10 www.wildfoottravel.com INTERVIEW Crue Mike Gardiner reflects on his recent Antarctic expedition cruise with AE Expeditions aboard their state-of-the-art polar vessel, MV Greg Mortimer ANTARCTICA ACTIVE What was your first impression of Antarctica? My first experience of Antarctica was on the Antarctica Active voyage aboard the Greg Mortimer, and what struck me immediately was the calm. The space, the quiet, and the constant presence of wildlife set the mood from the start. Penguins cut through the water, seabirds circled above, and it was clear we had entered a place ruled entirely by nature. That serenity came with a rising sense of anticipation, a feeling that the days ahead would reveal far more than we could yet imagine. Which activities were you most looking forward to and were there any you were unsure about beforehand? Hiking and kayaking were what I’d most looked forward to: being out on the ice with wildlife close by. Snorkelling felt more like a curiosity than a highlight, mainly because of the cold. However, it turned out to be remarkable. Beneath the brash ice the light became soft and muted, and the sheer volume of krill showed how the whole food chain begins with something so small. Penguins darted beneath us, making it feel as though we had briefly stepped into their world. Even so, camping stayed with me most: a night on the ice, wrapped in silence, unlike anything else on the voyage. What was it like travelling on an expedition ship? Life aboard had a genuine sense of community. With fewer passengers and an engaging expedition team, the ship suddenly felt open and friendly. Everyone was there to experience Antarctica up close, which sparked easy conversation, comparing wildlife sightings, swapping tips, and reliving each landing. The food also impressed. Every meal was consistently high quality, with remarkable variety given the remoteness. Whether before a landing or after a full day on the ice, the standard never slipped, adding a welcome layer of comfort to an active, wildlife-focused journey. How important was the expedition team to the overall experience? The expedition team shaped the journey. Their knowledge, approachability and constant interpretation of wildlife and ice added real depth, and their flexibility kept us in the best places each day. A standout moment came at Damoy Point when the team opened the old British transit hut. Mike Gardiner Senior Travel Designer Wildfoot Travel | Wildfoot Horizons Magazine - Summer 2026
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