Standing on the ice surrounded by glaciers and silence was surreal. Experiencing the variety of wildlife up close and personal without fear, is so different from animals in captivity. The small ship experience,  Zodiac adventures and expedition leaders provided a wonderful variety of information and activities that will be in our memories forever.

Currently travelling and have spent decades travelling to odd places.   Have to say my one last wish in this world would be to go back to Antarctica on Le Boreal.  Expedition crew were fantastic and doubt there would be a more exciting trip than to Antarctica.  Great bunch of passengers, friendly ship and sights were outstanding, particularly when you are able to view up close on zodiacs.

We’d travelled the world many times over-always a new and exciting continent or country to experience. But nothing, nothing at all, prepared me for this final frontier. Antarctic wilderness. This extreme destination has some of the last unexplored areas on the planet, with unrivalled views of glaciers, icecaps and pristine wilderness.

The best way to describe our experience of Antarctica is unbelievable. … The whole adventure was outstanding from the vessel and it’s comfort, to the guides and their experience and knowledge. We were able to make every landing that was planned including a few in that the guides had not been able to do for the last few seasons…

I have been to the Arctic six times and the Antarctic twice the last visit now a couple of years ago but it is something that I will remember for all time. … The fact that the ships only take limited numbers of passengers it makes for a more friendly experience and not like the large cruise ships with the thousands of passengers most of whom you never meet.

Our Antarctic experience … was a long time dream of my husband, Mark, who always wanted to see and experience the magic and beauty of this part of the world. He thought the experience was not just thrilling but highly emotional and a lot more than he expected. … It is magical, inspiring and it was such a privilege for us to be there amongst the beauty of nature, snow and ice.

Antarctica had been the life long dream and I was going to make the most of it.  Travelling alone but sharing the experience with approx. 70 likeminded people, soon turned us all into one big happy family aboard.  My highlights would be the morning we glided in the zodiacs around the startling weird and wonderful shapes of iceberg land…

I’ve been to some amazing places (ask Marianne!) but if I had the time and the money I’d go back to Antarctica every year. It is just so gobsmackingly beautiful and so far removed from everyday life…