Crossing the Drake Passage, we got to know our fellow passengers and swapped stories. The passage is around 800 to 1,000km wide and takes about two days to cross, which left plenty of time for getting acquainted. Out on the water we saw a black-browed albatross gliding low over the sea.
We also went to lectures on the nature of Antarctica, which taught us a lot about where we were heading.
Good to know
- The Drake Passage: it’s around 800 to 1,000km wide and takes about two days to cross. It can be rough, but calm crossings are more common than the stories suggest. Britannica
- Seasickness: bring tablets or patches and start them before you sail.
- Before the first landing: you’ll clean your boots, clothes and bags so no seeds or soil reach Antarctica. That’s part of the visitor rules every ship follows. Antarctic visitor guidelines
We checked these details in October 2026. Times, prices and rules do change, so it’s worth a quick look at the official sites before you go.