I had Quark's transfer package which included one night pre-hotel and charter flights to and from Ushuaia to meet the ship. I arrived in Buenos Aires and made my way to the very central Emperador Hotel.

The following day saw an early breakfast with my fellow travellers ahead of the transfer to the domestic airport to board the charter flight to Ushuaia. There was a Quark representative there keeping us updated as our flight was delayed due to a large storm. Once on the flight, the excitement started to build. Our group arrived in Ushuaia around 11am before being coached into the town centre of Ushuaia, 10 minutes away. We then had a few hours of free time to explore prior to our embarkation.

Prior to the other guests boarding, we received a private tour of the ship, including cabin inspections. There are multiple configurations from the Explorer Triple and Explorer Suite, both oceanview options which offer a very generous floor space, to Balcony and Deluxe Balcony Suites, along with Terrace, Owner’s and Ultra Suite (largest suites available) options and finally, the Penthouse Suites. The ship also offers Solo Panorama option for guests travelling on their own, or, solo guests can opt to share a twin cabin where Quark will pair them up with another solo traveller.

The cabins are well appointed, with plenty of storage space for all of your luggage and camera equipment. The beds are one of the most comfortable I have had on any ship, and the bathrooms had a large shower, and heated flooring

The ship has two dining outlets, Bistro 487 and the main dining room Balena Restaurant. Both offered buffet breakfast and lunch, and an a la carte option for dinner where wine and beer was complimentary (from November 24, beer, wine and standard spirits will be included at all times). Both dining outlets allowed you to sit wherever and with whomever you liked, including the expedition team.

The Panorama Lounge was the main hub of activity on the ship, it offered the best views for those keen on spotting wildlife and just taking in the amazing scenery on offer. You could also access the outer deck for even better viewing opportunities.

Each evening, we’d meet in the Ambassador Theatre, where expedition staff would present on the day's adventures, with their expertise in geology, wildlife, glaciers and much more, and where the intentions for the following day would be advised. After dinner, there was an informal “Bar Talk” where expedition staff would share stories of their own life and experiences.

As  we made our way into the Chilean Fjord system, bringing calmer waters, but the most amazing scenery I have ever witnessed. The sheer size of The Andes and glaciers that surround you are simply breathtaking. The contrasting landscape of snow-capped mountains, rugged forests of green and brown, the depth of blue in the glaciers, and the constant change in weather from sunny, to rainy, to snowing and back to sunny. We were blessed with beautiful sunrises each morning and incredibly vivid sunsets, unlike any I’ve witnessed before.

There were so many highlights during this trip including the wildlife, from penguins, whales, dolphins, birds and my favourite, the fur seals. The day spent in Torres Del Paine National Park, where you meet the expansive Paine Horns, to the fifth generation Estancia (ranch). The zodiac landings and cruises that took us into the ruggedness of the forests and glaciers, and the helicopter flights, which allowed for a different perspective of the terrain. Then to finish it off, the Patagonia Plunge where a small number of brave passengers took the plunge into 6 degree water.

The final night, the expedition photographer had put together a slideshow of our amazing journey, capturing all of our experiences. You could feel the emotion in the theatre as we all reflected upon friendships made, the memories made and most importantly, being a part of an inaugural voyage that was five years in the making - something to cherish for life.

From start to finish, Quark had everything planned perfectly. We were always kept informed of any delays or changes, and made to feel part of a large family once onboard. The expedition team were amazing, with all of their knowledge and experience, but also the real passion they all had for making it the most amazing experience of your life. I would not hesitate to join another Quark adventure in the future.