Lindblad Expeditions invited Karryon Luxury to join six top Australian travel advisors on a voyage to Antarctica. Here, they share tips for advisors whose clients are considering a trip to the White Continent.
“Reflecting on the experience brings a smile to my face,” says South Perth Travel Co-Owner and Manager Ceri Beal-White.
“Each day was one of a kind and like nothing I had experienced before. As someone who is passionate about travel and working in the travel industry, it was truly inspirational.”
Beal-White undoubtedly speaks for all of us – a group of six travel advisors and two media partners who had never met before we were introduced by Lindblad’s Key Account Manager Cam McDonnell, at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago.
After flying from Santiago to Ushuaia and taking a tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park, we boarded National Geographic Resolution for the 10-night voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Crossing the Drake Passage can be challenging, to say the least – if you even think you might succumb to seasickness, the best advice is to take remedies well before you leave the Beagle Channel.
It takes three days to arrive at our first destination, Marguerite Bay, which gives us plenty of time to attend presentations from the expedition team, decontaminate our expedition kits and explore the ship.
She’s light and airy – all the public spaces are designed to maximise views and wildlife spotting, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and ample outdoor observation decks – and elegant Scandi-style décor and furnishings throughout add a luxury feel.
Dining at the main venue Two Seven Zero, and the more casual Tupaia, is top-notch, fresh and varied, and on most voyages, guests can join a chef’s table dinner that presents a whole new take on sustainability.
Everyone in our group – and other guests – commented on the helpfulness of the crew, in every department of the ship.
As South Perth Travel Co-Owner and Manager Linda Bottrell says, “It didn’t matter what position staff or crew held, they carried it out with such professionalism. Hats off to Laura (Fuentes, the Hotel Director) for the respect her staff clearly held for her.”
The open Bridge is a huge drawcard – it really is open 24/7, and Captain Martin Graser had a big say in its design. It can host dozens of guests at any one time (recalling champagne toasts when we crossed the Antarctic Circle!) and the officers are happy to share voyage updates and answer questions.
Going ashore
While the ship is supremely comfortable, going on Zodiac tours is what an expedition cruise to Antarctica is all about. The multi-national expedition team identifies the many seabirds and mammals we see, often at incredibly close quarters. Four types of penguin: tick. Humpback, minke whales and orcas: tick. Five types of seal, including massive elephant seals: tick.
We learn about the many different types of ice, marvel at the colours of icebergs and majestic icy mountains, and disembark the ship directly onto fast ice to walk among penguins or go cross-country skiing.
Every day is different, and plans change according to weather wind and sea conditions. Perchalla & Turner Travel Associates Owner Becky Kent-Perchalla says the ability of the captain and vessel to “rejig an itinerary with little notice” was impressive.
“Having Plan A, B or C ready with any option being as good as each other – depending on the conditions – created an extra level of anticipation for our daily adventure.”
Clients who’d love this
The 119 guests onboard our journey are mostly from the US, Canada and the UK. There are couples, friend groups and solos. The youngest guest is nine (the daughter of Ben Alexander from Noosa-based iExpedition.com), and the oldest is a remarkably fit chap in his nineties.
As Aurora Travel Director Judy Tanner says, “I am so glad I travelled to this region while I am still agile, and this is the message I’m passing on to my clients who have been waiting until ‘later’ to experience Antarctica. Travelling with Lindblad is active and immersive – don’t leave it on the to-do list too long.”
Tanner adds that for clients who have some resistance to visiting Antarctica due to concerns about tourism damaging the fragile environment, she now feels she can offer an informed viewpoint.
“The region needs us as advocates to protect it from exploitation due to mining, climate change and illegal fishing. I was shocked to find the krill harvest for health-food products and pet food are leaving the whales starving! The onboard scientist explaining the impact of microplastic was an eye-opener and the care taken with navigation and sterilisation of everything that has gone ashore only helps to reinforce how fragile and unique this part of the world is.”
Travel on Q Owner and Director Carole Grassby says that clients who would most benefit from an expedition cruise to Antarctica are people who are “passionate about science, history, the environment and climate change. Those who have a sense of adventure and are willing to challenge themselves; keen photographers, amateur or otherwise; and anyone wishing to experience the beauty of this vast continent.”
Top tips for clients
- If you can stretch the budget, book a balcony cabin. Wentworth Travel Travel Designer Gabrielle Thackray says, “We used our balcony often, to watch the ice and listen to the ship bumping through it. You cannot capture that on your phone – you have to experience it. The solo balcony cabins are also excellent – no one is penalised for travelling alone – Lindblad does it so well”.
- “Book boots a size up from your normal size so you can wear extra socks comfortably, and add toe-warmers if you wish,” advises Linda Bottrell. Crocs or loafers you can slip on and off easily are useful when changing in and out of your boots.
- Becky Kent-Perchalla suggests packing cloth hankies (tissues can blow away and pollute the environment), good body and facial moisturisers (the cold weather and winds are very drying) and ski goggles, preferably polarised. “These are a great alternative to sunglasses when you’re on the Zodiacs as they protect your face and eyes.”
- “Read the pre-cruise documents thoroughly to ensure you plan and pack for a successful expedition,” says Ben Alexander. Double-check visa requirements and that your passport has at least six months of validity before it expires.
Voyage highlights
There are so many! In Carole Grassby’s words: “An Antarctic sunset. It’s so mesmerising to watch early in the morning as the flow shifts from the mountains to the water …the sound of the Resolution slicing through the ice on a crystal-clear day then silently parking on the ice.
“Zodiac cruising on the glassy surface of Marguerite Bay, throwing up one beautiful, flawless reflection after another … kayaking close to icebergs … meeting new and interesting people.”
Gabrielle Thackray says one special highlight was following the ship on Zodiacs as it navigated the unbelievably scenic Lemaire Channel, while for Ben Alexander, it was travelling with his nine-year-old daughter Maeve, showing how an Antarctic expedition cruise can work for young families.
“My absolute highlight was seeing my daughter participate in the Global Explorers program. This sort of kids’ program doesn’t exist on any other ship. There were just so many proud dad moments, which I wasn’t expecting!”
National Geographic Resolution fast facts
- Capacity: 138 guests, 116 staff and crew
- Launched: 2021, ice class PC5 Category A
- Sister ship: NG Endurance; both feature the Ulstein X-bow
- Expedition equipment: Zodiacs, kayaks, cross-country skis, snowshoes
- Total staterooms: 76, all outside facing with balconies or large windows, including 14 solo balcony cabins (no single supplement charge)
- Restaurants: Two Seven Zero on Deck 5 for BLD and wrap-around views; Tupaia on Deck 8, for B&L and Cook’s Nook chef’s table dinners; The Grill on Deck 8, when weather permits
- Lounges & bars: Ice Lounge on Deck 6, which includes a photo studio, large bar, self-serve tea and coffee bar, lecture podium and multiple screens for viewing lecture materials; Tupaia/The Den on Deck 8; observation lounge and library
- Wellness: gym, yoga and fitness studio, walking/jogging track on Deck 8, outdoor infinity hot tubs, spa, saunas, igloos for daytime or overnight stays
- Other facilities include: Science Hub, shop, medical centre, laundry service, internet café
For more information, visit Lindblad Expeditions
