Who Goes to Antarctica?

It’s not your every day cruiser that sets sail to Antarctica. It’s not exactly the first destination that springs to mind when planning your vacation. Dave and I have made it our chance to step foot on the 7th continent and as adventure lovers this is the ultimate destination.

30,000 people visit Antarctica each year and we are on a ship with 112 other people. We asked some people what made them come to the South Pole and everyone had a very interesting reason.
It is a boat filled with explorers and thrill seekers, wanderers and adventurers and the energy is high. We are surrounded by people that are interesting and exciting to talk to and wanted to share a couple of stories with you…

This group is as diverse as it gets ages are ranging from 17 to 97. So let’s start with the youngest on the cruise.

Who Goes to Antarctica?

17-year-old Sarah made it to her 7th continent before her 18th birthday. Her dad works for World Vision so she has been traveling all her life experiencing this earth to the fullest and doing it all for a good cause to boot!

97-year-old Marie, from Oregon brought her son and daughter in law to Antarctica. She called them up one day and said; I think we should go on a vacation. I have one more big one in me and I want to go to Antarctica. She has been going out on the hikes, joining in on the lectures and taking part in wet landings with the best of them. Her enthusiasm about life is contagious. . I think it’s time we went on a trip, I have one more in me.

Adrian is a 90-Year-old man who brought his son in law and two grand kids ages 23 and 21 to a great adventure. Why did he want to come to Antarctica at the age of 90? Well it’s his 7th continent of course.

Helene from London and her daughter Ruth have come to Antarctica together. Helene saw the movie Scott of the Antarctica when she was a child. She remembers driving all the way to Toronto to see it and was mesmerized; now 50 years later she is fulfilling her dream.

Father, Daughter team Kelly Ray and Bill from South Dakota had travelled to 6 continents together. When mom said, you might as well do the 7th together, they didn’t hesitate. As mom said, “I’ve seen snow and cold, here in South Dakota, I don’t want to go, you two should go ahead.
Jacqueline and Veronique are traveling South America and decided at the last minute to start in Antarctica. She worked overtime to get here and while she was weighing the pros and cons, her mom said, “you should do it!”

There are others that haven’t made it to all 7 continents. One person is in Antarctica on their first trip outside of North America. While others are avid travelers that just love a good adventure. Troy and Joy of North Dakota are on their 6th continent. Only one more to go but the big one is locked and loaded.

Whatever the reason for coming to Antarctica, you can be sure that it will be your trip of a lifetime. We love the group and the experience and are already feeling sad that it’s only 12 days long.
Bring on 21 days baby, we’ll be back!

Our Antarctica adventure is brought to you by Quark Expeditions

Check out Quark Expeditions for planning your own Antarctic Expedition. Mention ThePlanetD and receive 5% off your booking - 5% can be redeemed on any voyage and is be combinable with any of Quark’s promotions.