The Drake Shake

Picking a cabin for Antarctica is one of the biggest questions we get, so Nikki and I sat down to sort it out. Is a balcony worth the extra money? Does where your cabin sits on the ship change how you feel crossing the Drake Passage? Are all the expedition ships the same? They aren’t, and we get into why. And what’s the real difference between a porthole and a window? We break down how cabin categories work, where your money is worth spending, and where it isn’t. Listen before you book and you’ll know which cabin makes sense for your trip.

Camping and Kayaking and Snowshoeing OH MY! In this week's episode we are joined by Rene Olson, a season camping guide in Antarctica to discuss all the activities that may be available on your voyage to Antarctica, and if they are worth it!

This episode is all about penguins! Ornithologist, bird nerd, and special guest Cherese joins us to cover everything you need to know about penguins in Antarctica. We talk about the different species you may encounter, including gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, plus the best time to visit Antarctica for each stage of the breeding season. From courtship and nest building to egg laying, hatching, fluffy chicks, and fledging, this episode will help you choose the right time of year for the penguin experience you want to see.

We hear it over and over. "I want to book a ship less than 100 passengers so I can make as many landings as possible". But you'd be suprised to hear that that actually isn't the case anymore. And there is an entire other element to Antarctic expeditions that offer an even better experience than just making landings. In this episode, we will uncover what that is, and why you might not need to worry about the ship size as much as you think.

The Drake Passage has a reputation and for good reason. It's that one thing that is lingering in the back of everyon'es minds when they begin to consider visiting. It's infamously known as the rougest waters in the world. It's the price you have to pay to visit Antarctica....but just how bad is it? Does the ship you take make a differece, and is it worth skipping?

On this episode of The Drake Shake, we sit down with Ida Oslon, expedition leader, expedition guide and seasoned Polar explorer to talk about what teh Drake Passage is really like. How bad is the Drake Passage? When is the best time to cross the Drake Passage? How big are the swells? We will discuss it all. THIS is the episode you've been waiting for.

In this episode, veteran Arctic Expedition Guide Kevin Closs joins Neill and Nikki to break down each destination in the Arctic. We'll discuss which destination might suit who, when to visit, and what we might expect to see. Kevin is also a muscial artist and ends the episode with some of his Polar inspired songs. Be sure to listen to the end!

Our goal with this podcast is to not be a sales pitch... but sometimes, the deals are so good, we can't help but let you know about them. This week we are joined by Chelsea, who works in the office at ATG/Lets Go Polar, with some of the best deals available on the market right now.

Missed the very first live episode of the Drake Shake? That's ok, we forgive you! Here's a recap episode. In this episode, we'll answer questions from our viewers, questions submitted live, and you'll get to know more about our history as guides and passengers!

If you're considering adding South Georgia and The Falkland islands to your itinerary, you may be wondering... when is the best time to visit? Is it the same as the best time to visit Antarctica? This week, we are joined by guest Joshua Peck, who was an expedition guide on The Hondius with Nikki, a native to The Falkland Islands, and previous employee of The South Georgia government. We'll break down each part of the season and explain how they differ from one another.

As many of you know, co-host Nikki was a guest onboard the M/V Hondius during the voyage that had the Hantavirus outbreak. At the time of recording this episode, Nikki had just arrived at the quarantine facility in Nebraska and we will discuss her time onboard. This episode is meant to clear up some false information and rumors, as well as see how Nikki is doing.

Next up on the Polar Planning Roadmap - how to choose the right company! It's a factor that needs to be taken into consideration... but may not be as important as you think. In this episode, we talk about ways to help you decide which company may be right for you.

Without a doubt, the most overwhelming stage in planning your Antarctic adventure is choosing the right itinerary. While it may seem overly complicated...it's actually much less confusing than it appears! In this episode we break down the different itineraries and simplify them for you.

When you're planning your trip to Antarctica, you're probably wondering if you should book with a travel agent, or book directly with the company. In this episode we explain the differences and the benefits to both, and explore some myths about travel agents.

Are you in the planning stages of booking your trip to Antarctica, and not sure if it's worth hopping on a deal now, or waiting until last minute? Don't worry, we will break down the advantages and disadvantages to both. We're joined by Sarah Scott with Freestyle Adventure Travel to discuss which may be best for you!

One of the biggest decisions when planning a trip to Antarctica is whether to include South Georgia in your itinerary. It adds time, increases cost, and turns a standard expedition into a much bigger commitment, which leaves many travelers asking the same question - is it actually worth it?

In this episode, we break down the real differences between Antarctica-only trips and those that include South Georgia. We cover cost, trip length, wildlife, and overall experience so you can decide what makes the most sense for you.

By the end, you’ll have a clear answer to the question: Is South Georgia worth it?

Are you planning a trip to Antarctica, and not sure when to go? This episode of the Drake Shake brings on guest Phil Hunter, and we will break down each part of the Antarctica season, which runs from November to March. You'll find out all the differences in wildlife viewings, what to expect with the weather, changes in landscape, and so much more! We'll also clear up some misconceptions and myths that we hear day after day that simply aren't true.

The Drake Shake Podcast will go live Thursday, March 12th, 2026. If you're interested in polar travel, but not sure where yo start, make sure to tune in. Be Sure to hit subscribe - available wherever you get your podcasts!