Welcome to our first BIG adventure for 2011. We have loved the time we have previously spent in South America and feel very lucky to be able to be on one of the last cruises that will be allowed to cruise Antarctica.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Cruising Antarctica

Friday, February 18th
This morning, we were up at 4AM to get up to the Constellation Lounge, on the top deck, to get a seat by a window to have a good view as we cruise past Elephant Island and the other islands on our way to Deception Island late in the day.  When we got to the lounge, we got the last seats at the windows!!!!  Guess we did not have an original idea!!!!!
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Unfortunately, there was heavy fog so visibility was very limited.
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Around 9AM, the weather cleared as we reached the southern tip of Elephant Island. We were able to see a few whales in the distance and also some penguins in the water. Other than that, we didn’t see any other wildlife.  We were able to view some floating ice and one really magnificent iceberg.  Glacier formation along the shore line was also visible thru the light fog.
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Unfortunately, the weather deteriorated from there…..the Captain reported from the navigation bridge that seas were expected to reach 25 feet and winds over 60 knots with snow at Paradise Bay.  Based on reports that the weather was expected to continue to deteriorate over the next 72 hours, the decision was made to abort further Antarctica cruising and turn the ship and head to Ushuaia where we will arrive a day early and overnite.  Needless to say, we were all disappointed but always knew this was a possibility.  I had really looked forward to cruising Antarctica and doubt if we will ever have another opportunity.
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