The next two days found us sailing north across a remarkably gentle Drake Passage—a welcome contrast to the lively crossing we had on our way south. With calm seas and steady conditions, we were able to fully enjoy the onboard programme as the voyage began its final chapter.

Over these days, we had the opportunity to visit the bridge, where the officers generously shared their time and expertise, giving us a glimpse into navigation, daily operations, and life at sea. A dedicated Q&A session followed, allowing us to ask questions ranging from the technical to the personal—always a fascinating highlight for many on board.

On the second sea day, we gathered for the Science Recap, a summary of all the data, observations, and contributions made through the various Citizen Science projects during our expedition. From seabird counts to cloud observations and phytoplankton sampling, it was impressive to see how much had been accomplished together.

As the afternoon drew to a close, we dressed for the Captain’s Farewell, a warm and celebratory moment that gently signalled our approach to the end of our Antarctic adventure. With stories shared, glasses raised, and the Drake calm beneath us, we began to wrap up our journey to the Seventh Continent, carrying home memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.