Antarctic Explorer

Exodus and Quark had the perfect recipe for the adventure of a lifetime. Helpful and efficient pre-trip planning. The Vavilov, a great vessel for the expedition that was immaculate and had a very accommodating crew. An outstanding knowledgeable and friendly Expedition Team with an inspirational leader who always wanted to go the extra mile to make it happen. A very varied, educational, exciting and memorable itinerary - with an abundance of spectacular scenery and exceptional wildlife sightings. The informality onboard and the friendliness of the 97 passengers who represented 17 different countries was so enjoyable.Beat that!

Our trip to the Antarctic Peninsula was simply 'mind-blowing'

An unforgetable trip, can't begin to really describe the Antarctic, it has to be seen to be believed.

The whole trip was exceptionally well organised and was up there with my most inspriational trip ever (and I have done a fair bit of travelling!!)) Antarctica is definately a place you should experience a once in a lifetime experience.

It's true what they say - nothing will prepare you for Antarctica. Not just in the don't-forget-the-sunscreen sort of preparation but the sheer beauty, wildness and silence of the place. The ship, although it was only the second trip it had done for Quark, was brilliant and we honestly couldn't fault the crew, food, comfort (except we didn't have a window: if you're offered cabin 330 on the Sea Spirit, ask to change it!) and overall planning and preparation for the trip. The trip leaders oozed enthusiasm, they were knowledgeable and were able to make last-minute alterations to the schedule to allow us to make the most of every glorious moment of this holiday. I doubt if I will go to Antarctica again, but if I could, I would go again with Exodus and Quark. The free coat was pretty cool too. Only downside was the long journey with the stop at Sao Paulo and the overnight at Ushuaia. Aerolineas Argentinas was delightfully quirky but Exodus had the foresight to allow plenty of transfer time so we didn't miss any connections. And a special "thank you" to their out-of-hours service (and in-hours service too!) for sorting out a couple of minor hitches with all efficiency and politeness.

So many pinch me moments every single day... Penguins are just incredible to see waddling along their penguin highways, spectacular whale watching, stunning icebergs. I'd go again tomorrow! Loved the camping, paddling and polar plunge. Do it all! You won't regret it. Fabulous trip, great bunch of people, delicious food.

This was the most amazing trip. From the first moment we got on the ship to the moment we left we were by turns pampered, well fed and treated to an array of various difference experiences on an untouched continent. I can highly recommend this and with the level of quality of all aspects of this trip I would expect anyone from anywhere to enjoy it.

An amazing introduction to a stunning continent. A real once-in-a-lifetime trip to somewhere that has to be experienced to be believed.

Wonderful trip. Well worth the effort despite some stressful moments in the beginning. Antarctica is a very special place. Cannot be compared to any other travel experience. So glad I went. Would have given 5 stars but for my experiences prior to and at the beginning of the trip.

Great boat, fantastic experiences, good mix of people