Clare Hyatt has been a Travel Counsellor for 11 years, following a decade-long career in the cruise industry. With a deep passion for cruising and a love of expedition-style travel, she leapt at the chance to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica with AE Expeditions in March 2025.
As part of my polar journey, I set sail from Ushuaia, crossed the infamous Drake Passage, and explored one of the most extraordinary itineraries I’ve ever experienced. We visited Lindblad Cove, Brown Bluff, Devil Island in the Weddell Sea, Portal Point, Recess Cove, and even the haunting Whalers Bay on Deception Island.
It’s hard to pick a favourite stop - they were all so unique - but if I had to choose, it would be Brown Bluff. Standing on the shore with penguins all around me was incredible, and later that afternoon I paddled alongside them in the water. It was one of those days I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
The paddling experience became a real highlight of the trip for me. I signed up to do it every day, and it never got old. Being out on the water, so close to whales, penguins, and seals, was exhilarating. If you ever get the chance, I can’t recommend it enough.
Life onboard was just as memorable. The expedition staff were phenomenal -passionate, knowledgeable, and clearly in love with the environment they work in. Their insight and enthusiasm brought every moment to life, whether we were cruising through icy channels in a Zodiac or simply taking in the surreal scenery.
That said, this kind of expedition cruise isn’t for everyone. You do need a decent level of fitness - especially to climb in and out of the Zodiacs. But if you’re up for the adventure, the rewards are beyond anything you can imagine.
For me, this trip was humbling. Antarctica is wild and unforgiving, but also deeply fragile. The sheer scale of the ice, the endless white horizon, and the pure, surreal beauty left me speechless. One moment I’ll never forget is kayaking through floating ice while whales swam silently underneath me. It made me feel so connected to nature - and in awe of it.
I’d absolutely recommend this cruise to solo travellers, couples, or honeymooners with a sense of adventure. Just make sure you get advice on what to pack before you travel and sign up for any activities early, so you don’t miss out. If you’re thinking about it, my message is simple: Antarctica is a must-do destination. It’s beautiful beyond words and it stays with you long after you return.
To book your Antarctic cruise, speak to your Travel Counsellor today
A group of Travel Counsellors recently headed to Alaska with Norwegian Cruise Line, setting off from Seattle aboard Norwegian Bliss. The trip gave the group a chance to experience the ship and its ports first-hand, picking up ideas and insights to share with customers planning their own cruise. And with Alaska on the bucket list for so many, there was plenty to look forward to once the ship left Seattle behind.
Some holidays are about fitting in as much as possible. Others give you the luxury of taking your time. A voyage along the Atlantic coasts of Spain and France with Cunard offers a little of both: days spent discovering great food, architecture, and historic cities ashore, balanced by unhurried time on board as the scenery changes beyond the ship. In 2027, consider a seven-night voyage from Southampton aboard Queen Anne. You can wake up ready to explore Bilbao, spend the following days discovering Galicia, and finish with a taste of Normandy, without changing hotels or repacking along the way. Two days at sea create a natural pause between these stops, giving you time to enjoy the ship rather than simply moving from one destination to the next.
Cunard’s new voyages for October 2028 to May 2029 bring together winter sun, European city stays, and far-reaching journeys across the world. Guests can mark a milestone at sea on Queen Mary 2, spend an evening in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival with Queen Anne, or join Queen Elizabeth for a 115-night World Voyage. There’s also a 10% Early Booking Saving on eligible bookings made by 30th December 2026.*
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