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Thankfully, I had some advice early on from colleagues who had found sea sickness medication that worked for them and I started to relax and get excited about the incredible opportunity I had in front of me.

Looking back now I can say, somewhat amazingly, that the Drake was a really enjoyable part of the trip. It helped that we had relatively smooth crossings in both directions; the medication worked and I felt completely fine.

Leaving Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel and heading out into one of the most remote oceans in the world was actually an exhilarating feeling. Many important preparations occur on those two days as you head to Antarctica.

Bio security is a big deal in such a remote location; not bringing our diseases and viruses to such a pristine environment requires preparation, rules and vigilance.

Getting 100 people correctly dressed and into Zodiacs quickly, allowing two or three off-ship excursions daily, also took some preparation. The onboard lectures over those first couple of days excited us about the wildlife we would see.

But then, with the waters smooth, you see your first iceberg floating by, your first penguin sitting on a floating iceberg, the vast snow-covered mountains of the South Shetland Islands come into view and your anticipation is through the roof.

Despite our two days of preparation on the Drake, nothing can ready you for the reality of Antarctica.

The sheer size, scale, mountains, glaciers and bird and sea life. You could turn 360 degrees on most days and see half a dozen whales; the beauty takes your breath away. We explored just one small area of the Antarctic Peninsula but you know these scenes are repeated over and over.