Cliff Bainum

<p>After having recently experienced an expedition cruise with HX Expeditions, I am eager to put my knowledge and insight to work for you. Here are some details from my experience during the 12-day Antarctica expedition aboard Roald Amundsen.</p>
<p>“Every moment felt curated by nature itself, from the first sighting of floating icebergs (three days before landing!) to the exhilarating zodiac rides that ferried us to shore.” The very first landing was unforgettable: an exciting zodiac ride to Pleneau Island, stepping onto shore surrounded by Gentoo penguins and looking back at the Roald Amundsen framed by floating icebergs. It was stunning. </p>
<p>Wildlife, Ice, and Endless WonderHighlights? Honestly, there were too many to count. Cruising among the towering icebergs felt like floating through a museum of sculptures, each more stunning than the last. Wildlife encounters were constant – penguins diving through icy waters, humpback whales breaching near our zodiacs, and lazy seals basking on floes. One of the best wildlife moments came in Fournier Bay, where we enjoyed the ultimate whale-watching experience, both from the ship and up-close during zodiac tours. </p>
<p>Life Onboard Roald AmundsenThe ship is built for polar exploration—and it’s beautiful. Guests on board came from all around the world: Germany, Australia, Canada, the U.S., and beyond. It’s a casual, friendly atmosphere perfect for families, groups, and adventurers alike. I stayed in a spacious suite, beautifully appointed with lots of storage, a Nespresso machine, a minibar, and a balcony perfect for snapping wildlife photos at a moment’s notice. Laundry service (included!) was a huge plus. </p>
<p>Dining was fantastic. I’m not a traditional "foodie," but loved every meal, and the service at Lindstrom Restaurant made it the best onboard experience by far. When it came to enrichment, the opportunities were endless: lectures, science center activities, photography workshops, and a ship app to keep track of it all. It wasn’t just a cruise; it was an education—and it created a real camaraderie among us explorers. </p>
<p>Unforgettable MomentsEvery day was packed with physical activities and emotional moments that evoked the spirit of exploration. Seeing abandoned research stations with emergency provisions tucked off to the side added a layer of reverence to it all. On a personal note, my grandfather had visited Antarctica with the U.S. Navy 79 years earlier and being there, following in his footsteps, created a deep connection I hadn’t felt in decades. </p>
<p>A Photographer’s DreamThough I’m not a professional photographer, Antarctica turned even my amateur shots into frame-worthy images. And we were given photos of our journey from the professional photographers that accompanied us. </p>
<p>Expedition cruising is emerging as a compelling option for today’s adventurous traveler. I’m seeing growing interest from people who haven’t taken a traditional ocean cruise before, but may have explored the world through river cruising or immersive land tours. What’s especially exciting is how quickly the standard of luxury in this space is evolving. Purpose-built expedition ships from HX, Atlas Ocean Voyages, Viking, Scenic, Seabourn, and Silversea offer enriching, all-inclusive experiences that blend comfort with exploration in some of the world’s most remote destinations. </p>
<p>If you're looking for a truly transformative way to travel, I encourage you to take a closer look at expedition cruising and discover the itinerary and cruise line that best matches your style and dreams.</p>