Paulet Island was formed by a volcano that erupted beneath an enormous sheet of ice. Now it is the site of the vast Adelie penguin colony that we visited this morning. Our lunch was delayed as we watched a large pod of killer whales near the ship. Our afternoon walks at Tay Head on Joinville Island featured a smaller Adelie penguin colony, Antarctic fur seals, and a glacier. After dinner, the ship cruised very close to huge tabular icebergs – the views were magical.
12/30/2024
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National Geographic Resolution
Drake Passage and Beagle Channel
We completed a mild Drake Passage crossing today at the end of our incredible expedition to Antarctica, enjoying sightings of albatrosses, hourglass dolphins, sei whales, sea lions, penguins and seabirds on approach to South America. We enjoyed onboard presentations on a changing Antarctic Peninsula, historical perspectives on Antarctica, on assignment with our National Geographic photographer, and the results of an ice sculpture photography contest. Guests enjoyed the milder air temperatures and sightings from the decks as we approached civilization again after a week of incredible experiences among polar wildlife and icy scenery along the Antarctic Peninsula. “My heart is full,” was a memorable quote from one of our travelers after one such experience. We celebrated our voyage with the viewing of the guest slideshow, Captain Martin’s cocktail party, and a farewell dinner, as we boarded a local navigation pilot to lead National Geographic Resolution down the famous Beagle Channel into Ushuaia, Argentina, to end our remarkable expedition among penguins, whales and ice.
