*Summer of 2019. A small room where two people sit with stale coffee.*
Interviewer: Rachel, describe what Hell would be like for you
Rachel (that’s me) : I’m glad you asked Gene. Hell to me would be … being in close quarters with lots of people. And not being able to escape them! … like on a boat or something.
Interviewer (whose name is Gene, I guess) : It sounds like you’re describing a cruise
Rachel : I guess I am - yeah that does NOT sound fun to me
View from the ship (Rachel Shull)
*Fade to months later. Same room. No coffee. Rachel is sitting with a woman this time. Rachel appears to be 16 pounds heavier than before*
Interviewer: Sorry Gene couldn’t make it, today. He got double booked and is interviewing Natasha Beddingfield today…
…...
…
So! How did the cruise go? Was it truly hell?
Rachel : I will admit I was skeptical, but it really had it’s advantages! In addition to really being the only feasible way for a regular traveler to visit Antarctica, it grew on me *she pats her belly*
Interviewer : So what’s it like being on a boat that long? Did the people drive you crazy?
Rachel : Well, as you can read in my other publication titled “I Like Rules”, there was a group I almost tossed overboard, but for the most part, there was a sense of comradery among all of us that made conversation easy to start among strangers. Everyone asks each other “Why did you want to go to Antarctica.” The answers told you everything you needed to know about that person. It was like a shortcut to the depth of people.
Antarctica! (Rachel Shull)
Interviewer: That’s great to hear! How about the ship? Did you feel claustrophobic?
Rachel : I thought I would, but going out on the deck and just witnessing the expanse of the waters or ice, made me feel more free than ever. I understand what’s really claustrophobic now : cubicles.
Interviewer: Everyone has to ask, how was crossing the Drake Passage?
Rachel : Honestly, it was fun to be on a ship crossing the Drake passage. Albeit a very pampered version, I felt like I was in the wake of Shackleton himself. And once I saw those penguins, those icebergs, and those vast expenses of nothing but snow and ice, I didn’t care how I got there. I was in Antarctica - that was all that mattered.
Trying to stay warm! (Rachel Shull)
Interviewer: Do you think having a newer/nicer ship elevated the experience?
Rachel: I can pretend to be an “adventure-purest” all I want, but I won’t lie that having wine available with dinner each night made me feel fancy. That having a small sauna to run to after the polar plunge didn’t thaw me out quicker. I have no base of comparison, but I’m sure the new stabilizers helped our sailing. The most luxurious element to me was having a french balcony in our cabin. Being able to roll the window down and be lulled to sleep from the waves against the ship is one of the most luxurious moments of my life. Now, do I need these things to travel? No, but cake is always tastier with frosting.
Mary Curry found right trip for my budget and the best date that I liked. She made
that reservation when other company's agent could not do it.
Thank you so much!
Theresa AN
2 months ago
Clara has been a great help and is very knowledgeable. Getting excited already about our trip
David Corey
4 months ago
Eric was friendly, professional, and clarified my questions.
Kate Flannery
5 months ago
We had an initial virtual meeting with our trip planner, Sandra Fernandez, who was great. She was efficient, friendly, yet very professional. She not only answered all our questions, but also addressed our concerns honestly. After our 30-minute conversation with Sandra, we decided to book our cruise with her.
Rina Mitra
6 months ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
