South America - part 6

Sat 17^th at sea

Got up at 830 after a bumpy night. Spent most of day between presentations and lucky draws. The ship is now operating under Antarctic Regulations which means no food or drink of any kind is allowed on outside decks, no loud music or noise outside and especially no littering overboard (be very careful with tissues when pulling gloves out of pockets). The vessel also has to burn marine fuel oil which is cleaner with fewer emissions.

 

The bow has now been opened to passengers and I had an explore, mainly to test out the best spot for photography when we reach the Antarctic. I found the steel decking a little slippery and the flare of the bow meant you had to lean outwards so felt the forward observation area on Deck 6 maybe the better place. It is that much higher and easy to dart from side to side if necessary!

 

Today was our Mariner lunch with plenty of free champagne and wine. The seas are still bumpy but better than yesterday. Won team trivia. Not much to see outside – just grey seas. Went to the interview of the Captains by the Cruise Director. It is a nice touch to offer coffee and pastries at the lower deck entrance to the theatre for the presentations. Next we went to a ladies pamper party in the spa before heading to the cabin where we had a rest before showering and watching the rest of that morning's penguin presentation on TV. I saw my first iceberg of the voyage. It was huge but we kept quite a distance from it.

 

We ate dinner with an Australian and German couple who lived in Guatemala. Bed after buying postcards as have to be up early for Elephant Island, where we arrive at 5am!