Health coach and travel blogger Alex G. Shearer visited Antarctica aboard National Geographic Resolution in January 2022. This article is reposted from her website with permission. For more from Alex, visit her travel blog or follow her on Instagram: @alexgshearer_health.
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Let me just start with a little quote from our Expedition Leader, Lucho: “This is NOT a cruise. This is an EXPEDITION.”
Okay, sure, you’re on a passenger ship with a jacuzzi, two restaurants, library, lounge, open bar, and spa… BUT you aren’t lounging by the pool, waiting in crowded buffet lines, or spending half the day trying to round up your kids from the arcade room. The National Geographic Resolution is built for prime-time luxury plus adventure. You’ll venture off the ship into the icy cold twice a day from Base Camp, where you’ll load up on layers and waterproof boots, then head into a Zodiac for an expedition of a lifetime.
Ten years ago we were on a boat in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam and met a German family who had just traveled to Antarctica with National Geographic. They said it was the most incredible experience. So of course, we added it to the list. Only a decade later, we finally did it.
We traveled with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic on one of their newest vessels, the National Geographic Resolution. This ship typically only holds about 126 passengers; however, it was only half full during our trip, making for a lovely, personalized experience. Friendly staff and knowledgeable crew are there to guide you the whole time. There are two igloos (which require reservations to sleep in overnight—book early), a gym, yoga room, spa, sauna, multiple bars, library, multiple lounge areas, balconies, two restaurants, and an outdoor fire pit. The best part about the ship is its ability to go wayyy farther south than other passenger ships in Antarctica, giving you a once-in-a-lifetime experience crushing through the ice at an insane speed. The captain, Martin, will tell you all about its safety and power. He loves his ship with his whole heart.
One of the most asked questions I had during my trip was how we got there. It’s not easy, but it is so worth it. Depending on the tour company you use and the current state of the world, you might do it a bit differently. In most cases, you will board the ship from a city in Argentina called Ushuaia. This is the most southern city in the world and the entry point for all Antarctic passenger ships (if you’re a scientist, you might head over to New Zealand). The city itself is quite lovely, and I wish we had been able to explore. We were given a day room at the Arakur Hotel before our evening flight home, which had incredible views and extensive hiking trails around the property. If you can spend time in Ushuaia, I highly recommend this hotel.
Before arriving in Ushuaia, you might be scheduled to spend a few days in a nearby South American city like Buenos Aires or Santiago. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 regulations, we could not enjoy that part of the trip. BUT we have been to both and highly recommend taking advantage of being in South America. Once on board the ship, you’ll spend a day or two—depending on conditions—on the sea crossing the Drake Passage.
Crossing the Drake Passage, some of the roughest seas in the world, can be a bit intimidating. Be prepared for seasickness, even if you think you won’t get sick. We were fortunate with very calm conditions both going to and coming from Antarctica. We only got sick on the way down for the better part of the first day, and once I got my sea legs, I felt totally fine. Some tips? Dramamine, ginger (they have gin gins on board), bubbly water, fresh air, avoid screens, eat the green apples they provide, and either walk around or lay down.
I will note that some companies give an option to fly across the Drake Passage. While this might seem like a no-brainer, easier way to go, remember that conditions have to be pristine for the plane to take off and land, often delaying or prolonging trips. However, if the thought of conquering some wild waves is reallyyyyy too much for you, go ahead and give flying a try and let me know how it goes.
Another question I got regarded being on a ship during COVID. Sure, ships may seem a little risky, but Lindblad takes every precaution to ensure you’re safe (Note: Regulations are constantly changing, this is what it was like when we went in January 2022). To gain approval from the Argentine government, every passenger on National Geographic Resolution had to enter a quarantine bubble in Miami to take a charter flight to Ushuaia. Before landing in Miami, we had to receive a negative PCR COVID test. Once in Miami, we took another PCR test and received a negative result before getting on the charter flight. Masks are required anywhere inside the ship except when eating or drinking. Since you spend most of the day outside exploring, this isn’t so bad. We were then tested again on days four and seven to complete Argentinian regulations. On day nine, we were tested again to meet USA regulations before flying home. You also had to be vaccinated, and they check how you’re feeling daily with cards. It seems like a lot, and it is. But it is soooo worth it to experience such an incredible continent.