My Antarctic Adventure Aboard the Quark Expeditions World Explorer
- Wood Travel 2017
- Dec 11, 2025
- 10 min read
My Journey From Ushuaia to the White Continent
When I received the invitation—one of only two Canadian agents selected to experience Quark Expeditions’ Antarctic Explorer voyage firsthand—I felt a mix of disbelief and pure excitement. Antarctica wasn’t just another destination for me; it was my seventh and final continent. For obvious reasons, it’s the hardest one to reach, and finally stepping onto the White Continent felt like closing a very meaningful chapter of my travel life. More importantly, I was traveling with the best in the industry. Quark stands out as the leader in polar exploration thanks to its expert expedition teams, purpose-built ships, and decades of specialized experience in Antarctica and the Arctic. Their commitment to safety, conservation, and immersive adventure means my clients get the most meaningful, responsible, and unforgettable polar experience possible.
Definition of Expedition: A journey undertaken by a group of people with a particular purpose, especially exploration, research, war, or adventure.
I was ready for this....
The Realities Behind Reaching Your Last Continent
As romantic as Antarctica sounds, it’s not an easy place to visit. The logistics alone are daunting: long travel days, specialized gear, unpredictable weather, and careful timing. And unlike other destinations, health requirements are more involved. Expedition companies require detailed medical questionnaires, fitness confirmations, and health clearances to ensure travelers can safely navigate Zodiac operations, landings, and the physical demands of polar travel.
For a place this remote and unforgiving, the preparation makes sense—and honestly, it makes arriving feel even more extraordinary.
What to Pack for Antarctica: Layers, Logic & Lessons Learned
As someone who proudly travels carry-on only, packing for Antarctica pushed me completely out of my minimalist comfort zone. This is one destination where packing light simply isn’t practical—and for me, that was a real challenge. But once I understood what I truly needed (and what Quark generously provides), the process became much easier.
Quark provides two major essentials that save significant space and weight: insulated waterproof expedition boots (loaned for the voyage) and a warm, waterproof, insulated parka (yours to keep). They also provide a water bottle for use! Everything else is up to you—and having the right layers makes all the difference. I learned Merino wool (high content) is the best way to go.
***NOTE: Everyone told me Antarctica would be brutally cold… but the truth surprised me. I prep clients with real expectations.
Essentials I Packed:
Base layers top and bottom;
Mid-layers such as fleece or lightweight puffer jackets;
Waterproof pants for Zodiac rides and landings;
Two pairs of gloves (liners plus waterproof outer gloves);
Two toques and one neck gaiter;
Comfortable onboard clothing like leggings, sweaters, and soft layers;
Indoor shoes for the ship;
Ski goggles, Sunglasses and sunscreen;
Camera, phone, battery packs, and a waterproof bag;
Swimsuit for the hot tub and sauna
Packing all of this definitely stretched my carry-on-only mindset, but Antarctica is one of those rare destinations where having the proper gear is essential. And once I was out there—warm, dry, and fully immersed in the experience—I realized that every item I packed truly earned its place.
***NOTE: I totally overpacked. I could’ve managed with half the clothes and way less gear. But I did have one item that was a complete game-changer—and I’ll reveal it to clients who book with me!
Getting There: The Journey to the Bottom of the World
Getting to Antarctica is half the adventure—and it’s not as simple as hopping on a single flight. My journey began in Calgary, with a connection in Houston. The layover was quick, just enough time to stretch my legs and grab a coffee before boarding the long-haul to Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires came with a longer layover, which gave me time to rest, recharge, and plan for the final leg south. There’s no shortage of restaurants, lounges, and quiet corners for catching up on emails—or napping—before the final flight. From there, it was a smaller plane south to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and the gateway to the White Continent.
Once in Ushuaia, my prearranged transfer took me from the airport to the Hotel Albatross, the starting point for my Antarctic adventure.
The return journey followed the same route in reverse: Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, then on to Houston, and finally back to Calgary. Long travel days are unavoidable, but with planning, layovers become opportunities to rest, adjust to the time zones, and mentally prepare (or decompress) after one of the most incredible trips of your life.
Day 1 – Arrival in Ushuaia: The Bottom of the World
My journey began on November 24, 2025, where I had to check in to my new hotel (included in the package), Canal Beagle Hotel in Ushuaia. Nestled between dramatic peaks and the icy Beagle Channel, the hotel felt like the perfect starting point. I like staying in different hotels as I can better advise which hotel would be best suited for which clients (I'm always working!).
Ushuaia, perched between the Martial Mountains and the icy waters of the Beagle Channel, is known as the southernmost city in the world, with a population of just over 80,000. Founded in 1884, it has a fascinating mix of history, culture, and adventure. The city is famous for its old prison, once housing some of Argentina’s most dangerous criminals and now a museum offering a glimpse into its past, and for its charming post office, where visitors can send letters stamped from the “end of the world.” Beyond its historical sites, Ushuaia is a gateway to Antarctica, with a busy port for expedition ships, but it also offers hiking in the Martial Mountains, sailing the Beagle Channel, and exploring local museums and artisan shops. Despite its remote location, it has a lively small-city feel, balancing everyday life with the sense of being on the edge of the world.
I arrived at 10:00 pm, and by the time I checked into my hotel, I was starving! I walked around the block to the Hard Rock Cafe for a quick bite before bed. In the morning, I had all day to explore the city. I took a city tour and then ventured out on my own. What an incredible place!!! It felt like I was in a smaller Canmore/Banff-type area. I loved this city!
Day 2 – Boarding the World Explorer and Settling Into Infinity Suite 545
On November 25, I walked from the pub where I was waiting with many other cruise patrons, to the pier and finally saw her: the Quark Expeditions World Explorer—sleek, modern, and unmistakably built for polar exploration. This ship uses a Rolls-Royce dynamic positioning system that, combined with GPS, allows it to stay in place without dropping anchor. This modern and environmentally friendly system is designed to minimize ecological impact in sensitive polar regions by eliminating the need for anchoring. It also features a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system to reduce its environmental impact even further.
Onboarding was a seamless experience; our bags were waiting at our door! Located on Deck 5, my cabin was an Infinity Suite #545. Luxe washroom amenities such as L'Occitanne were incredible. The room was comfortable and bright, and there was a LOT of storage! The room immediately felt like a sanctuary. The window opened downward at the touch of a button. It was a wonderful place to enjoy coffee in the morning.
***NOTE: There’s a trick to getting a cabin with the best views—my clients always get these tips!
Suite highlights included:
A floor-to-ceiling glass French balcony that turned the Antarctic landscape into a moving mural
A cozy sitting area with a sofa—my favorite spot for iceberg watching
Refrigerator, TV, and a modern infotainment system
A spacious, bright bathroom with a refreshing shower
Approximately 270 sq. ft. of well-designed space
Designed to accommodate up to two guests, it felt wonderfully roomy—and waking up to that giant window each morning was pure magic.
Days 3–4 – The Infamous Drake Passage
Crossing the Drake Passage is a rite of passage for any Antarctic traveler. Our crossing offered the full experience: gentle rolling swells, seabirds soaring overhead, and a rhythm of onboard lectures, briefings, and chats over coffee.
Between photography workshops, wildlife talks, and hours spent on deck watching albatross glide on the wind, the Drake became a shared adventure. It reminded me that reaching Antarctica is something you earn.
Days 5–9 – The Antarctic Peninsula: A Dream Turned Real
No documentary or photo can prepare you for your first glimpse of Antarctica.
Towering icebergs glowing electric blue. Penguins racing along snowy “penguin highways.” Silence so deep it feels sacred.
Each day brought new experiences:
Walking among gentoo and chinstrap penguins
Zodiac cruising through iceberg-studded bays
Visiting historic research outposts
Watching seals snooze on ice floes
Spotting whales surfacing in still, silver water
Quark’s expedition team added so much depth with their knowledge, storytelling, and obvious passion for the polar regions.
**NOTE: You don’t need to be a photographer to get gallery-level shots—I give my clients simple tricks!
Each day in the region, we experienced a Zodiac excursion and a landing. This means twice a day, we were summoned to the mud room, where we would grab our gear and get in line! Quark ran these like clockwork. Each group was impeccibly timed and managed. Safety was their top priority, with exploration a very close second!
The Zodiac rides were a blast. Most of the time, we stayed completely dry, though there were definitely moments when a splash or two found us. The landings were easy to navigate, and the guides ensured everyone disembarked safely. Each evening’s briefing taught us how to interact responsibly with the wildlife, giving me a whole new appreciation for the region—and for Quark’s commitment to protecting it.
**NOTE: There’s a specific seat on the Zodiac that gave me the best photos as well as staying the driest. I’ll show clients how to get it!
Evenings aboard the World Explorer felt warm and communal—day recaps, laughter, incredible meals with new friends, and sunsets that stretched across the horizon in pastel colors. I often curled up in my suite, letting the Antarctic world drift by through that beautiful window.
Days 10–11 – Farewell to the White Continent - It Happened....
What's an expedition without a little bit of excitement generated from the 'unknown'? I was about to find out firsthand why crossing this passage is infamous: the 'Drake Shake' was upon us! Waking up to bottles of water crashing on the floor, notices over the intercom advising outdoor spaces were closed, and sea sickness medication could be found at reception, I have to admit I was SUPER excited! I threw some clothes on quickly and raced to see what was waiting for me on board! Running up to the observation deck (Deck 7) as best I could with the massive ship sways happening, I saw indeed that all outer decks were closed. Of course - venturing outside during the shake would be fatal. As I entered the observatory, there were perhaps 6 people waiting and watching, all as excited as I.
As I walked against the flow of the boat, the feeling of walking in the air was pretty surreal! waves were reported to hit between 7-8 meters in height, with wind gusts of 160 km per hour. As I stood on the observation deck watching waves crash against my window 5-6 stories above the sea, I finally understood the hype. The video does not do the experience justice at all, you don't see that depth, the height, or feel the massive sways in the ship from side to side. I wanted to include this nonetheless.
After a final Drake Passage crossing, we arrived back in Ushuaia on December 4, 2025. A smooth morning transfer took us back to the town, where we toured and shopped one last time.
Saying goodbye to the ship—and to this continent—was surprisingly emotional. Antarctica changes you. It expands your sense of scale, beauty, and silence. New friends with shared interests that I have met along the way will be forever cherished.
why quark is the best at polar expeditions
1. Decades of Specialized Expertise
Quark isn’t a general expedition company—they only do polar travel. That singular focus means their itineraries, training, safety protocols, and field operations are designed specifically for the Arctic and Antarctica, not adapted from generic adventure cruises.
2. The Best Expedition Teams in the Industry
Their guides aren’t just staff—they’re scientists, naturalists, historians, photographers, Zodiac pros, and polar veterans. Many have 50–100+ polar expeditions under their belts. You feel that experience every day in how they brief, lead, and teach.
3. Thoughtful, Seamless Operations
Everything is dialed in:
Zodiac loading/unloading is smooth and safe
Landings feel well-managed, not chaotic
Wildlife etiquette is clearly taught and strictly followed
Timing is optimized for the best conditions and sightings
You always feel like you’re in extremely competent hands.
4. Genuine Commitment to Conservation
Quark is a leader in responsible polar travel. They follow and help set IAATO standards, reduce impact through strict wildlife protocols, and actively support scientific research and environmental initiatives. You’re not just visiting—you’re visiting responsibly.
5. Flexible Ship Options for Every Traveler
From ultra-comfortable small ships to adventure-forward vessels with helicopters or paddling programs, Quark has options that match different comfort levels and budgets. Their ships are purpose-built or purpose-modified for ice, stability, safety, and wildlife access.
6. Unique Adventure Add-Ons
Quark consistently offers experiences that many other operators don’t, such as:
Camping on the ice
Stand-up paddleboarding
Sea kayaking
Mountaineering or exclusive landing sites, depending onthe itinerary
These extras make the trip truly immersive.
7. Wildlife Access and Itinerary Design
Because they’ve been doing this for so long, Quark knows:
where penguin colonies thrive
when whales are most active
which routes maximize sightings
how to avoid heavy ship traffic
You get more time on shore, more wildlife moments, and fewer crowded landings.
8. They Make You Feel Safe, Supported, and Inspired
From the moment you step on board, you feel like you’re traveling with a team that loves what they do and is deeply invested in your experience. That mix of professionalism and passion is what sets Quark apart.
Final Reflections & How I Can Help You Get There
I came home feeling deeply grateful—and more inspired than ever to help others experience this extraordinary place for themselves. I have been checking my email every day as Quark gives all passengers a special video keepsake of their journey: complete with videos of special events that only happened on their cruise (We had one wedding and one engagement take place on our cruise!!!!) The video was played for all on our final night during the farewell, and I can't wait to see this keepsake again.
Quark Expeditions isn’t just another operator. They are the leader in Antarctic exploration, the longest-running expedition company in the region for over 30 years, and the team I now trust wholeheartedly with polar travel. Their expertise, safety standards, and genuine passion for the White Continent are unmatched.
I must admit, I am a planner. Knowing what to expect from an experience is 'how I travel'. This was 100% out of my comfort zone - but that's exactly what an expedition is. You cannot account for necessary diversions due to weather. In that way, I learned to brace for the unexpected as each day was a wonderful new adventure. In this way, I am very grateful that this entire experience taught me something valuable about myself that I would not have learned any other way.
If Antarctica is on your bucket list—whether it’s your seventh continent or your very first polar adventure—I would love to help you get there. From selecting the right ship and itinerary to preparing for the unique logistics and health requirements, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s make your journey to Antarctica not just a trip, but an experience you will never forget.
WOW!!! Sounds so amazing.
What a wonderful experience. Very great write-up, Sandra.
You excel at your job, proud of you. ;}
Fantastic trip summary photos and video. Thanks for sharing.