#10 - Baby, it's cold outside!

Well, it's winter in the US, which doesn't actually mean much in Florida. While most of the country is freezing and snow-covered, we still have temperatures in the 70s and 80s!

 Picture from here.

That is not photoshoppery. That is the actual weather map when I wrote this. What is up with Florida? It just doesn't want to be the same as everyone else. Anyway, all of this non-winter weather makes me yearn for some icebergs. It may be summer in the southern hemisphere now, but that doesn't stop Antarctica from being pretty chilly - anywhere from 20-35 degrees F on an average day. For a truly freezing imaginary vacation, I choose

Wishful Vacation #10

An Antarctic Cruise

Why I imagine I would go to Antarctica:

I  actually did not want to go to Antarctica until I started researching this piece. And now I do! My husband and I watched a show on the Discovery Channel a few years ago about an exciting Antarctic cruise, and it just sounded so crazy! The ship was an actual icebreaker, and there weren't any amenities to speak of. The landscape and wildlife encounters seemed incredible, but the actual cruise was not up my alley.

Photo from here.

When I looked for a cruise I could handle, I found National Geographic / Lindblad Expeditions. Their ship is lovely and the itinerary is perfect! The trip starts in Buenos Aires, followed by a flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, and then a cruise to Antarctica. The whole trip lasts 14 days, with about 7 of them in Antarctica. The ship, the National Geographic Explorer, sleeps 148 guests, which sounds like a perfect size.

Photo from here.

Doesn't that look amazing how the passengers just walked right off the ship onto the ice? That only happens at the beginning of the season. Eventually, the ice becomes too fragile and melted to be able to walk on it safely. The Antarctic expedition focuses on nature, science, and photography. With such a pristine and stunning landscape all around me, I can only imagine how gorgeous my photos would be!

Where I imagine I might stay in Antarctica:

Certainly, it would make sense to stay on board the National Geographic Explorer! The ship has several classes of accommodation, and I think I would like a veranda suite. All of the rooms have big windows looking out at the ocean, but a balcony would make it even more amazing. The veranda suites have queen-sized beds and a little living room area. Cute!

  

Photo from here.

I was really hoping to see some floor plans of the room choices, since I am in love with floor plans. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any. They have plans of the ship, and I would like to choose a suite on the Veranda Deck. It would be cool to be close to the bridge, the lounge, and the restaurants. Also, the wellness deck, with the spa and exercise areas is on the deck above. Sounds good to me.


What I imagine I would eat in Antarctica:

The website for the cruise doesn't put a big emphasis on their dining options, which is a little worrisome. They do mention having three dining facilities, and a menu which changes to reflect the local cuisine. I guess they might offer Argentinean food on this trip! A sample menu from the ship National Geographic Endeavor includes a prosciutto and tropical fruit starter, sesame seed-crusted yellowfin tuna with vegetable gratin, and apple-peach crisp with ice cream for dessert. That sounds pretty good! I'm sure just getting nourishment will suffice, when the adventure is so amazing.

What I imagine I would do as a fun activity in Antarctica:

I think I would enjoy pretty much everything this trip has to offer. Reading about Antarctica in the library, with the backdrop of amazing icebergs:

Photo from here.

Visiting the bridge (which is always open to guests) to watch the navigation in action:

Photo from here.

And especially, seeing the penguins close up and taking tons of pictures of them:

Photos from here.

Have you ever been on an amazing adventure? Where did you go? Where should I go on my next wishful vacation?

Happy travels!

xoxo - Erika