Cruising around the Antarctic Peninsula & Paradise Bay | NCL Star NYE 2023

Welcome back to Mer Cruises Solo! Today is day 10 of 16 on my solo South America and Antarctica cruise on the Norwegian Star, and we officially, finally, reach Antarctica! I woke up super early so I wouldn't miss a thing - and the early wake up call was so worth it - the views were INCREDIBLE! We cruised around the Antarctic Peninsula, through the Gerlache Strait to Paradise Bay, and even got blue sunny skies! So many icebergs, lots of whales, penguins swimming and hanging out on the ice, it was incredible. The scenery was stunning, the wildlife was plentiful, and the views from my balcony left nothing to be desired - I had an absolutely amazing day with views that just left me in awe. We capped off the day by ringing in 2024 together, as this was New Years Eve!
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🎬 Filmed with:
📸 Sony ZV-1F Camera
📱 iPhone 14 Pro Max

[@adamsaldana5462]

im doing a solo on the Getaway. A simple western Caribbean Itinerary. First time solo, hope I'm ready to be alone with my thoughts.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

I hope you have an amazing time! Solo travel is so freeing and relaxing ☺️

[@mimikarenbryant7325]

Your videos bring back pleasant memories of our South America & Antarctica cruise on HAL in 2015. Would love to do the same itinerary you did as a revisit! Would never get tired of the amazing vistas and the penguins and whales!!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

I agree! I absolutely plan to do this (or similar) itinerary again and experience some different excursions, there is just SO much to see! Thanks for watching! :)

[@thelifeofreillytravels]

Wow, you got to go further south than we did! 😮 Paradise Bay looks amazing!😍

[@MerCruisesSolo]

It was incredible! Highlight of the trip for sure!

[@sail2day822]

Bucket list cruise

[@sail2day822]

Best video narration I have seen on You Tube

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Thank you so much!!! ☺️

[@chrishiggs7351]

Antartica looks fantastic, glad you had great weather and were able to see a lot of wildlife and the glaciers.

[@kerryharder2416]

Wow, so amazing what a trip and so many memories! Thank you for sharing with us.

[@JoeHartman80]

This is such a bucket list trip. You lucked out with some gorgeous weather.

[@brianfoster4434]

thank you for this content. I really enjoy it.

[@magenof1440]

You had such great weather!! I’m jealous!

[@44monsterman]

Just added this one to my bucket list.

[@CruisingWithJT]

Wow… this was so well narrated and put together! Nicely done! Definitely a bucket list trip! Thank you for sharing your experience, now I need to go to Antarctica!! The weather was fantastic, the views of everything were incredible and the wildlife simply amazing. Talk about an awesome way to start the new year! 🎉🙌🏽

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Thank you SOO much for this comment! It truly was such an incredible experience!!

[@pams6792]

Penguin so cute. I zoomed in.

[@craigsmith6446]

I have enjoyed your video log of your Antarctic cruise. I am researching doing this myself, NCL is at the top of the list because of the reduced single supplement, you mentioned this in an earlier episode. Sometime you gotta go solo if you want to do trips like these. Glad you had a great time!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Thanks for watching, so glad you are enjoying the vlogs!

[@sandrawalker948]

We were on the Norwegian Star in 2009 and will be on her again in September 2025 for our Norway/Iceland/Scotland cruise. We really did like her. Did you enjoy sailing on her? Also, your makeup is beautiful, do you mind if I ask what you use? Thank you

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Thank you! Yes, I enjoyed the Star, she’s a great little ship! Only thing missing is an Observation Lounge, it would be a great addition. As far as my makeup, most likely wearing ‘It Cosmetics’ in this video, it’s my go to!

[@cravechannel]

Hi! Thank you so much for the fantastic videos! I am booked for the same cruise in January. I'm very interested in your candid assessment. I'm terrified of sailing the Drake Passage. I am now struggling with my feelings about making that journey and then not landing in Antarctica. The scenery sailing around looks incredible. I feel that it's unlikely I'll go again though. I'm not much of a cruiser, and typically travel in other ways. Did you feel satisfied with the Antarctica experience provided on this particular cruise? Thank you!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

I was so happy with my Antarctica experience on this cruise, I thought it was absolutely incredible and loved every minute!! The captain and professional experts on board would never put the passengers at risk if the weather or waves were unsafe in the Drake Passage, so I wouldn’t worry about that! We had a very smooth ride, all things considered :)

[@AussieInUS]

Your videos are getting better. But room for improvement as far as editing goes. Thanks all the same. Continue NCL cruising, still great. Thank you.

[@mvnorsel6354]

Perhaps one of the last ever to visit Paradise Bay on NCL ?

[@MerCruisesSolo]

It is still on the 2024 and 2025 season’s itineraries, hope it stays!

[@shannyrenee17]

I just put my deposit down for Dec 2025! (Don't have as much time off this year.)

[@MrP19883]

Wow ..makes me want to go back there. Amazing world we live in . Let’s keep it that way🐣

[@tropicalbreez5]

I will be taking this cruise in Jan 25! I need some advice on a packing list for this cruise since it covers multiple temp zones and excursions. Any advice?

[@MerCruisesSolo]

My biggest packing tips are to pack layers! Merino wool clothing packs well, can be worn multiple times before needing to be washed and dries quickly, I brought several merino wool sweaters and they were great in the cold weather. You spend a lot of time on the ship so lounge wear got worn most of the time (sweatshirt/sweatpants). For the warm days it does get HOT so you’ll need clothes that will keep you cool. Hope that helps!

[@tropicalbreez5]

@@MerCruisesSolo Do you need formal wear for dinner or are jeans acceptable? Like you I am traveling solo.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@tropicalbreez5 you don’t need formal wear, jeans are completely fine! (they just can’t be ripped)

[@tropicalbreez5]

Thank you! I’m excited!