Winter 2015, at sea
From the Caribbean to Antarctica
In 2014, life offered me a surprise that would change everything. It started with an unexpected phone call while I was working night shifts in a serene golf property near Chantilly, north of Paris. My CV had been quietly sitting on the Journal des Palaces website for months when a cruise company called to invite me for an interview in Marseille—a 10-hour drive away.
With only two days off, I decided to seize the opportunity. The position advertised was as a receptionist for a small sailing boat in the Caribbean. Excited by the prospect of turquoise waters and tropical weather, I made the trip, but upon arrival, I was told that position was no longer available. Instead, they offered me a spot on a larger ship, Le Boréal, headed to Antarctica.
At first, I was taken aback. Antarctica? Gone were the dreams of Caribbean beaches and bikinis, replaced with the promise of icy landscapes and expedition cruises. Yet, as life often proves, the opportunities we least expect can become the most rewarding.
The First Voyage: Leaving Everything Behind
By October, I found myself embarking in the Caribbean. Our journey would take us down the west coast of South America, through the Panama Canal, and onward to the vast, untouched wilderness of Antarctica. I’ll never forget my first day at sea. The ship had left the Caribbean, and as far as the eye could see, there was only blue—water stretching endlessly to the horizon. It was both unsettling and awe-inspiring, a reminder of how small we are in the grand scheme of things.
Quickly, I became addicted to that sense of disconnection and adventure. Each day brought a new destination, a place I had never seen before and could hardly imagine. From the dramatic fjords of Argentina to the pristine landscapes of Antarctica, every moment felt surreal.
Antarctica: A World Like No Other
Reaching Antarctica was nothing short of breathtaking. The first iceberg I saw left me speechless. Its size, purity, and the sheer magnitude of it were humbling. Antarctica is unlike anywhere else in the world—a place where nature reigns supreme, untouched by human footprints. The wildlife, from seals to orcas, and the serene beauty of the icy wilderness made me feel both privileged and guilty to witness such purity.
A Private Zodiac Adventure
One of my most unforgettable experiences happened early one morning. I had just finished a late shift and was half-asleep when the guest relations manager called me: “Manon, do you want to come on a private Zodiac tour?” Still groggy, I barely processed what was happening but managed to get dressed in record time and joined a small group that included the captain and hotel manager.
We ventured far from the ship, landing on untouched ice, surrounded only by seals and silence. The highlight of the trip came when a whale swam beneath our Zodiac. The sheer size and power of the creature were enough to move the small boat. My heart raced as I watched its graceful movements beneath the water. Moments like these remind you how extraordinary the world can be.
Meeting Orcas: A Life-Changing Moment
Another magical encounter was with a pod of orcas. I was on the deck, Facetiming a friend back home, when I heard splashes in the water. Looking out, I saw them—majestic, playful, and completely at ease in their natural habitat. I rushed to show my friend through my laptop, though the connection was too poor to truly capture the moment. That memory solidified my decision never to visit aquariums or marine parks again; seeing these creatures in the wild was a privilege I’ll cherish forever.
Reflections on Antarctica
Antarctica was more than a destination; it was an experience that touched my soul. Its pristine landscapes and untamed wildlife were a gift, but they also came with a heavy sense of responsibility. The more I reflect on it, the more I hope this region remains protected from the harm that human activity can bring.
As for the memories? They are endless, but those are stories for another time