere and that they were so unafraid and friendly. I was also impressed by the unspoiled beauty.

The staff onboard the ship was the most professional and knowledgeable group of people we have had lead an excursion. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and brought with them special insights because they had lived adventures throughout their personal lives that they could share with us. The hotel staff on the ship was also exceptional—remarkable at times since the seas were a little rough.  Everyone presented themselves as professional and expert at all times. The trip was everything we'd hope to experience: beautiful, surreal scenery, lots of wildlife and great people. 

This trip far exceeded my expectations and I don't believe it could have been any better. The staff, guides and crew were excellent. The Captain was willing to take our ship close to Cape Horn and into tight places for us to get a closer look. The most memorable part of the trip was the Zodiac trips around the floating icebergs and the compatibility of everyone.

Keep up the good email response time and continual support. The trip was better than I what I had expected. The guides were very knowledgeable and gave great seminars/lectures. The wait staff in the restaurant was excellent and the food selection was good. I liked having the choice for lunch in the lounge or the restaurant. The staff was good, the organization was good, and our roommate problem was dealt with effectively.

The guides onboard the Clipper Adventurer were personable and knowledgeable. The interaction of groups of penguins, seals, and other birds was mesmerizing. There was so much going on I didn't know what to photograph first!

We were inspired to go to Antarctica by seeing a show on South Georgia by Art Wolfe the photographer, but nothing can prepare you for the awesome scope, sounds and smells of the wildlife on the beaches. The trip exceeded our expectations for wildlife and scenery. We had very good weather and I would have liked to kayak in some of the protected bays, but it wasn't offered on this departure. We enjoyed getting to know the ship's guides and crew and swapped stories of our previous adventures. Martin, the expedition leader, went out of his way to maximize the number of landings and our time on-shore. He did a superb job. The dining room staff was as good as you would find in any nice restaurant.

We really enjoyed working with ExpeditionTrips and would book with you again in the future. In fact, I wish I were back in South Georgia right now! I also appreciated having you schedule the additional hotel time in Ushuaia and booking our flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia for us. Thank you again!

The staff was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and truly made the experience great. The crew is also exceptional. They went out of their way to help people who were not feeling well and wanted to make sure we were as comfortable as possible. The only improvement I can think of would be more excursion options (i.e. kayaking, etc).

Our Polish marine biologist helped me down a steep tussock grass hill when I decided it was too severe for me. The waiters all knew my dietary restrictions and the kitchen provided substitutes willingly and quickly. Everyone catered to all age levels, interests, languages and abilities. I was tremendously impressed.

A real unexpected plus was the opportunity to land on Elephant Island. Making this possible was the superb weather we had every day of the trip.

I have always been attracted to the idea of going to Antarctica. Two things encouraged me to take this trip now: several of my storytelling friends have excited me with the Shackleton story and this trip went to South Georgia; I'm getting older and frailer, so the now or never factor was part of my response. I would still like to get below the Antarctic Circle. My interest in birds also contributed, as well as the encouragement of one of my birding friends.

We have been on every continent and this was our last big hurrah! The most memorable part of the expedition for me ... well was basically everything! If I had to pick something it would be hiking up a mountain to a 360 degree view of Antarctica and a penguin colony at the top of the mountain. It was just so unreal.

The entire staff on Clipper Adventurer had superior service. I'm not sure how they were trained so well. Everyone was laid back and friendly and never talked down to anyone. The trip leader (Lauri) had so much experience and picked great landings. Even our waiter (Francis) was so over the top and the first time he found out we liked anything specific (ie tabasco sauce for my husband) he would bring it for every meal. The hotel manager (Carlene) was very experienced and always on top of making sure everyone was happy as well. I was very impressed. It's hard to 'expect' anything from a trip to Antarctica but it far exceeded my expectations. Every time I thought we'd seen all we could have, the next landing would be even more amazing. I can't think of anything that would improve it except for making the Drake Passage smoother ;).

I thought the information you put together was very comprehensive and useful - I did a lot of research before I went. We were particularly lucky with the weather on this trip; I did not wear all the warm things I bought especially!! Onboard, the whole organization was first class. The guides were extremely knowledgeable so I learned a lot. Laurie was an exceptional leader and every lecture made the whole trip so much more interesting and a great learning experience.

Although what he (Laurie) considered a walk was pretty much more a major hike! I thought the food was excellent - in variety and taste. The homemade rolls were to die for!!

I had been to the Patagonian ice fields previously, and wanted to go further south - also I have been interested in the Polar explorers for a long time and I love looking at the wildlife. The most memorable part of this trip was watching the albatross and petrels glide behind the ship and the penguins of course, especially the gentoo babies who were SO friendly.

Even though we never met face to face, I feel I was treated with 'professionalism with a personal touch' and believe me, such treatment is certainly a rarity these days.

Everyone onboard the Clipper Adventurer was great. I was particularly proud of the fact the majority of the expedition team was Canadian (given that I'm a Canuck) and as it turns out, I had every right to be proud. I cannot sing enough praises about Laurie Dexter and all the others.

I have always been interested in the polar regions, Antarctica in particular and the trip exceeded my expectations. I loved each and every minute of it (well, maybe not the getting seasick part - but hey, it was all part of the experience). One of the many highlights was to encounter penguins up close and personal; I never got tired of spending time with them. The only bad part was having to leave them behind!

The staff on the ship was AMAZING. I’ve never had a hotel manager be so concerned about my well-being and making sure i was satisfied with my vegetarian options. The dining staff was also great. I had a blast with them. They even reserved tables for us so we'd always have a table to ourselves. Really cool!

I took this trip to set foot on my seventh continent. So that goal in life is now fulfilled. One of the most memorable parts was the FIRST time we went off the ship in the zodiac and went searching for leopard seals. Absolutely amazing.

The difference was the amount of relevant and useful information that was given, so we never had to search more than a few minutes to get any information about the trip.

The trip was definitely beyond expectations. Service was excellent from all the staff, guides and crew. The hotel manager deserves particular mention for ensuring the availability of a variety of vegetarian food throughout the journey. We felt very special. There are so many memorable moments that rate equally. Particular mention goes to the Polar Plunge - diving into freezing water is a unique, daring and foolish act of bravery.

The energy and excitement that the expedition team generated was infectious. The hospitality staff was stellar. I can say they were better than some of the finest hotels I have stay in. I was amazed at how many staff and team members learned our names and things about the passengers so quickly. It was refreshing to be greeted by name on the evening of the first day.

We had a wonderful opportunity to have whales approaching our ship during dinner. The announcement was made and everyone scrambled to the deck to watch. When the whales were bored and moved on, we all went back to our dinners and much to our surprise the staff had removed all previously delivered food which was cold by now and came out of the kitchen with all new and hot food!!! The guides were always with us even during their down time and continuously shared stories and information about the Antarctic, which just enhanced the trip even more.

What I brought home with me is that there are people in this world with the same adventurous spirit that I have. To travel in such an extreme place takes a unique kind of person and I met so many folks with that spirit from around the globe! The scenery, the animals and the vastness of the Antarctic are amazing, but the people I met and memories I have can never be duplicated again.

They were all very well qualified and suitable. I was disappointed to have missed the ornithologist’s presentation on the first morning due to seasickness, but appreciated him helping us identify birds whenever he was nearby.

It has been my husband's dream for a long time to go to Antarctica, an unspoiled area. The most memorable part of our expedition was seeing the wildlife near us and unafraid of us, as well as the pristine scenery.