Antarctic Circle Cruises

Accommodations Review

Our room was very comfortable, quiet, well-appointed, and safe. All the nice storage areas were appreciated as well. Also, having the screen with the daily schedule was very helpful. The friendly morning greetings over the PA system were nice as well along with the notices - like if some whale was spotted or there was something of note to see.

Meals Review

I liked all the variety and the quality was generally very good. It's amazing to me how they prepared so much food and offered so many choices under sometimes very trying conditions. The servers in the dining room were incredible too, balancing so many dishes when the ship is rocking so much.

Itinerary Review

My husband's dream has been for a long time to set foot on his seventh continent. We did it!! I went along to support him and also to have a unique travel experience different from any others I'd had before in my life. [We most enjoyed]...the landings and being among the penguins. They are so much fun to watch! Also, I loved the chance to take pictures of the beautiful icy landscape with its distinctive colors and light.

Transportation Review

It was to be expected, but the times when there was most swell on the ship were challenging. We had 100mph winds and 25' high waves at times so it was rough.

Crew & Guides Review

Hans was amazing - very knowledgeable, competent, and enthusiastic. Most of the other expedition staff also brought those qualities and it really made a big difference.

Fellow Passengers Review

Our fellow-travelers were a good bunch. We had many enjoyable conversations.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

No complaints. Everything went smoothly.

Traveler Advice

Remember to bring plenty of hand or body lotion for the dry, cold conditions.

Crew & Guides Review

Staff members were always good and food was great. I met lot of nice people who had been to Nepal as well. Probably 50% were from Australia, then England and others were from European countries. Not many from US and Canada.

Traveler Advice

You have been very helpful to me and thanks for your support. Since I have been to Antarctica now, probably I can provide you guys some good information for future travelers. I have everything great and positive to say about my trip and dealing with You/Adventure Smith Explorations. My traveling to all seven continents now completed. Thanks again for your help. Probably, I took 1500 pictures.

Accommodations Review

The rooms were good for the trip. Not much time is spent in the cabin anyway. The lounge was nice it could accommodate all. The dining area was fine. The vessel was kept in tip top shape. The bridge was very interesting. All overnight stays were on boat, too late to get on the camping trip.

Meals Review

Great variety, excellent job. Fresh fruits and vegetables all journey long.

Crew & Guides Review

After a few days we knew which zodiac drivers to get, those who would not mind taking reasonable personal request for a special photo. Most were pretty good.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

I was disappointed to have spent money on a parka that I did not need to. The packing list was fine.

Traveler Advice

Pack enough lounge clothes for boat, and one a set or two of cold weather gear. Bring lots of money for drinks. Take LAN air if possible.

Accommodations Review

The pre-trip hotel was fine, the vessel was great and the items provided for camping were very helpful and functional.

Meals Review

I appreciated the choice of entrees, the servers were great, the food was good and a nice variety of fresh fruit and veggies.

Crew & Guides Review

Jonathan Green was the expedition leader. He was enthusiastic, upbeat, professional, extremely knowledgeable and had great skill in determining the itinerary to get the best of possible experiences. All the team was knowledgeable. I especially enjoyed and appreciated Heidi, Matt, Katy and James. They were very personable, knowledgeable and obviously passionate about their work and Antarctica. Lots of fun as well.

Itinerary Review

I loved the zodiac landings and experiencing the wildlife of Antarctica up close and learning the history and stories of early Antarctic exploration. The scenery on the voyage was great. I enjoyed meeting other guests. Camping was awesome.

Crew & Guides Review

Jonathan Green was the expedition leader. He was enthusiastic, upbeat, professional, extremely knowledgeable and had great skill in determining the itinerary to get the best of possible experiences. All the team was knowledgeable. I especially enjoyed and appreciated Heidi, Matt, Katy and James. They were very personable, knowledgeable and obviously passionate about their work and Antarctica. Lots of fun as well.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Adventuresmith did a great job working with me. Andrew Browning was very helpful and supportive.

Covid Feedback

I wanted to visit Antarctica before it melts.  I booked 4 trips with 2 other companies before this one actually happened (COVID and ship refurbishing caused the changes) but I’m so glad I had this particular trip.

Traveler Advice

Know what type of experience you want in Antarctica (lots of zodiac landings, kayaking, and camping or a few landings vs just cruising and looking) as ship size matters in where you can go and how often you can go ashore, if at all.

Accommodations Review

The rooms on the Ocean Nova were fine, but lacked storage and space. I don't think there's anything that can be done about that, and it didn't deter from my trip in any way. In Punta Arenas, the Cabo de Hornos had a great location.

Meals Review

The dining room on the Ocean Nova was excellent with lots of great choices for every meal. The service was also top-notch.

Crew & Guides Review

The guides were very well informed and enthusiastic. It was a pleasure attending lectures or just going out on the Zodiacs with them. The office staff was also helpful.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

I booked all of my flights, but when Antarctica XXI kicked in, the transfers were smooth. AdventureSmith (Andrew Browning) also viewed my flights and confirmed that they were on the right days/times. I appreciated that.

Traveler Advice

Stay flexible for contingencies because the weather is unpredictable and is an important factor in Antarctica. Also be prepared to see the most spectacular scenery on the planet! Watch the videos to know what to expect and what to bring.