What was your first impression?

Before we arrived, the captain said, “You haven’t been to Antarctica if you can describe Antarctica.” Even now, I’m still not sure I can.

The landscapes are vast, dramatic and unbelievably beautiful. It makes you feel small in the best way and puts everything into perspective. What struck me most was how the scenery changed with the light; one moment soft and silver, the next a shade of grey, then suddenly the most beautiful blue. I frequently found myself completely transfixed by the view. 

What moment stands out to you as the most memorable?

Any moment involving the wildlife. Particularly, standing on deck in the most beautiful bay while whales surfaced nearby. Everyone fell quiet and simply took it all in. It was one of those rare moments where you feel completely present. No distractions, just the sheer scale of nature around you. 

We regularly saw whales surfacing, penguins darting through the water, and seals resting on ice as we sailed past. The penguins were especially entertaining; full of character, endlessly curious, impossible not to watch. 

What activities did you do, and which was your favourite?

There was always something to do, including a full programme on board each day. I learnt a lot from expert talks with the expedition team and loved the hands-on experiences in the Science Centre. But my favourite activity was the zodiac excursions. Being out on the water, surrounded by icebergs and wildlife, made you feel completely immersed in Antarctica.

Was there much time for relaxing, or was it more go-go-go?

It was a fantastic balance of both. There was always something happening if you wanted to stay busy, but nothing ever felt forced. Everything was optional, so you could head out kayaking around icebergs or simply relax in the jacuzzi, sauna or lounge and watch the scenery drift by.

How did the expedition team enhance your experience?

The expedition team were exemplary. Knowledgeable, approachable and great fun to be around. What stood out was how passionate they were about what they, and that enthusiasm was infectious. You had experts from different fields on board, from marine biologists, historians and ornithologists to activity leaders for excursions, there was always someone fascinating to learn from. 

What was the food like on board? 

As a big foodie, one of my favourite moments each day was when the next day’s menus were uploaded to the onboard app. There was a great range of choice at every meal, and the quality was consistently impressive. It felt far more refined than many people might expect from an expedition voyage.

How did you feel before and after taking the polar plunge?

I was actually excited about the polar plunge. The less appealing part was standing in the Antarctic air taking layers off before getting in the water – that required more mental preparation than the plunge itself.

But I went for it, and I’m so glad I did. Yes, it was freezing, but it was such a fun experience. There was a great sense of camaraderie too, with fellow passengers cheering each other on and everyone embracing the moment together. I hit the sauna immediately afterwards!

In what ways did the experience surprise you?

I expected Antarctica to feel unlike anywhere else I’d ever been, but I didn’t realise how emotional it would be. There’s something about the silence and scale that really stays with you. 

What would you say to someone hesitant about visiting Antarctica?

Don’t think of it as unreachable or only for extreme adventurers! With HX Expeditions, it felt completely accessible, exciting and incredibly well supported. It all runs seamlessly — the team take care of the logistics, safety and planning, so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.

I’d also say not to worry about formality. One of the things I loved most was how relaxed it all felt. There were no black-tie dinners or pressure to dress up. If you arrived at dinner in walking boots or trainers, you’d be in very good company. It’s an unparalleled experience and one that stays with you long after you return home. If Antarctica has ever been on your bucket list, I’d say go for it.

Why choose HX Expeditions

A cruise with HX is more than a getaway, it's a carefully curated, all-inclusive adventure designed to immerse you in every moment. Everything is included, from daily excursions and activities to the onboard Science Centre, meals, gratuities, drinks, Wi-Fi and more — all designed to give you the expedition experience of a lifetime. 

Save on your adventure

As a member of Cruise Collective, gain exclusive access to savings on world-class cruise liners. Whether you're looking for expedition, ocean, or river cruises, unforgettable journeys await — including 5% off your next HX adventure!