If you’ve been following along, by now you should have a really good idea why someone would choose to visit the Antarctic Circle. You’ve heard about the hikes, the zodiac cruises, the animal sightings. I haven’t said much about the sea days, and they are equally fantastic.
Let’s start out with the food. The variety is mind boggling. I’m a picky eater, but I’ve gotta tell you, every meal has tasted delicious and looked beautiful! Here’s a small sample.
Can you tell I really like desserts?
Of course, if anyone wants to return home sporting less than an additional ten pounds, there is a fully equipped gym on Deck 7.
I favored the recumbent bike, although I will admit, I didn’t use it as much as I should have.
I didn’t utilize the igloo on a sea day, but those days gave me time to write about them. There are TWO of these structures on deck 8. Those who want to spend a night in the igloo make a request, and if demand is high, a lottery determines who has access.
Fortunately, I had the presence of mind to have a photo of the interior taken before it got too dark.
I had been joking with my two new friends that I expected them to bring me a flask, sort of like the Saint Bernards dogs do in Switzerland.
Not only did they visit, but they brought three shots of tequila, salt, and limes so that we could have a proper toast
The bed’s headboard was transformed into a bar. You might be able to see that it took all three cell phones to generate enough light for our selfie. Of course, if I had been more observant, I would have noticed the lantern inside the igloo. I am probably the least observant person on this ship!
So, what was the experience like? Was it too cold? Too bright?
It was toasty warm, because the floor of the igloo is heated and hot water bottles are placed in the bed. And you can see for yourself that it was plenty dark. I will confess, however that when I was awakened by the howling wind and the rough seas, I gave it a half an hour to see if I could fall back asleep. When I couldn’t, I decided it would be wise to return to my cabin on a lower, more central deck.
My plan to use the infinity/ whirlpool right outside the igloo was revised. I HAVE used it and the sauna multiple times, but always during the day, when I can gaze out into the ocean. With the whirlpool running, it looks like I’m IN the ocean, doesn’t it? The light blue water is the whirlpool. The darker blue is the ocean, and the plexiglass separating the two is invisible.
Here’s a description of our activities for our second sea day.
Let’s say you’re too tired to go to the lounge for a talk. Hey, it happens. You can view the talk on the TV in your room, from the comfort of your bed.
Next stop, four days in the Falklands.
Destination NOW 