We put our pertinent polar questions to Senior Polar Travel Specialist, Lucy
Lucy Yeoman has been a senior specialist at Polar Routes for over half a decade, and has had the incredible opportunity to visit the polar regions more times than most people could imagine! Rather impressively, Lucy’s grandfather visited Antarctica in 1926 as a deck-hand onboard Admiral Byrd’s expedition to the southern-most continent. She also grew up in Mexico, and so has been passionate about travel from a very young age. Lucy started selling cruises to the polar regions in the early 2000’s and on her first trip to Antarctica was truly mesmerised by its beauty and wildlife.
Lucy recently celebrated winning Best Individual Expedition Cruise Seller/Travel Advisor at the inaugural Expedition Cruise Network Ltd. Awards!
We asked her more about her passion for all things polar.
Lucy in Antarctica
When was your first time in Antarctica?
In December 2003 I was lucky enough to go the Antarctic Peninsula on a small Russian research vessel. After making good time across the Drake Passage, we were woken at 5:00 a.m. and advised to come out on deck as we were just about to enter the Lemaire Channel. I have never seen anywhere quite so incredibly beautiful and at that moment I was well and truly bitten by the Polar bug. I have since returned to the polar regions 12 times.
Lucy’s shot of a hiking trail in Antarctica
What is your most incredible wildlife encounter?
In 2016 travelling with my children to Antarctica, a rather lost and lonely emperor penguin was spotted by the Ornithologist, and we were able to approach and spend half an hour watching this magnificent creature on an ice flow. It is very rare to see Emperors on the peninsula as normally you have to go to Snow Hill to see them.
Lucy’s photo chinstrap penguin collecting pebbles
What is at the top of your travel bucket list?
Wrangel Island is at the top of my bucket list. It is located in the far northeast of Russia in the Arctic Ocean. It boasts the world’s largest population of Walrus and the highest concentration of polar bear dens. One day…. !
Lucy’s photo of a polar bear walking across ice
Have you got any advice for anyone interested in a trip to the Polar regions?
Personally, if were considering the polar regions, I would go to Arctic first and then Antarctica – Sometimes when it is done the other way round it can be underwhelming. Antarctica has utterly breathtaking scenery and a spectacular array of wildlife, whereas in the Arctic the wildlife is far more elusive.
Antarctic icebergs by Lucy
Big ship, small ship? Does size matter?
Absolutely!! The size of the ship will make a huge difference to your client’s experience. I would recommend a ship with 200 passengers or fewer, as the Antarctic treaty stipulates only 100 passengers can go ashore at any one time, so weather permitting they should get 2 landings/zodiac excursions per day. Once you go over 500 passengers you will just sail past.
Lucy’s shot of a zodiac on the move
Your most memorable trip?
Being able to take my whole family to Antarctica and for them to see my passion for the polar regions come alive in my 2 children, who are among some of the youngest people to set foot on the Great White Continent!
The Yeomans in Antarctica
What are some of your top tips?
Book ahead to get the best deals, most operators offer an early booking discount which can save up to 25% off the cabin price. Book the right ship – the Antarctic Treaty stipulates only 100 people can go ashore at any one time, any ship over 200 passengers your time ashore will be limited. If you are not a good sailor, book a cabin mid ship on the lowest deck possible as this will be the most stable. The higher you go the more motion you will feel.
A whale’s tail breech captured by Lucy
What Do You Recommend Taking With You On A Polar Cruise?
You don’t need expensive thermal gear, it is all about layering. Mittens are better than gloves at keeping your hands warm. It is also worth buying some hand warmers that you can slip inside the mittens. Make sure you have spare batteries with you and always charge them as soon as you get back on board, the cold drains them very quickly.
Lucy kisses the fish crossing the circle!
And last but not least….any photos you can share with us that you have taken on your many adventures?
See some of my own below.
Lucy’s photo of Adelie and Gentoo penguins in a row
Leave a Reply