This article is part of a weekly series on cruising in The Sun Herald, Sydney. If you have done an interesting shore excursion and are interested in being featured, please send an email to jane@janeefraser.com.au.
WHO Scott Ivery from Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, on his first cruise since university days.
WHAT First taste of Antarctica.
WHERE Half Moon Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula.
THE SHIP Scott and his family of five cruised to Antarctica on the Polar Pioneer, operated by Aurora Expeditions.
“With two and a bit days of crossing the Drake Passage [between South America and Antarctica], it was a sublime way to be introduced to Antarctica.
“A sunny panorama welcomed us to Half Moon Island and I was rooted to the spot, just watching, awestruck. Antarctica grabs you from the very first moment you lay eyes on it and we couldn’t wait to get ashore.
“We didn’t need to be told twice to get ready! We layered up with warm clothes then a Zodiac delivered us to the southern shore of Menguante Cove, where snow and ice and lichen-covered rocky spires dominated the landscape and we saw chinstrap penguins and a solitary elephant seal. I was blown away.
“We deposited our lifejackets with a staff member and joined a moving line of expeditioners, walking up the rise. We sank to our knees in the snow with every second or third step but it was a thoroughly enjoyable part of the experience.
“There were industrious – but argumentative – chinstrap penguins nesting on the rocky outcrops and, overhead… (click here to keep reading)
