308 @the 7th Continent

Antarctica had lived quietly in my plans since 2018. It’s not a journey you book on impulse. It is an expedition ,a crossing . It demands commitment — physically, emotionally and financially. Over the years, through countless photography expeditions, I met travelers who had already ventured south. Some came back transformed, unable to speak about it without reverence. Others felt it didn’t quite live up to the myth! These many versions and perspectives were carefully folded and tucked away into memory hoping one day I would write my own story .

My 2025 trip to Argentina became the game changer .We met with the JOYNTRIPS travelers who had just returned from the White Continent. Their energy was different — calm, grounded, but charged with something unspoken. Their conversations quietly sealed it for me.

January 23rd, 2026. Locked in…

I flew into Ushuaia a few days early — something I highly recommend. Let the “End of the world” settle into your bones before sailing beyond it.

We hiked the surrounding Andes with Emilio, crossing peat bogs and forest trails, stepping carefully over beaver dams that felt like intricate architectural masterpieces. Glacial lakes mirrored layered mountains beneath vast Patagonian skies. Later, we kayaked across Lago Escondido, drifting past fields of lupines in full bloom. I didn’t carry my camera — and for once, that felt right. Presence over perfection.

Team Antartcica were in place full anticipation mode … waiting for our introductory dinner where we’d finally meet the rest of the expedition team. There is something about the first evening .. the quiet excitement ,the knowing smiles that say “we are really going to do this “.

Embarkation day arrived quickly. At 2:30 PM, we boarded the bus, and suddenly it was real — we were heading to the ship. The port buzzed with beautiful chaos. Crew members moved with precision: checking passports, assigning cabins, guiding us to our rooms. Keys in hand, hearts racing. My cabin was 308: stepping into it felt like stepping into the prologue of something much bigger.

Briefings began almost immediately — safety protocols, expedition procedures, biosecurity measures. In Antarctica, nothing is casual. Every seed, every speck of dirt matters. Boots disinfected. Velcro inspected. Bags vacuumed. You quickly understand you are entering a place that allows you in — but does not need you.

At 6:00 PM sharp, the ship pulled away to cheers from the top deck. We waved Ushuaia goodbye as we sailed toward the unknown.

For the first time, our group represented every beautiful corner of the GCC. The camaraderie was instant, effortless — something we are deeply privileged to share in our part of the world..

“Drake Lake or Drake Shake?” hovered over every conversation.

Of course, the guys were rooting for the Shake.

We were told the crossing of the Drake Passage would begin around 11:00 PM. Sea-sickness meds taken, I went to sleep in anticipation.

We were lucky. The Drake welcomed us gently. The Southern Ocean stretched endlessly, silver and calm, punctuated occasionally by the distant blow of a whale. It felt less like a test and more like an invitation. The mood was set — Antarctica was receiving us kindly.

With favorable weather, we reached our first landing earlier than expected. The photography group was called ahead. Zodiac briefing. Disinfect boots. Line up. Move with purpose.

Our first landing was surreal. Chinstrap penguin marched past us as if we were irrelevant. A Weddell seal lay sprawled across the ice, entirely unbothered. Nearby, a Leopard seal rested — powerful, still, sovereign.In my excitement, I placed my camera bag directly on the ground. Rookie mistake. Immediate correction. A quiet reminder: nothing touches this land unnecessarily. Antarctica remains pristine because it is protected — and you feel the weight of that responsibility instantly.

Days blurred into a rhythm of landings, briefings, wildlife encounters, and late-night conversations. For the first two days, whales were distant silhouettes. I hoped for something closer. Something unforgettable.

Kayaking in the Southern Ocean delivered that shift. After two weather cancellations, we were finally cleared to launch. Ocean kayaking is different — the water feels heavier, the currents unpredictable, the silence almost textured

Then, in the stillness, two Humpback whale surfaced nearby. A slow exhale. A plume of mist. They moved with a grace that felt sacred. In that moment, I understood — Antarctica doesn’t overwhelm you. It seeps into you.

From the kayak, we moved on to one of the most emotional milestones: setting foot on mainland Antarctica. Hiking to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking a bay framed by ice and silence, I felt everything at once — the years of planning, the anticipation, the gratitude. I wasn’t just visiting.

I had arrived.

And I was surrounded by the best company. Antarctica is powerful on its own — but shared, it multiplies.

The photography groups rotated between Pia and Steve and when the weather conditions forced a cancellation in the morning the disappointment was quiet, but palpable. Antarctica has its own rhythm and we were learning to surrender to it .By afternoon the conditions had shifted . Time to head out to what will be the last outing for us . The water was unsettled and a low chop rolling beneath the zodiac ,but no one cared . if anything the delay had sharpened our focus . As Steve guided us between the towering ice bergs movement caught our attention ahead. Humpbacks bubble net feeding . A choreography of precision and power unfolding in the open water . It was mesmerizing until one surfaced beside us . Then it was Jaw Dropping ! Close enough to see the ridges etched along its body -Close enough to hear its breathe - deep -resonant -alive. It wasn’t long before we realized we were in the middle of around 20 plus humpbacks ,surrounding us, surfacing and diving in slow choreography. It felt cinematic — except there were no screens, no edits, no filters. Just us in the middle of something extraordinary.

The farewell dinner felt equally special. Our photography highlights lit up the big screen, followed by candid moments from the journey. Laughter. Applause. Auctions and lottery tickets. I won the “Name a Whale” lottery — and I think I’ve chosen my baby’s name.

Eventually, like all journeys, it ended.

We crossed back over the Drake Passage carrying more than photographs. We carried perspective — a recalibration of scale, silence, and what beauty truly means.
Grateful to the incredible team at Albatros Expeditions — Pia, Steve, Dani, Nico, Diego, Mariano to name a few —

JoyNTrips and Mejroxy for curating an experience that exceeded every expectation.

Antarctica is the seventh continent — the sixth for me — but without question, the most profound.

Some destinations impress you.

Antarctica changes you

Visa requirements :.

Antarctica doesn’t require a visa but depending where your cruise departs so either Chile or Argentina .

Chiile visa is online very straightforward .

Argentina is from their embassy in Riyadh You can download the forms ,and Dhl them there. upon completion you will be contacted by the embassy to inform Dhl for collection and delivery .

Mobiles: -My esim from Airalo didn’t work in Argentina for an unknown reason On board the cruise the wifi is accessible . thank you JOYN for covering it for us .

Pile up the sunscreen and keep it in your backpack at all times . The reflection of the rays off the snow clad mountains is very intense. . Meds are readily available . Make sure you have what you need . Maybe you would need more anti nausea if you don’t handle sea sickness.

A power bank is a must as the cold weather drains the mobile batteries and constantly taking photos and videos will drain them too.

Cameras and lenses : You will be using the telephoto lens . As we are usually in close proximity of the animals,the 100400mm was enough but the 600mm can come in handy for bird shots . Keep a wide angle lens as well as you might need it for environmental photos.or close up of whales

-Travel with a minimum of two camera bodies. Easier than switching lenses.

-Bring as many camera batteries as possible.

Clothing : Parka and boots are supplied by the cruise. you need layer so you decide on how much your body retains the heat . decide on that . it will be layers .so three is more than fine . gloves for sure and a warm woolen hat on the cruise it heated and warm so anything lounge will work

otwear : trainers and flip-flops will work as you will hardly be walking anywhere .

Sunglasses//sunscreen/ shampoo/lotion/soap/hats/ a full medical kit (paracetamol,vita c , anti nausea, anti diarrhea , hand sanitiser )

Tour Organizer : Mejroxy/ Albatross Expedition