This morning we awoke to a new and stunning destination. We were surrounded by icebergs and towering mountains on all sides. While most of us marveled at the landscape from the warm comforts of the ship’s many panoramic windows while sipping coffee, undersea specialists Nick and David had already departed to dive into subzero waters to explore and video the whaler shipwreck, Governoren. Once back aboard, we began the day’s transition through the Bransfield Strait with the goal of reaching Deception Island by midafternoon. Along the way we enjoyed phenomenal presentations from Michael George, on-board National Geographic expert, and Captain Martin about the extraordinary features that make National Geographic Resolution one of the best expedition ships in the world. The shore landing on this volcanically formed island offered us a snapshot into the region’s whaling history while also providing great wildlife observations, including gentoo and chinstrap penguins plus a resting leopard seal.
1/23/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
Weddell Sea, Antarctica
Guests on board National Geographic Resolution awoke to a bright morning, with glorious sunshine glittering off the icebergs that surrounded us in the Weddell Sea. Near to the ship, juvenile emperor penguins warmed themselves and stared at the jagged cliffs of James Ross Island, indifferent to our presence. Sailing north, past Nordenskjold’s hut on Snow Hill Island, we approached Cockburn Island. Named after the First Lord of the Admiralty when it was discovered by James Ross during his 1839-1843 expedition, the island appears as a giant cliff rising out of the sea. Taking to our Zodiacs, we headed out among the ice floes surrounding the island, spotting emperor and Adélie penguins and admiring the icebergs intricately carved by the sea and wind. After a heartening BBQ lunch prepared by National Geographic Resolution’s outstanding crew, we maneuvered to a nearby patch of sea ice. At 14 meters thick, this patch was more than strong enough to support our guests, and we disembarked eager to explore these transient habitats. After we had our fill of the sea ice, we re-embarked the ship for dinner, but found Antarctica was not finished with us yet. Orcas popped up close to the ship, passively exploring the waters around James Ross Island, unperturbed as we glided by.