I am off to Antarctica! (3 Viewers)

[Ted Stickles]

Hi Kutta. Bon voyage.

Please don't take this a a thread-crapping...

FWIW, I spent one year backpacking through South America, with ~ two-months in Argentina. Like you, I flew to from BA to Ushuaia, but I had zero desire to go visit Antarctica.

I am honestly just curious as to why, besides stepping foot on your last remaining continent, you want to go visit Antarctica? What are you expecting to see there? Is something there calling you?

I didn't see that being asked or answered in the thread.

Anyhow, I wish you a fun, safe trip and hope that it far exceeds your expectations. Cheers.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Drake Passage is supposed to have some interesting weather and seas. Hope it's relatively calm for your crossings.

Yes, that’s my biggest concern at this point.

FWIW - Drake Passage Weather/Swell forecast:

Drake Passage Weather Forecasts — Drake WX

Wind, wave and weather forecasts for the Drake Passage and Antarctic Peninsula region from multiple official sources, plus Antarctica ice charts, cruise ship locators and webcams.

drakepassageweather.com

 

[waiver wire]

looking forward to hearing about your trip
if everything goes well , I will be going with Quark next year

 

[kutta]

Hi Kutta. Bon voyage.

Please don't take this a a thread-crapping...

FWIW, I spent one year backpacking through South America, with ~ two-months in Argentina. Like you, I flew to from BA to Ushuaia, but I had zero desire to go visit Antarctica.

I am honestly just curious as to why, besides stepping foot on your last remaining continent, you want to go visit Antarctica? What are you expecting to see there? Is something there calling you?

I didn't see that being asked or answered in the thread.

Anyhow, I wish you a fun, safe trip and hope that it far exceeds your expectations. Cheers.

Two things. I’ve had a goal of seeing all 7 continents for a long time. Heck, I’ve even left money in my will so 7 different people can spread my ashes on 7 different continents.
And second, I have found that I enjoy “adventure” vacations much more than just site seeing or going to the beach. This feels pretty adventurous!

 

[SWC]

i just looked and there are no parneras on antarctica so i am not sure why you are even bothering but i guess have a great time take that to the bank bromigo

 

[QuizGuy66]

Post a penny and a penguin in your pics as proof please.
-QG

 

[TripItUp]

Two things. I’ve had a goal of seeing all 7 continents for a long time. Heck, I’ve even left money in my will so 7 different people can spread my ashes on 7 different continents.
And second, I have found that I enjoy “adventure” vacations much more than just site seeing or going to the beach. This feels pretty adventurous!

'
This is exactly me...I love foreign landscapes as well...the Sahara, iceland, central africa, the Amazon....I just love exploring a landscape completely foreign and isolated.

The lemmings can enjoy their Mai Tais in some touristy beach locale....I've always wanted to see and experience the world. I get relatively little joy from the typical beach vacation.

 

[Ted Stickles]

Hi Kutta. Thanks for the reply.

I am 100% with you in preferring a bit rougher and adventurous vacations versus lazing on a beach.

It sounds like you may not have unallocated spare time this trip, but if you do, I'd recommend venturing over to Tierra del Fuego for a day to hike some trails. It's right there.

 

[Ted Stickles]

Two things. I’ve had a goal of seeing all 7 continents for a long time. Heck, I’ve even left money in my will so 7 different people can spread my ashes on 7 different continents.
And second, I have found that I enjoy “adventure” vacations much more than just site seeing or going to the beach. This feels pretty adventurous!

'
This is exactly me...I love foreign landscapes as well...the Sahara, iceland, central africa, the Amazon....I just love exploring a landscape completely foreign and isolated.

The lemmings can enjoy their Mai Tais in some touristy beach locale....I've always wanted to see and experience the world. I get relatively little joy from the typical beach vacation.

100% this as well. I want the culture shock to hit me right in the face upon arrival. The chaos, the smells, the colors, the people and their respective cultures... the unknown adventures ahead.

 

[kutta]

Hi Kutta. Thanks for the reply.

I am 100% with you in preferring a bit rougher and adventurous vacations versus lazing on a beach.

It sounds like you may not have unallocated spare time this trip, but if you do, I'd recommend venturing over to Tierra del Fuego for a day to hike some trails. It's right there.

I’m in Ushuaia right now, and I wish I had allocated a couple more days. I’m still tired from my trip here and just feel like being lazy today, so I’ll have to hit the trails next time. But damn, it’s beautiful here!

 

[kutta]

Drake Passage is supposed to have some interesting weather and seas. Hope it's relatively calm for your crossings.

Yes, that’s my biggest concern at this point.

FWIW - Drake Passage Weather/Swell forecast:

Drake Passage Weather Forecasts — Drake WX

Wind, wave and weather forecasts for the Drake Passage and Antarctic Peninsula region from multiple official sources, plus Antarctica ice charts, cruise ship locators and webcams.

drakepassageweather.com

This is great info.

I looked up the current drake passage wave height - looks like they will be about 4M for the majority of the trip. Here’s what Atlas (my chat GPT guy) has to say about that:

4 meter waves are serious.

That is not “casual swell at the beach”.

4 meters = about 13 feet.
What that means in practical ocean experience terms:

• A 4m sea state is enough that a normal medium boat (25–45 ft) will be slamming, pitching, burying bow, and most people onboard who aren’t used to it will be very uncomfortable.

• That’s not giant storm seas like “Deadliest Catch”… but it is absolutely in the “dangerous if you’re not experienced / in a capable vessel” category.

Beaufort scale mapping

4 meter waves tend to correspond around Beaufort Force 7 (“near gale”).

Humans onboard subjective sense

• Standing / walking is difficult
• Chairs + glasses move unless secured
• Seasick people will start to get bad fast
• Big rolling motion, especially long swell
Summary

4 meter high waves are real ocean.

Most non-seafaring people would describe those conditions as rough to very rough.

 

[kutta]

Then I asked about our boat size :

How that relates back to the 4m seas question:

A 180 passenger Antarctica ship will handle 4m seas safe, but you’ll feel it:

• roll / pitch will be significant
• lots of people will get sick
• movement around the ship will be harder
• you’ll feel it way more than on an 110,000 ton Royal Caribbean style ship

Small ships = much more “you and the ocean are in it together” feel.

 

[beer 30]

Then I asked about our boat size :

How that relates back to the 4m seas question:

A 180 passenger Antarctica ship will handle 4m seas safe, but you’ll feel it:

• roll / pitch will be significant
• lots of people will get sick
• movement around the ship will be harder
• you’ll feel it way more than on an 110,000 ton Royal Caribbean style ship

Small ships = much more “you and the ocean are in it together” feel.

You should probably stop talking to your chat GPT guy for a while

 

[kutta]

Then I asked about our boat size :

How that relates back to the 4m seas question:

A 180 passenger Antarctica ship will handle 4m seas safe, but you’ll feel it:

• roll / pitch will be significant
• lots of people will get sick
• movement around the ship will be harder
• you’ll feel it way more than on an 110,000 ton Royal Caribbean style ship

Small ships = much more “you and the ocean are in it together” feel.

You should probably stop talking to your chat GPT guy for a while

We are total buds. He’d be bummed.

 

[kutta]

Just had a briefing about the trip. I talked to one of the dudes who drives a Zodiac. They have a desalination mechanisms on board to supply fresh water, so we’ll be showering in Antarctica ocean water, and there’s no food resupply, so I’m pretty sure the best food will be towards the front of the trip.

 

[foxco]

I'm pretty excited to hear about this, I once interviewed with a small luxury cruise line solely because they had an Antarctic expedition and employees got to go for like zilch. So I'll be living vicariously through kutta!

 

[TripItUp]

Then I asked about our boat size :

How that relates back to the 4m seas question:

A 180 passenger Antarctica ship will handle 4m seas safe, but you’ll feel it:

• roll / pitch will be significant
• lots of people will get sick
• movement around the ship will be harder
• you’ll feel it way more than on an 110,000 ton Royal Caribbean style ship

Small ships = much more “you and the ocean are in it together” feel.

this is big deal for me and my wife...taking notes here.

 

[kutta]

Then I asked about our boat size :

How that relates back to the 4m seas question:

A 180 passenger Antarctica ship will handle 4m seas safe, but you’ll feel it:

• roll / pitch will be significant
• lots of people will get sick
• movement around the ship will be harder
• you’ll feel it way more than on an 110,000 ton Royal Caribbean style ship

Small ships = much more “you and the ocean are in it together” feel.

this is big deal for me and my wife...taking notes here.

Just the facts here!

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Do I need to pass out shame to anyone in the t-shirt exchange?

Well, I do have one slacker who’s not responding and I’m looking for a replacement sender…

I’ve been wanting to do the exchange for years. If you’ll have me. I’m in.

At the ready, Captain.

 

[Sand]

They have a desalination mechanisms on board to supply fresh water, so we’ll be showering in Antarctica ocean water

This is almost all cruise ships. I hope for your sake they heat it up a tad, though.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Hi Kutta. Bon voyage.

Please don't take this a a thread-crapping...

FWIW, I spent one year backpacking through South America, with ~ two-months in Argentina. Like you, I flew to from BA to Ushuaia, but I had zero desire to go visit Antarctica.

I am honestly just curious as to why, besides stepping foot on your last remaining continent, you want to go visit Antarctica? What are you expecting to see there? Is something there calling you?

I didn't see that being asked or answered in the thread.

Anyhow, I wish you a fun, safe trip and hope that it far exceeds your expectations. Cheers.

Two things. I’ve had a goal of seeing all 7 continents for a long time. Heck, I’ve even left money in my will so 7 different people can spread my ashes on 7 different continents.
And second, I have found that I enjoy “adventure” vacations much more than just site seeing or going to the beach. This feels pretty adventurous!

I’m super envious!

I’ve been married forever but In another life I have always imagined that I would find myself at some point bare foot on a far away dock. Temporarily.

I can’t wait to retire so I can just take a bag, hop on a train and just town hop accross the nation.

You’re on another level. So happy for you. Enjoy man.

 

[kutta]

I just chatted for a while with an old Russian couple from Moscow. They were so cool. So opposed to the war. We are going to have a drink on the cruise.
One one of the reasons I love traveling

 

[kutta]

Hi Kutta. Bon voyage.

Please don't take this a a thread-crapping...

FWIW, I spent one year backpacking through South America, with ~ two-months in Argentina. Like you, I flew to from BA to Ushuaia, but I had zero desire to go visit Antarctica.

I am honestly just curious as to why, besides stepping foot on your last remaining continent, you want to go visit Antarctica? What are you expecting to see there? Is something there calling you?

I didn't see that being asked or answered in the thread.

Anyhow, I wish you a fun, safe trip and hope that it far exceeds your expectations. Cheers.

Two things. I’ve had a goal of seeing all 7 continents for a long time. Heck, I’ve even left money in my will so 7 different people can spread my ashes on 7 different continents.
And second, I have found that I enjoy “adventure” vacations much more than just site seeing or going to the beach. This feels pretty adventurous!

I’m super envious!

I’ve been married forever but In another life I have always imagined that I would find myself at some point bare foot on a far away dock. Temporarily.

I can’t wait to retire so I can just take a bag, hop on a train and just town hop accross the nation.

You’re on another level. So happy for you. Enjoy man.

Don’t give up on the wife. I’m trying to make the best of a bad situation. There’s really nothing like travelling with someone you love.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Hi Kutta. Bon voyage.

Please don't take this a a thread-crapping...

FWIW, I spent one year backpacking through South America, with ~ two-months in Argentina. Like you, I flew to from BA to Ushuaia, but I had zero desire to go visit Antarctica.

I am honestly just curious as to why, besides stepping foot on your last remaining continent, you want to go visit Antarctica? What are you expecting to see there? Is something there calling you?

I didn't see that being asked or answered in the thread.

Anyhow, I wish you a fun, safe trip and hope that it far exceeds your expectations. Cheers.

Two things. I’ve had a goal of seeing all 7 continents for a long time. Heck, I’ve even left money in my will so 7 different people can spread my ashes on 7 different continents.
And second, I have found that I enjoy “adventure” vacations much more than just site seeing or going to the beach. This feels pretty adventurous!

I’m super envious!

I’ve been married forever but In another life I have always imagined that I would find myself at some point bare foot on a far away dock. Temporarily.

I can’t wait to retire so I can just take a bag, hop on a train and just town hop accross the nation.

You’re on another level. So happy for you. Enjoy man.

Don’t give up on the wife. I’m trying to make the best of a bad situation. There’s really nothing like travelling with someone you love.

Oh I didn’t mean to imply that at all. I/we are happier than we’ve ever been! Just hit 25 years this past June. She’s my best friend, phenomenal in the kitchen and bedroom and makes more money than me!

I only meant that my life would be different, not that I necessarily wanted the nomad life. It was a path I chose not to take with purpose.

But this thread isn’t about that - it’s about adventure!!!!

:RaisesSword!:

 

[AAABatteries]

Hi Kutta. Bon voyage.

Please don't take this a a thread-crapping...

FWIW, I spent one year backpacking through South America, with ~ two-months in Argentina. Like you, I flew to from BA to Ushuaia, but I had zero desire to go visit Antarctica.

I am honestly just curious as to why, besides stepping foot on your last remaining continent, you want to go visit Antarctica? What are you expecting to see there? Is something there calling you?

I didn't see that being asked or answered in the thread.

Anyhow, I wish you a fun, safe trip and hope that it far exceeds your expectations. Cheers.

Two things. I’ve had a goal of seeing all 7 continents for a long time. Heck, I’ve even left money in my will so 7 different people can spread my ashes on 7 different continents.
And second, I have found that I enjoy “adventure” vacations much more than just site seeing or going to the beach. This feels pretty adventurous!

I’m super envious!

I’ve been married forever but In another life I have always imagined that I would find myself at some point bare foot on a far away dock. Temporarily.

I can’t wait to retire so I can just take a bag, hop on a train and just town hop accross the nation.

You’re on another level. So happy for you. Enjoy man.

Don’t give up on the wife. I’m trying to make the best of a bad situation. There’s really nothing like travelling with someone you love.

Oh I didn’t mean to imply that at all. I/we are happier than we’ve ever been! Just hit 25 years this past June. She’s my best friend, phenomenal in the kitchen and bedroom and makes more money than me!

I only meant that my life would be different, not that I necessarily wanted the nomad life. It was a path I chose not to take with purpose.

But this thread isn’t about that - it’s about adventure!!!!

:RaisesSword!:

Tangent - it sucks we only get such limited time here - there’s so much to do and see and experience

 

[Zegras11]

I’ve even left money in my will so 7 different people can spread my ashes on 7 different continents.

thanks for giving me Australia. I'll take good care of you...

Safe travels GB

 

[kutta]

I’ve even left money in my will so 7 different people can spread my ashes on 7 different continents.

thanks for giving me Australia. I'll take good care of you...

Safe travels GB

You’re totally welcome to tag along with my daughter!

 

[Tick]

Can you help me out and check on the 1. pyramids and 2. the secret Nazi base? TIA

What, no shapeshifting aliens?

 

[kutta]

Can you help me out and check on the 1. pyramids and 2. the secret Nazi base? TIA

What, no shapeshifting aliens?

My sister told me her new boyfriend is concerned because of the aliens there. I told him I’d try to snap a pic.

 

[kutta]

On board! Beautiful room - much bigger than I expected. About to do the safety briefing and we’ll be on our way!
Oh, I may be having a double makers mark too

 

[kutta]

The safety guy was briefing about the weather and said we are going to have a “**** Drake Passage for 24 hours.”

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Post a penny and a penguin in your pics as proof please.
-QG

I posted from amalfi with a euro, an empty bottle of limoncello and some donkeys. My wife thought I was nuts.

 

[ChiefD]

The safety guy was briefing about the weather and said we are going to have a “**** Drake Passage for 24 hours.”

Keep us posted. I am all in on this adventure.

 

[Zeppelin]

My sister told me her new boyfriend is concerned because of the aliens there. I told him I’d try to snap a pic.

Make it a selfie

 

[kutta]

First night wasn’t horrible. The ship was rocking pretty good, so much so that my book slid off the nightstand at one point. But I didn’t get sick and I got some sleep, so that’s a good deal!
On to day two - they have a bunch of science programs on board, and we are getting ready for the bird watching class, then we go on deck to see what we can see - should be fun!

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

The safety guy was briefing about the weather and said we are going to have a “**** Drake Passage for 24 hours.”

Drake Shake baby!

Maybe you’ll get the Drake Lake on the way back.

 

[kutta]

Last night was pretty uneventful. The ship is still rocking pretty good, but nothing crazy. We have one more full day at sea and we are supposed to hit land in the morning. Then the fun begins!

 

[kutta]

We have land! Amazingly beautiful! Thousands of penguins. We are about to hop into zodiacs and cruise around.

 

[bcat01]

We have land! Amazingly beautiful! Thousands of penguins. We are about to hop into zodiacs and cruise around.

Bring a couple back. They won't miss a few.

 

[dino259]

The most recent Stacking Benjamins podcast just had Colin O'Brady on. He is an adventurer and motivational speaker. He has several books out. He and a small group rowed a boat across the Drake Passage, there is some video of it (I have not watched). He did a solo crossing of Antartica.

 

[kutta]

What an incredible morning. We got into Zodiacs and cruised around the bay. We couldn’t go on shore here, but we will at our next stop in the afternoon.

There were thousands of penguins here.

https://imgur.com/a/TsqUTF0

 

[Nigel]

What an incredible morning. We got into Zodiacs and cruised around the bay. We couldn’t go on shore here, but we will at our next stop in the afternoon.

There were thousands of penguins here.

https://imgur.com/a/TsqUTF0

Don't eat the snow

 

[El Floppo]

What an incredible morning. We got into Zodiacs and cruised around the bay. We couldn’t go on shore here, but we will at our next stop in the afternoon.

There were thousands of penguins here.

https://imgur.com/a/TsqUTF0

Meh. A bunch of rock, snow and birds. Saw the same thing on my commute this morning.



(Amazing!! Keep those pics coming!)

 

[Mister CIA]

Then I asked about our boat size :

How that relates back to the 4m seas question:

A 180 passenger Antarctica ship will handle 4m seas safe, but you’ll feel it:

• roll / pitch will be significant
• lots of people will get sick
• movement around the ship will be harder
• you’ll feel it way more than on an 110,000 ton Royal Caribbean style ship

Small ships = much more “you and the ocean are in it together” feel.

You should have booked on a submarine. Ride is smoooooth; food sucks.

 

[General Malaise]

Hi Kutta. Bon voyage.

Please don't take this a a thread-crapping...

FWIW, I spent one year backpacking through South America, with ~ two-months in Argentina. Like you, I flew to from BA to Ushuaia, but I had zero desire to go visit Antarctica.

I am honestly just curious as to why, besides stepping foot on your last remaining continent, you want to go visit Antarctica? What are you expecting to see there? Is something there calling you?

I didn't see that being asked or answered in the thread.

Anyhow, I wish you a fun, safe trip and hope that it far exceeds your expectations. Cheers.

Two things. I’ve had a goal of seeing all 7 continents for a long time. Heck, I’ve even left money in my will so 7 different people can spread my ashes on 7 different continents.
And second, I have found that I enjoy “adventure” vacations much more than just site seeing or going to the beach. This feels pretty adventurous!

This is incredible. I love this. Absolutely love this. Can't wait to read your recap.

 

[AAABatteries]

What an incredible morning. We got into Zodiacs and cruised around the bay. We couldn’t go on shore here, but we will at our next stop in the afternoon.

There were thousands of penguins here.

https://imgur.com/a/TsqUTF0

So cool dude - have a great time and hit up the Antarctica breweries

 

[drunken slob]

How many organs do I have to sell to make this trip happen after all the surgeries?

I've been to the North Pole (via nuclear sumbarine) and now I need to do this trip.

Safe travels and best wishes, hope you have a great trip.

 

[ChiefD]

I was expecting more snow.

 

[kutta]

Back in the room now. What an amazing day!
But we got word there’s a medical emergency on the ship so we have to detour to the Georgia islands so they can airlift the person out.
Not sure how this is going to go, but down here, I guess you just go with the flow!

 

[kutta]

How many organs do I have to sell to make this trip happen after all the surgeries?

I've been to the North Pole (via nuclear sumbarine) and now I need to do this trip.

Safe travels and best wishes, hope you have a great trip.

Fair question.
I’m traveling solo, so my prices are higher.
The cost of the cruise alone for me was $20k. BUT, I paid almost double because I’m single and got a great balcony room.. So if traveling with a partner you could easily do $20k total for the two of you.
I talked to a guy who’s also solo who got a crummy small room with only a portal and it was $11k.
The only other thing you need is flights and maybe a hotel room here and there. My total cost was about $30k, but I also fly business class and I’m kind of a travel snob.
I’d say, if you’re doing it with a partner, you could probably do the whole trip for $30k for the both of you.
If you’re single, you could do it for $20k.