Adventure TO THE BOTTOM OF THE WORLD: ANTARCTICA

When I tell you that Antarctica was never on my bucket list to visit, believe me! When the opportunity to travel to the white continent was first presented to me, I was not excited. Every excuse I could think of from "it's going to be too cold to my asthma will flare up to what if I get hurt or sick in no where land or the cold will make this ole arthritis in my knees act up! I'm certain many, especially Black folks, share these same concerns.

Before I settled in to taking this once in a lifetime journey, I needed to know more! It wasn't hard to find videos on YouTube from others who traveled to Antarctica and even traveled on the same ship with Hurtigruten Expeditions. Hearing from these travelers about their experiences eased my concerns. In fact, the more research I did on the destination and ship, I became excited, but still a little hesitant, about traveling to Antarctica!

Getting there took almost two days with an overnight stay in Santiago, Chile. But when we embarked on Hurtigruten's Roald Amundsen ship, an electric hybrid ship, the entire experience was absolutely amazing! I never expected a 5-star, luxury experience, but that's what we got! From the beautiful, spacious cabin with a private veranda to the 5-star culinary masterpieces to the exceptional customer service to the relaxing spa and massage therapist that gave me the best 5-star massage I ever had! Luxury at its finest was delivered onboard while cruising to, during and from Antarctica! The expedition part of the cruise did not disappoint either as ample opportunities to board onto a zodiac and head to several snowy islands with ice capped glaciers, mingle with thousands of penguins, seals and sea lions were available for those seeking adventure! I look forward to returning to Antarctica again with no second thoughts or hesitations. I hope you will put your dreams and travel desires first. BE BOLD! BE SELFISH and join me! #YOLO