Our first full day in Antarctica was packed with exploration. National Geographic Orion was fortunate to visit two landmark Antarctic bases. One of the earliest British bases and the only official post office on the continent, Port Lockroy, went beyond the postcard-mailing with fast-ice walks and gentoo penguin watching. United States’ Palmer Station was a tour of some of the most technologically-advanced, contemporary research stations on the continent, with a bonus Zodiac tour of the nearby glacier, the Adelie penguin colony, and elephant seal haul-out. Though the sun never set until we were all fast asleep, the twilight sunshine lasted forever and provided exceptional photographic light for hours.
2/28/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
Northbound Drake Passage, Cape Horn, and the Beagle Channel
This morning, we had a later start than usual after a late night enjoying the crew show. Our galley team gifted us with a fulfilling brunch. We then had a brilliant forum about climate change with the participation of our panel of experts onboard. Afterward, our expedition leader called us to the bow to see Cape Horn, which was only a few miles ahead. The good weather allowed us to have a smooth and fast crossing, allowing extra time to swing by Cape Horn, the most southern tip of the Americas. Over the PA system, Steven provided a very interesting description of the historical importance of this area, then Pablo read a beautiful poem, a memorial to the seaman lost at sea. We could see the monument in the distance, two metal sheets that depict an albatross in flight. During the afternoon, we enjoyed Madalena’s presentation about Women in Antarctica. This was an incredible voyage through the struggles and delays of allowing women to participate in science and logistics in Antarctica. We entered the Beagle Channel around 17:00 and we encountered black-browed albatrosses, cormorants, dolphins, and whales. On our final approach to the beautiful city of Ushuaia, we passed by Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and some of the seals that live in the Bridges Islands Archipelago.
