Crossing the Drake Passage | A First‑Timer’s Guide to Reaching Antarctica

What is the Drake Passage really like to cross and how does it feel when you’re sailing it for the very first time? In this episode of The Expedition Cruise Podcast, host Rona Wheeldon takes you through one of the most talked‑about parts of any Antarctica expedition cruise: the Drake Passage. From what it is and why it’s so unique, to what the crossing actually feels like day‑to‑day, you’ll get a clear, honest and reassuring look at this legendary stretch of ocean. Drawing on her January 2025 voyage onboard Viking’s expedition ship Octantis, Rona shares what helped with seasickness, how the ship handled the conditions, and the moment that made the entire journey feel unforgettable. You’ll learn: - What makes the Drake Passage one of the most fascinating stretches of ocean on Earth - Why conditions vary so much, from the “Drake Shake” to the “Drake Lake” - What the crossing is actually like onboard a modern expedition ship - How to prepare if you’re worried about seasickness - What to expect on the return crossing and why it can feel so different Whether you’re planning your own Antarctica expedition cruise or simply curious about this iconic crossing, this episode gives you an insightful, experience‑led look at what the Drake Passage is really like ...far beyond the dramatic videos online. AD | PR Invite | @VikingCruises | #myvikingstory TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:44 What is the Drake Passage? 00:02:27 Why is it called the Drake Passage? 00:02:55 Antarctic Circumpolar Current 00:03:06 The Drake Shake v The Drake Lake 00:03:22 Departing from Ushuaia 00:03:38 The Beagle Channel 00:04:17 My Personal Experience 00:06:06 Life Onboard 00:07:00 Seasickness Tips 00:07:50 Why the Drake Passage Behaves the Way it Does 00:08:38 The Journey Back to Ushuaia 00:09:58 My Personal Recommendations THE EXPEDITION CRUISE PODCAST ○ What is an Expedition Cruise? | Episode 1 | https://youtu.be/v09ChhVpX0c ○ Who is Expedition Cruising For? | Episode 2 | https://youtu.be/bQaXChZyee8 ○ Where Can You Go on an Expedition Cruise? | Episode 3 | https://youtu.be/XbuYo5sUqZU ○ What Makes an Expedition Ship Different? | Episode 4 | https://youtu.be/KYGDiLXjkZs ○ Life Onboard an Expedition Ship | What to Expect | Episode 5 | https://youtu.be/yopbgwXqZUM ○ Antarctica Wildlife Encounters | What You’ll Really See on an Expedition Cruise | Episode 6 | https://youtu.be/L13zumkSA2Y IN-DEPTH EXPEDITION CRUISE VIDEOS ○ 13 Day Viking Antarctica Cruise (Full Experience) | https://youtu.be/EoqE0SZ3P_U ○ What to Wear on Excursions | Antarctic Explorer with Viking Expeditions | https://youtu.be/XKu0LMTgqos ○ Viking Antarctica Expedition Packing Guide for First Timers | https://youtu.be/RNkiXHKBHmA ○ Viking Octantis World Café Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | https://youtu.be/pWH43RSiZHY ○ What You Need to Know About Viking's Expedition Ships: Full Review | https://youtu.be/HvJ7WINsx6M FOLLOW MY ADVENTURES: ○ Website | https://ronawheeldon.com ○ Blog | https://www.ronawheeldon.com/blog ○ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ronawheeldon/ ○ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/RonaWheeldonUK/ ○ Pinterest | https://uk.pinterest.com/ronawheeldonuk/ ○ X | https://x.com/RonaWheeldon ○ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@ronawheeldon EQUIPMENT USED: ○ Video Camera 1* | https://amzn.to/3xidi4M ○ Micro Card* | https://amzn.to/3VoynCt ○ Photography Camera 2* | https://amzn.to/458kPjj ○ SD Card* | https://amzn.to/3x4dAw4 ○ Tripod/Selfie Stick* | https://amzn.to/4ejjnhT ○ Black Lapel Microphone* | https://amzn.to/3TpG5JY DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored, but Viking did host my husband and I for this voyage. All opinions are honest and my own. Links containing affiliate links are denoted by a '*'. This means that if you click on an affiliate link, go through to the retailer and purchase an item, I will receive a small percentage of your purchase