The White Continent: Antarctica
During the insider expeditions cruise to Antarctica, guests on board find themselves in a unique environment that sparks their creativity. Surrounded by icy landscapes and remote wilderness. Get ready to embrace the opportunity to create, explore & learn in one of the most untouched places on Earth.
Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth, known for its vast icy landscapes and extreme weather conditions. It is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent, with temperatures dropping as low as -80°C in winter. Despite its harsh environment, Antarctica is home to various species of penguins, seals, and seabirds that have adapted to survive in this unforgiving habitat. The continent is also a crucial area for scientific research, providing valuable insights into climate change and the Earth's history. With its pristine beauty and unique ecosystem, Antarctica remains a symbol of the raw power and beauty of the natural world.
Exploring the Frozen Frontier: Insider Expeditions Artists in Antarctica Cruise
I was lucky enough to be invited onboard The World Traveller by Atlas Ocean Voyages charted by Insider Expeditions at last minute to capture this once in a life time journey to the White Continent. Imagine stepping onto the world’s last great wilderness, where icebergs tower like cathedrals, wildlife roams freely, and the landscape remains largely untouched by human hands. Now, imagine experiencing this awe-inspiring environment through the eyes of artists, whose unique talents elevate your trip to a place little will ever experience. This is exactly what the Insider Expeditions Artists in Antarctica Cruise offers—a journey to the frozen frontier unlike any other.
With less than 7 days notice it was time to pack the bags and discover what so many can only dream of, photographing Antarctica with a boat full of creative, adventurous & thrill seeking humans.
Setting Sail to the End of the Earth
Our adventure began in Buenos Aires with a pre night stay in the city to get our bearings, acclimatised to the time zone and meet the group we will share this experience with over the next week. 128 strangers that a week later would be like family.
6am Saturday morning, the alarm goes off and soon after we’re boarding a private charter flight at sunrise on route to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, often referred to as the "Gateway to Antarctica." There’s an air of excitement (pardon the pun) and anticipation in Ushuaia, where adventurers from all over the globe gather to embark on voyages to the White Continent. Boarding our luxury expedition vessel, a comfortable and well-equipped ship designed for Arctic travel, we were greeted by the Insider Expeditions team and a select group of renowned artists ready to experience the essence of Antarctica.
Crossing the Drake Passage
The journey to Antarctica is not for the faint-hearted, as it involves crossing the infamous Drake Passage. Known for its unpredictable seas, the Drake Passage is a rite of passage for any Antarctic explorer. We lucked out with absolute glassy waters that the onboard team who have done this trip for many years described as some of the calmest seas they had ever experienced on the Drake! This set the spirits high and even allowed us to reach our first destination a day early, allowing time for the famous - Polar Plunge!
First Glimpse of Antarctica
After a couple of days at sea, the first sighting of Antarctica is nothing short of magical. The icy landscape stretches as far as the eye can see, with towering glaciers and floating icebergs creating a surreal, otherworldly scene. Stepping onto the icy shores for the first time, we were all struck by the sheer scale and pristine beauty of this frozen world. The air is crisp and clean, and the silence is profound, broken only by the occasional call of a seabird or the distant crack of ice.
While the memory of that first iceberg sighting will live rent free in our heads forever, little did we know this would be tiny compared to what we were about to encounter over the coming days.
Artistic Inspiration in Every Corner
What sets the Insider Expeditions Artists in Antarctica Cruise apart is the unique focus on community. Each day brought new vistas and experiences that served as inspiration for our talented group of artists to tailor make programs & songs to the environment. Whether it was the challenge of staying upright doing yoga across the drake or impromptu piano song creation going through the Lemaire channel.
Wellness focused experiences with Nimai Delgado (from the Netflix documentary - You Are What You Eat). Starting the day with a workout sure is one way kick into gear of adventure before trying to keep your balance doing Yoga with Dr Anne Julia Hagen.
Photography: For the photographers among us, Antarctica provided an endless array of subjects. From close-ups of intricate ice formations to panoramic shots of the expansive landscape, each click of the shutter was an attempt to capture the fleeting essence of this place. With the team sharing tips and techniques, helping each other to frame the perfect shot. On the closing night we were lucky enough to watch a highlight reel captured by filmmaker Ben Tamir Rothenberg, who left the room with a standing ovation & tears of joy looking back at what would be one of the best trips many had ever embarked on.
Wildlife Encounters: Antarctica is teeming with wildlife, and our encounters with these creatures were a highlight of the trip. Gentoo, Adélie, and Chinstrap penguins went about their daily routines, seemingly unperturbed by our presence. Seals lounged on ice floes, and whales breached and spouted in the icy waters. These moments of interaction with wildlife were not only thrilling but also deeply inspiring for the artists, who sought to capture the spirit and grace of these animals in their work. the incredible Atlas expedition team wen’t above & beyond to ensure we were somehow in the right place to frame these majestic animals time & time again! Shoutout to guide “Nacho” for having the creative eye, knowing exactly the angle to place the small zodiac every time. These shots truely wouldn’t be possible without the talents of these skippers.
Workshops and Collaboration
In addition to individual pursuits, the cruise offered a series of workshops led by the expert guides.
Climate & Science Talks: The intersection of art and science was a recurring theme throughout the journey. Guest speakers included marine biologists and environmental scientists who shared their knowledge about Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem. These talks provided valuable context for the guests, who left with a wealth of information day after day.
Collaborative Projects: One of the most exciting aspects of the cruise was the opportunity for collaborative projects. From photo to video, handmade to digital.
Reflections and Final Words
As the journey drew to a close and we made our way back across the Drake Passage, there was a palpable sense of accomplishment and reflection among the group. The memories created during the cruise were a testament to the profound impact Antarctica had on each of us.
Stepping off the World Traveller felt like leaving a piece of home behind knowing for many they may never be so lucky to experience this adventure ever again in their lifetime.
The Insider Expeditions Artists in Antarctica Cruise was more than just a trip to a remote and beautiful place; it was a journey of inspiration, creativity, and connection. Antarctica’s stark beauty and raw power provided the perfect backdrop for artistic exploration, while the collaborative spirit of the expedition fostered a sense of community and shared purpose.
For anyone with a passion for nature and adventure, this cruise offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience one of the most extraordinary places on Earth through the eyes of artists. It’s a journey that not only enriches the soul but also deepens our understanding of and commitment to preserving the fragile beauty of Antarctica for future generations. Looking to take a trip here next season? Email me for a discount code & itinerary suggestions.
