As this incredible journey comes to an end, a mix of emotions fills my heart. On one hand, I’m eagerly looking forward to going home and reuniting with our beloved kitties, Chai and Quattro, whose purrs and playful antics I’ve missed dearly. On the other hand, a wave of sadness washes over me, as this journey has been one of the most memorable experiences of my lifetime. The beauty of each stop was as different from the last, from the majestic Iguazú Falls to the pristine landscapes of Antarctica and everything else in between. The vibrant moments shared with new friends, the laughter, the adventures—each memory is a precious gem that I hope to hold onto forever. Some of these friends we may meet again, rekindling the bond we forged, while others will remain fond memories etched in the tapestry of this unforgettable trip.
We received an invitation to visit Ukraine in the future, and I sincerely hope to see Borys again one day.
Uruguay, sandwiched between Brazil and Argentina, is a small yet remarkable country filled with intriguing facts. Despite its modest size, Uruguay is home to more sheep than people, boasting around 9.7 million sheep compared to its human population of approximately 3.4 million. It also holds the record for the world’s longest national anthem, “Orientales, la Patria o La Tumba,” which takes about six minutes to sing. In 2009, Uruguay became the first country to provide every primary school student with a laptop, showcasing its progressive stance on education. The nation is also known for its advanced LGBT rights, ranking seventh globally for the protection of sexual orientation and gender identity minorities in 2020. Uruguayans have a deep love for yerba mate, consuming an impressive 6-8 kilograms per person annually. Interestingly, Montevideo’s city government has banned salt from restaurant and school tables due to high consumption rates. Additionally, Uruguay hosted and won the first-ever FIFA World Cup in 1930. This small country, rich in culture and history, continues to make its mark on the world stage.
Brazil on the right, Argentina on the left, Uruguay in the middle
Arriving in Montevideo felt like stepping into a charming blend of old and new. The city’s vibrant energy, friendly locals, and rich cultural heritage made it an immediate delight.
We drove along the Rambla, Montevideo’s picturesque waterfront promenade and enjoyed the stunning views of the Río de la Plata estuary. Our tour guide made sure we were aware that the body of water was an estuary and not the sea! Estuaries are coastal areas where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the sea, whereas, sea water is salt water! The Rambla is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a perfect place for a leisurely walk, a jog, or simply to watch the sunset.
We also visited Independence Plaza, where the statue of national hero José Artigas stands proudly. The blend of historical and modern architecture throughout the city was fascinating, reflecting Montevideo’s evolution over the centuries.
Montevideo is a city of charm and contrasts, where the past meets the present in a seamless blend, creating an unforgettable experience for anyone fortunate enough to explore its wonders.
Although we initially had a smooth passage through the Drake, the journey from Port Stanley to Uruguay was tumultuous and could be considered our very own “Drake Shake,” much to the satisfaction of the passengers who had been hoping for a more dramatic experience.
Despite the bumpy sea days, we found relaxation in reconnecting with our bus travel mates from the Iguazu Falls tour, enjoying entertaining culinary demonstrations by the talented restaurant staff, and celebrating at the Captain’s Circle reception, where we won a bottle of champagne that we shared with new friends we’ve met along the way.
We also participated in an event called Chef’s Table, where we toured the galley and were treated to seven beautifully arranged meals, some almost too pretty to eat.
Captain Todd McBain stands out as the most interactive captain we’ve ever sailed with. Although all the ships we’ve been on have had good captains, Capt. McBain went above and beyond by providing detailed updates throughout the journey. He navigated the ship to places no large ship had ever ventured before during our scenic cruising in Antarctica. Additionally, he made himself available to all passengers, always ready to answer questions and pose for informal photos. As he moves on to the Emerald Princess after this tour, we hope our paths cross again one day, as his exceptional leadership and approachable nature left a lasting impression on us.
Port Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, is a charming and picturesque town known for its British-style architecture, beautiful waterfront, and rich history.
Port Stanley is also home to a diverse mix of nationalities . According to the 2021 Census, there are people from 86 different nationalities living in the Falkland Islands As of 2024, Port Stanley’s population is estimated to be around 3,121. The largest groups after Falkland Islanders and British are from St. Helena, the Philippines, Chile and Zimbabwe; 51 Filipinos live at the Falkland Islands! It’s definitely quite a melting pot!
Our day began with a thrilling and bumpy tender ride to the port, followed by a brief bus journey. We then transferred to a 4WD vehicle and ventured off-road through a stunning landscape to Newmans Island, home to approximately 200 breeding pairs of gentoo penguins. After disembarking from the vehicle, we were free to explore, where we discovered penguins huddled together in a circle, which turned out to be young chick.
Observing the parent penguins emerge from the ocean, waddle up the hillside, and bring food to their eagerly waiting chicks was truly a remarkable sight.
Our final day of scenic cruising is upon us. The past four days have been filled with breathtaking scenery, extraordinary wildlife, and unforgettable memories. We feel incredibly fortunate to have witnessed such beauty. Much credit goes to Captain Mc Bain, who has navigated this large vessel where no large ship has sailed before.
We had a stellar team of naturalist, historian and geologist on board guiding us through the journey and provided such rich, informative insights and made the experience even more immersive. Their knowledge surely brought the landscapes and wildlife to life in a way that simply observing them couldn’t.
The team provided fascinating information about the base stations for Poland, Peru, Brazil, and the UK as we passed them. One of the highlights was learning about the history of Princess Cruises with the UK team that monitors Lockroy Base. Apparently, years ago, the Lockroy team made contact with a Princess Cruise ship as they were sailing by and asked for some pizzas! The ship crew in turn sent boats out to pick up some of the base crew, brought them on the ship, and let them enjoy nice hot showers and meals before taking them back to their base with pizzas for the rest of the team. This tradition has continued, and now when the base team comes on board, after their shower and meal, they spend time talking with the passengers about what they are working on at the base station.
At Endurance Island, which is actually Elephant Island, there is a memorial site known as Point Wild a bust of Captain Luis Alberto Pardo, along with a monolith and plaques celebrating the rescue of the survivors of the British ship Endurance by the Chilean Navy cutter Yelcho displaying the following words: “ Here on August 30 th, 1916, the Chilean Navy cutter Yelcho commanded by Pilot Luis Pardo Villalón rescued the 22 men from the Shackleton Expedition who survived the wreck of the ‘Endurance’ living for four and one half months in this Island”
It’s a poignant reminder of the incredible survival story and the bravery of those involved in the rescue
On our last day of this remarkable Antarctic voyage, we are enveloped by the pristine beauty of untouched landscapes and the awe-inspiring presence of extraordinary wildlife, creating memories that will linger long after we return home. Now I just need to survive the Drake Passage once again. The captain reports that it’s supposed to be a good passage at least three-quarters of the way. I’m counting on Ellen’s prayers that the remaining quarter of rough seas will occur during sleeping hours.
Not a single photo I’ve taken in the last few days truly captures the breathtaking beauty of this place. The wildlife, with each species displaying its unique charm, and the icebergs, each with its own distinct shape, have been simply amazing.
The large tabular icebergs resemble giant, icy plateaus adrift in the frigid waters, with their immense, flat tops and steep sides.
In contrast, the smaller icebergs are known for their unique shapes and stunning blue glacier colors. These smaller icebergs, often called “bergy bits” and “growlers,” are sculpted by the elements into intricate forms, with jagged edges, arches, and even whimsical shapes that can resemble animals or fantastical structures. The deep, crystalline blue hues of these smaller icebergs are a result of the dense, compact ice that absorbs and scatters light in such a way that it appears almost luminous.
Together, these large tabular icebergs and the smaller, uniquely shaped ones create a mesmerizing and ever-changing seascape that showcases the beauty and power of nature in Antarctica.
Every moment of this journey is a reminder of the incredible beauty and fragility of our planet.
Stepping into Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, felt like arriving at the end of the Earth. Nestled between the snow-capped Martial Mountains and the Beagle Channel, this remote outpost in Tierra del Fuego, is a place of wild, untamed beauty.
Embarking on a boat tour of the Beagle Channel was an unforgettable experience. The waters teemed with wildlife, including sea lions basking on rocky outcrops and a variety of seabirds soaring overhead. The sight of Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse, often called the “Lighthouse at the End of the World,” added to the sense of adventure and remoteness.
Arriving in Punta Arenas felt like stepping into the gateway of the wild, rugged beauty of Patagonia. The city, perched on the edge of the Strait of Magellan, greeted me with its crisp, invigorating air and a panoramic view of vast landscapes stretching towards the horizon. As I strolled through the colorful streets, the blend of historical architecture and modern life created a unique charm that captivated me instantly.
Punta Arenas is more than just a city; it’s a gateway to adventure, a place where history and natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable experience
