The latest edition of this series offers personal insights into an adventurous expedition cruise by our Senior Polar Specialist Lucy Yeoman, who enjoyed a penguin chick-filled 13-day voyage with Swan Hellenic sailing from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Lucy on-board the SH Vega
WHAT DESTINATIONS DID YOU VISIT?
A 12-day Antarctic Circle expedition with Swan Hellenic on the SH Vega
Looking out across the bay to the Vega
HOW DID YOU GET THERE?
I flew to Buenos Aires and spent a couple of days there exploring the city. Swan Hellenic arranged a charter flight to take the guests from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia where we boarded our ship, the SH Vega and set sail that evening across the Drake Passage, heading towards the Antarctic Circle.
FIRST TIME OR REPEAT TRIP?
This was my fourth expedition to Antarctica; previous ones were in November and December. There was less sea ice, the chicks had hatched although further south towards the circle many of the penguins had started their catastrophic moult so there was less activity in the rookeries, however, we saw plenty of seals hauled out on ice flows and some great whale sightings.
Whale tail near passengers on a zodiac
FAVOURITE LOCATION?
Jougla Point, where I spent about 45 minutes just watching the interaction between the adult penguins and their chicks.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
Kissing a fish! It’s considered customary when crossing the Antarctic Circle!
Lucy puckers up for the fish kiss custom!
BEST HOLIDAY EXCURSION/EXPERIENCE?
We did a zodiac excursion in Paradise Bay and had two hours with a pod of humpback whales in the area. To celebrate Swan Hellenic sent out a zodiac with champagne for all the guests to celebrate this incredible encounter.
Celebratory champers on the zodiac!
WHAT DO YOU MOST RECOMMEND PACKING OR PREPPING FOR?
If you’re buying a new camera for your trip, make sure you practice with it before you go.
Lucy tried out her camera on some beautiful iceberg scenery
FAVOURITE FOOD AND DRINK ON TRIP?
The chef was Asian and did this amazing curry buffet which was served out on deck one lunchtime.
The on-deck bar bathed in glorious Antarctic sunshine
FAVOURITE PHOTO YOU TOOK?
I really wanted to see chicks as previously I’d only been early season to Antarctica and they hadn’t hatched yet. It was magically spent amongst the penguins and their chicks.
Penguin chick waddling back to the nest
SUM UP YOUR TRIP IN THREE WORDS
Privilege, humbling, awe-inspiring.
A frozen mountain backdrops an Antarctic penguin colony
Your arrival on the White Continent will be greeted with spellbinding landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. With our experienced team, you’ll explore this icy wonderland looking out for penguins, albatrosses, whales, elephant seals, and much more. You can also take your Antarctic expedition to the next level on a traditional ‘polar plunge’. Take a dip into the icy waters of the Southern Ocean and enjoy the exhilarating after effects over a hot chocolate on our Pool Deck.
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