We joined Seabourn Expeditions this morning with a charter flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, the jumping off point of most expeditions to Antarctica. We boarded the Seabourn Pursuit, a ship built last year for polar sailings with an ice-strengthened hull, 2 submarines, 24 zodiacs, kayaks, and 24 Expedition Team members who will lead our daily excursions. We have an ethnobotanist, alpine climber who has completed the Seven Summits, ornithologists, submarine captain, geologist, and naturalists onboard. This is the smallest ship we’ve sailed on with 264 guests. All suites have private verandahs, walk-in closets, heated cabinets to dry our wet clothes, bathroom with separate shower and tub, and a minibar pre-stocked with our favorite drinks and snacks.
A month before we departed, I sent our measurements to Seabourn, and Helly Hansen parkas, beanies, and waterproof packs were waiting for us in our suite. BOGS boots are provided, so they only things we had to bring were waterproof pants, long underwear, and gloves.
The ship is so cozy – (faux) fireplaces, warm blankets and pillows, an ocean-view sauna, heated pools and hot tubs, and hot chocolate and warm cider at the bar.
