warm loungers , and recliners . Add in the floor to ceiling windows , and you have the perfect vantage point to observe humpback whales , penguins , and icebergs from a cosy space . Let ’ s not forget the sauna , wellness centre , and two outdoor hot tubs plus pool , which are the perfect place to relax whilst sailing those seas far south . The water is so warm , you could be in the Caribbean ( except for the icebergs , obviously ). Add in the lecture theatre , onboard science centre , and incredible team of expedition leaders and scientists , and this is truly the ideal option for any wildlife enthusiast , bird watcher , historian , or citizen scientist . The ship is small enough sail into difficult to navigate areas , yet large enough to not feel crowded or overwhelmed . As a member of IAATO ; HX abides with by rules of membership , and ascertains that no more than 100 guests are allowed on land at any one time , which is easily accommodated by the dedicated expedition team , captain and crew members . But of course , it ’ s all about the destination !
Day 1 & 2 Our first two days were spent heading south and navigating the infamous Drake Passage . We were fortunate enough to experience the Drake Lake , heading both south and back north . Those two days were full of excitement , supplemented by numerous lectures , guided bird spotting on deck , photography classes , and even painting classes . Many of the guests onboard are travelling solo , and these initiatives are put in place to engage those likeminded guests who are searching for camaraderie .
Day 3 Late on Day 3 , we received the captain ’ s message over the tannoy that an iceberg was in sight . Nothing prepares you for your first ever iceberg sighting . As she came into view from a great distance , we sailed closer and closer until she seemed within arm ' s reach , as we continued our journey south . The next morning , as we opened our curtains , we were greeted by the most surreal sight .
Surrounded by glaciers and icebergs , from our cabin widow , we could almost touch the penguins ducking and diving in front of us . This was the Penola Strait . The excitement was palpable , we stood in our layers of expedition gear , mud boots and lifejackets , eagerly awaiting our call to board the zodiac . Zodiacs ( or rib boats ) are robust dinghy ' s which are powered by an engine . When on an expedition cruise , they are vital for transporting you to landings , or simply providing a vessel to cruise . This was most probably my favourite day . The morning was spent cruising the Penola Strait onboard the zodiac , in beautiful weather conditions . Excited penguins came in their hundreds , diving and flying , swimming close enough to the boat that could almost tough them . We navigated past beautiful icebergs , and sat in silence as we watched a nearby humpback whale breach and blow . The afternoon was spent on a landing on Planeau Island . This was quite simply incredible ; we hiked in the snow amongst hundreds of playful penguins , literally a few short feet away . We encountered a seal basking in the warm sunshine , and gazed in awe at the towering ice structures . Each day of our eleven-day voyage was just as epic . The weather conditions in Antarctica change rapidly and drastically . This means that an expedition of this kind has no set itinerary . The captain chooses the route and destination for the following day , based on the weather expected conditions .
Day 4 We sailed past Port Lockroy and through the Neumayer Channel . Port Lockroy is famed for being home to the world ’ s most southerly active post office . Indeed , it is known as the Penguin Post Office . Whilst the weather did not permit a landing , we completed our postcards to be mailed home the next time the ship was able to dock .
Day 5 Saw us land at Wilhelmina Bay . Although it rained heavily ( we call this rain “ snow ”), it was the perfect conditions to spot whales . Our first zodiac sailing resulted in us locating two humpback whales ; we switched off the engines and sat in silence for over 30 minutes , mesmerised as they breached and dove , blowing so graciously . Our landing that afternoon was on Enterprise Island . We hiked to the top , whereby we were greeted by the most incredible vistas . En-route , we passed the shipwreck of a long-forgotten whaling vessel .
Day 6 We landed at Almirante Brown Science Station . This was our first landing on the continent of Antarctica . We did it ! We hiked with our snow poles and again experienced the most spectacular vistas , accompanied by many penguins , and with seas basking in view . The penguins of Brown Station were certainly the most inquisitive of all that we encountered , and were keen to waddle as near to us as we were allowed to allow them to come .
Day 7 Our captain was forced to make an about turn on our itinerary . In true expedition style , the ice at our landing point was just too thick to penetrate , and as such , we were re-routed to the nearby Orne Islands . The weather was quite dire today , and I am not too embarrassed to admit that I sat in the warmth of the Expedition Lounge , drank plenty of hot chocolate , and chatted away with my new friends who had all boarded as strangers , but were by now the best of friends .
Day 8 This was our finale , arriving at Deception Island . The dark name suggests all kinds of trickery and skullduggery . However , Deception Island is an active volcano , bordered by the polar waters . As such , the sands are warm and the water is a contrasting cold . I am not ashamed to admit that I did not take part in the Pola Plunge . I probably would have done so in my younger years , but certainly not now . We then set sail on our return journey , heading back up to Ushuaia over the Drake . Once again , she was extremely kind to her passengers onboard . These days were used to reflect , relax and enjoy a few more dips in the hot tub as the temperatures rose . The entire journey is brought to life by the expedition team ; this is your team onboard , who are tasked with making your days as enriching and enjoyable as possible . The HX expedition team include geologists , ornithologists , cetologists , explorers and more . This specialist team are a credit to their profession .
Surprisingly , these cruises appeal to a wide range of guests . From retired gentlemen , widowed ladies , and families with teenagers and even younger children , this type of adventure has a universal appeal . My trip was undoubtedly the adventure of a lifetime . The difference being that , as we have seen post - pandemic adventures such as this do not have to be limited to once in a lifetime . They are soul-enriching journeys that teach us about history , sustainability , wildlife , indigenous communities , people , marine life , birds , preservation , and ultimately , ourselves . Whether you are young or old , you undoubtedly return from your journey an Antarctic ambassador . I am hosting two expeditions alongside HX in 2026 .
Upcoming Trips I am hosting a group in Antarctica , sailing the 11-Day Highlights of Antarctica itinerary , onboard MS Fridtjof Nansen . Outside cabins are available from just £ 5,899 per person , based on two adults sharing . This includes hotel stay in Buenos Aires , charter flights to and from Ushuaia , all transfers , All Inclusive drinks and dining onboard , plus a full landing and zodiac cruise program . If you are travelling solo , we can offer single cabins with reduced supplement , or alternatively , we can pair you with a likeminded traveller of the same gender to share your cabin with . I am also hosting a group onboard MS Spitsbergen , sailing Ultimate Norway – Arctic Expedition Under the Northern Lights . This is an 8 day sailing , which includes the Northern Lights Promise . On this sailing , we have two cabins available with no single supplement , starting from just £ 3,766 per person .
I am hosting a presentation evening talking all things polar , with inspirational explorer Tudor Morgan on 26 February 2025 . If you would like to receive an invitation to this event , please email us at info @ flyawaytoday . co . uk . Guests who attend the event will be eligible for an extra discount to sail on either of these journeys ( or indeed , any other sailing with HX arranged by us ).
If you would like to find out more information about these incredible adventures , contact Sarah at Global Travel , West Kirby on 0151 625 5127 , or visit us in-store at 3 The Crescent , West Kirby . Appointments are available on request . wirrallife . com 53