Antarctica, Unscripted: A Journey to the Last Quiet Place

On an expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula, shifting ice and weather shape a voyage in which silence, wildlife, and raw beauty redefine the meaning of travel. Our writer shares the experience.

The first sight of Antarctica is not dramatic in the way you might expect. There is no cinematic swell of music, no sudden reveal of jagged peaks punching through cloud. Instead, it arrives quietly, almost cautiously, as a pale suggestion on the horizon. A smudge of white. A promise.

APT Begins to Mark 100 Years with 2027 Antarctica Launch

 

APT is set to begin its centenary celebrations with the release of its 2027 Antarctica program, unveiling a collection of journeys that span the icy wonders of the Antarctic Peninsula and the vibrant landscapes of South America.

Planning to Visit Antarctica? These Are The Top 5 Things to Ask When Booking a Trip

Plus, what’s new for the 2025-26 season, and dates, rates, and changes coming in 2026-27

Traveling to Antarctica is a bucket list trip, so it’s important to ask the right questions when booking to ensure the experience matches expectations. From understanding what different ships, trips, and operators offer to knowing what’s included versus excluded in the price, AdventureSmith Explorations’ travel experts are well versed in matching travelers with their dream trip to the White Continent. In fact, AdventureSmith has good reason for only booking Antarctic ships under 200 guests, and can look at trip details with an eye for increased efficiency and the overall experience if off-ship time is important to the traveler.

FREE Antarctica Destination Guide

Ever wondered what it was like to travel to Antarctica? Read or download this free guide from Viking Expedition Cruises.

click to read or download

Shackleton’s Forgotten Men

Sir Ernest Shackleton, despite the loss of Endurance, is revered as one of the most capable and heroic of all polar explorers. It’s true, the men under his direct command returned to England without loss. But what of the patient, dedicated men who waited in vain for his arrival on the other side of the Antarctic continent?

About Mawson's Huts

Mawson's Huts at Cape Denison, East Antarctica, are rare as just one of six surviving sites of the heroic era of Antarctic exploration. They were the main base of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) of 1911-14 for nearly two years and in reality a cluster of fragile wooden buildings consisting of the accommodation area, workshop and three shelters used for scientific studies, two of which are now classified as standing ruins.

A story of exploration in Antarctica

 The wind howled like a pack of hungry wolves as the group of Antarctic explorers trudged through the snow. Their faces were frozen, their beards caked with ice, and their eyes squinted against the blinding whiteness.