ODYSSEY TO THE EDGE OF EARTH

With record numbers heading to Antarctica each year, an expedition cruise to ustralia and New Zealand's Subantarctic islands presents the perfect opportunity for a true adventure.

- Dan Avila

Expedition cruising to Antarctica is considered by many to be a once in a lifetime adventure to an otherworldly land of extremes. While this is true, the number and frequency of vessels offering journeys to the Antarctic Peninsula has increased in recent years; so much so, that the Peninsula no longer holds the same lofty status for those looking for a truly remote and unique destination. Enter the Australian and New Zealand Subantarctic islands, where journeys are rare and landings even more so. When conditions permit, setting foot on these islands will place you among a privileged few to experience these unique and extraordinary biospheres that will overwhelm your senses with extraordinary landscapes and wildlife.

Breaking the ice Our journey to the Subantarctic islands was part of an extraordinary Lindblad voyage, ‘Epic Antarctica’. The unique journey was a month at sea aboard a purpose-built, polar-expedition vessel, the National Geographic Endurance, departing Dunedin on the southeastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island to Ushuaia, Argentina, covering about a third of the Antarctic coast.

Arriving at port to board the Endurance for the first time, we find the unusual lines of the X-bow carve a striking shape to a vessel that exudes competence. It is beautiful with a utilitarian aesthetic, built with a PC5 ice-class certification, the highest of any passenger cruise ship – something that would be invaluable for the amount of ice-piercing required on the journey. Inside the ship, the utilitarian vibes disappear, giving way to warm tones and the restrained opulence of a luxury Scandinavian hotel.

Nothing about this ship feels accidental or repurposed. It is exactly as it purports to be: an extraordinarily capable, comfortable vessel that we would come to know and adore over our month travelling to the edge of the Earth.