The Southernmost World: Antarctica, Part 2: The Newayer Journey

Text by Yu Tai

Photography by Yu Tai

Someone once said that apart from the place where they lived, they had never set foot anywhere else. Hearing that gave me a faint ache.

At some point, I became aware of the awkwardness of age. Going out into the world had become a knot in my heart. Antarctica had become a stormy sea inside me. Struggling with that desire made me realize clearly that travel itself could be a kind of rescue. So Newayer, along with several other companies offering Antarctica trips, became the boats that might ferry me across. After repeated comparisons of price, reputation and after-sales support, I finally chose Newayer. Facts proved that I had made the right choice.

I do not speak English, so I relied on the tour leader for the ordinary details of the journey.

After I told Lan Xi from Newayer what I needed, I did not expect that at Beijing Airport, Newayer leader Wang Miao would make me feel the kind of care usually given to someone who needs protection. For someone like me, who had spent six consecutive years crossing remote areas in China, it felt almost as if my wings had been trimmed.

At first, I was not used to being looked after. It blurred the line between imagination and reality. My feelings were complicated. Surrounded by English words and unfamiliar voices, I moved as if in a haze, like a bewildered child, following the group closely and not daring to fall behind.

By the time the plane landed in Paris, the spirit of the group had already taken shape: joyful, easy, trusting and warm. Quietly, I was glad that I had chosen correctly.

Photo location: Plaza de Mayo

Walking through Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, the foreign scenery brightened my eyes. Having grown accustomed to Chinese architecture, I found something fresh in my field of vision. I love my country and do not worship the foreign, but appreciation needs truth. This city was the real starting point of our Antarctica journey. Although I knew where the journey would end, my heart still flew like that of a young person. The freedom of a vast world and the streets of a foreign city unfolded before me like a scroll.

That day's sightseeing included Plaza de Mayo, the colorful La Boca district, the world's most beautiful bookstore, the famous Teatro Colon and the well-known cemetery in Argentina.

In that way, we walked through a good part of the capital. Newayer arranged the day tightly. Even though it was a quick overview, intangible impressions still settled in the heart. As I watched, joy gradually rose, and at that moment I seemed to feel the true weight of travel.

The service along the way was excellent. I am not someone who nitpicks, and for a traveler who had often endured rough outdoor conditions, this level of service already felt very high. Please forgive my limited experience.

When the plane landed in Ushuaia, enthusiasm suddenly rose to another level, and longing expanded with it. We were going to board here, cross the Drake Passage and realize the dream of setting foot on the Antarctic Peninsula.

There was still some time before boarding, and Newayer arranged for us to visit Tierra del Fuego National Park. We saw the world's southernmost post office, reached the end-of-the-world photo point, bought postcards and walked around the town of Ushuaia. None of it felt quite real. That instant happiness belonged entirely to the act of moving forward.

With such a good beginning, the following days on the ship carried no burden and no fear. Online descriptions had made the Drake Passage sound violent and merciless, but our own crossing ended in calm seas. Before we had time to feel tragic or wait for fierce waves, we had passed through safely.

All of us were extremely lucky.

I still remember Mr. Zhao saying that he had wanted to experience big waves and a pitching ship. Unfortunately, the Drake Passage did not give him the chance.

I am not writing an advertisement, but I still want to praise Newayer's service: it was thoughtful.

They celebrated guests' birthdays.

They made dumplings for the Lunar New Year.

We held our own Spring Festival gala.

There was much more, too much to list.

An additional note

I never expected to spend Lunar New Year on a cruise ship.

It was an unexpected gain.

Because of the weather, King George Island was not suitable for aircraft landing. We were held on board and drifted for three days in the waters near King George Island. The original plan was to spend Lunar New Year in Chile and eat Chinese food there. But plans cannot outrun change. Our whole group, and even several other cruise ships, were forced to remain anchored in the bay.

Newayer and the ship's service were very warm. Every day there were thoughtful announcements reminding us to keep a good attitude and wait patiently. Each day they would tell us, with humor, that there was good news and bad news. The good news was that they had arranged many special activities for us: cruising, landings, games, lectures and more. That allowed us to spend another three leisurely days on the ship. Everything was free, everything was luxurious, and we enjoyed five-star service with peace of mind, without paying anything extra.

On Lunar New Year day, the ship added small details. The notice board displayed Chinese characters wishing everyone a happy Spring Festival. At the restaurant, staff greeted us in imperfect Chinese, trying hard to say "Happy New Year", which felt very warm.

In the morning, we sat in the fourth-floor lounge, watched the Spring Festival Gala with the time difference, drank cocktails and ate desserts. It was pure happiness. In the evening, we held our own gala. There were hosts and a full program that felt quite proper. Everyone was excited. Talented guests performed songs, dances, comic routines, magic, quizzes and auctions. The whole event was full of joy. If we had not needed to disembark at four the next morning, staying up all night would have been entirely possible.

In those days, several friends sent me online stories claiming that Antarctica delays could cost more than 200,000 yuan extra. I read them too and felt they were more of a gimmick. When you travel with a group, you do not face that kind of extra cost on your own.

In the end, I want to say this: choosing the right team matters. Do you remember Newayer now?

Photo location: colorful La Boca district

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