I have just come home from the most incredible trip of my life. Antarctica has always been one of those dream destinations, but nothing prepares you for actually standing there, looking out over the ice and realising how far from the rest of the world you are.
I have planned so many trips for clients over the years, but this one felt personal and, honestly, life-changing.
Our journey didn’t start with Antarctica right away. We sailed first through the Falkland Islands and then South Georgia, and both completely blew me away. The landscapes, the wildlife, the history, the feeling of being somewhere so remote. It set the tone perfectly for the whole voyage. And we were so lucky. The weather gods shone on us for all three weeks. Calm seas, clear skies, sunshine on days when it mattered most. Everyone onboard kept saying we had the best conditions they had seen in years.
After a few flight dramas and a long detour, finally stepping onto the Scenic Eclipse felt like heaven. The moment you walk on board, you can feel the difference. Warm, welcoming, luxurious, and so comfortable. The crew know your name, your drink order and exactly how to make you feel at home. It is honestly the best floating hotel you can imagine.
Seeing Antarctica appear on the horizon for the first time was one of those moments I’ll never forget. Towering white peaks, huge glaciers and the brightest icy blue water I’ve ever seen. Even before setting foot on land, it didn’t feel real. One of my favourite views was watching Scenic Eclipse sitting out there framed by the mountains. It looked so sleek and elegant against the untouched landscape.
Every day was a mix of adventure and pure joy. We went kayaking in the calmest water with ice all around us, and at one point, an orca surfaced right near us. It was one of those moments where your heart almost stops because you cannot believe what you are seeing. We also tried stand-up paddleboarding, which was such a surreal experience in a place like that. The water might be freezing, but it is so peaceful and quiet.
The wildlife everywhere we went was incredible. Elephant seals lounging along the shore, fur seals popping up in the water, penguins waddling past like we were part of the scenery. And then, of course, the Emperor penguins at Snow Hill. They are only found there, and seeing them with their fluffy babies was honestly one of the most special experiences of my life.
Snow Hill itself was the highlight of the entire trip. Most people will never get the chance to go because the conditions need to be perfect, and most seasons, it doesn’t happen at all. We were unbelievably lucky. We flew out in the helicopter, gliding over endless stretches of ice, and the moment we landed felt unreal. Bright blue skies, soft snow and hundreds of Emperor penguins everywhere. You just stand there trying to take it all in because you know how rare and precious that moment is.
And of course, we did the polar plunge. Standing on the back deck in swimmers with Antarctica right in front of you is pretty wild. You hold the rope, try not to scream, jump in and come back up buzzing. The cold hits instantly, but the adrenaline carries you for hours. I still laugh thinking about it.
Throughout the trip, I kept catching myself just stopping to breathe it all in. The silence, the light, the colours, the wildlife. Antarctica slows you right down and makes you see the world differently. It is impossible not to come home changed.
Scenic Eclipse was the perfect home for this kind of adventure. After exploring all day, you return to warmth, comfort and the most beautiful space to relax in. The food was incredible, the service was flawless, and every day felt special.
The Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica are places I will never forget. They are wild and pure and unbelievably beautiful.
I feel so lucky to have experienced them, and if any of these destinations are sitting on your bucket list, I would love to help you make it happen.
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