This icy landmass at the far south of the globe is, on average, the tallest, coldest, windiest, and driest (in terms of precipitation) continent on Earth. It’s also a starkly beautiful, pristine landscape—mountains, ice sheets, and seas painted in hues of white, black, gray, and blue. Antarctica has no land mammals and very few plants, but it’s rich in marine life and birds, including whales, seals, and penguins. Chris fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Antarctica when she traveled there in 2025 with our friend Nora on a Viking Expeditions cruise.
When We Visited
January 2025
Major Stops
Antarctic Peninsula (Anvers Island, Winter Island, Danco Island, Spert Island, Errera Channel, Wilhelmina Bay, Charlotte Bay); Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego National Park, Argentina
Memorable Moment
On my last day in Antarctica, setting foot on the mainland (my sixth continent!) after having walked other days on islands or sea ice
Did You Know?
The 1959 Antarctic Treaty forbids industrial and military activities and reserves Antarctica for peaceful uses, such as scientific research. Several dozen countries operate research stations on the continent. Their population totals about 5,000 in the summer and 1,000 in the winter. In addition, some 100,000 tourists visit Antarctica each year (almost entirely by ship, with limited opportunities for landings).
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