A travel blogger has gone viral after sharing jaw-dropping footage of her latest expedition cruise, as waves of 35 feet battered the windows.
Lesley Anne Murphy stunned social media with the footage of the so-called “Drake shake” – the notoriously rough sea conditions experienced while crossing the Drake Passage aboard Ocean Explorer, a polar-class expedition ship operated by Quark Expeditions.
The video she shared was so wild that it sparked arguments across social media from many who assumed it was fake – unfortunately the video gained traction just as April Fool’s Day pranks were circulating.
Murphy, a seasoned traveller and content creator, was en route to Antarctica on what she described as a “once-in-a-lifetime” voyage.
But the journey across the Drake Passage – the treacherous stretch of sea between South America and Antarctica – quickly turned from serene to savage.
Dubbed the “Drake shake” versus the rare “Drake lake” for calm crossings, Murphy’s viral video shows the ship being pummelled by waves estimated at 35 feet high.
Passengers can be seen gripping railings, sliding across floors, and bracing against walls as the vessel pitched and rolled violently for nearly 48 hours.
“Yes, we were safe and it was insane… and at times, even fun?” Murphy shared on social media. “1000% worth it for this trip of a lifetime!”
In one particularly intense moment, a flatscreen television is shown swinging back and forth in a stateroom – a stark reminder of how relentless the sea can be.
Viral reactions and wild seas
Murphy’s video has since garnered over 454,000 likes and more than 10,000 comments, with viewers expressing awe, terror, and admiration in equal measure.
The extreme footage has sparked curiosity and concern, prompting questions about ship safety, life jackets, and seasickness remedies.
While the Drake Passage is infamous for its turbulent conditions, Quark Expeditions reassures travellers that not all crossings are rough.
In fact, its official website notes, “Not all Drake Passage crossings are rough. Please do not be disappointed should you experience a smooth crossing.”
Still, it’s clear that this was not one of those occasions.
Despite the wild weather, guests were never in danger.
Ocean Explorer is specifically designed for polar expeditions, featuring an ice-strengthened hull and a unique inverted bow design to enhance stability and reduce wave impact.
The ship is rated for polar travel and accommodates just 138 guests in high comfort.
Its amenities include a two-storey library overlooking the bow (where the crashing waves made for a dramatic view), expansive observation decks, a sauna, a fitness centre, and tastefully appointed staterooms.
Onboard are also 15 zodiac boats used for up-close exploration in the Arctic and Antarctic, led by a team of expert expedition leaders.
Passengers were advised to remain in their cabins for an afternoon during the most intense part of the crossing – an understandable precaution when flatscreens are swaying and hallways resemble obstacle courses.
While the current Antarctic season is winding down, Ocean Explorer will resume expeditions in November. Its next scheduled sailing is an 11-night voyage departing Ushuaia, Argentina on 4th November 2025.
Pricing begins at $14,531 USD per person for a veranda stateroom, with solo cabins and suites starting around $18,084. Fares include expert-led expeditions and a complimentary Quark Expeditions parka.
For adventurous travellers like Murphy, the “Drake shake” was all part of the magic.
Though not for the faint of heart – or stomach – the reward of reaching the icy majesty of Antarctica made every lurch and crash worthwhile.
And for those with a taste for extreme cruising, it’s just another reason to add the White Continent to the bucket list.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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