Antarctic Adventure with Swan Hellenic
All week, I have been saying the words “Antarctica Cruise” to myself, to strangers - even to my puppy – not quite believing that I’m actually going on this epic adventure. It only hit me as Mr Cruising With Honey and my honeybees waved me off at Sydney Airport that I’m actually going to the icy continent.
Privilege Level 1000 unlocked
As I waited to board my flight, I made an oath to myself that I will document as much as humanly possible so that you (yes you, reading this right now) can live every moment with me. It is not lost on me that this cruise isn’t something people can do at the drop of a hat, so I’m taking this task very seriously indeed and hope you can enjoy the journey as you come Cruising with Honey.
As I waited to board my flight, I made an oath to myself that I will document as much as humanly possible so that you (yes you, reading this right now) can live every moment with me. It is not lost on me that this cruise isn’t something people can do at the drop of a hat, so I’m taking this task very seriously indeed and hope you can enjoy the journey as you come Cruising with Honey.
Who is Swan Hellenic?
When Swan Hellenic approached me to try their brand, I must admit I didn’t know much about the company.
When Swan Hellenic approached me to try their brand, I must admit I didn’t know much about the company.
However, over the past few months as I’ve been preparing for this cruise, I’ve become more enamoured with their ships, their ethos and of course their destinations.
Come Fly With Me
So how do you get to Antarctica? There are numerous flight options, but in a nutshell, you need to get to Ushuaia to board the ship. Ushuaia is sometimes called the “End of the World” as it is located on the southernmost tip of South America. Most people fly in to Buenos Aires Argentina and take a charter flight to Ushuaia.
Living in Sydney, I flew from Sydney to Dallas, Texas aboard Qantas (15 hours and used my Frequent Flyer points to upgrade to Premium Economy. It was wonderful and I would highly recommend). After a short layover in Dallas, I boarded an American Airlines flight to Buenos Aires (10 hours, economy).
I had lost track of what day it was - the time difference always confuses me – but by the time I arrived at the gorgeous hotel Swan Hellenic has booked, it was about 33 hours. Whenever I catch myself having a whinge about being tired, I reprimand myself as I am living the most incredible life and have been offered so many privileges. Being tired is part of travel, but to have this experience is truly priceless.
So how do you get to Antarctica? There are numerous flight options, but in a nutshell, you need to get to Ushuaia to board the ship. Ushuaia is sometimes called the “End of the World” as it is located on the southernmost tip of South America. Most people fly in to Buenos Aires Argentina and take a charter flight to Ushuaia.
Living in Sydney, I flew from Sydney to Dallas, Texas aboard Qantas (15 hours and used my Frequent Flyer points to upgrade to Premium Economy. It was wonderful and I would highly recommend). After a short layover in Dallas, I boarded an American Airlines flight to Buenos Aires (10 hours, economy).
I had lost track of what day it was - the time difference always confuses me – but by the time I arrived at the gorgeous hotel Swan Hellenic has booked, it was about 33 hours. Whenever I catch myself having a whinge about being tired, I reprimand myself as I am living the most incredible life and have been offered so many privileges. Being tired is part of travel, but to have this experience is truly priceless.
Exploring Buenos Aires
After eating, napping and having a shower, it was time to hit the streets of Buenos Aires. I didn't want to plan anything, preferring to wander the city. As I walked through meandering lanes, past bustling cafes and along the canal, I found myself completely at ease. Buenos Aires has a really relaxed, cool vibe. Very European in architecture with a latin American beating heart. I wish I had more time to learn the tango.
So what’s next?
Despite all the connections and transfers, Swan Hellenic had made the journey very easy. Representatives met me at Buenos Aires airport, transferred me to the Alvear Icon Hotel (which is part of the package), had an incredible brunch organised, attended an info cocktail party and ensured I had all my paperwork and luggage tags.
As I sit here in my hotel room at 4:45am awaiting my 5:30am wake-up call (breakfast is available from 5:30-6:30) I can’t help but think just how Swan Hellenic has taken the anxiety out of such a big trip and made it seamlessly easy to just enjoy.
In a few hours, a bus will transfer me back to the airport and on to the charter flight to Ushuaia.
And then, my friends, I’ll be boarding the Vega and heading to Antarctica. Please keep everything crossed the Drake Passage is kind….
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