Last week, we published our Antarctica Selling Guide - the ultimate document featuring all the key information you need to know to successfully sell expedition cruises to Antarctica. To help you further, we reached out to some of the most experienced expedition cruise operator members and asked them to share with us their insider tips. Here is what they had to say.
John McKeon, President and CEO of Polar Latitudes, and the Chairman of IAATO
How many times have you’ve been to Antarctica?
I guess around 30 times. I make it a practice to work on board as part of the expedition team at least twice per year.
What is your favourite time during the season and why?
This sounds like a sales pitch, but each segment of the season has its unique draws. I tend to go in the early season because I enjoy the awakening nature of this special place. The weather can be a bit wild and woolly, the snow is deep and clean, wildlife is returning, and there is a sense of the magic about to begin. And for my second trip…I like the later part of the season for exactly the opposite reasons. The curtain is about to draw down and you can feel the change coming … and of course the whales! This is when you see the most.
What is your favourite place/landing site/activity in Antarctica?
This is a hard one. There are so many places/landings that are wonderful for their own reasons. Some folks like wildlife landings, some favour landscape areas – often preferred by photographers – and others seek historic sites. However, the one excursion that immediately comes to mind is Zodiac cruising in Fournier Bay. It has on so many occasions, just stunned and amazed me. I cannot imagine a more beautiful and moving place.
The most memorable moment you’ve worked/travelled to Antarctica:
I believe firmly that the most moving moment, based on my experience, is the moment when you can get away from fellow passengers and just be alone … allowing the wonder, and remoteness of this place to wash over you.
Antarctica with Polar Latitudes - photos courtesy of Polar Latitudes
John's top tip for travel advisor selling expedition cruising to Antarctica:
What you are selling is the destination. Getting passengers out into the environment as much as possible is key to understanding and appreciating it. As the industry grows and segments, it's important to keep in mind that we must protect and cherish this last place. No one will fight to protect something they have never seen so every passenger is a potential advocate/ambassador for saving Antarctica.
Steffan Danino, Senior Product Manager at Albatros Expeditions
How many times have you’ve been to Antarctica?
I’m honestly not sure! I’ve done seven full seasons on four different ships. I would hazard a guess at over 50 voyages, but I’m not 100% sure!
What was your favourite time during the season and why?
I really enjoy the early season – there is loads of snow and it feels like a real polar adventure. The wildlife is waking up, and the continent is starting to come to life. Also, the sunsets are incredible!
What is your favourite place/activity in Antarctica?
My favourite ‘place’ would have to be Neko Harbour, purely for the incredible natural beauty. Brown Bluff is another favourite landing site, because of the variety of wildlife, the incredible scenery and the unique geology, which is really different to the rest of the Peninsula.
The most memorable moment you’ve worked/travelled to Antarctica.
Without a doubt, that night when several expedition team members and I were stranded at Port Lockroy overnight after the weather deteriorated unexpectedly. I spent the night in a sleeping bag on the kitchen floor with 60kt winds howling outside; an experience to remember for sure!
Antarctica with Albatros Expeditions - photos courtesy of Albatros Expeditions
Steffan's top tip for travel advisor selling expedition cruising to Antarctica:
Remind your guests the most important thing about an Antarctic voyage: BE FLEXIBLE. Your EL and expedition team are working hard to plan the best possible voyage, but in Antarctica, activities can only happen with the consent of Mother Nature. So go with the flow and enjoy the ride!
Franklin Braeckman, Antarctic Programme Manager at Oceanwide Expeditions
How many times have you’ve been to Antarctica?
I had the opportunity to sail to the Weddell Sea aboard the Ortelius as well as the Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula with Hondius.
What was your favourite time during the season and why?
Personally, I love the beginning of the season because of the pristine snow landscapes, the beautiful light, as well as the awakening of wildlife and nesting penguins.
What is your favourite place/activity in Antarctica?
There are so many wonderful places, not just in Antarctica. South Georgia, for example, is also a breathtaking combination of landscapes and wildlife. In Antarctica itself, for me it's not really about a specific location, but more about those quiet moments, when you realise where you are and what privilege you have to be there and see what you can see there. The sense of insignificance you experience in the face of overwhelming nature, icebergs, landscapes, wildlife and the seasonal changes. I can get overwhelmed about an impressive iceberg as well as a penguin colony, regardless of the exact location.
The most memorable moment you’ve worked/travelled to Antarctica.
If I have to choose a specific moment, I’ll pick the landing at Snow Hill. After several days of challenging weather, we finally managed to reach Snow Hill by helicopter. On a trip like that, where the focus is on reaching the emperor penguin colony, you feel the tension and anticipation rising until the liberating moment when you fly to Snow Hill, approach the colony on foot and then finally come face to face with thousands of emperor penguins with those beautiful fluffy chicks. Such a moment is unique and emotional for its splendour and because you realise how extraordinary and exceptional it is.
Antarctica with Oceanwide Expeditions - photo courtesy of Oceanwide Expeditions
Franklin’s top tip for travel advisors:
The most important thing is always to book the right passenger on the right ship. It is crucial to understand the customer's expectations and choose on that basis. Someone who wants to go ashore as much as possible and experience Antarctica up close onboard a small ship can confidently be offered a trip with Oceanwide Expeditions.
Another tip would be to contact us when in doubt. We have been selling expeditions to the polar region for more than 30 years and are happy to help with any questions or doubts.
Mikołaj Golachowski, Expedition Guide / Marine Biologist / History Presenter at Quark Expeditions, formerly a scientist and Base Commander at the Polish Antarctic Station Arctowski
How many times have you’ve been to Antarctica?
It is difficult to say. I have been working there since 2002, two of my visits lasted a year each, others just for the summer season, so I am not sure what counts as one visit. I have been working there for the last 22 years, with a break of a one year during the pandemic.
What was your favourite time during the season and why?
Impossible to answer, I love it all. Also, having spent two winters there, I really appreciate the serenity of those. Otherwise, February is good, when penguin chicks are running around, fur seal pups are at their most boisterous and whales are already there.
What is your favourite place/activity in Antarctica?
Again, I love everything. Field work with elephant seals was great, hiking is wonderful. I certainly love cruising with my Zodiac amongst icebergs. I can safely say that while it is animals that brought me there, it is the ice that keeps me coming back.
The most memorable moment you’ve worked/travelled to Antarctica.
I think that the first time when I had whales around my boat all those 22 years ago was that. It is a magical feeling to be at the mercy of such a magnificent and gentle animal. But I love all the moments.
Antarctica with Quark Expeditions - photos courtesy of Quark Expeditions
Mikolaj’s top tip for travel advisors:
Prepare for the unexpected. Flexibility is key and we are bound to change our plans as Nature dictates, but whatever we end up doing, it will be amazing and memorable. Just don’t get fixated on what the brochure says.
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