This was our second journey to this part of the world with Lindblad/National Geographic on the Explorer. We obviously wouldn't have gone a second time if we hadn't loved the first time.

The destinations are other-worldly.There is something almost majestic about Antarctica (kind of like Alaska on steroids - without the tanzanite shops). The ice, the skies, the weather, the animals are all spectacular. South Georgia is of interest to anyone who knows the story of Ernest Shackleton, as well as to anyone interested in seeing the abundant wildlife - the penguins, the elephant seals, the fur seals, the sea lions, the whales, the birds. And going to the Falkland Islands is like visiting the UK - a small (and charming) part of it, anyway.

We love the Explorer ship. It is big enough, but not too big. Everyone gets to land on Antarctica (which isn't true of all ships). The captains are skilled and personable and welcome guests to spend time on the bridge. The naturalists must be among the best in the industry. The staff is terrific - skilled and helpful and welcoming. The food is very good. There are professional photographers on board to help novices figure out their cameras and help the more experienced enhance their skills. Read more