Antarctic Cruise Wrap-Up

 I have some things about the cruise that didn't fit in one of the daily posts, but were interesting enough that I thought I would share.

March 4th was the last of the 4 days of excursions. Hubby took advantage of 3 Zodiac excursions, I did 2, and OFD enjoyed all 8.  On Thursday we began the northward two-day journey back to the port in Ushuaia through the Drake Passage. The trip was smooth, if not smoother than the initial passage. 

population of Ushuaia 100,000

southern Argentina or Chile

black ice floating in the water

but when pulled out of the water, crystal clear

sheet of saltwater ice

blue ice is the oldest ice 

old blue ice

Not all, but maybe half of the expedition staff members shared their expertise in the information session. This was Dr. Glenda. One staff member shared about the insects (mites and roundworms) that lived in Antarctica. Another was a school teacher in Ushuaia who shared the ice info on our Zodiac ride. 

The bridge was open on sea days. Passengers could walk in and look around and talk to the crew. I asked how "The luxury cruise ship Scenic Eclipse II became stuck in thick pack ice near Antarctica's McMurdo Sound around January 17, 2026, requiring assistance from the US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star." 

The ice flows moved in so quickly (currents) the ship was unable to back-up or turn around. That is why the bridge was NOT open on excursion days so the crew was NOT distracted!

Every passenger room had a balcony. No photo, but the bathrooms were the largest of any ship we have been on. The closets had lots of storage. The balcony room was standard size. Suites were larger.

The elevator floor mates were changed out 3 times a day. 

The Dome viewing area on Deck 7

location of 4:00 Tea

only 7 decks on the yacht

passengers on Decks 3 (staff),  5 and 6

theater, dining and bar on Deck 4

coats, boots & gear storage on Deck 3

condiments were in individual jars

so cute!

We departed the Voyager at 8:30 AM on March 7th for our flight to Buenos Aires, overnight to NYC and eventually home at 4:00 PM on Monday, March 9th.