A Day in Antarctica

While no day in Antarctica is the same, this will give you an idea about what to expect during a day visiting the White Continent…

7 am

You awake to the Expedition Leader’s morning wake up call, announcing the start of the day. Outside your porthole window, new breathtaking scenery stretches out before you. It’s time to get up and start another exciting day of exploration on the Antarctic Peninsula.

7:30 – 8:30 am

The breakfast buffet offers a plethora of options, hot and cold, sweet and salty, to start your day. Take your time enjoying a custom-made omelet or fruit salad, and chat with fellow shipmates about the activities to come.

9 am – 12 noon

Time for disembarkation. Layer up well, finishing with your waterproof outer layers. Even if it doesn’t seem too cold outside, it’s better to overdress and take off layers than be cold. Once your boots are on and the Expedition Leader has made the announcement, waddle to the gangway and wait for the next zodiac. Cruise through icy waters to reach the landing site and take your first steps onto the Antarctic continent. Soak in the dazzling white landscape, observe the Gentoo penguins waddling by, and take a short hike up for a viewpoint. Try to take a moment to get away from fellow travelers and enjoy the vast panorama that is before you.

12:30 – 1:30 pm

Safely back on the ship and changed out of your layers, it’s time for lunch. Enjoy a varied buffet to recharge your batteries after a morning exploring. Each day the buffet offers something different and the variety ensures there’s something for everyone.

2:30 – 3:30 pm
As the captain re-positions the ship, you can sit in the lounge with passengers watching the views outside, take a short siesta, head to the library to read up on the next landing site, or head up to the bridge to watch the navigation. When the Expedition leader announces arrival at the next stop, it’s time to get dressed again.

3:30 – 5:30 pm

This afternoon you take a zodiac cruise through icebergs, observing sleeping seals and swooping birds. Your driver tells you about the history of the bay and everyone keeps their eyes peeled for wildlife. As penguins careen beside the zodiac, someone spots a spout in the distance – humpback whales! The zodiacs approach carefully and you wonder at these large, gentle creatures as they feed on krill.

6 pm

Enjoy a cocktail before dinner and then head to the lounge for the daily briefing. The expedition team will recap the day with some added information and color. Then, hear the plans for the next day’s adventure.

7 pm

Dinner is served! Pick a table with new friends and enjoy the service by international waiters. The menu offers options for appetizer, main course and dessert so hope you came hungry! Choose a wine or beer from the list to top off a great day, listening to stories from other travelers.

8:30 pm

An informal bar chat is being given by one of the guides. Some travelers will enjoy this gathering, while others will head to bed with a cup of tea after a busy day. Tomorrow, new places and experiences await!