Our family Antarctica cruise with Disney was unforgettable. Breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and expertly curated excursions made it a trip of a lifetime. The expedition cruise catered perfectly to all ages, offering engaging activities and learning experiences. From playful penguins to towering glaciers, every moment was magical. We highly recommend this unique Disney Antarctica adventure!
Why Disney for an Antarctic Expedition?
Initially, the idea of Disney and Antarctica seemed a little… unexpected. We had visions of Mickey Mouse waddling amongst the penguins (thankfully, that didn't happen!). But after researching the program, we realized the brilliance of it. Disney Expedition Cruises partners with Ponant, a luxury expedition cruise line renowned for its expertise and environmentally conscious approach. This partnership blends Disney's storytelling and family-friendly programming with Ponant's cutting-edge ships and experienced expedition teams. The result is a seamless experience that caters to all ages, ensuring everyone from the youngest child to the oldest grandparent is engaged, entertained, and educated.
One of the biggest draws was the comprehensive program designed for families. They have "Adventure Guides" who are dedicated to engaging kids with themed activities, games, and educational presentations. My kids were enthralled, learning about Antarctic wildlife, geology, and exploration history. This allowed my husband and I to fully immerse ourselves in the experience, knowing the kids were also having a blast and absorbing so much information.
Our Itinerary: A Week of Wonders
Our Antarctic expedition lasted seven days, and each day was packed with incredible experiences. Here's a glimpse of our itinerary:
The itinerary was packed with activities, as shown in the chart below:
Day |
Location |
Activities |
|---|
1 |
Ushuaia, Argentina (Embarkation) |
Boarded the ship, safety briefing, welcome dinner. Amazing views of the Beagle Channel as we set sail. |
2-3 |
Drake Passage |
Navigating the Drake Passage. Onboard lectures about Antarctic wildlife, history, and geology. My children enjoyed crafts activities related to Antarctica. Wildlife spotting from the deck (we saw albatrosses!). Seasickness remedies were readily available! |
4 |
Aitcho Island, South Shetland Islands |
Zodiac cruising around the island. Landed and observed penguin colonies (Gentoo and Chinstrap). Breathtaking scenery. |
5 |
Deception Island |
Explored the volcanic caldera. Polar plunge for the brave (not me!). Learned about the island's whaling history. |
6 |
Paradise Bay |
Zodiac cruising through Paradise Bay. Visited a research station. Kayaking amongst the icebergs (an optional activity). Saw seals basking on ice floes. |
7 |
Drake Passage |
Heading back across the Drake Passage. Recap of the expedition. Farewell dinner. Continued on with educational talks and relaxing. |
8 |
Ushuaia, Argentina (Disembarkation) |
Disembarkation and departure from Ushuaia. Filled with memories of a lifetime. |
Beyond the Penguins: More Than Just Wildlife
While the penguins (Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adelie) were undeniably adorable and a major highlight, our Antarctic experience offered so much more. We learned about the heroic age of exploration, the challenges faced by early explorers like Shackleton, and the importance of Antarctica for scientific research. We also gained a deeper appreciation for the fragility of this pristine environment and the need for conservation. The onboard naturalists were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, enriching our understanding of the Antarctic ecosystem.
The Zodiac cruises were another fantastic way to get up close and personal with the landscape. Gliding through the icy waters, surrounded by towering icebergs, was an awe-inspiring experience. We even had the opportunity to kayak, which provided a unique perspective and a chance to immerse ourselves in the tranquility of the Antarctic wilderness.
Family-Friendly Aspects: Catering to All Ages
Disney Expedition Cruises truly excels at catering to families. The "Adventure Guides" were amazing at keeping the kids entertained and engaged with age-appropriate activities. The food was also excellent and catered to a variety of tastes, with plenty of options for even the pickiest eaters. The ship itself was comfortable and well-equipped, with spacious cabins and plenty of common areas for relaxing and socializing. We particularly appreciated the onboard laundry facilities, which came in handy after a few days of outdoor adventures.
Was it Worth It? Absolutely!
An Antarctic expedition with Disney is undoubtedly an investment, but it's an investment in experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. It's a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature and with each other. It's an opportunity to learn, grow, and be inspired by the beauty and wonder of the Antarctic. For our family, it was the best trip we've ever taken, and we wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for an extraordinary adventure.
