Pre-Trip: Dreams, Goals & Preparation

Q1. You’ve travelled the world Sabrina , why is Antarctica so high up on your list of places to travel to next? Why did you want to take on the challenge?

Antarctica is my last continent to visit, and as someone who loves to travel and embrace adventure, it really does feel like the ultimate achievement. It's always been a massive goal of mine to tick off all seven continents – this is truly a dream come true.

Q2. Did you have any misconceptions about what travelling to this remote continent would be like?

Honestly I’m not entirely sure what to expect, apart from knowing it’s going to be cold! It’s such a unique and remote destination that I think the real experience will go beyond anything I can imagine.

Q3. Do you think all the places you’ve visited so far have prepared you for this adventure, or is this an entirely new level?

This is an entirely new level for me. I’m so grateful to have had incredible adventures around the world, but I’ve never travelled to a cold climate like this before. It’s going to be a completely new and exciting experience.

Q4. What’s on your must-see or must-experience list during this expedition?

Where do I even begin? I think the moment I take my first step into Antarctica will be emotional as it’s such a personal milestone. I’m excited about the wildlife, especially seeing penguin and humpback whales if we're lucky, kayaking through glaciers, and experiencing the midnight sun will also be truly unique. I can’t wait to see what constant daylight feels like. Lastly, I’m so excited to experience this expedition in luxury. Travelling with Destinology and Swan Hellenic means we’ll have expert guides and lectures to enrich the journey.

Q5. Have you been on a luxury cruise before? What are you expecting?

I have been on a cruise before, but not to this level of luxury and never an expedition cruise, so this feels like a completely new experience. One of the things I’m most excited about is the onboard lectures. Learning about Antarctica’s unique wildlife and climate from experts will make the journey so much more meaningful. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and comfort.

Q7. Why have you picked Swan Hellenic to take you on this adventure?

I chose Swan Hellenic because they offer such an elevated way to experience an extraordinary destination like Antarctica. Their focus on luxury combined with adventure really stood out to me, and knowing I’ll be travelling with expert guides who bring a wealth of knowledge about the region and its wildlife makes the journey even more special. Swan Hellenic’s reputation for excellence made it the perfect choice for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Q8. What is your idea of ultimate luxury while travelling?

To me, the ultimate luxury is the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. It’s being able to explore some of the most remote and challenging environments, like Antarctica, while enjoying the comforts of a comfortable bed, good food, and impeccable service. Luxury is in the thoughtful details: personalised excursions, moments of relaxation after a day of adventure, and the ability to fully immerse myself in the pristine beauty of a destination.

Q8. What’s on your packing list for this trip?

Lots and lots of warm clothes! From fluffy socks to hats and everything in between. The most surprising items I packed were sunscreen and cold cream, both to protect against both sunburn and the extreme cold which can dry out your skin. I’ve also packed a swimsuit because I plan to enjoy the sauna and pool during the days at sea - it’s such a nice contrast to the freezing temperatures outside! And, of course, I’m bringing my camera to capture as much as possible.

Q9. How do you plan to capture and share the essence of such a beautifully remote destination with your followers?

I plan to capture lots of content to showcase the beauty of Antarctica, but I also want to incorporate an educational element into what I share. While planning this trip I spent so much time researching and Googling everything about travelling there, so I’d love to make that process easier for anyone else considering this journey. Whether it’s packing tips, understanding the wildlife, or what to expect during an expedition, I want to inspire and inform my followers about this once-in-a-lifetime destination.

Post-Trip: The Antarctic Experience Highlights

Q10. Sabrina – huge congratulations on completing your seventh and final continent! How did it feel to finally set foot on Antarctica and achieve this incredible milestone?

Stepping onto mainland Antarctica was a moment of pure magic. Proper snow crunched underfoot - like something out of a movie - and I couldn’t stop laughing. It was pure, unfiltered joy, the kind you feel as a child. My cheeks ached from smiling, I couldn’t believe I was standing in a place so few people will ever see. It felt surreal – like a defining moment in my journey of exploring all seven continents

Q11. What moment during your Swan Hellenic expedition completely took your breath away? Was it the wildlife, the landscapes, or something unexpected? How did reality compare to what you’d imagined?

The moment that truly took my breath away was on our first morning in Antarctica. I remember waking up and noticing the ship was completely still. When I opened the curtains and stepped onto my balcony, I was greeted by an incredible sight – icebergs, snow-covered mountains, and a perfectly blue sky. The silence was overwhelming. The water below was so calm it looked like glass, reflecting the horizon. It felt like I had entered a dream, but the reality exceeded anything I could have imagined.

Q12. You mentioned before departing that the midnight sun intrigued you. What was it like to experience constant daylight in such a remote destination?

Experiencing the midnight sun was surreal. One evening, I sat on the open deck at 11:30 p.m., watching the sun hang low in the sky, its golden light reflecting off the water. Whales swam around the ship, and I just sat there with a glass of wine taking it all in. It was such a magical moment that had me questioning if it was even real life! The constant daylight added to the uniqueness of being in Antarctica and made every moment feel even more special.

Q13. How did Swan Hellenic’s luxury-meets-adventure approach elevate your experience? Were there any specific details or moments that really stood out?

Swan Hellenic’s approach made the trip unforgettable. Everything about the experience was seamless and luxurious, but it was the people who truly stood out. The entire expedition team worked tirelessly to make sure we had incredible experiences every day, adapting to challenges like weather or conditions with such professionalism and care. A special mention must go to Brandon, Miguel, and Henri, who went above and beyond to make every moment extraordinary.

Small personal touches also made a big difference, like Roselle in the restaurant remembering my preferences or Sagar at the bar crafting my favourite drink before I even had to ask. Emilio added such wonderful energy to the evenings, entertaining us and taking requests, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere after our daily adventures. These thoughtful details, combined with the ship and amenities, created the perfect balance of adventure and indulgence.

Q14. As someone who really values thoughtful luxury, how did the amenities and service on your Swan Hellenic expedition match your idea of indulgent travel?

Completely. Every aspect of the trip felt so carefully considered, from the beautifully designed suites to the smallest, most personal details. For example, my cabin steward noticed that I only drink Coke Zero and made sure to replace all the sodas in my fridge with my favourite. It was those small gestures that made me feel so cared for throughout the journey.

The ability to rewatch live lectures in my suite was another thoughtful touch. It allowed me to fully absorb the incredible knowledge shared by the expedition team at my own pace, making the educational aspect of the trip feel just as luxurious as the physical comforts.

The amenities onboard not only provided luxury but also a sense of comfort and rejuvenation after each day’s adventure. The heated pool became a favourite spot for reflection. I spent time relaxing there after excursions, thinking back on the day’s adventures. And the spa was equally amazing – I had one of the best deep tissue massages I’ve ever experienced, which felt like such a treat when you’re at the literal end of the world.

Swan Hellenic has mastered the balance between comfort, indulgence, and adventure. Every detail felt intentional, and I honestly can’t wait to travel with them again.

Reflection & Advice for Future Travellers

Q15. How did Destinology support you in planning this unique trip? Were there any elements of our service that made your journey easier or more special?

Planning a trip to Antarctica always felt daunting, but Destinology made the entire process effortless. From the moment I left my home to the moment I returned, everything was perfectly organised. I didn’t have to think about logistics or worry about a single detail.

What stood out most was how stress-free it all felt. Destinology made it easy to just focus on enjoying the experience. It’s like being a passenger princess for the entire journey – they take care of everything, and all you have to do is show up and take it all in.

Q16. Looking back, is there one word or phrase that perfectly sums up your Antarctic adventure?

Magical. Antarctica is otherworldly in so many ways, but the sense of wonder, awe, and joy I felt made it truly magical.

Q17. For anyone inspired by your journey, what advice would you give to someone planning their first trip to Antarctica?

Do it! There’s no way to fully prepare for the vastness and beauty of Antarctica. It’s a place that no photos or videos can truly capture. The landscapes, the wildlife, the history – everything about it is extraordinary.

Having the support of Destinology made the trip stress-free, and as long as you follow the packing list, you’ll have everything you need. Antarctica is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will remember forever.