Tony Cosenza, CTA

An expedition cruise to Antarctica is a dream that tops so many “bucket lists.” My most recent journey was with Atlas Ocean Voyages, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. From the very beginning, every detail was taken care of—starting with a pre-cruise hotel stay in Buenos Aires, charter flights to and from Ushuaia, and nearly everything included onboard. We sailed aboard the World Navigator, a ship purpose-built for expedition cruising. What makes her so special is the story behind her—crafted by a husband-and-wife team of shipbuilders who are also investors in Atlas. Their passion and expertise are evident in every detail, creating a vessel that is both exceptionally comfortable and thoughtfully designed. It is truly one of the finest ships I’ve ever experienced. Crossing the legendary Drake Passage, we felt the “wake” and the excitement that comes with entering this remote frontier. A world-class expedition team of experts in Antarctica, marine life, and oceanography guided us every step of the way. While at sea, they prepared us with engaging lectures, safety training, and fittings for our boots and parkas. Once we arrived, the adventure began—two landings most days, one in the morning and another in the afternoon, each at breathtakingly different locations. The encounters with wildlife were unforgettable: penguins by the thousands, soaring seabirds, and whales surfacing so close it felt surreal. To stand in such pristine wilderness, surrounded by nothing but nature, was humbling and awe-inspiring. We traveled in February, when the days were mostly sunny and the temperatures hovered around 40°F—far more pleasant than many expect. What we brought home, beyond the photos and memories, was a profound appreciation for this last great continent and its importance to the health of our planet. Planning an expedition to Antarctica requires insight and experience—and that’s where I come in. Having sailed these waters myself, I know the ships, the landings, and the details that make the difference. It would be my pleasure to help design your voyage of a lifetime.