Totally. I boarded a year ago today, so feeling quite nostalgic!

@@UkraineDoncaster 👏 👏 well done for doing so much. I am hoping to return this Spring, hope our paths may cross. 🇺🇦

There is a very good choice of places to stay. I know people who’ve stayed in hostels longer term or taken a room in an apartment. Check the usual sites as you would in any city, like hostelworld, Airbnb or booking dot com for the best options.

@@BarryKenny thank you

@@rolandberghoer9361 thank you Roland, delighted you enjoyed the video. I wish I was in your situation all over again, one year to go and so much to look forward to!

@@curtisclements6342 hi Curtis, delighted you enjoyed the video, thanks! If you’re like me, I’m sure you’re counting the days til your trip. To answer your questions: 1. Food: the food was exceptional. The vast majority of meals were buffet, and the range and quality was just consistently high. I think there was one a la carte evening meal. You will be hungry from all the activity but it also possible to eat very healthily if that is a priority. 2. Time off boat: there tended to be two expeditions on such days, and each expedition would be about 3 hours off the boat on average, depending on the activity. 3. Day 1 was a later afternoon departure, and then day 2 and 3 were just on the boat (day 3 though we were at Antarctica with land and wildlife outside). So 2 and a bit days of just on the boat with no stops. Similarly on way back, evening of one day we left Antarctica, 2 full days crossing, and an early AM arrival back to Ushuaia. 4. TV shows and movies were included on the TV. If you have time to watch any of them, I’ll be amazed! I mainly used the TV to check the ship’s position, to see the daily activities, and to track how much I’d spent at the shop and the bar!!! You can also watch any of the theatre talks on the TV, they’re all live-streamed. 5. I was amazed at how good the Wi-Fi was. I got the free basic package (you can pay for premium) and expected to just be able to send text via messaging apps. But in fact I was able to make video calls of a very good quality to home every day. I assume overall usage on the ship may be a factor, but as I say, I had no problems. Enjoy the planning and trip itself, and thanks again for watching and your comment. Any other questions you have, happy to help.

@@BarryKenny thanks for the quick response! One other question that came to mind, how were the laundry prices?

Oh, sorry, I can’t remember them exactly, but they were very reasonable - I remember thinking I expected them to be higher!

Hi Brenda, thank you for your lovely comment! Likewise, I envy you that your trip is upcoming, the anticipation and planning was definitely part of the enjoyment for me. Also, each part of the season seems to have its own characteristics so a late season trip would be fascinating, I hope you have an amazing time. On your questions, I’m chuckling at the hiking stick question: the ship provided hiking sticks for everyone, and myself and my two friends in that clip were (I think) the only people who didn’t avail of them. I’ve no idea why not! So the chances are they will be provided for you, but worth checking with your company. On camera gear, there’s quite a lot of iPhone footage there, but I did use a few different devices. I know what you mean about file size, especially for the Insta360. I had the x3 and editing and framing 360 footage is something I find hard to do. I do think a gopro is worth having though as it is so versatile and easy to grab and go, especially for things like the paddle boarding and kayaking. Finally, a main mirrorless / DSLR with decent zoom lens is in my view essential for wildlife that’s just that a little bit farther away. I have a Sony a7iii of old, but if I was buying new again, I’d have gone for something more compact and vlog-friendly like the Sony Zv range. Sorry about the sound in parts, I always have trouble with sound, let me look at the settings and see if that’s doable for the captions. I actually brought wireless mics with me but it wasn’t very practical to use them - plus far less spontaneous! Thanks again for watching the video and for your kind words, and if I can help with any other questions, I’d be delighted.

@@BarryKenny Thanks so much for your reply. Yes, that whole reframing/posting of Insta360 footage is a problem when travelling (and so time consuming!). I may have a look at the Sony ZV cameras. You and others have done the 360 thing to great effect so that I don't have to. LOL Thanks again and happy travels. Oh, and I reckon Neil Diamond is losing sleep after seeing your excellent rendition of 'Sweet Caroline'--such talent! 😉

Wow, thanks a million, I really appreciate that! It truly was the stuff of dreams.

@ No, thank you. I also watched your visit to Lviv video. You are a good man. I have toiled with the idea of being more directly proactive in Ukraine. I have sent a few pallet loads of what I produce in the past, particularly at the beginning. But, I have wanted to get out there myself. I have a mother that lost a son not that long ago and was forbidden from driving my stuff over myself, in fear that she could lose another. Your video has been very helpful and very informative. Good people like yourself are what keeps this world bearable. Of course, as a wildlife man, they play a huge role in redressing how destructive “man” can be. Good luck and thank you. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇦🇺🇦

@300ShadesofGreen Thank you again, and also on your support for Ukraine. Everyone’s circumstances are different, and going to Ukraine is not feasible for all and with your family’s loss, your mother’s concern is understandable. The first time I went I didn’t tell anyone other than my wife I was there, my parents thought I was “InterRailing in the Baltics”! It feels like dark times for Ukraine with the West weakening, though their courage and determination has surprised the world before so hopefully will again. I am hoping to go again this winter, if I do, I want to do some videos to give voice to local people I meet and hear their view and experiences. Thanks again for all your kind comments, they do mean a lot.

@@cristeab1 Thank you! How exciting to be looking forward to and planning a trip for December 2025, I think we all book a long time in advance!! I hope you have an amazing trip.

It’s the worst, I’m paranoid about it to this day!! 😂

Hi Anne, that’s great to hear, are you planning a trip? No, drones are strictly prohibited in Antarctica. I did use a 360 camera on a long selfie stick to get a drone-type effect for a few shots.

@@BarryKenny Hi Barry, yes! I am but it won't be for a couple of years, I want to treat myself on my 60th birthday. I haven't traveled solo much, and I am a little shy so I was apprehensive. Last time I was solo I went to Florence and I didn't love it, I wanted to share it with someone! I rented an apartment so that might have been a little too isolating for me, but I am not crazy about normal cruises either. That's a little too crowded. I can understand why drones are banned, even though the footage would be epic! It would take away from the serene atmosphere having those things buzzing overhead all the time, wouldn't it. Thanks for your reply and happy, safe travels!

@annespellberg7173 I was the same, I had been saving for 3 years, then I booked it on my 50th birthday, and travelled 20 months later. On Ultramarine, you can book twin sharing, two of my friends on the trip did that and got on really well (of course I did too and didn’t have a person sharing, so that can happen). The difference is on the ship is that you’ll be meeting people for all the different activities. Enjoy the planning and I hope you have a wonderful experience when you go.

@@BarryKenny Thank you very much! I can't wait, it is a very exciting trip!

Haha, I’m told it’s an acquired taste!!

Thank you Jason! I had a 70-200mm lens, but some photographers would have more. You do get very close to the penguins though - or rather they get close to you!

@@michellehuynh8451 we were very lucky! Yes, I went with Tromso Outdoor for the cross-country skiing, I was one of three in a small organised group. The trail is on Tromsoya Island, I think it’s Charlottenlund Recreation Park which is a free park if you are just going yourself, and has a range of trails including many perfect for those learning.

@@jameswright8695 that’s a very kind comment James, thank you. I know I’m fortunate to have been able to go, and hope that as well as experiencing destinations through YT videos, you do get the opportunity to travel to at least some of the places that inspire you.

@@serenity8145 yes, I’ve been told that a few times… well, I was a beginner! 😆

@@JackMcClendon thanks very much Jack!

Thanks again!

Hi Doris, many thanks, I’m delighted you enjoyed the video! I went in January 2024, for 10 days / 9 nights. Yes, we had good weather when we were on the ice (all through the trip really), calm and mostly overcast, with one day of amazing sunshine. The trip was along the Antarctic peninsula.

@@alicefromwonderland1677 Thank you, you’re welcome ☺️ 🇺🇦

Thank you very much! Glad to be of some help, enjoy the planning and the trip, it’s such an amazing experience.

@@Groenespecht Thank you, great to hear you enjoyed the video! You must be so excited for your visit to be so soon, hope it’s an amazing experience for you!

I'm going in December!! What ship are you going on?

@@MickeyMishra great point, it really is amazingly cheap! I tell everyone I know it’s the cheapest place in Europe, I think my total spending money for two weeks was €550, eating out all the time!

@@zerowaste_reka Thanks so much - lucky you, have a great time!!

Hi Marcus, I was on the starboard / right hand side of the ship… and to be honest, I never thought about whether I was on the best side until you asked the question!! I don’t think it makes a huge difference as the scenery is so spectacular throughout. Also, the trip is busy, so I spent a very little time in the cabin looking out from the balcony. So sorry I don’t have a firmer view on this, but for the purposes of this trip, it’s all good!

No worries. I appreciate the reply.

@@hotkopipeng Thanks so much, I’d love to be back at that point, anticipating it and counting down the months and weeks!! Trip of a lifetime, I hope you enjoy it.

Wow ! Lucky you !! And how fortunate. I’m a Postal Worker so I’ll probably never be able to go. Maybe someday I’ll see my Orcas tho. Enjoy

@leanneadams2549 yes, I am mindful that I’m very fortunate. I put a saving fund together and paid into it for about four years to cover the costs. I think for most people who do it, it’ll be the most expensive trip they’ll ever take.

​@leanneadams2549 oh, please, you can go if you do what you have to do. First thing change the way you think! Peace! ☺️

@@photographerlostintimber Yes, very much!

@@AshleyandChristian Hi Ashley and Christian, thanks so much, delighted you enjoyed it! Yes, the helicopter excursion is included for all passengers. There is also an extra you can pay for, heli-hiking, where you land inland a bit and get to trek. I had booked to do this, but the diversion for the medical emergency for the crew member meant it wasn’t possible: the expedition leader felt (correctly, i think) that it was better for everyone to get the helicopter trip included rather than a small number of people getting to do the optional extra.

Thanks Diemer, hopefully see you there again!

Many thanks, appreciate that, and sorry you’re not in there - it was early November? If you inexplicably ended up on the cutting room floor, there’ll have to be a Director’s Cut!! 😉

Thanks Savannah, yes, we had quite a few of them and it always felt surreal in somewhere that should be just normal, elegant European cities.

@@Terp99 героям слава! 🫡

@@anthonywilliams9852 Gosh, what an odd thing to take from the video… I think I’d have been perfectly happy as it happens - it wasn’t a big part of the trip.

@@YvetteCrabtree Thanks Yvette!

I love Chile too! ❤

Haha, no they didn’t - to be fair, pumping is simple, it was the pump operator that was the problem!! A great board, still going strong.

Thanks Mairead, glad you enjoyed it and that the craic came across in the video, it really was great fun as well as awe-inspiring!

Thanks so much, delighted you enjoyed it!

дякую Валерія - слава Україні 💙💛

Thank you, I only wish I was able to spend more time there. 🇺🇦 ❤️

That’s great, with Refugee Support Europe, you can apply to volunteer at this link: www.refugeesupporteu.com/volunteer-with-us/ Best of luck, I hope you get to do it!

Thanks so much, delighted that you enjoyed watching! There’s no TV channels as such, but there is a good selection of movies and TV programmes to “stream” as it were - I was too busy and didn’t watch any, so can’t remember what they have, but I remember thinking it was a good selection. Within that, there are of course Antarctic-themed shows and movies too. However, the in-room screen is mainly focused on ship activities and excursions. They had a live feed from the Ambassador theatre so you could rest and watch lectures from your room. The daily schedule was there as was an updating map showing the ship’s position. You could also check your bill for onboard purchases on the screen, learn more about the ship, check out spa services, and read info about the expedition team.

@@BarryKenny Thank you!!