Kicking Off the 24/25 Season – Guest Highlights
An Early Arrival in Antarctica
We set off earlier than ever with our first voyage, “Antarctica Untouched,” departing from Ushuaia on October 24th. After a relatively calm Drake Passage crossing, guests were greeted by their first iceberg—a massive, tabular berg near historic Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s crew once endured incredible hardships in the early 1900s. Shortly after, we spotted a lively group of penguins porpoising through the water, followed by an exceptionally rare and breathtaking sighting of a blue whale, to everyone’s awe.
We also logged the season’s first humpback whale sighting for our Citizen Science partners at Happywhale! The penguins were out in full force, especially on Penguin Island, where Chinstraps were busy nest-building and breeding. Some guests even hiked Deacon Peak, a dormant volcano, for a thrilling view.
Wildlife Sightings & Landings
Other wildlife highlights included Chinstrap Penguins diving off an iceberg, a bustling Gentoo Penguin colony, a couple of Adelie Penguins, and a playful Fur Seal sliding around on shore. We also caught sight of Weddell Seals snoozing on drifting icebergs.
Our stops included a visit to Argentina’s Melchior Base and memorable landings at Half Moon Island and Beneden Head. Many guests braved the Polar Plunge, immersing themselves in icy waters with a backdrop of glistening icebergs. Zodiac cruising was another adventure, showcasing beautifully sculpted icebergs and wildlife up close.
The Thrill of the Ice
But the real showstopper was the ice. Guests enjoyed a surreal experience as the Seaventure maneuvered through the ice, captured in stunning photographs. In a rare treat, we also managed a fast-ice landing! While the ice occasionally challenged our plans, we embraced the adventure of cruising through it, marveling at the giant icebergs surrounding us, all made possible by our impressively ice-strengthened vessel.
A Truly Immersive Antarctic Expedition
This voyage had a unique magic—guests and staff alike were inspired. There were even several marriage proposals onboard, and also a wedding! While early-season travel brings its own challenges, it also offers extraordinary experiences you won’t find at any other time of the year.
We wrapped up this unforgettable journey with a bit of a ‘Drake Shake’…. one thing’s for sure—our intrepid travelers got the full expedition experience. Well done to everyone!
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Antarctica in the company of experts and fellow adventurers
Secure your spot today and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime. Antarctica awaits—let’s set sail together!