The Drake Passage. Not as much fun as a roller coaster!” was Bob Bartok’s response when we asked about his recent trip to Antarctica! He and his wife, Gail are PNW boaters who have enjoyed many years on their Cutwater, Blue Gail, moored at Friday Harbor.
Almost two years ago, Bob and Gail Bartok were inspired while listening to a Waggoner Webcast
about expedition cruising. True adventurers, they decided to try their first expedition to Nome,
Alaska with HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions). While on board, they met like-minded explorers and began talking about favorite travel experiences. Bob and Gail noticed that many of their fellow passengers had a special glow on their faces when describing trips to Antarctica.
Interested in exploring new destinations, Bob and Gail decided to head south! They enjoyed their expedition to Nome so much that they booked their Antarctica trip while still on board! This past February, they returned from Antarctica and agreed to share their experiences with our Waggoner readership.
They described their expedition to Antarctica as “an exciting, spectacular event and a true first-class experience.” Antarctica is a land of pure extremes—a vast, frozen wilderness where nature reigns in its rawest and most untamed form. They said that every day there was so much going on, seeing penguins and whales, kayaking, camping, and snowshoeing. Taking advantage of the long days, Bob and Gail were able to participate in two Antarctica landings each day!! They reported that HX was incredibly organized and had top-notch equipment, including drysuits. Gail spoke highly of the many lectures and discussions led by experts, including scientists, historians, and photographers.
When asked about one of his most memorable experiences, Bob described a group of humpback whales that had surrounded a pod of orcas. They were so close to the ship that
binoculars weren’t needed to see the extraordinary sight. It was our pleasure to hear about this remarkable expedition to Antarctica! We imagined Bob’s face and Gail‘s face glowing with enthusiasm as they recalled their extraordinary trip!
Having previously sailed on HX’s Roald Amundsen, the Bartok’s knew what to expect and enjoyed seeing many of their favorite crew members again. Gail agreed that the food and ambiance were excellent as before, especially the upscale dining room called Lindstrom. Bob was particularly impressed with the navigation on board as the crew maneuvered through ice fields to get to the best possible viewing locations. The only regret Bob had was that he did not do the polar plunge!! Evidently over 1/3 of the passengers participated in this courageous activity! Gail did not share his regret!
Antarctica’s Popularity. The number of expedition cruise companies operating landings in Antarctica has grown significantly. There are approximately 50 ships conducting landings on the Antarctic Peninsula. Overall, the polar fleet comprises around 70 vessels of various sizes, from small yachts to larger ships. However, not all of these vessels conduct landings; some offer scenic cruises without shore excursions. Danielle Fellin Bunzel of “Sound of the Sea Travel” is an expert at matching her clients to the expedition cruise that best meets their interests, vibe, and expectations.
Future Waggoner Explorer’s Reports.
- Don’t miss Cynthia’s and Tim’s report on their expedition to Svalbard. Fingers crossed that they see polar bears!
- This fall, Keep your eye out for a recap of Wayne and Kay’s voyage through the Northwest Passage – Alaska to Greenland.
Explore the World on the Water! – be it Antarctica, Svalbard, Galapagos, Iceland, Greenland, or the Northwest Passage – Contact Danielle@SoundOfTheSeaTravel.com for more information.
Images courtesy of Bob and Gail Bartok
