Antarctica Blogging: The 2009 Expedition Contest and Blogging From the Ice Today

Antarctica blogging once meant winning a contest or working at a research station. In 2009 we covered a free Antarctica blogging expedition offered by Quark Expeditions. This article recalls that contest and explains what blogging from Antarctica looks like today, from ship internet to practical tips for posting from the ice.

Quick answer: The 2009 Quark Expeditions blogger contest is long over. Today you can blog from an Antarctic expedition cruise, because many ships now offer satellite internet, often Starlink. Data allowances, speeds and costs vary by operator, so write offline and upload photos in batches when you have a connection.

The 2009 Antarctica blogging expedition

In July 2009 Quark Expeditions went looking for an official blogger to travel to Antarctica in February 2010 and write about the polar adventure. Entrants posted a creative entry explaining why they should be chosen. Quark wanted an adventurous spirit, a keen sense of observation and the ability to write in English with style and imagination. No blogging experience was required.

Public voting decided the winner, to be announced on September 30, 2009, and over 200 bloggers sent in entries. The prize was a cruise for two worth about $20,000 aboard the Lyubov Orlova on the Classic Antarctica: Discovering the Peninsula voyage, from February 20 to March 3, 2010. Photographing penguins and blogging about it sounded like the dream assignment.

Photo by JenniferPickens (CC license)

Antarctica bloggers were already part of internet history. Remember the Indian psychiatrist who blogged from Antarctica? We also covered climber Gavin Bate blogging, tweeting and podcasting from Mount Everest.

Antarctica blogging today

Connectivity is the biggest change. In 2009 expedition ships had slow, expensive satellite links. Now many Antarctic expedition operators provide some included internet, and a growing number use Starlink. Some still use older geostationary satellite service, which is slower, with tighter data limits.

Research stations have long had their own satellite links, and scientists and support staff have written station blogs for years. For travellers, though, the expedition ship is where most Antarctica blogging now happens, so the ship’s internet plan matters as much as your camera.

What to check before you go

• Data allowance: some ships include unlimited data, others only a small amount, with extra data sold at high prices.
• Device limits: some operators allow one device at a time.
• Coverage gaps: connections can drop in remote areas and during landings.
• Paid tiers: faster plans may cost extra.

Tips for blogging from Antarctica

1. Write offline. Draft posts in a notes app or your blog app’s offline mode, then publish when connected.
2. Resize photos first. Upload small web-sized images, and keep full-resolution files for when you get home.
3. Schedule posts. Queue updates while you have a good connection so your blog keeps posting during landings.
4. Back up daily. Copy photos to a second card or drive in case of loss or damage in the cold.
5. Keep batteries warm. Cold drains batteries quickly, so carry spares inside your jacket.
6. Respect the rules. Follow the expedition staff’s wildlife and drone guidelines when taking photos.

New to blogging? Start with our guide on how to start a blog before your trip.

FAQ

Can you get internet in Antarctica?

Yes, on many expedition ships and research stations, through satellite links. Speed and data allowances depend on the operator.

Is the Quark Expeditions blogger contest still running?

No. The contest picked a blogger for a February 2010 voyage, and it has long ended.

Do expedition ships use Starlink in Antarctica?

Many do, but not all. Check with your operator before booking if staying connected matters to you.

How do I post photos with slow ship internet?

Resize images before uploading, post a few at a time, and save the full photo galleries for when you are back home.