If you’re considering a trip to Antarctica, chances are you’ve already pictured the icebergs, the penguins, and the remote landscapes. But what you might not fully grasp until you go is how much more layered the experience really is, especially with AE Expeditions.
This isn’t a typical cruise. There are no deckchairs or cocktail umbrellas. This is a true polar expedition: science-led, immersive, and unforgettable.
Our Sales Director, Sinziana Renciuc, travelled aboard the Sylvia Earle from March 25 to April 4, crossing the Drake Passage, exploring the Weddell Sea, and stepping foot on remote landing sites like Brown Bluff, Devil Island and Lindblad Cove. Here’s what a real AE journey through Antarctica looks like – not just the highlights, but the structure, the logistics, the feel of being there day to day. Here’s Sinzi’s experience of cruising to the end of the Earth!
Getting started in Ushuaia
Our trip began in Ushuaia, Argentina. Known as the southernmost city in the world, it’s the jump-off point for most Antarctic voyages. Once we boarded the Sylvia Earle, the team quickly got us settled – cabins, orientation, and our first safety drills.
That first night, we sailed through the Beagle Channel as we ate dinner. The sky turned a soft grey, the mountains on either side disappeared into the mist, and the buzz onboard was quiet but excited – a mix of anticipation and jet lag! Most people turned in early, but that was to be expected on the first day.
Life onboard & crossing the Drake
The next two days were spent at sea, crossing the Drake Passage. The movement of the ship was noticeable, but manageable. Some passengers opted to stay in their cabins, while others gathered in the lecture theatre for mandatory briefings, wildlife introductions, and photography tips.
AE’s education programme is a key part of the experience. Each day included lectures from scientists, historians, and guides, covering topics like glaciology, bird identification, marine biology, and climate systems. This context helped us appreciate not just what we were seeing, but why it mattered.
We crossed 60° South on the morning of March 27, officially entering Antarctic waters. Around this time, dolphins were spotted riding the ship’s wake. It was one of many unplanned encounters that would become a theme of the trip.
First landings & wildlife encounters
Our first landing took place at Lindblad Cove. The weather was cold and overcast, but the wildlife was active. We cruised through broken sea ice by Zodiac and spotted Crabeater and Leopard Seals, fur seals playing on ice floes, and several humpback whales feeding nearby. A few Minke whales made a brief appearance too.
Back onboard, the hotel team welcomed us with hot chocolate and a hearty lunch, while the ship repositioned for the next destination.
Brown Bluff & Devil Island
March 29 brought perfect Antarctic conditions – clear skies, calm water, and dramatic views as we entered the Weddell Sea. Huge tabular icebergs floated around us as we made our approach to Brown Bluff. The landing site was a rocky beach littered with huge ice boulders.
To everyone’s surprise, large numbers of Adélie penguins were still present despite the time of year. Many of us spent the morning simply observing them, watching them shuffle across the snow, dive into the sea, and interact in their noisy, fascinating colonies.
In the afternoon, we visited Devil Island. The sea fog was dense at times, but the Zodiacs pushed forward. Pancake ice had begun to form – small, circular sheets of ice drifting together in geometric patterns. Some guests climbed to a high point on the island for views of the Weddell Sea, whilst divers took advantage of excellent underwater conditions, with this site considered one of the best dives on the peninsula.
The evening onboard was casual but celebratory. The atmosphere across the ship reflected the day we’d had, full of effort, discovery, and genuine awe.
Spotting Orcas in the Weddell Sea
The next day, March 30, was one of the trip’s most memorable. After an early attempt at another ice landing, the crew spotted a pod of orcas. Within minutes, everyone was on deck. Cameras clicked nonstop. Around 20 orcas swam alongside the ship breaching, surfacing, and diving. It was one of those rare wildlife moments that no one forgets.
Throughout the day, the ship cruised through ice-dotted waters, passing an incredible variety of iceberg formations. Birdlife continued to follow the vessel, and seals appeared regularly on nearby floes.
Lectures continued in between wildlife sightings, including a talk on marine ecosystems and a behind-the-scenes look at AE’s scientific collaborations. That evening, the crew hosted a trivia night, a fun way to unwind and reflect on everything we’d already experienced.
Not just a cruise – an expedition
A key difference with AE Expeditions is the way they respond to the environment in real time. Each day’s plan is shaped by weather, ice conditions, and wildlife activity. This flexibility isn’t a downside – it’s part of what makes the experience feel real.
You’re not just a passenger here. You’re a participant. Whether you’re hiking to a lookout point, learning how to ID Antarctic birds on deck, or watching marine biologists deploy research equipment, there’s a sense of shared purpose onboard.
There are also options for all types of travellers. If you want to hike and paddle, you can. If you’d rather take photographs or attend lectures from the warmth of the ship, that’s equally valued. The team supports whatever level of activity suits you best.
Who this trip is for…
This is the kind of trip that suits curious travellers. People who enjoy learning, don’t mind being off the grid, and appreciate nature in its rawest form. It’s not luxury in the traditional sense, but most definitely one of the most luxurious trips on offer in terms of experience. Plus, the crew is experienced, safety focused, and genuinely passionate about the polar regions.
You’ll come home with more than great photos. You’ll leave with context, knowledge, and a real respect for a part of the planet most people never get to see.
Final thoughts
A trip to Antarctica with AE Expeditions isn’t just a trip to check off a list. It’s a rare opportunity to experience one of the last untouched parts of the world with people who understand it, care about it, and want to share it.
If you’re looking for an authentic Antarctic experience – one built around exploration, education, and respect for the environment – this is the trip for you.
Ready to book an AE Expeditions adventure? Call us at Wildlife Escapes.
