The Drake is giving us a taste of how fearsome she can be. During the night, we crossed 60° South and are officially in Antarctica. The Captain, in his wisdom, altered course to the east to ensure a more comfortable ride for the ship.

Guests were briefed on IAATO and their expected behaviours ashore, and received their rubber boots and boat group patches. Strict biosecurity protocols saw them vacuuming their clothes so we can be assured that we will keep Antarctica pristine. You can smell the anticipation in the air. Albatrosses and cape petrels followed our boat and danced effortlessly through the winds.