It’s really happening—we’re headed to Antarctica! Just typing those words gives me chills. This has been a dream that hovered on the horizon for a while, and now it’s finally becoming a reality.
Antarctica!
Years ago, I went on an “Around the Cape” cruise with my mother, a wonderful trip discovering Chile, Uruguay and Argentina. One of our stops was Ushuaia, Argentina—the southernmost city in the world and the gateway to Antarctica. We ended up stuck there for a few days due to bad weather, which, at the time, felt like an inconvenience. But looking back, it allowed me to imagine what going further into the wild would feel like….and it left a mark on my memory.
We wandered the streets of Ushuaia, where shops sold expedition gear and ships lined up in the harbor, ready to ferry adventurers into the unknown. I remember watching the excitement (and nerves) on the faces of people preparing for their departures. You could feel the energy in the air—anticipation mixed with awe, and maybe just a hint of fear. The waters looked wild and untamed, and while I gazed out over the horizon, the idea of one day going there myself felt equal parts thrilling and terrifying. I felt the pull. I wondered what it would be like to go. To really go. (Was I brave enough?)
Back then, it felt like a dream. An idea for someday.
Well—someday is now.
We’re going.
To Antarctica. Yikes!
We’ve officially booked an expedition cruise for early 2026 and we could not be more thrilled (and, yes, slightly terrified). There are many reasons people put Antarctica at the very bottom of their travel bucket list—distance, cost, unpredictability—but there are just as many reasons why it’s worth the wait. The remoteness. The wildlife. The absolute otherworldliness of it all. It’s the final frontier for many travelers, and we feel incredibly blessed (and a bit humbled) to make this journey.
But First—We Cross the Drake.
Ah yes… the infamous Drake Passage.
This narrow stretch of ocean between the southernmost tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula is one of the most dangerous passages in the world. Nicknamed “The Drake Lake” or “The Drake Shake,” it can either be calm as glass or throw up 30-foot waves that toss ships like toys. It’s notoriously unpredictable.
So yes, we’ve been advised to get medical clearance, bring strong motion sickness meds, and prep ourselves mentally for the two-day crossing (in each direction!). We’ve watched the videos (some are reassuring, some not so much), and we’ve talked to friends who have done the journey. Their advice? Go anyway. Let the excitement outweigh the fear.
Because once you get past the Drake… it’s pure magic.
What Will It Be Like?
We don’t know exactly. And that’s part of the adventure.
Will we be freezing? Most likely. The expedition ship provides all the outerwear which should help – but cold & icebergs tend to go hand-in-hand.
Will we step foot on land? Hopefully. Our Antarctica expedition allows passengers to disembark via zodiac boat and set foot on ice-covered islands, visit research stations, and hopefully walk among the penguin colonies.
Will it be terrifying to climb into a rubber boat in Antarctic waters? Yes – A little!
Will we see whales, seals, and towering icebergs unlike anything we’ve imagined? We are counting on it – and are looking forward to this part.
Will it be life-changing? Every sign points to YES – ABSOLUTELY!
There’s a nervous energy that comes with planning a trip like this with so many unknowns. But there’s also a childlike joy in it all. I find myself researching polar gear, reading blogs, and wondering what it will be like to wake up surrounded by nothing but white and blue. To try falling asleep when it’s still bright outside because the sun barely sets. To feel like we are truly at the edge of the world. Antarctica!
Turning Dreams into Reality
One of the most meaningful parts of this journey is that it’s been years in the making. Since that day in Ushuaia, the dream has lingered in my heart. And now it’s happening. It reminds me that some of the best things in life take time. It’s okay to dream big, and it’s okay if those dreams take many years to come to life. The important thing is—don’t let them slip away.
And now? There are still a few cabins left on this expedition.
We will be traveling on the Viking Polaris to Antarctica. Want to come with us?
We’re not experts in polar travel. We don’t know all the answers. But we do know that life is short, the world is wide, and some opportunities are just too wild and wonderful to pass up.
Pack the layers. Bring the Dramamine. And get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime ride.
Eek! We are GOING to Antarctica!
I can’t wait!