After two days of travel, we awoke this morning to the success of crossing the Drake Passage and reaching the Antarctic Peninsula. Outside our windows: tall mountains and big blue icebergs. On deck: crisp and chilly air. We are finally here. We spent the whole day in Marguerite Bay, commencing our expedition with a visit to Stonington Island, home of two historic research stations, Base E (UK) and East Base (USA). We headed farther south for afternoon adventures, but plan A was sloshed away by inclement weather. We pivoted both plans and direction, but not before reaching the farthest south latitude that National Geographic Resolution has ever sailed! We enjoyed delightful Zodiac excursions to view fantastic ice formations, gorgeous lighting, and a sampling of Antarctic wildlife. Both morning and afternoon included programs by our scientists and naturalists, concluding with recap and another delicious dinner.
1/6/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
Gerlache Strait, Chiriguano Bay, and Lemaire Channel
We awoke traveling south in Gerlache Strait on the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula after amazing days in the Weddell Sea with emperor penguins and tabular icebergs. We passed krill fishing vessels and humpback whales targeting the same prey. Young guests from our Global Explorers kids’ education program were treated to a tour of our Zodiac garage by Staff Captain Sam and Bosun Rocky. Some Global Explorers paused to share impressions of our voyage so far: “I expected it to be a lot colder.” Billy, 11 “I love seeing all the animals and how they act in the wild.” Emery, 10 “I saw some killer whales and it was really cool how big they were.” Nate, 9 “The penguins were walking faster than I expected.” Lukas, 6 “I didn’t expect that emperor penguins were my height. They’re kind of giants to me.” Violet, 9 “My favorite part was the polar plunge. I wish I could do it again.” Harvey, 10 This afternoon, after enjoying great views of humpback whales, we did Zodiac cruises in Chiriguano Bay on Brabant Island. Dinner was delayed to observe killer whales near the ship and we transited beautiful Lemaire Channel later in the evening.