Antarctica: the best part
Spoiler alert: there are many
I never knew there were so many shades of white until I approached the Antarctic Peninsula. The snow on the ship deck reflected a shade I recognized – a pure, piercing white. But the blizzard engulfing our ship was a misty powder. The distant haze completely obstructed the horizon in a creamy smoke as the indigo waters of the Southern Ocean danced with the light of the weather conditions. The sky presented an eerie apocalyptic glow. The white caps likened frothy, soapy suds. The ice chunks floating by were a translucent gray. The bobbing icebergs were frosted with larimar underbellies.
I just returned from an 11-day cruise to Antarctica aboard the 378-passenger Viking Polaris where admiring the depth of color surrounding a land monikered as the White Continent, quickly became one of my favorite parts of the trip. At first glance, the landscape presented a monotone wash of white and black, but then the sun would shine and transform the dark brooding sea into a shade of sapphire, illuminate the glaciers’ aquamarine rings and turn the soaring peaks golden, brightening the rockface to emphasize crevices and patterns that seemingly weren’t there in cloudy weather. This not only changed on a daily basis but hourly, if not by the minute.
Since arriving home, I’ve been asked the predicted question from family and friends: “What was your favorite part?” Luckily, I anticipated this onboard as I realized explaining that the aforementioned light and ever-changing hues of the continent as my favored part probably wouldn’t suffice in giving them the answer they wanted. What about the penguins? Or seals? Or kayaking? I envisioned they would pry.
The truth is, Antarctica was beyond my wildest dreams; so much so in fact, that being back in North America almost feels like it was a dream. There is no possible way that I could point to a singular part of the trip and honestly say “that was the best part.”
There were many “best” parts and surreal moments of the trip; each was better than the last and each was equally personal.
Depending on your travel preferences, you’d have a completely different answer for a standout memory, hence why I asked some of my fellow passengers what that was for them in order to provide my enquirers a more well-rounded idea of what made the trip so special.
From a couple celebrating a 50th birthday, to a wildlife photographer looking for a change of scenery from the African plains, to a couple on their honeymoon, a family visiting their seventh continent together, and sisters simply celebrating life, here’s a variety of top moments.
Penguin viewing: they’re more adorable than expected, but also unexpectedly, they’re very animated and human-like.
Waking up and coming to the top deck that first morning, my jaw literally dropped.
The first landing and realizing, “Wow, I’m really here.”
Learning about the first explorers to Antarctica and how some explored to the end of their own detriment; the ones who made it possible for us to be here.
Being on the water in a zodiac, surrounded by nature at ground level (as opposed to six decks up on the ship) and how it permitted a true perspective of the land.
Kayaking through the glaciers — we could feel the raw silence and stillness of the land.
The ice caves and carvings of glaciers bearing witness to nature’s power.
Checking off that seventh continent with my family by my side.
The Submarine dive: we’d been wanting to do it since booking the trip and it was everything we thought it would be and more as we spotted the Viking jellyfish. We didn’t feel claustrophobic or anything!
It wasn’t that cold: windy days were brutal but the sunny days felt like a balmy, bluebird day.
The prolific shades of white, blue and gray. [see, I wasn’t the only one obsessed with the colors!]
Impressed by the untouched land and I think it should continue to stay that way.
The cadence: there’s no rush here.
The people — hearing about their life journeys, brushing shoulders with onboard scientists and quickly bonding over such newness with 300+ fellow passengers.
How much there is to do on the ship; juxtaposition of nature, science, wellness, and luxe leisure.
I have a broken leg but the panoramic views from the ship still allowed me to experience the vastness of the continent in comfort.
The scenery: you simply can’t capture it in photos or describe it to people.
The purity yet hardness of the landscape.
Just being here.
Consider this a teaser; I’ll be writing more about my journey for one of my editorial outlets and will certainly share more in the coming issues about what to expect for an Antarctic cruise, packing must-haves, and I’m certainly not finished sharing photos over on my Instagram.
In the meantime, any burning questions about the trip? I’m only an email away <3
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