November 9-20, 2025 | Roundtrip Buenos Aires | Highlights of Antarctica
Last November, I had the opportunity to embark on an incredible expedition to Antarctica. My expedition cruise aboard the MS Fridtjof Nansen was an unforgettable adventure that blended breathtaking landscapes, thrilling wildlife encounters, and unique small-ship travel. Sailing with roughly 300 passengers, the experience felt intimate, well-organized, and thoughtfully paced.
MS Fridtjof Nansen was a cozy home base. My Arctic Superior stateroom offered more space than expected, with room to relax and enjoy quiet moments on the balcony. We had two easy chairs that made for a comfy spot to put our feet up and watch lectures on our tv. Storage was plentiful and the heated bathroom floor quickly became the go-to spot for drying gear. I also appreciated the “Green Stay” option for reduced housekeeping and found the onboard laundry service impressively fast.
Onboard amenities were solid: soaking in the hot tub in the polar wind proved… refreshingly brisk (luckily the sauna is close by).
The Explorer’s Lounge was a popular spot for cocktails and social gatherings.
Aune, the main dining venue, offered buffet breakfasts and full course lunch and dinner. Fredheim, the casual alternative, proved difficult to get into for dinner, but we enjoyed several lunches there. I recommend making reservations in advance.
By far the busiest spot on the ship was the Science Center. This is where the Expedition Team and guest scientists gave lectures, were available to answer questions and mingle with guests. Hi-tech gear, maps and a small library kept this area buzzing with activity.
Daily excursions were the heart of the expedition. We enjoyed shore landings nearly every day, plus two days of zodiac ice-cruising, and almost everyone had the opportunity to join the Science Boat to gather data for scientific research. Optional activities included kayaking and Discovery Kayak, a new option using inflatable kayaks geared toward beginners. Other excursions included camping on the continent and snowshoeing.
November turns out to be a wonderful month for wildlife. Though whale sightings aren’t guaranteed, we were lucky to spot humpbacks, orcas, and minkes. Gentoo penguins were everywhere, with some Adelies mixed into one rookery, and we even saw leopard seals and a family of crabeater seals, a photographer’s dream.
Speaking of penguins, November is their mating season. I enjoyed witnessing the males gathering pebbles as both part of their courting ritual and nest-building.
Personal Highlights
I was greatly surprised by how much I would enjoy the zodiac rides. More than a tender to shore, they were used for ice-cruising where we simply lingered close to the small chunks of ice and enjoyed the bracing air and scenery. They were also used for the Science Boat excursions where we would venture away from the ship to gather specimens as the expedition expert would share their insight and passion for their research.
I loved the invigorating walks on land and the ability to watch the penguins at a respectful distance. They ignored us as they went along with their routines. As always, there was an expedition team member nearby to answer questions and point out fun details.
On board, wildlife watches were held mid-morning and late afternoon, where at least one team member would be stationed on deck with binoculars.
HX Expeditions are ideal for flexible travelers who enjoy nature, wildlife, science lectures, and active shore days. With such a diverse passenger mix, it’s a great fit for anyone who enjoys meeting people from around the world. Overall, the expedition delivered exactly what Antarctica promises: awe, wonder, and a totally unforgettable experience.
Expert tip: You’ll want to pack some warm weather clothes for your pre-cruise stay in Buenos Aires, as well as warm temperatures on board. I suggest light layers.
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