Epic Antarctica - Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle Crossing (Ocean Diamond - Quark Expeditions) Checking in for the internal flights Buenos Aires to and from Ushuaia was chaotic. Despite arriving well in advance check ins opened with barely enough time to make the flights. Once at Ushuaia outward and return all Quark arrangements were clear and efficient. Hotel Albatross in Ushuaia was very good. Onboard Ocean Diamond the hotel service was excellent. The Quark team were excellent. The photographic, historical, geological, ornithological and wildlife lectures were of the highest quality in terms of technical content, detail and delivery. The daily briefings and recaps were informative and entertaining. The zodiak cruises, landings, hikes, paddling and other activities were excellent: fascinating; informative; exciting; well managed; safe; well supervised; well guided. The experienced Quark staff ensured that we saw at close quarters all the wildlife that could be expected for this trip: all penguin species except the Emperor; nesting albatross; elephant, fur, Weddell, leopard seals; orca; humpback and fin whales; guillemots, skewers, etc. The weather was kind to us so we were able to visit nearly all the planned destinations on this expedition skilfully scheduled by the ship's captain and the Quark Expedition Leader to ensure interesting activities each day. The scenery throughout was stunning, especially in the earie light of the midnight sun below the Antarctic Circle. I enjoyed the paddling, not booked in advance, which turned out to be an unexpected highlight getting really close to the wildlife. In conclusion the expedition exceeded my expectations!
Exceeded my dreams in so many ways I was so delighted with the knowledge and experience of the lecture presenters. I had amazed that so many had doctorate degrees and years of research experience. This trip has exceeded my dreams in so many ways.
ANTARCTICA, FALKLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA A trip I have wanted to do for years and it was wonderful. Quark had an excellent expedition staff on my trip who got us out on the zodiacs whenever they safely could.Nothing was too much trouble and the knowledge of the staff in their lectures enhanced the experience out with the animals and icebergs.A great crowd on the boat also allowed us to do all we could as all were committed to do with extra time for penguins and races around icebergs. In particular I would like to sing the praises of Graham Charles for being an inspiration because of his love for the areas we visited.
