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An Experience Beyond Expectation
Antarctica is one of those rare places that stops you in your tracks, not just for its beauty, but for the sheer scale and stillness of it. It’s vast, untouched, and humbling in a way that’s difficult to put into words. A destination that doesn’t just impress you, it quietly shifts your perspective.
My recent expedition with HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) on their Highlights of Antarctica itinerary, sailing onboard the MS Roald Amundsen, was nothing short of extraordinary. It wasn’t just the landscapes or the wildlife, it was the way the entire journey unfolded, layered with meaning, knowledge, and moments that genuinely stayed with me.
This is not a traditional cruise. It’s an experience built around exploration, understanding, and connection, both to the destination and to the environment itself.
Icebergs of the Lamaire Channel
The Journey South
The journey began in Buenos Aires, before flying south to Ushuaia, a place often referred to as the end of the world. From Ushuaia, we set sail across the legendary Drake Passage. A crossing that’s often spoken about with a mix of caution and curiosity, known as either the “Drake Shake” or the “Drake Lake,” depending on conditions. I was incredibly fortunate to experience the latter!
The seas were calm and glassy, stretching endlessly around us and making for a pretty surreal start to the journey. It allowed time to settle in, to absorb the anticipation, and to begin understanding just how remote and remarkable this part of the world really is.
These days at sea were far from just a crossing. They were an introduction, not just to Antarctica, but to the philosophy behind HX. The Expedition Team began to layer the experience with knowledge through briefings, wildlife insights, and storytelling, that transformed what lay ahead into something far more meaningful.
Tip: Even if you’re lucky enough to experience a “Drake Lake,” conditions can change quickly and it’s always better to be prepared, so is worth packing seasickness tablets just in case! better to be safe than sorry I always say.
Ushuaia – “End of the World”
Experiencing Antarctica
Arriving in Antarctica is something you never forget. Towering icebergs, vast glaciers, and a stillness that’s difficult to put into words set the scene from the very beginning. Each day unfolds differently, shaped by the conditions, with landings and zodiac cruises taking you deep into this untouched environment.
Wildlife encounters are constant and incredibly special. You might find yourself walking among colonies of penguins, from curious Gentoo to the striking Chinstrap, watching them go about their day, completely unfazed by your presence. Out on the water, whales surface nearby, sometimes so close you can hear the breath as they rise. Seals can often be seen resting on drifting ice, completely at ease in their surroundings.
It’s the unpredictability of it all that makes it so memorable. One moment you’re quietly taking in the landscape, and the next you’re witnessing wildlife in its most natural, untouched state.
Curious Adelie Penguins
Optional Extras
One of the most memorable parts of the journey was the Discovery Kayaking experience. Moving quietly through the water, surrounded by glaciers and drifting ice, it offered a completely different and deeply peaceful perspective of Antarctica. There’s a stillness to it that you simply don’t get any other way. No engine noise, no distractions, just you, the water, and Antarctica in its purest form. It was easily one of the most peaceful and memorable parts of the entire journey, and something I would highly recommend to anyone considering it.
Tip: Discovery Kayaking has very limited spaces, so it’s important to pre-book this experience well in advance to avoid missing out.
Discovery Kayaking was a bit chilly!
Life Onboard: The Ship, Crew & Expedition Experience
Life onboard strikes the perfect balance between comfort, connection, and purpose. The ship itself is beautifully designed. It’s modern, Scandinavian-inspired, and incredibly comfortable without feeling over the top. Large panoramic windows, cosy lounges, and quiet spaces make it easy to take in the ever-changing scenery, while three dining venues offer a great range of options depending on your mood.
There’s also a beautiful onboard sauna, perfectly positioned with panoramic views, offering a unique way to unwind while taking in the icy landscapes outside.
What truly sets the experience apart, however, is the people. The crew are warm, attentive, and effortlessly professional, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere throughout the journey. At the heart of it all is the Expedition Team, a group of scientists, naturalists, and polar experts who bring Antarctica to life in a way that goes far beyond what you see. Their knowledge, passion, and storytelling add depth to every landing, zodiac cruise, and onboard experience.
Panoramic views in the sauna
The Science Centre further enhances this, offering the opportunity to engage with real research and gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable environment. Experiences like the Science Boat allow you to step beyond observation and feel genuinely connected to the destination.
Evenings onboard are relaxed and reflective, with a natural sense of community forming among guests. It’s less about entertainment, and more about sharing the day’s experiences, reviewing photos, or simply watching the light shift across the ice.
Tip: Pre-book your preferred dining times in Aune and Fredheim, as they fill quickly. Don’t miss the daily briefings and recap sessions, as they add incredible context to your experience. And if the Science Boat is on your list, be sure to book early, as spaces are limited.
Standing on Continental Antarctica
A Journey That Stays With You
What makes an expedition with HX so special is the balance it strikes between comfort, education, and genuine exploration. This isn’t about simply ticking Antarctica off a list, it’s about experiencing it in a way that feels meaningful, respectful, and deeply immersive.
Every part of the journey is thoughtfully designed to help you connect, not just with the destination, but with the environment, the wildlife, and the stories that make this place so extraordinary. It’s travel with purpose, and it’s what sets this experience apart.
This wasn’t just a trip.
It was one of the most powerful and humbling journeys I’ve ever had. Antarctica has a way of staying with you, quietly shifting your perspective long after you’ve returned home.
And with HX, you don’t just visit this incredible place… you truly connect with it.
Tip: Go in with an open mind and flexible expectations. Antarctica runs on nature’s schedule, and that unpredictability is part of what makes it so unforgettable.
Stunning beauty of Antarctica
