PLA30-25, trip log, Antarctica - Basecamp

Today was the day! We all travelled from far away places and made our way to the end of the world; Ushuaia. Our adventure onboard M/V Plancius was about to begin, and we were all very excited to start our Basecamp expedition. Boarding wasn’t starting until 16:00 so that gave us time to explore the shops in Ushuaia a bit more, enjoy a coffee with a piece of pie, or buy that last extra hat and pair of gloves. However, the cold rain and strong winds didn’t invite to spend much time outside.

In the afternoon we made our way down to the port where we soon found the charming and gracious M/V Plancius. Among the large cruise ships, she looked rather small, but that only ignited our enthusiasm more.

Boarding was smooth and while walking up the gangway we were greeted by the friendly and excited expedition team.

Once we all had boarded it was time for a mandatory abandon ship drill. Chief Officer Martin introduced himself and then explained the procedure. When the alarm was sounded, we made our way to our muster stations and started putting on our bulky orange life jackets. Then the abandon ship order was given, and we all made our way to the lifeboats where Second Officer Don gave us some more information about the life boats. That also ended the drill and now it was time to relax, explore the ship a bit more and enjoy seeing the ropes being loosened for our departure.

At 18:30 captain Evgeny welcomed us on board with inspiring words and together we toasted with a glass of champagne or orange juice. Our expedition had now really started and there was no way back!

Expedition Leader Adam introduced himself and the expedition team and he explained to us what to expect in the coming days. It’s a very experienced and passionate team and they we’re all eager to start this journey with us. Hotel Manager Albert then informed us how things work on the ship and where everything can be found.

It was a lot of information to process, but at 19:30 dinner was announced. Time to relax and enjoy the delicious buffet.

After dinner the doctor had organised a pill & patch party for those of us who needed sea sickness medication. Some swells were expected so it was good to prepare the body for this.

While we sailed through the Beagle Channel on our way to Antarctica, the sun slowly set and so did our eyes. Time to sleep! Good night everyone!

What a first night on the ship! We’d been warned that the ship would start rocking around midnight, and boy, did it ever! The waves hit, and sure enough, the ship started rolling. Some of us handled it better than others, which meant breakfast wasn’t well attended.

After breakfast, our fearless expedition leader Adam, kicked off a series of must-attend briefings that had our full attention. They were fascinating and educational at the same time! We learned all about the rules of the Antarctic continent, the strict biosecurity measures that have been implemented to protect Antarctica’s eco system against foreign diseases and invasive species. Perhaps the most thrilling was the zodiac safety briefing! These inflatable boats are crucial for exploring the wild, remote shores of Antarctica, where no ports exist. Thankfully, Adam kept the briefings short and sweet, giving some of us time to recover from the night’s rocky ride and relax a little longer.

In the afternoon, we got down to business, inspecting all our gear to make sure we weren’t accidentally bringing any unwanted species into the pristine environment. After a thorough cleaning and inspection, we signed the declaration that officially allowed us to set foot in Antarctica!

Then, Koen, our expert photo guide, gave us a crash course on wildlife photography before the expedition staff wrapped up with a recap session. Adam gave us a sneak peek of the next day’s plan, and we were treated to even more interesting and fascinating mini lectures from the staff.

That was day one done in the Drake! It felt like being back in school, but in the best way imaginable. The excitement of learning more about this untouched, awe-inspiring region we’re about to explore was absolutely contagious!

Day two in the Drake Passage was a smoother experience than yesterday. The swell and wind had calmed, and most guests were feeling the effects of the calmer seas; more energy, more excitement and a healthy appetite ;). After breakfast, the day’s plan kicked off with preparations for our special Basecamp activities.

During this trip, we would get the opportunity to participate in six activities: shore landings, zodiac cruises and scenic ships cruises as our standard activities. And on top of that we could do mountaineering, kayaking, and camping as well. An action-packed trip and sleeping would probably be done once we arrived back home!

Before we were able to sign up for these activities, mandatory briefings needed to be attended to get important safety information.

For some of us, this would be our first time on a zodiac, and mountaineering, kayaking, or camping weren’t a huge part of our daily routines back home either. So, these briefings are extra helpful to ensure everyone is safe and on the same page.

The first briefing was from our mountaineering guides. They explained the various equipment needed such as harnesses and crampons whereas they also shared how to safely transit over potentially crevassed ridden landscapes. The second briefing was for our campers. Valeria and Brian presented the logistics of camping in Antarctica, both with infectious excitement in their voices.

They showed us the kit needed for camping and explained how we would be responsible for digging our own sleeping pit and setting up our sleeping bag. And then they really sold open air camping to us by telling us about falling asleep in the brisk Antarctic night temperatures under a sky full of stars.

The third and final briefing was with Alexis for those wanting to kayak. Alexis has extensive global kayak experience, and he also knows the iceberg and whale filled Antarctic waters well.

After a delicious lunch, it was time for the activity sign up. We were divided in four different groups and were called up to register our activity dates. Some of us weren’t feeling too good, but still put in the effort to make it up to the lounge. Excitement was in the air and anticipation was growing as tomorrow we would see our first penguins and we would start with our cool activities!

After all the briefings, it was time for a lecture. Expedition guide Elizabeth gave the first wildlife presentation of the trip. She has been studying whales for the last 10 years and presented the basics of what is a whale or a dolphin, followed by snapshots of the various species we could see along our voyage. Now we got even more enthusiastic about the chances of seeing cetaceans and after the lecture, a lot of us went outside to start scanning the horizon.

In the evening, Expedition Leader Adam presented the plans for tomorrow; our first activity day. After hearing from Adam, Jakub gave a recap about ice and glaciers as we had spotted our first iceberg of the trip! Coincidentally, shortly after, we also could see land. Land Ahoy! Some of us went to bed early to be well rested for our first day ahead in Antarctica.

We woke up early to breathtaking views of the Antarctic continent, we were there! The morning was nothing short of spectacular—calm waters, bright sunshine, and hardly a cloud in the sky. Excitement buzzed through the ship as we prepared for our first landing, eager to step onto Antarctic soil for the first time.

The first destination of the day was Danco Island, a pristine and picturesque location teeming with wildlife. The highlight of this visit was the groups of moulting juvenile Gentoo Penguins, who provided an unforgettable experience for all. Many of these young penguins displayed a remarkable curiosity, waddling up to us, seemingly as intrigued by their human guests as the guests were by them. Against the backdrop of the beautiful weather, this close interaction with the wildlife made for a truly magical experience.

To cap off an already outstanding morning, the polar plunge added an element of excitement and camaraderie. Braving the frigid Antarctic waters, many of us took the plunge amidst cheers, shouts, and laughter, creating a moment of pure exhilaration and shared adventure.

After a quick turnaround, the expedition team prepared for the afternoon landing at Orne Islands. Here, the focus was once again on the region’s charismatic wildlife. While Gentoo Penguins were abundant, a few Chinstrap Penguins were also spotted among the colonies, offering us the opportunity to observe another fascinating species in its natural habitat.

The second group of kayakers took to the water, relishing the continued perfect weather conditions. With the stunning Antarctic scenery as their backdrop, they had another incredible paddling session in the icy blue waters. Meanwhile, the first group of mountaineers set off from George’s Point, scaling new heights and soaking in the breathtaking vistas from above. The unparalleled landscape of snow-capped peaks and icy fjords stretched as far as the eye could see, making the climb a truly memorable experience.

As MV Plancius made its way toward the evening’s camping site at Damoy Point, passengers were treated to an extraordinary wildlife sighting. A pod of 25 Type B large Orcas appeared near the ship, creating a truly unforgettable spectacle. Among them was a particularly impressive bull, boasting a massive dorsal fin that stood tall against the horizon. The pod put on a mesmerizing display, with their frequent surfacing and blows dramatically backlit by the golden glow of the evening sun. It was a rare and magical sight that left us in awe.

Upon arrival at Damoy Point, the team faced some logistical challenges. Shallow rocks in the bay and a thick, icy crust over the snow made it difficult to dig the traditional sleeping graves for the overnight campers. Despite these hurdles, the expedition crew persevered, ensuring that most of us made it ashore. Those who remained for the night were left filled with anticipation for their once-in-a-lifetime experience of sleeping under the Antarctic sky.

Brian and Valeria were waiting for us in our home for the night. We prepared our matrasses and sleeping bags, and although the wind was strong, we did find shelter behind the rocks. From time to time the silence was interrupted by faraway avalanches. In that moment we felt that the mountains were alive. The stars provided a mesmerizing ceiling and made this a night to never forget.

Those of us who were out camping started off the morning being serenated by the sound of calving glaciers, the chirping of terns and penguins, and a lovely good morning call from our camping guides, Valeria and Brian.

Damoy, known as the former southernmost waiting room, was a place where UK scientists awaited their plane ride en route to, or from the Rothera station back in the late 1970’s. It is a stunning place for camping, located within picturesque glacial scenery, dramatic spiky mountains, scattered with examples of the intricate relationship between ice and rocks. The conditions had been challenging with negative temperatures and wind gusts, but also a stunning night sky full of stars.

Later in the morning we arrived at Port Lockroy, a former UK research station which today is managed and maintained by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT). It’s a historic site with a museum, a souvenir shop and the world’s southernmost post office.

Unfortunately, due to technical issues the shop and museum were closed, however three Port Lockroy employees were kind enough to visit Plancius instead. We had the opportunity to learn about the history of this special place and to purchase unique Antarctic souvenirs.

Port Lockroy, located on Goudier Island, was discovered by Jean Baptiste Charcot in 1904 during the first French Antarctica expedition. It was named after the French politician who funded the expedition, and from 1911-1931 it offered a sheltered harbour for whaling ships. They needed fresh water to process the whales, and this meant they had to be located close to glaciers.

The main scientific work carried out was ionospheric research (study of the upper atmosphere which was used for high frequency radio), whereas other scientific research included the utilization of the environment and habitat preference for lichens, birds, and mammals. The base closed in 1962 and in 1995 the Antarctic Treaty designated it a Historical Site and Monument. In 2006, the UKAHT took over the site and to date carries out Gentoo penguin nesting research related to breeding success.

After their brief introduction most of us embarked the zodiacs to see Port Lockroy with our own eyes and then continued to Jougla Point just nearby. Jougla Point is a small rocky island with many Gentoo penguins and lots of whale bones.

During lunch time we repositioned towards the famous Paradise Bay. In the bay there are two research stations, one Chilean and one Argentinian. The latter being Almirante Brown Station on Coughtrey Peninsula, home of the Argentine Antarctica Program and one of the oldest stations in Antarctica. Many researchers are stationed there throughout the summer and the research conducted here focuses on meteorological observatory, census of penguins, oceanographic studies and marine biology. In 1984, part of the main facility burned down in a fire and the station was rebuilt in 1995.

Our next activity was a zodiac cruise. As we travelled along Skontorp Cove in beautiful sunny weather, we witnessed majestic glacier margins shooting to the sky with crevassed ice pillars and cliffs, only waiting to collapse within days or hours to give birth to even more icebergs.

We saw seals resting on ice floes and whales feeding in the nutrient rich waters of Paradise Bay.

In some places, the shoreline was also covered with moss and lichen, one of our first signs of plant life in Antarctica.

Nearby Brown station, our guides even drove us to shore to set foot onto the continent for the first time at Punta Vidt. From the landing area many of us saw a spectacular glacier calving, a reminder that glaciers are also alive. After witnessing all of that in just over two hours we fully understand why this place is called Paradise Bay!

That was another wonderful day in Antarctica!

We woke up early this morning, eager to witness our beautiful Plancius passing through the legendary Lemaire Channel. Many of us gathered on the bow and decks, mesmerized by the towering mountains on either side as the ship gracefully glided through the channel. The cloudy weather only added to the atmosphere, making the breathtaking scenery even more dramatic.

Once we emerged on the other side, we set course for our next landing site, Port Charcot. During the transit, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast in the restaurant, fuelling up for the adventure ahead.

We were all geared up and ready for the landing when Adam broke the unfortunate news; the landing was cancelled due to a massive buildup of ice at the site. But there was no need to worry, the expedition team already had an exciting Plan B in action: a zodiac cruise!

Gliding through the iceberg graveyard, we marvelled at the towering ice formations. Among the majestic icebergs, we spotted rafts of penguins, Weddell seals, and even the elusive Leopard seal! To top it all off, Minke and Humpback whales graced us with their presence, making this Plan B far beyond anything we could have imagined.

Before we knew it, it was time for lunch. Meanwhile, our expedition team went ashore to prepare our next landing. This time, we set foot on Pleneau Island which is located just southwest of the Lemaire Channel in the western reaches of the Antarctic Peninsula. Despite its modest size, the rocky surface is almost entirely buried under thick layers of snow and ice.

The island was named after the photographer of Jean-Baptiste Charcot’s French polar expedition (1903–1905). Initially, Charcot believed it was part of neighbouring Hovgaard Island and named it Pleneau Point. However, a narrow channel separates the two.

We hiked up to a stunning viewpoint, where icebergs stretched as far as the eye could see. A scenic walk led us around the island, bringing us face-to-face with bustling colonies of Gentoo penguins.

Later in the afternoon, we gathered once again in the lounge for our daily recap. Adam presented the plans for tomorrow, Steffi gave an insightful talk on the life cycle of penguins, and Koen led one of his engaging photography workshops.

To cap off an incredible day, our intrepid campers set out into the darkish night for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, camping in the heart of Antarctica at beautifully Hovgaard Island.

Brian and Valeria welcomed us to our outdoor hotel for the night. We began digging small snow shelters in case of wind, and then set up our bivy bags, mattresses, and sleeping bags. The experience became more magical with each passing minute. Laughter filled the air as we took pictures before falling asleep.

The silence was occasionally broken by the distant rumble of avalanches and calving glaciers. The blows of nearby whales added to the surreal ambiance, while above us, a canopy of stars formed the most magnificent roof we could ever have asked for.

Early this morning, the campers were picked up after spending a magical night under the Antarctic stars. The clear sky made for a truly unforgettable experience.

At 07:15, us none campers were gently woken by EL Adam’s soft yet cheerful wake-up call: “Good morning, good morning, good morning!”

After breakfast the day’s adventure began. Those not participating in kayaking or mountaineering embarked on a thrilling Zodiac cruise around Pleneau Island. The sun was shining brightly, and the sky was a brilliant blue—perfect conditions for exploring.

As we cruised through brash ice, we were once again in awe with the stunning icebergs surrounding us. It is amazing how nature shapes these fantastic icebergs into pieces of abstract art. Another highlight was the sheer variety of wildlife we encountered this morning. Groups of playful penguins swam around our zodiacs, which was a delightful sight to witness. Then, we had an incredible encounter with a curious Leopard seal which approached our boat, coming in close for a better look. It was breathtaking seeing this large and powerful Antarctic predator underwater.

Just when we thought the morning couldn’t get any better, we spotted humpback whales. Seeing these massive creatures up close was an awe-inspiring experience.

After the zodiac cruise, we sailed back through the majestic Lemaire Channel. With the sun out the views were breathtaking. The Lemaire Channel is nicknamed Kodak Gap as it has been widely photographed.

By 15:00, we arrived at our next destination—Damoy Point. This was the very place where our campers had spent their first night. Today, we had the chance to go ashore, visit the historic hut, and learn about the site’s past, including its former airstrip used by early explorers. It was fascinating to imagine the history embedded in this remote location.

During our walk, we were treated to breathtaking views, with the towering peaks of the Seven Sisters visible in the distance.

At 18:00, we returned to our mothership, M/V Plancius, where we received a briefing on tomorrow’s program. Then, at 19:00, we gathered in the dining room for another tasty dinner, while reflecting on an incredible day and eagerly looking forward to what tomorrow will bring.

Good morning, good morning, good morning! Another incredible day in Antarctica had begun, though initially, we could hardly see a thing. Our early risers maybe caught a fleeting glimpse of the sun over the glaciated mountains before the fog rolled in which shrouded everything in mystery. So where exactly were we? Welcome to Orne Harbour!

The plan was to set foot on the Antarctic continent once more, but while we approached it became clear that nature had other ideas. The landing site was difficult to approach due to ice and the steep climb up looked very icy and as such slippery and dangerous. However, the ship was surrounded by countless whales and rafts of penguins so in an instant, Adam made the call to do a zodiac cruise instead. As it turned out a brilliant choice!

At first, the thick fog kept us close to the ship. Penguins zipped through the glassy water, darting between the zodiacs being adorable, energetic, and endlessly entertaining. They scrambled up icebergs, some successfully, others not so much. But even their missteps were charming. And then, the whales—so many of them—graceful, curious, seemingly undisturbed by our presence. It felt like each zodiac had its own personal whale escort as they were swimming alongside us, playfully interacting with our small rubber boats, as if they were simply enjoying life.

As the fog lifted, we explored the vastness of Orne Harbour, but nothing topped the whales. Watching them flirt, frolic, and glide effortlessly through the water was pure magic. We felt privileged to witness such a moment. Could Antarctica possibly get any better than this?

Back on board, we enjoyed a fantastic lunch while we sailed towards our afternoon destination: Neko Harbour. Another chance to set foot on the Antarctic continent. Unfortunately, the fog had returned limiting our views of this beautiful glacier with its stunning surroundings. But the wind stayed calm, making for a smooth and safe landing, with a fun ride in slaloming through the brash ice.

At Neko we were greeted by Gentoo penguins and their adorable fluffy chicks! The little ones were everywhere fearless, curious, and constantly chasing after their parents, demanding more food. The adults obliged, but often had to escape into the water for a well-earned break. Beyond the penguins, the towering glacier at our landing site stole the show. Jakub, our onboard glaciologist, shared his passion for these icy giants while we eagerly watched, hoping to witness a dramatic calving event. Small chunks of ice already tumbled into the sea so we were excited to see what was about to happen! The fog added a moody atmosphere, and though the mountaineers had a hazy view from the top, they embraced their adventure nonetheless.

As the day wound down, the hotel team had a surprise in store, a BBQ dinner on the back deck. Free drinks, a warm meal, and breathtaking Antarctic surroundings made for an unforgettable evening. But the real surprise? The night quickly transformed into a full-on party. As soon as dinner ended, the tables and benches were cleared away, and the back deck became a dance floor. DJ Prince set the mood, and before long, nearly everyone was on their feet. Dancing in the middle of Andvord Bay, surrounded by ice? Not exactly how we pictured our Antarctic adventure, but absolutely perfect.

Some turned in before midnight, but whispers of an all-night celebration suggest that for some of us the party lasted until sunrise.

What a day, and what a night ;).

The morning of March 5th was nothing short of an adventure! M/V Plancius had arrived at Challenger Island, located on the north side of Bluff Island. It was the first time any of the expedition team or officers had visited this location, so our zodiac cruise was going to be a real expedition! Leader Adam was eager to explore, and together with Chief Officer Martin, they devised a plan to navigate the largely uncharted waters of Murray Harbour and circumnavigate Challenger Island. The gamble paid off; the zodiac cruise was absolutely spectacular!

Despite the chilly morning, wildlife was everywhere. We spotted Antarctic fur seals, Weddell seals, Leopard seals, Chinstrap penguins, Snowy Sheathbills, Giant petrels, Antarctic terns, and more Humpback whales. Adding to the magic, the shallower waters were filled with massive, stranded icebergs. They looked fantastic in the morning light. The whole experience carried a true sense of exploration, and Challenger Island quickly became a new favorite.

As we enjoyed another delicious lunch, the bridge team navigated our little blue ship to our afternoon destination: Foyn Harbor. The ship was surrounded by rugged, snow-capped peaks and breathtaking glaciated landscapes, an awe-inspiring backdrop for what was to come. Located on the east side of Enterprise Island, Foyn Harbor is not only home to whale-rich waters and stunning scenery, but also the historic shipwreck of the Governoren.

Once one of the largest and most advanced whaling factory ships of its time, the Governoren was designed to catch and process whales directly on board, making whaling more efficient and economically viable. The ship was famous for producing over 22,000 gallons of whale oil, and after one of its most successful seasons, the crew decided to celebrate. Unfortunately, the party got out of hand.

While dancing below deck, someone probably knocked over a lamp, and within moments, the ship was ablaze. With barrels of whale oil fuelling the fire, it quickly became uncontrollable. Fortunately, all 85 crew members escaped and watched from shore as their ship was consumed by flames.

During our zodiac cruise, we marvelled at the deep blue icebergs, towering glacial walls, and curious Humpback whales. We also spotted Weddell seals, Gentoo penguins, and Antarctic fur seals—a spectacular mix of wildlife in a truly breathtaking setting.

Then suddenly another zodiac approached with Albert and Niels, Chef Khabir, and Chief Engineer Daniel. What were they doing out here? Well, they came to bring us a warm and tasty surprise, hot chocolate with whipped cream, and a dash of rum. The perfect warm treat to enjoy amid the amazing Antarctic landscapes and blowing whales. What an unexpected delight!

After almost three hours out on the water we returned to the ship and with the sun setting over the Antarctic horizon, we ended the day with an unforgettable evening of ship’s whale watching—a perfect ending to a truly incredible day.

The final day of our Antarctic expedition aboard M/V Plancius was a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable journey, offering one last morning of exploration and wildlife encounters before beginning our voyage back to Ushuaia. Our final activity took place at Hydrurga Rocks, where passengers were divided into two groups, each given an hour and a half to experience both a landing and a zodiac cruise. The morning conditions were ideal, with mainly sunny skies and very light winds setting the stage for a spectacular farewell to the icy wilderness.

Onshore, the island was teeming with life, particularly young male Antarctic Fur Seals. These boisterous juveniles engaged in growling and posturing displays, likely practicing the dominance behaviours that would serve them in adulthood. While some of us cast nervous glances at the spirited interactions, the seals posed no real threat to our group.

The rest of the island was dominated by moulting adult Chinstrap penguins. With the chicks having already departed for the open sea, the remaining penguins were in various stages of feather replacement. Those still undergoing the moulting process stood motionless, looking rather grumpy, while the ones that had finished were seen reaffirming their pair bonds. A particularly charming behaviour witnessed was the gifting of pebbles, a touching display of affection and preparation for the next breeding season.

Meanwhile, those participating in the zodiac cruise were treated to incredible marine wildlife encounters. Humpback whales made several approaches, once again offering us intimate glimpses of these majestic creatures. Adding to the excitement, a young Elephant Seal was spotted, our only sighting of the species throughout the entire expedition. The combination of close-up whale sightings and the Elephant Seal encounter made for a truly memorable final excursion in Antarctic waters. One boat was lucky enough to witness a big iceberg calving. During a few minutes of Antarctic silence, the iceberg had started to make some grumbling sounds and then suddenly a large block of ice broke off. What a spectacular experience!

With the conclusion of our morning adventure, we returned to M/V Plancius for lunch and then we began our journey northward. Due to bad weather the decision had been made to spend one more morning in Antarctica, but then set sail directly for Ushuaia. This marked the beginning of our two-day crossing of the formidable Drake Passage, providing ample time for reflection on the extraordinary experiences we had shared over the course of the voyage.

The afternoon was a tranquil one, with many passengers succumbing to post-adventure drowsiness as the ship gently rocked in a moderate 3-metre swell. For those who remained awake, the day’s highlight was an engaging and passionate lecture delivered by Simon, who spoke at length about Albatrosses. These magnificent seabirds, with their extraordinary wingspans and unparalleled gliding abilities, are among the most remarkable avian travellers of the Southern Ocean. The talk served as a fitting preview for the days ahead, as we anticipated the possibility of encountering these majestic birds during our passage across the Drake.

As M/V Plancius continued its steady course northward, a sense of accomplishment and quiet contemplation settled over the ship. The journey had been an action-packed odyssey through one of the most remote and awe-inspiring regions on Earth, filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and shared moments of wonder. Now, with the white continent fading behind us, we looked ahead to the open sea, the adventure of the crossing, and the memories that would stay with us long after our return to civilization.

No wakeup call this morning, and although we enjoyed a bit of a sleep in, we also felt a bit melancholic that we had set sail towards Ushuaia after seven unforgettable days in Antarctica. The weather forecast hadn’t been too bad, and the ship was rocking gently this morning. We were more or less in between weather systems and into the greens so nothing we couldn’t handle.

Today a full lecture program was scheduled with a good variety of topics. Koen started the day with a presentation on Adobe Lightroom. This is a software program that enables us to get more out of our photos. You can compare it to developing your photos, but then with endless possibilities. With small adjustments related to contrast, exposure and colour, photos look immediately different and hopefully better ;).

Then it was Jakub’s turn. He talked about the state and fate of glaciers and ice sheets. This wasn’t a good news only presentation and the information Jakub shared made us think more deeply about the future of our planet.

During our expedition we encountered large numbers of humpback whales, and they all made us fall in love with them. Elizabeth shared with us her knowledge about these fantastic gentle giants in her humpback whale lecture. Her passion was infectious, and we felt privileged to have experienced our incredibly close encounters with these intelligent, social and conscious giants of the oceans.

Brian closed the lecture program with information about wilderness survival. Brian shared interesting stories, and it was clear he feels very much at home out in the wilderness.

During the day the other guides were on the bridge looking for wildlife. Although it was a relatively quiet day, we did see several species of Albatross.

After dinner we spent time in the lounge, chatting and mingling, and maybe working on the thousands of photos we took during our adventure. It was a relaxing day and after 7 intense and very busy days it was nice to relax a bit.

Good morning M/V Plancius! Our second full day of sailing on the Drake Passage towards Ushuaia. And again the weather was favourable as the swells weren’t much bigger than yesterday and during the day the movement should even decrease. Perfect conditions for having a good breakfast in the restaurant this morning.

Today the expedition team had more lectures scheduled with a good variety of topics. During our 7 days in Antarctica the days were completely filled with activities and that didn’t leave time for more extensive lectures. With more time on the Drake it was great to get more information about the guides’ specialties and passions.

Steffi’s lecture was titled “Why penguins don’t wear socks” and with such a title our curiosity was immediately triggered so we made our way up to the lounge. It was a very interesting lecture, and it is amazing how animals manage to survive the harsh Antarctic conditions and keep themselves warm.

Next it was Adam who shared with us what it’s like to overwinter in Antarctica as scientist. It was incredible to hear his personal story, and it was fantastic to see what Antarctica is like during the long cold winter.

Lunch was soon to be announced, but the expedition team had one more surprise for us. After looking at the maps and weather forecasts, it had been decided to sail the ship past the notorious area of Cape Horn. It’s an area with strong unpredictable winds and very high waves and that makes rounding the Cape a challenging endeavour. More than 800 ships sank here and that gives you an idea about the dangers here. From our safe ship we experienced a change in weather as the wind increased significantly and the sea got a bit rougher. But it was worth it as we saw many bird species in large numbers and occasionally, we were able to spot dolphins. This drive by was a very nice gesture from the captain and his officers.

After lunch and for many of us a nap, it was Valeria’s turn with a history lecture about the Race to the South pole. The race was between Scott and Amundsen who were both very eager to be the first to reach the South pole. Unfortunately, only one can be the winner and it was Amundsen who managed to be there first.

In the afternoon Alexis shared with us some of his Argentinian cultural heritage, a workshop on Maté! It was very entertaining to learn more about Argentina’s favourite drink.

Then it was time to dress up for captain’s cocktail. The expedition team were also wearing something a bit fancier than their daily uniforms, and this added to the festive atmosphere in the lounge. We drank champaign and the captain spoke thankful and inspirational words. Then it was Adam’s turn to say his thank you’s before we were shown the slide show. The slide show was made by Jakub and Brian with photo and video contributions from the entire expedition team. The slide show was great with funny moments, but also moments that made us tear up. It had been a wonderful trip and the slide show is a great souvenir and memory to bring home with us.

Then we had our final diner on board, and it was yet another delicious meal. The dining room was buzzing, and we enjoyed our last night the fullest. Albert then took the microphone to thank his entire hotel crew who did such a magnificent job both in front as well as behind the scenes. What a great team he has!

In the meantime, we had entered the Beagle Channel and the pilot was now in charge of getting us to Ushuaia where we would arrive around midnight. Good night everyone!

This morning Adam woke us up one last time with his soft and soothing voice. We will surely miss him waking us up. We opened our eyes and realised the ship was no longer moving and when we looked outside we saw we had arrived back in Ushuaia. We made our way to the breakfast restaurant once more and while eating we already started saying our goodbyes to the lovely stewards who had been so good and friendly to us. In the meantime the expedition team had carried out our luggage and then unfortunately Albert announced the ship had been cleared by the authorities and that the buses to the airport had arrived.

We said goodbye to our fellow passengers who had become our friends and with whom we had shared this unforgettable adventure. The expedition team was there as well and we were sad to have to say goodbye to them too. But with firm hugs and big smiles we parted ways while we looked back to our beautiful Plancius one more time. Our expedition had been amazing and we would never forget this great adventure!