Skitara Globe Explorers Club

It’s that part of the year where choosing the right start to your Alaska adventure matters just as much as the journey itself.

Last weekend, we stayed at Populus Seattle.

Located in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square, the hotel beautifully blends modern elegance with the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. The design feels deeply connected to nature, warm woods, earthy textures, soft natural light, greenery, and calm, open spaces that immediately create a sense of ease.

It’s modern without feeling cold. Stylish without trying too hard.
The kind of hotel where every detail feels thoughtful and intentional.

What I appreciated most was the atmosphere: calm, welcoming, refined, and very Seattle in the best possible way.

A wonderful choice for travelers looking for a hotel with character, comfort, and a strong sense of place before the next adventure begins.

For me, travel design is not just about booking a cruise or creating an itinerary. It is about knowing my travelers, guiding them through the details, being there when they need support, and helping them experience places that stay with them long after they return home.

Antarctica has a way of making us feel small, humbled, and completely alive. The whales, the landings, the snow, the silence, the wildlife, it changes you.

Thank you, Stan and Marilyn, for trusting me and Skitara for so many years. It is a privilege to be part of your journeys.

And yes… I am smiling that you are already looking forward to the Balkans. ❤️

Choosing the right Antarctica journey is not just about the ship. It is about choosing the experience that fits you.

Some travelers are drawn to the more luxurious expedition ships and yachts, where comfort, beautiful design, and elevated service are part of the journey. Others are looking for an experience where adventure, wildlife, landings, and learning are the true priority, with ships like HX showing that you can still have a very beautiful vessel while keeping the expedition spirit front and center.

Antarctica voyages come in many forms, and that is where the choice really matters. Some itineraries are shorter and focus mainly on the Antarctic Peninsula. Others go much deeper, ranging up to 21 days and beyond, and those are often the journeys I encourage travelers to look at closely.

If you have the time and want the richest experience possible, I am a big believer in the more in-depth expeditions that include the Falklands and South Georgia, not just Antarctica itself. South Georgia, especially, is one of those places that stays with you, dramatic, remote, wildlife-rich, and unforgettable.

And for travelers who love the idea of Antarctica but would rather skip the Drake Passage, there is also the fly-cruise option. On these itineraries, you fly south and meet the ship in Antarctica, which means you begin exploring sooner without crossing the Drake by sea.

The right expedition is not about choosing the “best” ship on paper. It is about choosing the itinerary, pace, and style that matches the kind of explorer you are.

If Antarctica is on your list, I’d be happy to help you think through which experience fits you best.

Antarctica, Alaska, or South America, I believe the best journeys stay longer after you return home, in pictures you treasure, the stories you tell, and the people you met along the way. That is a kind of travel I love creating. What makes a journey unforgettable for you?

We just wrapped up our South America season… and I’ve been sitting with a simple feeling - gratitude.

This year took us from the landscapes of South America to the stillness of Antarctica, and all the way to Australia and New Zealand. And behind every single journey were people who made it what it was.

To our explorers, thank you for trusting us. For saying yes. For being curious, present, and open to these experiences. It means more than I can fully put into words.

And to our lead guides and partners on the ground, you are the heart of every journey. The care, knowledge, and attention you bring is what makes these experiences unforgettable.

And now… we’re less than two weeks away from opening the Alaska season.

The excitement is in the air, and so is winter, apparently… because yes, there is still a lot of snow on the ground.

I feel incredibly lucky to do this work and to be part of these moments.

Truly - thank you. 🤍

We woke up this morning to a message from our Explorers in New Zealand. This is why we do what we do. Hearing how happy they are, how cared for they feel, and how everything simply flows, reminds us that great travel isn’t about how far you go. It’s about how deeply you experience a place.

As we step into a new year, we wanted to share something truly special with our explorers.

This is a glimpse into Antarctica as we experienced it this past season, moments captured in our expedition logbook:
the silence, the ice, the wildlife, the feeling of standing at the edge of the world where time slows down and perspective shifts.

Antarctica has a way of reminding us of what truly matters: presence, wonder, and shared moments that stay with us long after the journey ends.

To our past, present, and future explorers:
thank you for trusting us with your dreams and for choosing travel that is meaningful, intentional, and deeply human.

This video is our New Year’s gift to you.

Here’s to more curiosity, more wonder, and more unforgettable journeys in the year ahead.

Happy New Year from all of us at Skitara.
❄️🐧🌍

If you haven’t received a copy of the Antarctica Logbook, simply send us your email address by DM or comment “LOGBOOK”, and we’ll share it with you.

To watch the video, simply click the image below.

2025.11.30 - MS Fridtjof Nansen Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.