Our first full day onboard Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine was basically an orientation day, not unlike those on an Antarctica expedition. After two days of travel, plus a very early morning Northern Lights experience, it was good to have some downtime and adjustment rather than jumping right into the expedition.  By

l have been anticipating my Quark Expeditions journey for a long time…and it is finally here!  Back in 2020, I was contacted by Quark Expeditions about experiencing it’s brand new, not yet even completed, Ultramarine and I was very excited for two reasons: Quark, after it was purchased in 2016,

You know that say, “Our loss is your gain!” Well, that, well and truly is the case as a charter of the modern, luxury, World Explorer fell through. How does $7,900 (double occupancy) for an 11 day Antarctica expedition departing on January 17, 2023 sound?  How about it being with

Explora Journeys has so many impressive elements and you know I wish I could tell you about everything all at once. I’ve been, ‘er um, biting my tongue about the exciting culinary experiences, but I can tell you all about it. (OK, almost all about it!) Explora I will have

NCL, the parent of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line, has just announced that it is dropping almost all Covid-19 protocols. There will be no testing except for unvaccinated guests who must still provide a 72-hour negative test. While I appreciate Covid testing has caused many

The first question most people ask me (other than if they can be my assistant! LOL) is, “Where is your favorite place in the world?”  My answer is, without any hesitation: Antarctica. It has a majesty, a calmness, a brutality, a symphony of colors, a starkness, amazing wildlife, smells (good

Explora Journeys is the new luxury journey at sea (they don’t want to call it a “cruise”) that will actually meet – better exceed – what you know as a luxury cruise. And, No, this isn’t hype!  Heck, just as started writing this article, yet more great news from Explora

My experience on Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot was extraordinary in many ways. Was it perfect? Nothing is. Is Ponant working – literally as I write this – to elevate the expedition product it offers? Absolutely. Do I recommend taking an expedition on this ship? Definitely. I’ve talked a lot about

Silversea Cruises has just – finally – confirmed its acquisition of the former Crystal Endeavor; a truly world-class luxury expedition ship.  And it did so at the relative bargain price of $275 Million Dollars with no payments due for two years.  The Silver Endeavour is the most expensive ship per