Fantastic video Barry. We were partway through our research looking at so many ships and tours and have now settled on the same trip on Ultramarine in part due to your video. Thank you for telling a great story of your journey.
Thanks so much, glad it was of help to you! I remember that myself, trying to decide which ship and weighing up all the options. Needless to say, very happy with my choice!! Best of luck with your own visit.
I can only dream of Antarctica, but Thank You for going and sharing your experience. I am grateful for you and all the UA-cam videos that enable me to experience every possible destination and see it and experience it. Thank You so very much.
@@jameswright8695 that’s a very kind comment James, thank you. I know I’m fortunate to have been able to go, and hope that as well as experiencing destinations through YT videos, you do get the opportunity to travel to at least some of the places that inspire you.
I have been left speechless, which isn’t often. Fabulous content, a fabulous edit and a bucket-list destination. I was repacking my camera gear watching that. The stuff of dreams. Cheers! 🏴
@ No, thank you. I also watched your visit to Lviv video. You are a good man. I have toiled with the idea of being more directly proactive in Ukraine. I have sent a few pallet loads of what I produce in the past, particularly at the beginning. But, I have wanted to get out there myself. I have a mother that lost a son not that long ago and was forbidden from driving my stuff over myself, in fear that she could lose another. Your video has been very helpful and very informative. Good people like yourself are what keeps this world bearable. Of course, as a wildlife man, they play a huge role in redressing how destructive “man” can be. Good luck and thank you. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🏴🏴🇺🇦🇺🇦
@300ShadesofGreen Thank you again, and also on your support for Ukraine. Everyone’s circumstances are different, and going to Ukraine is not feasible for all and with your family’s loss, your mother’s concern is understandable. The first time I went I didn’t tell anyone other than my wife I was there, my parents thought I was “InterRailing in the Baltics”! It feels like dark times for Ukraine with the West weakening, though their courage and determination has surprised the world before so hopefully will again. I am hoping to go again this winter, if I do, I want to do some videos to give voice to local people I meet and hear their view and experiences. Thanks again for all your kind comments, they do mean a lot.
Wow Barry that is my dream - I have been in Dec 23 all the way to Ushuaya. Next year dec 25 I will be visiting to Antarctica and I am preparring for the trip. Amazing video!
@@cristeab1 Thank you! How exciting to be looking forward to and planning a trip for December 2025, I think we all book a long time in advance!! I hope you have an amazing trip.
I’ve seen quite a few vlogs and this blows the others out of the water. Brilliantly done! As a solo traveler meeting other like minded people is so important and I just hope when I book my adventure that I have as much fun as you all clearly did 😊
This was such a joy to watch. I was smiling the whole time. Much respect for sharing your adventure. I will definitely be rewatching for research when I venture to Antarctica very soon.
@@BarryKenny I hold a bachelor's degree in Cinematography, I've worked in the film business and this is about the best documentary I've ever seen! Plus my daughters featured in it! The footage is FANTASTIC! Thank you and Kudos, Sir!
Thank you Barry, a fantastic video. I’M going to Antarctica in november this year. I hope i get the same expirience as you did. Greatings from the Netherlands
@@Groenespecht Thank you, great to hear you enjoyed the video! You must be so excited for your visit to be so soon, hope it’s an amazing experience for you!
Thank you Jason! I had a 70-200mm lens, but some photographers would have more. You do get very close to the penguins though - or rather they get close to you!
@@hotkopipeng Thanks so much, I’d love to be back at that point, anticipating it and counting down the months and weeks!! Trip of a lifetime, I hope you enjoy it.
@leanneadams2549 yes, I am mindful that I’m very fortunate. I put a saving fund together and paid into it for about four years to cover the costs. I think for most people who do it, it’ll be the most expensive trip they’ll ever take.
A beautifully produced video, thank you Barry. I'm very jealous of the helicopter ride--I'm going in late February with a rival expedition ship and we don't have that option. Can I ask two questions (if you don't mind): 1. I noticed that you struggled up the incline in the snow. Are hiking sticks a good idea, or too much of a nuisance? I'm thinking of taking just one. 2. You took some awesome equipment for capturing videos and stills. Which do you recommend above all? I just tested the 360 X4 and Hero 12, but can't see myself using them in this instance (due to size of files for editing, etc.) Also, is it possible to turn on the option of having closed captions auto generated? I struggled to catch some of your commentary. Thanks again for an excellent video. x
Hi Brenda, thank you for your lovely comment! Likewise, I envy you that your trip is upcoming, the anticipation and planning was definitely part of the enjoyment for me. Also, each part of the season seems to have its own characteristics so a late season trip would be fascinating, I hope you have an amazing time. On your questions, I’m chuckling at the hiking stick question: the ship provided hiking sticks for everyone, and myself and my two friends in that clip were (I think) the only people who didn’t avail of them. I’ve no idea why not! So the chances are they will be provided for you, but worth checking with your company. On camera gear, there’s quite a lot of iPhone footage there, but I did use a few different devices. I know what you mean about file size, especially for the Insta360. I had the x3 and editing and framing 360 footage is something I find hard to do. I do think a gopro is worth having though as it is so versatile and easy to grab and go, especially for things like the paddle boarding and kayaking. Finally, a main mirrorless / DSLR with decent zoom lens is in my view essential for wildlife that’s just that a little bit farther away. I have a Sony a7iii of old, but if I was buying new again, I’d have gone for something more compact and vlog-friendly like the Sony Zv range. Sorry about the sound in parts, I always have trouble with sound, let me look at the settings and see if that’s doable for the captions. I actually brought wireless mics with me but it wasn’t very practical to use them - plus far less spontaneous! Thanks again for watching the video and for your kind words, and if I can help with any other questions, I’d be delighted.
@@BarryKenny Thanks so much for your reply. Yes, that whole reframing/posting of Insta360 footage is a problem when travelling (and so time consuming!). I may have a look at the Sony ZV cameras. You and others have done the 360 thing to great effect so that I don't have to. LOL Thanks again and happy travels. Oh, and I reckon Neil Diamond is losing sleep after seeing your excellent rendition of 'Sweet Caroline'--such talent! 😉
Hey Barry, we are planning on going on this boat in a few months and had a few questions after watching your video. How was the food each day? On days with expeditions, how long were you off the boat for? How many full days were you just on the boat with no stops? Were the TV shows and Movies included on your TV or were they extra? Did wifi work well enough? Thanks for the great content!
@@curtisclements6342 hi Curtis, delighted you enjoyed the video, thanks! If you’re like me, I’m sure you’re counting the days til your trip. To answer your questions: 1. Food: the food was exceptional. The vast majority of meals were buffet, and the range and quality was just consistently high. I think there was one a la carte evening meal. You will be hungry from all the activity but it also possible to eat very healthily if that is a priority. 2. Time off boat: there tended to be two expeditions on such days, and each expedition would be about 3 hours off the boat on average, depending on the activity. 3. Day 1 was a later afternoon departure, and then day 2 and 3 were just on the boat (day 3 though we were at Antarctica with land and wildlife outside). So 2 and a bit days of just on the boat with no stops. Similarly on way back, evening of one day we left Antarctica, 2 full days crossing, and an early AM arrival back to Ushuaia. 4. TV shows and movies were included on the TV. If you have time to watch any of them, I’ll be amazed! I mainly used the TV to check the ship’s position, to see the daily activities, and to track how much I’d spent at the shop and the bar!!! You can also watch any of the theatre talks on the TV, they’re all live-streamed. 5. I was amazed at how good the Wi-Fi was. I got the free basic package (you can pay for premium) and expected to just be able to send text via messaging apps. But in fact I was able to make video calls of a very good quality to home every day. I assume overall usage on the ship may be a factor, but as I say, I had no problems. Enjoy the planning and trip itself, and thanks again for watching and your comment. Any other questions you have, happy to help.
This makes me feel better about solo traveling to Antarctica! Thanks, Barry! Hey, can you fly drones there? I don't see any drone footage, which I assume would be a very popular thing to do there.
Hi Anne, that’s great to hear, are you planning a trip? No, drones are strictly prohibited in Antarctica. I did use a 360 camera on a long selfie stick to get a drone-type effect for a few shots.
@@BarryKenny Hi Barry, yes! I am but it won't be for a couple of years, I want to treat myself on my 60th birthday. I haven't traveled solo much, and I am a little shy so I was apprehensive. Last time I was solo I went to Florence and I didn't love it, I wanted to share it with someone! I rented an apartment so that might have been a little too isolating for me, but I am not crazy about normal cruises either. That's a little too crowded. I can understand why drones are banned, even though the footage would be epic! It would take away from the serene atmosphere having those things buzzing overhead all the time, wouldn't it. Thanks for your reply and happy, safe travels!
@annespellberg7173 I was the same, I had been saving for 3 years, then I booked it on my 50th birthday, and travelled 20 months later. On Ultramarine, you can book twin sharing, two of my friends on the trip did that and got on really well (of course I did too and didn’t have a person sharing, so that can happen). The difference is on the ship is that you’ll be meeting people for all the different activities. Enjoy the planning and I hope you have a wonderful experience when you go.
Thanks Teddy - I can certainly recommend Ultramarine, but there are so many great choices! Enjoy the planning: I was like you, I booked in April 2022 for a January 2024 trip.
Hi Doris, many thanks, I’m delighted you enjoyed the video! I went in January 2024, for 10 days / 9 nights. Yes, we had good weather when we were on the ice (all through the trip really), calm and mostly overcast, with one day of amazing sunshine. The trip was along the Antarctic peninsula.
@@AshleyandChristian Hi Ashley and Christian, thanks so much, delighted you enjoyed it! Yes, the helicopter excursion is included for all passengers. There is also an extra you can pay for, heli-hiking, where you land inland a bit and get to trek. I had booked to do this, but the diversion for the medical emergency for the crew member meant it wasn’t possible: the expedition leader felt (correctly, i think) that it was better for everyone to get the helicopter trip included rather than a small number of people getting to do the optional extra.
Thanks so much, delighted that you enjoyed watching! There’s no TV channels as such, but there is a good selection of movies and TV programmes to “stream” as it were - I was too busy and didn’t watch any, so can’t remember what they have, but I remember thinking it was a good selection. Within that, there are of course Antarctic-themed shows and movies too. However, the in-room screen is mainly focused on ship activities and excursions. They had a live feed from the Ambassador theatre so you could rest and watch lectures from your room. The daily schedule was there as was an updating map showing the ship’s position. You could also check your bill for onboard purchases on the screen, learn more about the ship, check out spa services, and read info about the expedition team.
You mentioned Deception Island: did you sail through Neptune's Bellows into the caldera? (my own trip was a reverse of yours - DI was my last stop in Antarctica and where I went for a little swim)
Hi Marcus, I was on the starboard / right hand side of the ship… and to be honest, I never thought about whether I was on the best side until you asked the question!! I don’t think it makes a huge difference as the scenery is so spectacular throughout. Also, the trip is busy, so I spent a very little time in the cabin looking out from the balcony. So sorry I don’t have a firmer view on this, but for the purposes of this trip, it’s all good!
Hi, Barry, great video. I am looking to book a trip, so if I may ask... I have been told these Quark ships carry 100+ guests. So with 100 on board, you were all able to disembark at once for landings? If not, how did that work and how time consuming was the process? More importantly, how long were the landing trips? I mean how much time did you spend on land during each excursion? Thanks in advance!
Hi Chetan, thanks, I appreciate it! Our ship had a maximum of 199 passengers, and we had 196 on our trip. They planned activities very well so that when landings were happening, others were kayaking / paddleboarding, so everyone who wanted to disembark could do so. They also had us broken into four groups to coordinate numbers well. For a full landing, they were about 2 hours, and were combined with mini-zodiac cruises.
Hi Judy, no I booked the balcony twin share, so it wasn’t an upgrade, just that no other male booked the twin share, so I had it all to myself. I hope you have a great trip, when are you going?
@@BarryKenny Nov 16! Thanks for response. I read that weight for luggage was about 44 lb but online someone said 35 lb. Big difference! Do you remember weight limit. I'm thinking of doing a large wheeled duffel instead of suitcase.
Hi Judy, that’s very close, you must be so excited! Similarly for me there was conflicting advice on weight limits before I travelled which was a little stressful. When I booked, they said 23kg was the limit, but then a few weeks before I left their emails said it was 18kg, and they reiterated this in the days leading up to it. I was somewhere in between so wasn’t sure how strict they would be, but the morning I turned up to register they said it was 23kg. I think you’d be reasonably safe at 20kg / 44lb and a wheeled duffle would definitely help you I suppose.
@@BarryKenny Thanks so much, Barry. Wish I could have been on your triip...you were a hoot!!! I'll go with the 23Kg which is what the info said. Thanks again. I am so excited...been "packing" for 6 months!!!!
@@judyanderson4989 I'm going to attempt just hand luggage; one 10kg wheeled small case and one 4kg backpack. I do that for all trips, even for a month in Europe, but there's all the cold weather gear... I know some people who flew in from Switzerland to take an Antarctic cruise and their checked in luggage didn't make it. How bad would that be? 🙄
@@anthonywilliams9852 Gosh, what an odd thing to take from the video… I think I’d have been perfectly happy as it happens - it wasn’t a big part of the trip.
Fantastic video Barry. We were partway through our research looking at so many ships and tours and have now settled on the same trip on Ultramarine in part due to your video. Thank you for telling a great story of your journey.
Thanks so much, glad it was of help to you! I remember that myself, trying to decide which ship and weighing up all the options. Needless to say, very happy with my choice!! Best of luck with your own visit.
I’ve been waiting my whole life for this!
Wow!! Great job. Love it. I hope to visit Antarctica someday!
Thanks so much, you’ll get there and you’ll love it too!
This beautifully captures our entire experience! A trip of a lifetime! 🤩
I can only dream of Antarctica, but Thank You for going and sharing your experience.
I am grateful for you and all the UA-cam videos that enable me to experience every possible destination and see it and experience it.
Thank You so very much.
@@jameswright8695 that’s a very kind comment James, thank you. I know I’m fortunate to have been able to go, and hope that as well as experiencing destinations through YT videos, you do get the opportunity to travel to at least some of the places that inspire you.
I have been left speechless, which isn’t often. Fabulous content, a fabulous edit and a bucket-list destination.
I was repacking my camera gear watching that. The stuff of dreams. Cheers! 🏴
Wow, thanks a million, I really appreciate that! It truly was the stuff of dreams.
@ No, thank you. I also watched your visit to Lviv video. You are a good man. I have toiled with the idea of being more directly proactive in Ukraine. I have sent a few pallet loads of what I produce in the past, particularly at the beginning. But, I have wanted to get out there myself. I have a mother that lost a son not that long ago and was forbidden from driving my stuff over myself, in fear that she could lose another. Your video has been very helpful and very informative.
Good people like yourself are what keeps this world bearable. Of course, as a wildlife man, they play a huge role in redressing how destructive “man” can be. Good luck and thank you. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🏴🏴🇺🇦🇺🇦
@300ShadesofGreen Thank you again, and also on your support for Ukraine. Everyone’s circumstances are different, and going to Ukraine is not feasible for all and with your family’s loss, your mother’s concern is understandable. The first time I went I didn’t tell anyone other than my wife I was there, my parents thought I was “InterRailing in the Baltics”! It feels like dark times for Ukraine with the West weakening, though their courage and determination has surprised the world before so hopefully will again. I am hoping to go again this winter, if I do, I want to do some videos to give voice to local people I meet and hear their view and experiences.
Thanks again for all your kind comments, they do mean a lot.
Wow Barry that is my dream - I have been in Dec 23 all the way to Ushuaya. Next year dec 25 I will be visiting to Antarctica and I am preparring for the trip. Amazing video!
@@cristeab1 Thank you! How exciting to be looking forward to and planning a trip for December 2025, I think we all book a long time in advance!! I hope you have an amazing trip.
I’ve seen quite a few vlogs and this blows the others out of the water. Brilliantly done! As a solo traveler meeting other like minded people is so important and I just hope when I book my adventure that I have as much fun as you all clearly did 😊
Thanks so much for such a generous comment, I really appreciate it! I hope you’ll get to book soon and meet some great people on your adventure.
Thanks for an excellent look at Quark! You’ve convinced me
Thank you very much! Glad to be of some help, enjoy the planning and the trip, it’s such an amazing experience.
This was such a joy to watch. I was smiling the whole time. Much respect for sharing your adventure. I will definitely be rewatching for research when I venture to Antarctica very soon.
Thanks so much Andres, that’s such a kind comment. Enjoy the research and your own Antarctic adventure!
MIL GRACIAS...BARRY & FILMING CREW....EXCELENTE TU VIDEO...I ENJOYED A LOT!!!
Thanks so much, delighted you enjoyed it!
Wonderful! Very well done! AMAZING!!!
Thanks David, I appreciate it!
@@BarryKenny I hold a bachelor's degree in Cinematography, I've worked in the film business and this is about the best documentary I've ever seen! Plus my daughters featured in it! The footage is FANTASTIC! Thank you and Kudos, Sir!
You have me blushing, thanks so much, and Savannah and our entire “Penguin Colony” were the absolute best parts of the whole trip!
Excellent ‼️‼️☘️☘️☘️
@@JackMcClendon thanks very much Jack!
Well done!! Definitely conveys all the emotions!
@@YvetteCrabtree Thanks Yvette!
Thank you Barry, a fantastic video. I’M going to Antarctica in november this year. I hope i get the same expirience as you did. Greatings from the Netherlands
@@Groenespecht Thank you, great to hear you enjoyed the video! You must be so excited for your visit to be so soon, hope it’s an amazing experience for you!
I'm going in December!! What ship are you going on?
This was such a great video, you definitely brought a lot of craic to this trip!!
Thanks Mairead, glad you enjoyed it and that the craic came across in the video, it really was great fun as well as awe-inspiring!
the fall replay hahahahahaa
and none of us reacting to help, all focused on the whale!!
Fantasticly produced!
It's on my bucket list.
What kind of zoom do you need on the cameras when on land?
Thank you Jason! I had a 70-200mm lens, but some photographers would have more. You do get very close to the penguins though - or rather they get close to you!
Fantastic video
Thanks again!
Love the video. I am going on the same trip with the Ultramarine in Jan 2025. Really excited for it, especially after watching your vid! Thank you!
@@hotkopipeng Thanks so much, I’d love to be back at that point, anticipating it and counting down the months and weeks!! Trip of a lifetime, I hope you enjoy it.
Wow ! Lucky you !! And how fortunate. I’m a Postal Worker so I’ll probably never be able to go. Maybe someday I’ll see my Orcas tho. Enjoy
@leanneadams2549 yes, I am mindful that I’m very fortunate. I put a saving fund together and paid into it for about four years to cover the costs. I think for most people who do it, it’ll be the most expensive trip they’ll ever take.
@leanneadams2549 oh, please, you can go if you do what you have to do. First thing change the way you think! Peace! ☺️
A beautifully produced video, thank you Barry. I'm very jealous of the helicopter ride--I'm going in late February with a rival expedition ship and we don't have that option.
Can I ask two questions (if you don't mind):
1. I noticed that you struggled up the incline in the snow. Are hiking sticks a good idea, or too much of a nuisance? I'm thinking of taking just one.
2. You took some awesome equipment for capturing videos and stills. Which do you recommend above all? I just tested the 360 X4 and Hero 12, but can't see myself using them in this instance (due to size of files for editing, etc.)
Also, is it possible to turn on the option of having closed captions auto generated? I struggled to catch some of your commentary.
Thanks again for an excellent video. x
Hi Brenda, thank you for your lovely comment! Likewise, I envy you that your trip is upcoming, the anticipation and planning was definitely part of the enjoyment for me. Also, each part of the season seems to have its own characteristics so a late season trip would be fascinating, I hope you have an amazing time.
On your questions, I’m chuckling at the hiking stick question: the ship provided hiking sticks for everyone, and myself and my two friends in that clip were (I think) the only people who didn’t avail of them. I’ve no idea why not! So the chances are they will be provided for you, but worth checking with your company.
On camera gear, there’s quite a lot of iPhone footage there, but I did use a few different devices. I know what you mean about file size, especially for the Insta360. I had the x3 and editing and framing 360 footage is something I find hard to do. I do think a gopro is worth having though as it is so versatile and easy to grab and go, especially for things like the paddle boarding and kayaking. Finally, a main mirrorless / DSLR with decent zoom lens is in my view essential for wildlife that’s just that a little bit farther away. I have a Sony a7iii of old, but if I was buying new again, I’d have gone for something more compact and vlog-friendly like the Sony Zv range.
Sorry about the sound in parts, I always have trouble with sound, let me look at the settings and see if that’s doable for the captions. I actually brought wireless mics with me but it wasn’t very practical to use them - plus far less spontaneous! Thanks again for watching the video and for your kind words, and if I can help with any other questions, I’d be delighted.
@@BarryKenny Thanks so much for your reply. Yes, that whole reframing/posting of Insta360 footage is a problem when travelling (and so time consuming!). I may have a look at the Sony ZV cameras. You and others have done the 360 thing to great effect so that I don't have to. LOL
Thanks again and happy travels.
Oh, and I reckon Neil Diamond is losing sleep after seeing your excellent rendition of 'Sweet Caroline'--such talent! 😉
Welcome to antártica chilena 🇨🇱👍
I love Chile too! ❤
Hey Barry, we are planning on going on this boat in a few months and had a few questions after watching your video. How was the food each day? On days with expeditions, how long were you off the boat for? How many full days were you just on the boat with no stops? Were the TV shows and Movies included on your TV or were they extra? Did wifi work well enough? Thanks for the great content!
@@curtisclements6342 hi Curtis, delighted you enjoyed the video, thanks! If you’re like me, I’m sure you’re counting the days til your trip. To answer your questions:
1. Food: the food was exceptional. The vast majority of meals were buffet, and the range and quality was just consistently high. I think there was one a la carte evening meal. You will be hungry from all the activity but it also possible to eat very healthily if that is a priority.
2. Time off boat: there tended to be two expeditions on such days, and each expedition would be about 3 hours off the boat on average, depending on the activity.
3. Day 1 was a later afternoon departure, and then day 2 and 3 were just on the boat (day 3 though we were at Antarctica with land and wildlife outside). So 2 and a bit days of just on the boat with no stops. Similarly on way back, evening of one day we left Antarctica, 2 full days crossing, and an early AM arrival back to Ushuaia.
4. TV shows and movies were included on the TV. If you have time to watch any of them, I’ll be amazed! I mainly used the TV to check the ship’s position, to see the daily activities, and to track how much I’d spent at the shop and the bar!!! You can also watch any of the theatre talks on the TV, they’re all live-streamed.
5. I was amazed at how good the Wi-Fi was. I got the free basic package (you can pay for premium) and expected to just be able to send text via messaging apps. But in fact I was able to make video calls of a very good quality to home every day. I assume overall usage on the ship may be a factor, but as I say, I had no problems.
Enjoy the planning and trip itself, and thanks again for watching and your comment. Any other questions you have, happy to help.
This makes me feel better about solo traveling to Antarctica! Thanks, Barry! Hey, can you fly drones there? I don't see any drone footage, which I assume would be a very popular thing to do there.
Hi Anne, that’s great to hear, are you planning a trip? No, drones are strictly prohibited in Antarctica. I did use a 360 camera on a long selfie stick to get a drone-type effect for a few shots.
@@BarryKenny Hi Barry, yes! I am but it won't be for a couple of years, I want to treat myself on my 60th birthday. I haven't traveled solo much, and I am a little shy so I was apprehensive. Last time I was solo I went to Florence and I didn't love it, I wanted to share it with someone! I rented an apartment so that might have been a little too isolating for me, but I am not crazy about normal cruises either. That's a little too crowded. I can understand why drones are banned, even though the footage would be epic! It would take away from the serene atmosphere having those things buzzing overhead all the time, wouldn't it. Thanks for your reply and happy, safe travels!
@annespellberg7173 I was the same, I had been saving for 3 years, then I booked it on my 50th birthday, and travelled 20 months later. On Ultramarine, you can book twin sharing, two of my friends on the trip did that and got on really well (of course I did too and didn’t have a person sharing, so that can happen). The difference is on the ship is that you’ll be meeting people for all the different activities. Enjoy the planning and I hope you have a wonderful experience when you go.
@@BarryKenny Thank you very much! I can't wait, it is a very exciting trip!
Love your video of Antartica. Booking an expedition for January 2026 just trying
To figure out which vessel. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thanks Teddy - I can certainly recommend Ultramarine, but there are so many great choices! Enjoy the planning: I was like you, I booked in April 2022 for a January 2024 trip.
@@BarryKenny planning in advance is the key.
Great video. Which month u went & how many nights? Was the weather OK throughout where u can walk on the ice? U went to the Antartica Peninsula?
Hi Doris, many thanks, I’m delighted you enjoyed the video! I went in January 2024, for 10 days / 9 nights. Yes, we had good weather when we were on the ice (all through the trip really), calm and mostly overcast, with one day of amazing sunshine. The trip was along the Antarctic peninsula.
Hi Barry, incredible video !! Loved it.
Planning to book a trip with Ultramarine. May I know what were your cruise dates ?
Thanks.
Thank you Atul! My dates were 5th to 14th January. It’s a special ship, I hope to be back on it some day, maybe in Greenland!
Loved your video! We're hoping to do this exact journey in 2025. Were the helicopter flights included in the cruise price?
@@AshleyandChristian Hi Ashley and Christian, thanks so much, delighted you enjoyed it! Yes, the helicopter excursion is included for all passengers. There is also an extra you can pay for, heli-hiking, where you land inland a bit and get to trek. I had booked to do this, but the diversion for the medical emergency for the crew member meant it wasn’t possible: the expedition leader felt (correctly, i think) that it was better for everyone to get the helicopter trip included rather than a small number of people getting to do the optional extra.
Amazing video! thank you for sharing your adventure! I have question, what kind of channels do they have on the TV in the room?
Thanks so much, delighted that you enjoyed watching! There’s no TV channels as such, but there is a good selection of movies and TV programmes to “stream” as it were - I was too busy and didn’t watch any, so can’t remember what they have, but I remember thinking it was a good selection. Within that, there are of course Antarctic-themed shows and movies too.
However, the in-room screen is mainly focused on ship activities and excursions. They had a live feed from the Ambassador theatre so you could rest and watch lectures from your room. The daily schedule was there as was an updating map showing the ship’s position. You could also check your bill for onboard purchases on the screen, learn more about the ship, check out spa services, and read info about the expedition team.
@@BarryKenny Thank you!!
You mentioned Deception Island: did you sail through Neptune's Bellows into the caldera? (my own trip was a reverse of yours - DI was my last stop in Antarctica and where I went for a little swim)
We did indeed, what an introduction to Antarctica it was!
Which side of the ship was your cabin on? Were you happy with the side you were on? Thanks!
Hi Marcus, I was on the starboard / right hand side of the ship… and to be honest, I never thought about whether I was on the best side until you asked the question!! I don’t think it makes a huge difference as the scenery is so spectacular throughout. Also, the trip is busy, so I spent a very little time in the cabin looking out from the balcony. So sorry I don’t have a firmer view on this, but for the purposes of this trip, it’s all good!
No worries. I appreciate the reply.
Hi, Barry, great video. I am looking to book a trip, so if I may ask... I have been told these Quark ships carry 100+ guests. So with 100 on board, you were all able to disembark at once for landings? If not, how did that work and how time consuming was the process? More importantly, how long were the landing trips? I mean how much time did you spend on land during each excursion? Thanks in advance!
Hi Chetan, thanks, I appreciate it!
Our ship had a maximum of 199 passengers, and we had 196 on our trip. They planned activities very well so that when landings were happening, others were kayaking / paddleboarding, so everyone who wanted to disembark could do so. They also had us broken into four groups to coordinate numbers well. For a full landing, they were about 2 hours, and were combined with mini-zodiac cruises.
Thanks for the information and reply. Cheers.@@BarryKenny
I'm on deck 3 with a single share. Did you get upgraded to higher level. Really would like to be higher up
Hi Judy, no I booked the balcony twin share, so it wasn’t an upgrade, just that no other male booked the twin share, so I had it all to myself. I hope you have a great trip, when are you going?
@@BarryKenny Nov 16! Thanks for response. I read that weight for luggage was about 44 lb but online someone said 35 lb. Big difference! Do you remember weight limit. I'm thinking of doing a large wheeled duffel instead of suitcase.
Hi Judy, that’s very close, you must be so excited! Similarly for me there was conflicting advice on weight limits before I travelled which was a little stressful. When I booked, they said 23kg was the limit, but then a few weeks before I left their emails said it was 18kg, and they reiterated this in the days leading up to it. I was somewhere in between so wasn’t sure how strict they would be, but the morning I turned up to register they said it was 23kg. I think you’d be reasonably safe at 20kg / 44lb and a wheeled duffle would definitely help you I suppose.
@@BarryKenny Thanks so much, Barry. Wish I could have been on your triip...you were a hoot!!! I'll go with the 23Kg which is what the info said. Thanks again. I am so excited...been "packing" for 6 months!!!!
@@judyanderson4989 I'm going to attempt just hand luggage; one 10kg wheeled small case and one 4kg backpack. I do that for all trips, even for a month in Europe, but there's all the cold weather gear...
I know some people who flew in from Switzerland to take an Antarctic cruise and their checked in luggage didn't make it. How bad would that be? 🙄
O.K.
Would have like to have seen how happy you would have been if there were no drinks on board.
@@anthonywilliams9852 Gosh, what an odd thing to take from the video… I think I’d have been perfectly happy as it happens - it wasn’t a big part of the trip.
Prasanta sarkar Kolkata
Nice place to be ❤
@@photographerlostintimber Yes, very much!