Our second landing of the voyage took place in the morning at Texas Bar—despite the name, not a bar at all, but a small hunter’s cabin tucked away in the northwestern part of Svalbard. Surrounded by rugged hills and wide Arctic landscapes, the site offered a quiet, atmospheric glimpse into the region’s trapping history.

Before you went ashore, the expedition team set up a polar bear guard perimeter to ensure the landing area was safe. Once on land, you were lucky enough to spot a Svalbard reindeer grazing nearby. Some of you joined a hike that led to higher ground, offering beautiful views over the surrounding terrain and toward the Monacobreen glacier, which we would approach later in the day.

Although the skies were more overcast than the day before, a few courageous passengers still took part in the daring polar plunge, diving into the chilling Arctic waters.