The magic of Antarctica aboard Seabourn Quest

“A journey is an adventure with an unknown outcome.” 

A naturalist on the Seabourn Quest made this pronouncement at an early lecture given on my recent Antarctica voyage.  Certainly those of us poised to embark on our six day experience in this wild white continent were filled with anticipation and excitement of what would unfold for us collectively and individually in the days ahead.  In the end Antarctica did not disappoint and for many it exceeded our highest expectations.

There are only a handful of destinations on the planet that offer immersion into a pristine natural environment—rare ones like our polar regions still remaining that can stir the human soul and kindle distant memories connecting us to the greater web of life.  Call it awe or call it wonder, the emotional power is life-altering.  To step into that space creates a natural sense of intoxication that erases any awareness of past or future cares.  There remains only the intense captivation of each new moment.

Following several very uneventful days crossing the Drake Passage, we awoke our first morning in Antarctica to a still and quiet world.  To draw the stateroom curtains and step onto our veranda was like entering another dimension.  The first golden light of the day had exposed a landscape of rugged snowy peaks, icebergs and glaciers—the ocean reflecting like glass.  As peaceful a scene as it appeared, I quickly understood the world that surrounded us was pulsing with energy and the rhythms of abundant life.  Moments later, seabirds, penguins and several minke whales appeared.  Life seen, yet so much more unseen but vibrantly alive and surrounding us.  This spectacular destination is like no other on earth!

I will forever be touched by the memories of this journey.  White water rafting and horseback riding in Chile were memorable in their own right.  Chile, by the way, offers its own eye-popping brand of scenery and has been named the #1 place to visit in 2019 by Lonely Planet.  In the final analysis, I am grateful that I choose to explore Antarctica on the Seabourn Quest—a 21-day voyage from Santiago to Buenos Aires.  As a cruise experience, there is none finer than the luxury, service, accommodation and dining offered on a Seabourn vessel.  The crew---from the officers on down could not have been more caring or attentive.   To bring authenticity to the expedition side of the sailing, Seabourn added a team of eighteen naturalists with varied areas of expertise to enrich the experience both on and off the ship. 

Thanks to Seabourn, I have kayaked in Antarctic waters, wandered through multiple penguin rookeries and approached other marine life on land and by zodiac.  A late afternoon whale watch was a highlight with countless humpback whales surrounding us and we were joined by a very special group of them who actually swam alongside the ship for a few minutes before disappearing with a final deep dive.  The captain further delighted us by placing the bow of the Quest before a gigantic iceberg.  He next proceeded to circle a second one.  As twilight faded, the night skies offered a magic of their own…a dark screen filled with dancing white snowflakes.

We were also blessed by several cloudless nights that provided a different kind of magic…a vast black canvas glistening with the sparkle of countless stars.  Best of all, a dazzling display of the Milky Way—always there but so often hidden by the light pollution of our urban way of life.   Clearly, I am a city girl at heart born and raised in Los Angeles and now with children and grandchildren all choosing to remain in Southern California.  But throughout my life I have been drawn to pathways that have led me to hidden and remote corners of the globe.  I understand how much these escapes have bonded me to the wild natural spaces and diverse creatures that share our world.  It is always a privilege to spend time in the overwhelming presence of nature and revel in the balm and inspiration it provides.

 I am convinced that we have a better perception of ourselves, our purpose and our priorities when we are lucky enough to be captured by moments of wonder and awe.  Travel to the right destination definitely expands and accelerates these moments—the catch is to bring awareness of them back with you and be open to discovering them again wherever you are.  I walk my neighborhood streets after dark with my dog and always seek a glimmer of the Milky Way.  While I don’t often see it, I am at peace knowing that it does exist and that I have witnessed it.  But I yearn for a clearer view again somewhere, some time soon!