The Chilean Fjords
We are officially back in Chile, both a blessing after the rough sea days, but also a reminder of the adventure of a lifetime coming to an end. The morning shows us the Nation Glaciers gliding by the window, offering a small piece of Europe at the end of the world. Slowly but surely we pack our bags...
More shaking?
Well, when is enough truly enough? It seems like the Drake is not done with us just yet. The rough conditions continue as we sail the last stretches towards calmer waters. The on oard program offers some distraction though, with a Q and A hosted by the Caption, Chief Engineer, and Hotel manager, as...
Sea and Shakes
We depart back to the Chile and slowly but surely go towards Punta Arenas. However, our weather luck had to run out some time, and that time is now. We are met by the true fury of the Drake, with swells ranging between 15-20 meters and waves on top of that! To our delight many of the guests brace th...
Port Charcot
The days seem to whirl by and Falklands feels like a lifetime ago. But there is more to see and do. On one of our last stops we manage a landing in Port Charcot where the legendary French Antarctic Expedition spend a winter. It is a day where the weather shows its true Antarctic qualities, reminding...
Neko Harbor and Damoy
Some days, well, some days leave everyone just utterly speechless. This was such a day indeed. Though we had to cancel a landing due to too much ice on the site, the cruising that came instead was truly legendary. Whales swam around the boats, leopard seals relaxed on the ice flows, penguin hustled...
Orne and Coverville
Orne, a truly magical place. The expedition describes as Antarctica in a snow globe! Very romantic, but they failed to mention the 225-meter elevation… Anyway, it is a continental landing which gives us some peace as we have now truly and well touched the mainland. The kayakers are treated to a spec...
Half moon and Deception
Our arrival in Antarctica is heralded by a continuation of fantastic weather. The striking Half Moon gives us a fantastic glimpse into the overwhelming natural environments that await us. Gentoo penguin, whale bones, and glaciers, it has it all. The afternoon we visit the legendary Deception Island...
A23A
Some days are all about chance and happenstance. That can work in your favour, or very much against you. This day would be just such a day. Our aim was to visit A23A, one of the largest tabular icebergs on record. Would we be able to see it? Would it elude us in the fog and mist? Upon arrival we cau...
Signy
A true exploration day for we have arrived in the Orkney Islands, Signy to be precise. Due to the extensive science program of HX we have close relation with B.A.S. (British Antarctic Survey) and we are merging forces for the sake of a better understand of the Antarctic. That we get to touch down on...
At Sea - Towards Antarctica
With South Georgia now behind us one more location awaits. It has been on our lips for the entire voyage, almost too distant to feel true; Antarctica. But we are really going there and creeping ever closer. And you know what that means… bio security! Our favourite activity. Of course the expedition...
St. Andrews
One of the most spectacular places in South Georgia has got to be St. Andrews. The amount of King Penguins on this beach is absolutely mind boggling, more than 250.000 pairs! We cruise past the shore and all one can do is just be silent and take in the overwhelming splendour of this natural wonder....
On solid ground!
The advantage of a having an EL like Tomski is reaping the benefit for his talent of improvisation and adaptation. This very morning, we set foot ashore in South Georgia, in an especially wonderful place which is even new to the expedition team! We watch seals playing in the sunlit streams coming do...
Fortuna and good fortune
On the second day of South Georgia we make it to the legendary place known as Fortuna. The beaches are inaccessible due to HPAI, but we are still on track for cruising! And in a way, this may be even better than a landing. It gives us a good look at the thousands of critters crawling over the sandy...
South Georgia, where explorers are made
We have arrived in one of the least visited spots on planet earth, South Georgia. We start off with an amazing zodiac cruise in King Haakon bay. As you get your first waifs of fur seal aroma you look around at the natural splendour surrounding you. This primal landscape was in fact the exact spot wh...
Shag Rocks
Another day at sea, this time full of lectures that prepare you for the wonders of South Georgia! Savage Geology and amazing explorers rule the tone of the day. You also get introduced to the activity team and perhaps you are contemplating a night on the Antarctic snow? Option, options, option… Late...
Sea day
A day at sea, a calm sea in fact. After the first days of exploration it is nice to gather our thoughts and prepare for the imminent arrival in South Georgia. This also means you will be introduced to joys of our bio security measures. Yes, they are the most “fun” part of the trip. Though it takes s...
Stanley
Yes, good old Stanley. Just when you think you are at the end of the world with nothing familiar in sight you stumble upon this quintessential little town where time is going at its own pace. In a rare occurrence of nice and calm weather Port Stanley offer us a true easy summers day. Leisurely strol...
Jason and West point, not bad at all
Our day starts with a cruising, and not just any cruising mind you. Steeple Jason shows itself from its very best side with an overwhelming display of over 250.000 Albatross swarming together. Everywhere you look there is wildlife both on the land and in the water. As the seals swim around our boat...
Welcome to the Falklands! Carcass and Saunders
What a welcome. Our first landing of the day brings us to carcass, a beautiful beach which offers a stunning walk where we meet our first penguins! But more importantly… cookies of so many varieties it is dazzling. The second adventure of the day is no less spectacular. Saunders beach offers us no l...
Towards the Falklands
It is a day of familiarizing yourself with the surroundings of Fram, the ships possibilities, and perhaps you already make some new friends in the bar. The expedition staff walks around greeting you and though they are strangers for now, you will get to know them well enough. The lecture program sta...
Welcome on board
After the busy days of travel and some stressful moments on the many airports which have sped on by you have made it finally to Fram, your home away from home. The day always starts of hectic with searching for luggage and getting your whereabouts in this entirely new environment. After checking in,...