TRICIA STEVENS
PERSPECTIVES
ANTARCTICA
Located almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle, Antarctica is Earth’s southernmost and least-populated continent. As your ship departs the final dock and heads into the vast unknown, the feeling is difficult to put into words. Leaving behind the last traces of civilization, it truly feels like stepping off the edge of the world into a remote, otherworldly landscape. The journey is shaped entirely by nature—unpredictable seas, shifting ice, and changing weather patterns. No two voyages are ever the same, and each moment brings a new sense of wonder. In Antarctica, you surrender control and let the ice and elements guide your path.
ABSOLUTE MUSTS
Neko Harbour
If you’re lucky enough to reach Neko Harbour, you won’t be disappointed. It is located on the eastern shore of Andvord Bay, just south of the Errera Channel. The harbour was discovered during the Belgian Antarctic expedition led by Adrien de Gerlache between 1897 and 1899. It was later named after “The Neko,” a Scottish whaling vessel that worked in the area from 1910 to 1925. Surrounded by dramatic glaciers, rocky cliffs, and vast fields of snow, the setting is both remote and breathtaking. Calm icy waters reflect the towering ice walls, creating a surreal atmosphere. Visiting Neko Harbour feels like stepping into another world, where nature is powerful, untouched, and constantly shaping the frozen landscape around you.
Deception Island
Deception Island is home to a large caldera that was formed by a huge volcanic eruption over 10,000 years ago. Part of the Bay, known as Whalers Bay, was a popular destination for sealers and whalers since its discovery in 1820. Whalers Bay was a sheltered and shallow area which made it a great place to bring whale carcasses. It was later deserted when the volcano destroyed scientific research stations in 1967 and 1969. Although the volcano is still active, it has not erupted in over half a century. Since it is active, the black sand beaches hold hot steam under its surface and the water around the rim is warm (ish!). The only way in and out of the caldera is through a small opening called Neptune’s Bellow.
Camping
If you love camping, this is an experience that cannot be missed. Even if you don’t usually enjoy camping, it’s worth doing anyway. Yes, it will be cold, but few places on Earth can match the setting of Antarctica. When stepping onto Antarctica, strict environmental rules apply to protect the fragile ecosystem. No food is allowed on land, campfires are prohibited, and nothing can be left behind—including all waste. Portable toilets are provided and used sparingly, with everything returned to the ship afterward. Campers usually head out after dinner, set up in extreme conditions, and sleep only a few hours before an early wake-up, often around 5:30 a.m. The experience is short, intense, and unforgettable.
Danco Island
This small 1-mile-long island in the middle of the Errera Channel is a permanently ice-covered hill rising above the surrounding waters. It is home to gentoo penguin, which nest and breed high on the slopes despite the harsh conditions. I visited during a full blizzard, and even in near-whiteout conditions it was unforgettable. In Antarctica, experiencing a true storm is part of the adventure, with wind and snow shaping everything around you. The landscape feels raw and powerful, constantly changing. On a clear day, the views must be extraordinary, with open water, ice formations, and distant mountains fully revealed in breathtaking detail.
Kayaking
When conditions allow, kayaking in Antarctic waters offers an unforgettable experience that provides a completely different perspective. Floating across a calm sea beneath immense glaciers, with penguins swimming alongside your kayak, may be one of the best excursions in Antarctica. Icebergs taller than your ship make you feel like a speck of dust on the water. Gliding through glass-like seas and pushing through small ice chunks requires strength, but the sounds are indescribable. Expedition trips are expensive, but offer multiple chances to paddle, sometimes twice a day. Most kayak excursions last two to three hours, depending on weather conditions here.
