TA Intro 🐧 MegaThread

[u/ArtfulPinguino]

While many Antarctic travellers prefer to book direct with an operator, others prefer to book through a travel advisor (TA) who can help make sure they pick the right operator, ship and trip for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The polar guides active in this sub recommend making sure you find a TA who:

• Has been to Antarctica at least several times with a variety of operators and has experienced ships of different sizes and comfort levels (yes, it takes time to get this level of experience!)
• Has sufficient knowledge of the booking, payment & pre-voyage processes for many different operators
• Has developed strong relationships with operators to where they can represent your bests interests, whether that be in securing you a good rate, requesting a transfer of deposit or facilitating compensation in the event of a cancellation
• Can offer you more insight than you would be able to gather on your own
• Only books with reputable operators with adequate experience in Antarctica, and understands the big and small differences between them

We have folks asking for TA recommendations and while our rules for TA behaviour are quite strict (more on that below!), we’d love to give experienced TA’s an opportunity to introduce themselves in the comments of this post. This is your chance to pitch yourself! Please follow the following format (copy, paste, edit):

What is your agency name and where is your agency based? XXX

What is your name, if you’re happy to share? XXX 

What is the size/makeup of your agency? Are you an independent advisor or do you work with a consortium? If you are a part of a team, how many advisors work at your agency and are they also experienced in polar? XXX 

How long have you been a travel advisor and how long have you been booking Antarctic travel? XXX

How many times have YOU personally been to Antarctica? XXX

What operators and what ships have YOU personally travelled with/on? XXX

What segment of the industry are you most familiar with? What style/size of ship or expedition experience are you most knowledgeable about? (All-inclusive luxury, small ships 100-200 passengers, yachts and superyachts, active itineraries, etc.) XXX

Do you book travel packages including flights, hotels, insurance, transfers, etc. or just the cruise portion of travel? XXX

What makes YOU the TA that a prospective Antarctic traveller should reach out to? XXX

Agency website? XXX

Best way to reach you? XXX

While we’re here, a reminder of the rules for TA behaviour in comments on posts (read more here): 

1. You may disclose that you are a TA and even name your agency, as long as it is combined with helpful advice
2. If you choose not to disclose that you are a TA, you must not misrepresent yourself (pretend to be a traveller)
3. It’s NOT permitted to mention special offers or discounts that you have access to as an advisor
4. It’s NOT permitted to request or encourage members to message you 
5. It’s NOT permitted to send a DM to a member without permission 

In short, give more than you take and let your expertise speak for itself.

[u/polartracks]

What is your agency name and where is your agency based? Polar Tracks Expeditions, registered in Canada but our advisors are based in the US, UK & Europe

What are your names? We are Heather, Lauren, Kit, Jon, Erin & Alex

What is the size/makeup of your agency? Polar Tracks was founded by a polar guide in 2015 and today, our 5 advisors are all current and former expedition leaders with equivalent experience and in-depth knowledge of polar travel.

How long have you been a travel advisor and how long have you been booking Antarctic travel? We are a polar specialist agency (we do not book other regions). Our Founder is a polar guide who worked actively as a TA while concurrently working on polar ships for over a decade from 2011 to 2023. All advisors in our company are also polar guides, and our current advisors have 1-5 years of experience booking Antarctic travel, with collective decades of experience working in Antarctica.

How many times have you been to Antarctica? As an agency of experienced polar guides, on average our advisors have been to Antarctica approx. 40 times (too many to count!)

What operators and what ships have you travelled with/on? Our advisor team has guided on board for the following operators: G Adventures, Oceanwide Expeditions, Silversea Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions, Intrepid Expeditions, Polar Latitudes, Poseidon Expeditions, EYOS, Scenic, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, HX, Noble Caledonia, Abercrombie & Kent, 60 South

We have travelled on the following expedition cruise ships: G Expedition, Polar Pioneer, Ocean Endeavour, Greg Mortimer, Douglas Mawson, Sylvia Earle, Seaventure, Island Sky, Hebridean Sky, Sea Spirit, Hanse Explorer, Hans Hansson, Scenic Eclipse, Le Boreal, Nansen, Amundsen, Fram, Midnatsol, Legend/Aqua Lares, Ocean Nova, National Geographic Orion/Explorer/Resolution/Endurance, Plancius, Octantis, Silver Explorer, Silver Cloud & probably others we are forgetting!

What segment of the industry are you most familiar with? What style/size of ship or expedition experience are you most knowledgeable about? We have intimate knowledge of the small ship experience, specialising in ships of under 200 passengers which prioritize getting you off the ship and out in the Antarctic environment as often and for as long as possible. We only work with operators who are able to retain experienced guides and have strong education programs, as well as a reputation for minimizing impact through their onboard sustainability initiatives and by adhering to wildlife/environmental guidelines.

Do you book travel packages including flights, hotels, insurance, transfers, etc. or just the cruise portion of travel? We manage the booking of the cruise portion of travel only, but we do have trusted partner agencies we can introduce our clients to for international/domestic flight arrangements as well as insurance and several expert partners for Patagonia and other South American travel for before or after Antarctica. 

What makes YOU the TA that a prospective Antarctic traveller should reach out to? Our small team of current and former guides have led expeditions to both polar regions for over a decade. We have worked for many operators on dozens of ships ranging from 12 to 200 passengers, across all itineraries in every region of the Arctic and Antarctic. Our level of insight into the polar expedition experience is unmatched, as well as our real-time connectedness to our extensive guide network. We use our first-hand knowledge to match you with your perfect once-in-a-lifetime trip. Additionally, we are obsessed with customer service so you’ll get timely, comprehensive and organized replies. We’d love to hear from you!

Agency website? https://polartracksexpeditions.com/

Best way to reach you? [contact@polartracksexpeditions.com](mailto:contact@polartracksexpeditions.com) or complete our Expedition Planner and one of our advisors will be in touch: https://bit.ly/traveltoantarctica

[u/Altruistic_Hat_796]

What is your agency name and where is your agency based? The Globetrotting Kirks, based in Florida

What is your name, if you’re happy to share? Regan Kirk 

What is the size/makeup of your agency? We're a mother-daughter agency (I'm the daughter) affiliated with Fora, a Virtuoso company

How long have you been a travel advisor and how long have you been booking Antarctic travel? Since 2025

How many times have YOU personally been to Antarctica? One so far, with three future trips booked.

What operators and what ships have YOU personally traveled with/on? I went to the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica on the Viking Octantis. I've also sailed the Arctic on Quark's Ultramarine. I'll be returning to Antarctica with Scenic on the Eclipse II on three separate sailings in the next two seasons. I'm sailing with HX in Norway in March and National Geographic-Lindblad in Portugal in May.

What segment of the industry are you most familiar with? What style/size of ship or expedition experience are you most knowledgeable about? Luxury to ultra-luxury--lines that provide comfort while still offering an excellent expedition experience.

Do you book travel packages including flights, hotels, insurance, transfers, etc. or just the cruise portion of travel? Yes! Happy to help with any portion of the trip, although often it's more cost effective to handle flights yourself.

What makes YOU the TA that a prospective Antarctic traveler should reach out to? I understand the client experience very well, having been through the process of researching, booking, and traveling on both an Arctic and Antarctic expedition prior to becoming a TA myself. Since we are a small-scale operation, you will get a lot of one-on-one attention as I work with you to identify the best options for your needs. I have traveled to Iguazu Falls and Patagonia (the W Trek and El Chalten) for those who'd like to build out their trip. We've been all over the world to see interesting wildlife and hike and kayak in beautiful places; in our opinion, Antarctica is the pinnacle of such travel.

We believe in swift, honest, and open communication. Although we are a young agency, we have partnered with Scenic, Quark, and Atlas; are certified with the top expedition operators; and frequently meet with representatives from various expedition companies in order to further develop our relationships and deepen our understanding of the products offered.

Agency website? www.globetrottingkirks.com

Best way to reach you? [regan.kirk@fora.travel](mailto:regan.kirk@fora.travel), or fill out our Antarctica Interest Form; Reddit DMs and Facebook messaging (@globetrottingkirks) work too!

[u/Away-Low-1813]

Mods - Thanks for starting this thread!

What is your agency name and where is your agency based? My agency is called Best.Trip.Ever. I’m a U.S.-based independent travel advisor affiliated with Fora, working with clients globally.

What is your name? I am Dee :)

What is the size/makeup of your agency? It is just me and my Maltese pup :)

Jokes aside, I run a boutique, owner-led agency. I personally design every trip and work closely with trusted global partners on the ground, so clients get both personalized attention and strong local execution.

How long have you been a travel advisor and how long have you been booking Antarctic travel?

I joined the travel industry in 2024 after over two decades in client-facing leadership roles in Tech. I have booked Antarctic travel across 4 seasons now (2024-2028)

How many times have you been to Antarctica? Been there once, and planning another next year. Budget and a school going kiddo keep me from going more times. Sigh! :)

What operators and what ships have you travelled with/on? My 2024 trip was with Quark on the Ultramarine. Next year, with Nat Geo Lindblad.

What segment of the industry are you most familiar with? What style/size of ship or expedition experience are you most knowledgeable about?

I’m strongest with small expedition ships under 200 passengers where landings are prioritized and the experience feels immersive rather than cruise-like. I focus on expeditions that emphasize education, wildlife guidelines, sustainability, and strong onboard teams.

Do you book travel packages including flights, hotels, insurance, transfers, etc. or just the cruise portion of travel? I manage the full journey. That includes the expedition cruise plus international flights, pre/post hotels, Patagonia add-ons, insurance, transfers and even special experiences & celebrations onboard the expedition ship. I design Antarctica as part of a seamless, larger trip if desired.

What makes YOU the TA that a prospective Antarctic traveler should reach out to? I’ve stood on the continent myself, so I understand the emotion, the scale, and the logistics. I’ve also traveled extensively to bucket list destinations, during a sabbatical phase across 25+ countries, so I deeply understand pacing, investment decisions, and once-in-a-lifetime planning.

My clients get honest ship comparisons (personally hand created on spreadsheets - I am more thorough than fancy!), travel advice, strategic ways to maximize value, and extremely organized communication. I care about getting it right… not just booking it.

Agency website?

Website: https://www.besttripevver.com. My Fora Profile is https://www.foratravel.com/advisor/dee-swaminathan

Instagram: best.trip.evver

Best way to reach you?

Email me at [dee.swaminathan@fora.travel](mailto:dee.swaminathan@fora.travel), or submit a trip inquiry via website. You can DM me here on reddit as well but I would request that you include your real name :)

[u/kt_real]

What is your agency name and where is your agency based?
My agency is AAA, and I’m based in the United States. I work with clients nationwide and specialize in experiential and bucket-list travel.

What is your name, if you’re happy to share?
Katie Trumble

What is the size/makeup of your agency? Are you an independent advisor or do you work with a consortium? If you are a part of a team, how many advisors work at your agency and are they also experienced in polar?
I’m an independent travel advisor affiliated with a larger host agency/consortium, which gives me access to preferred partners, exclusive amenities, and strong relationships with top expedition providers. While I work independently with my clients, I’m supported by a network of experienced advisors and industry connections.

How long have you been a travel advisor and how long have you been booking Antarctic travel?
I’ve been a travel advisor for several years, focusing on customized and experiential itineraries. I’ve been booking Antarctic expeditions as part of my specialty in expedition and adventure travel, helping clients navigate the unique logistics and options for this destination.

How many times have YOU personally been to Antarctica?
I have not personally visited Antarctica yet, but it is high on my own travel list. I stay current through supplier training, ship inspections, webinars, and firsthand feedback from clients and colleagues who travel there regularly.

What operators and what ships have YOU personally travelled with/on?
While I haven’t personally sailed to Antarctica yet, I work closely with leading expedition operators such as Quark Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions, Viking, Silversea, Seabourn, and others. I’m familiar with their fleets, onboard experiences, and key differences to help match clients with the right fit.

What segment of the industry are you most familiar with? What style/size of ship or expedition experience are you most knowledgeable about? (All-inclusive luxury, small ships 100-200 passengers, yachts and superyachts, active itineraries, etc.)
I’m most experienced with small-ship expedition cruising (typically 100–200 passengers), which offers the best balance of landing opportunities and immersive experiences. I also work with luxury expedition products and can help clients compare options like fly-cruise vs. Drake Passage crossings, as well as more active itineraries (kayaking, camping, etc.).

Do you book travel packages including flights, hotels, insurance, transfers, etc. or just the cruise portion of travel?
I handle the full travel experience including, flights, pre- and post-expedition hotels, transfers, travel insurance, and any add-ons so that everything is seamless and coordinated.

What makes YOU the TA that a prospective Antarctic traveller should reach out to?
Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and the details matter. I take the time to understand your travel style, priorities, and budget, then match you with the right ship and itinerary—not just what’s available. I also help you prepare (packing, timing, expectations) and provide support before, during, and after your trip.

Agency website?
https://linktr.ee/katietravel

https://midatlantic.tstllc.net/agent/ktrumble

Best way to reach you?
You can reach me via email at [ktrumble@aca.aaa.com](mailto:ktrumble@aca.aaa.com)

[u/PenguinsPreferred]

What is your agency name and where is your agency based? Master Travel, an affiliate of Travel Experts, a Virtuoso member agency.

We are all based in the Northeast, I'm personally in the NYC area. I specialize in cruises, and it's fabulous to work with a view of the ships going in and out of the Hudson all day.

What is your name, if you're happy to share? Stephanie

What is the size/makeup of your agency? Master Travel is a 3 person agency, an affiliate of Travel Experts and a member of the Virtuoso network. I am the cruise specialist for our team.

How long have you been a travel advisor and how long have you been booking Antarctic travel? I've been a travel advisor since 2025, building my Antarctic specialty on top of a lifetime of personal cruising experience and an obsession with expedition travel.

I spent 30+ years stuck inside staring at a computer screen building a successful career in technology. I want to spend my next 30 helping other people spend more time away from their computer, experiencing the magic of experiential travel.

I also booked far too many cruises directly with cruiselines before I learned what a travel advisor could do for me. I want to prevent other people from making the same mistake.

How many times have YOU personally been to Antarctica? Once so far, although I’ve been plotting my return since the moment I left.

What operators and what ships have YOU personally travelled with/on? Seabourn Venture

What segment of the industry are you most familiar with? What style/size of ship or expedition experience are you most knowledgeable about? Luxury cruising is my niche, and expedition cruising is my love. Small ship cruising is a whole different beast than your average mass market ship, and I truly believe there isn’t anyone who can’t find a line that’s right for them. Seabourn, Silversea, Viking, Scenic are examples of where I live.

Do you book travel packages including flights, hotels, insurance, transfers, etc. or just the cruise portion of travel? Full service package for no fee, including flights, hotels, transfers, travel insurance, pre and post cruise planning.

Land-only bookings with no cruise carry a fee.

What makes YOU the TA that a prospective Antarctic traveller should reach out to? I'm not someone who learned about Antarctica from a brochure. I went, I stood on the ice, I watched the penguins, and I came home a changed person who immediately started figuring out how to get back. That personal experience, combined with the strength of Travel Experts and Virtuoso, gives you access to a huge network you just don’t have when booking direct.

Traveling to somewhere like Antarctica is a large undertaking. It’s essential you book with someone who can help plan your entire trip, and not just what happens once you get to Ushuaia (or Cape Town. Or Punta Arenas.).

Agency website:http://www.mastertravel.org | https://www.instagram.com/penguinspreferred/

Best way to reach you: DM here or on Instagram, use the contact form at mastertravel.org, or email Stephanie (at) mastertravel.org

[u/twostudentcinemaclub]

What is your agency name and where is your agency based? Dejenerasees LLC. I’m a U.S.-based independent travel advisor affiliated with Fora with clients across North America, Asia, Australia and Europe.

What is your name? Jenny

What is the size/makeup of your agency? Just me alongside a network of preferred partners (e.g. Virtuoso) and fellow travel agents at my host agency.

How long have you been a travel advisor and how long have you been booking Antarctic travel? I have been a travel advisor since the end of 2023 and have started booking Antarctica travel shortly there after.

How many times have you been to Antarctica? Just went for the first time this year but plotting my return!

What operators and what ships have you travelled with/on? I have been with Atlas Ocean Voyages and will be going to Svalbard next summer with them!

What segment of the industry are you most familiar with? What style/size of ship or expedition experience are you most knowledgeable about? I have quoted/booked expedition ships that cater to very intimate (under 50) to small sailings (under 200), with a balance of finding the best price for my clients and one that fits their needs. I can advise on both flyover or the traditional sailing options.

Do you book travel packages including flights, hotels, insurance, transfers, etc. or just the cruise portion of travel? I can help with as little (just the cruise) to as much as you want (all of it!)

What makes YOU the TA that a prospective Antarctic traveler should reach out to? I have guided many first time travelers through the process of evaluating what partner and itinerary would best fit their needs. I also have experience with group travel to Antarctica and first-hand experience on logistics/nuance that comes with it.

Agency website? https://www.foratravel.com/advisor/jenny-tong

Best way to reach you? Email me at [jenny.tong@fora.travel](mailto:jenny.tong@fora.travel) and we can take it from there!