National Geographic Orion sailed overnight from the South Shetland Islands to the core of the Antarctic Peninsula, where we marveled at the landscapes, wildlife and sheer scale of this breathtaking continent. Our cruising ground this Christmas Eve were within the Gerlache Strait, named in honor of the leader of a Belgian expedition in the late 1890s that diligently mapped (and named) the northwest coast of the Peninsula. Above and beyond their daily responsibilities, the ship’s crew have thoroughly decorated the ship with elaborate gingerbread houses, Christmas trees, and lights: We look forward to sharing the holidays together tomorrow!
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.
