ANTARCTIC CIRCLE QUEST

Our Clients’ Reviews

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  David Jowett

  ANTARCTIC CIRCLE QUEST

  

  Written February 2010

  A lifetime's ambition achieved; a worthy complement to "Spitsbergen Explorer".  I can never answer the question "Which did you prefer?" 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Humpback whales a few yards from the zodiac

  Icebergs of every conceivable shape

  Coastal scenery of the peninsula

  Penguins and albatrosses

  What did you think of your group leader?

  A man with all the qualities necessary for the job, including enthusiasm and boundless optimism.  He had been our leader in the Arctic and we did not dare hope we should have him again, but there he was as we boarded the ship in Ushuaia.  Woody makes the trip more than just memorable.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be aware that weather or ice conditions may cause alterations to the planned itinerary.

   
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  Nicola Gowan

  ANTARCTIC CIRCLE QUEST

  

  Written February 2010

  A fabulous and memorable trip blessed by good weather, favourable ice conditions, calm seas and great wildlife sightings.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Travelling through the channel between Adelaide Island and the mainland (never before traversed by the Vavilov!)

  Close encounters with Humpback and Minke whales.

  Walking through penguin colonies.

  The awesome scenery of the Antarctic Peninsula.

  Seeing albatrosses, especially on the way down. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Rupert was an excellent and very efficient and dedicated leader with a nice dry sense of humour. I will miss his dulcet tones waking us up each morning on the PA system. I was also very impressed with the other staff on board and the wealth of knowledge that they possessed. They all did their utmost to ensure that we got the most out of our excursions but in a way that kept us safe at all times and caused the least amount of disturbance to the wildlife. Added to this they were all great fun and very friendly.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Although we were very lucky with the weather and the ice conditions - be aware that these change and you may not be able to do all the planned excursions or travel on a particular route.

  Take plenty of strong seasickness pills if necessary.

  Take plenty of layers - it can get very cold sitting on the zodiacs.

  Take some good binoculars.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Although the time spent on the Peninsula is relatively short, the trip packs in such an intense variety of experiences that it feels much longer. The ship that I travelled on, the Sergey Vavilov, although not luxurious, is very comfortable and the crew all work very hard. I thought that the food was excellent especially considering that there are only four cooks in the galley! I also enjoyed the presentations that were put on and the more informal bar talks in the evening.