How We Spent Our Family Vacation: A Kid-Friendly Expedition to Antarctica

The Rowley family, consisting of Rebecca, Jeremy, and their nine-year-old daughter Violet, embarked on an Antarctica expedition cruise, recognizing it would be a unique travel experience. However, they did not anticipate the profound impact this journey would have on Violet, who had already explored more than twenty countries with her parents but had yet to encounter the pristine silence of the southern continent.

The Beginning: A Milestone Birthday and Bold Decision

The concept for the trip emerged from a birthday celebration. As Jeremy approached his fiftieth birthday, having already visited six of the seven continents, it became clear that Antarctica was the next logical destination. "I was skeptical," Rebecca recalls. "Antarctica had never been on my travel bucket list." Nevertheless, Jeremy made a compelling argument for the journey: to seize the moment while health and vitality allowed them to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Despite logistical challenges—both parents working full-time and the difficulty of finding someone to care for Violet during their absence—they decided to proceed, and the experience turned out to surpass all expectations.

Why a Family Should Consider Antarctica

While Jeremy's birthday provided the initial impetus, a deeper motivation rooted in their shared belief in the value of travel was at play. "Traveling together was a passion that brought us together when we first met and chose to marry," Rebecca states.

Antarctica represented an uncharted territory for the family. Rebecca had not visualized herself going there, and taking a child to such a remote locale introduced additional uncertainties. "I worried Violet might find it boring or be inattentive," she mused. However, those concerns ultimately proved unfounded.

Planning the Journey: Multi-Day Travel Before You Board

Reaching Antarctica is an adventure in itself. The Rowleys departed from Salt Lake City two days early, concerned about potential TSA delays due to threatened government shutdowns. Their journey began with a day in Atlanta before boarding an overnight flight to Santiago, Chile, a country they were eager to explore.

They allocated three additional days in Santiago prior to meeting their Lindblad-National Geographic expedition group. This time allowed them to discover the Chilean capital, partake in a day trip to the coastal cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar, and visit a resort in Portillo. The extra days also facilitated their adjustment to the new time zone. However, packing for the varied climates posed a challenge: clothing for the warm Santiago weather and the cold Antarctic temperatures needed to be coordinated.

Afterward, they took a chartered flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, followed by a guided tour of Tierra del Fuego National Park and a catamaran cruise through the Beagle Channel. By the time they boarded the Resolution, the Lindblad-National Geographic ship, they had been traveling for nearly a week.

First Steps Ashore: The Reality of Antarctica

Rebecca was unprepared for the emotions she felt upon first stepping ashore. "Having lived in Utah's snowy landscape, I didn't expect the snowy paths to evoke excitement," she shared. However, Antarctica presents an experience unlike any other. The breathtaking icebergs, playful penguins, and visible whale spouts from the deck quickly contributed to an overwhelming sensory experience.

During their inaugural shore expedition, the family hiked to a peak overlooking the ship and arrived at a small penguin colony. As three penguins waddled by, oblivious to the humans, they belly-slid into the icy water. From their vantage point, Rebecca admired the Resolution amidst the stark beauty of icy peaks, and observed small Zodiac boats transporting other groups ashore. "Having visited over 60 countries, I had never felt this much like a guest in a place, so out of my element," she shared. "It was exhilarating, realizing how isolated we were compared to the vast Antarctic landscape."

What This Journey Meant for Violet

Violet fully immersed herself in the Antarctic experience. Rebecca watched her climb a steep hill to touch a glacier and inquire if she could lick it. She delighted in mimicking the sounds of penguins and seals, bouncing excitedly when witnessing a penguin’s defecation. Among her many activities, she touched an iceberg, learned about boot cleanliness to protect the ecosystem, and embraced the chance to paddle a kayak.

On a calm afternoon, the expedition leaders offered kayaking, and Rebecca and Violet shared a kayak while Jeremy paddled his own. With Violet wielding her paddle enthusiastically against ice chunks and occasionally directing it toward her mother, they navigated around small icebergs, observing the nearby penguins and cormorants. Suddenly, the water began to churn, and a group of penguins surfaced beside them, chirping animatedly. "We followed them for a while as they swam and leaped around us," Rebecca recounted. "It was an unforgettable afternoon."

On another day, a pod of killer whales swam alongside the ship, allowing the family to marvel at their majestic presence as they surfaced and dove by the hull. A high wind forced the cancellation of a planned landing, yet the ship's captain ingeniously maneuvered the Resolution onto a sheet of fast ice—three and a half feet thick. As the ice cracked beneath their feet, the thrilling vibrations coursed through the entire vessel. Once it was deemed stable, they disembarked onto the ice, decked in life jackets, and were greeted by a nearby crabeater seal.

Kids Programming Made All the Difference

Unknown to Rebecca at the time of booking, the Lindblad-National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program for children was an integral part of their cruise. The program leader, Shannon, introduced herself to Violet even before they boarded the ship. On challenging sea days, Shannon led engaging activities, such as painting with meltwater from ice chunks, sketching wildlife seen that day, and educating the children about Antarctic climate and history. At the end of the expedition, Violet received a notebook, an Explorer beanie, and a certificate—items Rebecca considers lasting keepsakes.

Other team members also left a lasting impression. Stefano Pozzi guided the children on a tour of the Zodiac garage and paused a Zodiac excursion to allow them to examine a piece of ice, taste it, and use it to cool their drinks. Rachael Miller, a visiting scientist from National Geographic associated with the Rozalia Project, spent time with Violet analyzing water samples and fibers collected around the world as part of her research. Together, they looked at samples under a microscope in the ship's lounge.

Violet also enjoyed regular visits to the bridge, where Captain Martin Graser warmly welcomed young guests. "She became emotional when we had to leave the ship and say goodbye to Shannon and Stefano," Rebecca noted. Inspired by the journey, Violet now aspires to be a scientist with her own Zodiac boat.

The Journey Home

The return journey was the most taxing segment of the trip. Following several layovers, it took almost forty hours to arrive back in Utah. One of the most challenging stretches was an eight-hour wait at Santiago airport after their chartered flight from Ushuaia, which left the family confined to the main lobby with limited seating, scarce outlets, and restricted security access until check-in opened. To pass the time, they cycled through video games, movies, books, toys, and a watercolor kit.

Rebecca expressed a desire for an extra day in Santiago on their return trip. "We initially considered a longer expedition that included South Georgia," she mentioned. "However, due to job constraints and Violet's school schedule, this wasn't practical, yet we all wish we had chosen to spend more time together exploring."

Packing and Keeping Kids Comfortable

Rebecca noted that their gear list was well thought out. They adhered to the National Geographic packing guide, opted to purchase and break in their own boots prior to the trip, and wore motion sickness patches throughout the journey. Layering was critical, given how dramatically temperatures could fluctuate within a single day. The casual dress code aboard the ship ensured Violet felt at ease in her sweatpants, alleviating the pressure to pack anything more formal.

Violet's preparedness for the journey drew on habits established from years of family travel: noise-canceling headphones, an inflatable travel pillow, a Kindle filled with books, small toys, and art supplies. They included a Nintendo Switch for long layovers and sea days. Importantly, they allowed Violet time to engage in childlike activities—spending forty-five minutes in a playground in Santiago when she needed to energize, watching hours of Bluey onboard, and enjoying Mario Kart sessions when time permitted. "Giving her choices about activities is crucial for Violet’s enjoyment," Rebecca noted.

Advice for Families Considering Antarctica

Rebecca's primary advice is straightforward: undertake the journey. "Initially, I was apprehensive about whether our Antarctica expedition would be meaningful for Violet," she said. "Fortunately, my worries were unfounded, as she remained engaged and enthusiastic throughout." Furthermore, she encourages families to select a tour operator that emphasizes shore expeditions, as time spent off the vessel is where the most memorable experiences occur. Additionally, inquire about children's programming before making a booking. Lastly, having at least one other child onboard significantly enhances the experience, as it did for Violet.

Bring a variety of activities for each travel day—movies, books, art supplies, and small toys—and be ready to adapt. "The key is a combination of planning ahead and packing items, like movies, books, and travel art sets, that keep children entertained while navigating airports or during downtime," Rebecca advises.

Trip Summary

Group size: Two adults, one child

Days on the road: 17

Cost of Cruise: $51,285

International flights: $4,428