FEEDBACK
FROM TRAVELERS ON LAST TRIPS
FROM TRAVELERS ON LAST TRIPS
A QUICK INTRO
Our last two group air-cruises to Antarctica—in December 2019 and December 2021—have both been rousing successes, as delightfully affirmed in unsolicited post-trip emails like the ones shared below.
I was personally able to join our larger-than-expected 2019 group (pictured above in Deception Island, and which included several serious photographers who came with high expectations). Temu & I had already been to Antarctica several times, but that was the first time on an "air-cruise" that would trim the crossing of the Drake Passage from a usual 2+ days to just 2 hours (round-trip from 4 days to just 4 hours). 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 stomach-churning tumbling aboard a ship 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.
When Temu returned with our December 2021 group, it was exciting to anticipate the amazing experience they would have. And sure enough, their trip feedback was over the top.
Below are a few comments we received after those two trips, wholly unsolicited. Some you'll note refer to pre-trip extensions in Chile that several in the group joined for as a group in 2019. 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
FROM POST-TRIP EMAILS WE HAVE RECEIVED:
"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"
"Alex and Temu, before the year gets away from us - we just want to say that the trip to Antarctica was beyond what we might have hoped for. I can tell you that the scenes still live on in us. Hard to describe how that happens, but the voyage to the 7th continent has found a permanent home in all of our beings. What an amazing immersive experience. To be gliding through this wonderland in such comfort and luxury was unbelievable.
As always, every detail was attended to - our side adventures and guides were wonderful, we loved it all - but Antarctica was spectacular on an unimaginable scale. Temu is the best! We would travel anywhere with you all." - Vicky S.
"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!! It was a special treat to have both you and Temu there. I feel enormously grateful."
"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."