FEEDBACK
FROM TRAVELERS ON OUR LAST TRIP
FROM TRAVELERS ON OUR LAST TRIP
We had an even larger than expected group on our last air-cruise with Antarctica21, in December 2019—including several serious photographers who came with high expectations. By all accounts, it was a rousing success!
Temu & I had already been to Antarctica several times, but this was the first time on an air-cruise that would trim the crossing of the Drake Passage from a usual 2+ days (4 days round-trip) to just 2 hours (4 hours round-trip). I'll admit in hindsight—even after a friend I sent in December 2018 came back with wonderful reviews (and material for a best-selling book he wrote...)—a small piece of me wondered before the trip if we'd be missing something by flying to Antarctica instead of enduring the ominous Drake Passage...
That concern was dispelled the moment we landed in the continent! We were immediately fully immersed in the magnificent grandeur of Antarctica, and it was awesome. No bouncing around the ocean en route required. And then, the experience hosted by Antarctica21 exceeded expectations. Their expedition staff, the service onboard, the way our requests were accommodated... It was truly superb. Antarctica of course dazzled in ways I struggle to put into words, as I always feel. I would return multiple times a year if life allowed it.
Below are a few comments we received unsolicited in emails after the trip. Some you'll note refer to pre-trip extensions in Chile that many in the group joined for. The comments are most gratifying to read, and it delights me (though does not surprise me) to see that all felt similarly about this extraordinary experience.
I have zero doubt if you join for this once-in-a-lifetime trip that you will return feeling similarly.
-Alex Ros, Owner, Open Sky Expeditions
"Hi Alex,
This is long overdue, but I wanted to thank you for making the Patagonia / Antarctica trip so incredibly wonderful!
You did a masterful job at arranging all the details for the Fab Four, including great lodging and the superb guide and driver. Those few days in Patagonia were indeed magical and memorable.
And the Antarctica trip greatly exceeded my expectations. The sheer magnitude of the area, and its abundant wildlife, certainly hit on all barrels! And the ship was absolutely superb - the staterooms, the meals, the staff, and having so many Zodiacs to shuttle us around were the perfect combination. Initially I was concerned that the amount of time in Antarctica would not be enough for me, but as it turned out it was just right.
It was clear that you had researched options ahead of time, and made all the right decisions! So thank you so much for making this such a memorable experience. And please pass along my thanks to Temu. He, as you, was just great, easy-going, and totally capable in so many areas.
The memories of this trip, and its impact, will last forever!
Warm regards,
Mollie"
"Much more importantly.... OMG, what a trip it was! I replied to one of Temu's post that it wasn't about going to Antarctica, seeing penguins, etc. It was about EXPERIENCING Antarctica. I did every one of the walks/hikes. As I was walking uphill, sometimes struggling a little on slippery snow or walking across rocky terrain, I kept telling myself "I'm hiking in freaking ANTARCTICA"! I still find myself thinking..."did I really do all that?"! (Then I look through the 10,000-plus images and say, YUP!).
Thanks for all you did to make this a phenomenal trip, including organizing our pre trip Torres del Paine excursion!"
"Just wanted to drop you a note to say how wonderful the trip was, traveling to the fantastic places in both Chile and Antarctica. I feel very privileged to have been a part of this exciting expedition. To witness such beauty, and all the exciting adventures we shared... It is hard to put into words.... The experience was a thrill of a lifetime. Now it is time to reflect and share this experience for those who may someday want to do it themselves and those who may never have such an opportunity."
"I want to thank you for that outstanding Antarctica trip!! How lucky we were to get that under our respective belts before the world fell apart. And it was a special treat to have both you and Temu there. I feel enormously grateful." {sent spring 2020...]
"Hugh and I had the most remarkable time in Chile and Antarctica. A highlight for me was finally meeting and traveling with you."
Sent as a testimonial :)
"Traveling with Open Sky means experiencing the perfect curation of adventure and luxury. Antarctica was our fourth photography trip with Alex and his team. Not only does Alex plan for every eventuality, he has back ups for his back ups. In remote locations, where conditions can change unexpectedly, Open Sky delivers exceptional experiences and the brilliant photos to prove it."