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Daily Expedition Reports
9/15/2024
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Sea Cloud
At Sea
As we wiped the sleep from our eyes and looked to the sky above, dreamy clouds splayed out, luffing in 18-plus knots of wind. These clouds, the sails of the magnificent Sea Cloud , were set not for viewing pleasure but for making way, tacking onward through the Aegean Sea off the coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula. With Captain Starostin on the bridge guiding his seaworthy crew through the sail plan, Chief Officer Alex took charge on the spanker deck walking the guests through a play-by-play of the mechanics of sailing the Sea Cloud. While winds gusted heavily, some rain clouds appeared, but this did not deter guests from the exhilarating demonstration happening above them. Between the weather and the waves, it was the perfect storm for Sea Cloud and her crew to show off what this ship was truly built for—sailing. Guests enjoyed being out on the decks in the action with the crew as they handled various lines working the sails above. We continued onward as Sea Cloud made way for our next destination in Katakolon, Greece.
9/15/2024
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National Geographic Explorer
Îles de la Madeleine, Quebec
After departing Cape Breton, Nova Scotia the night before, we arrived at the Magdalen Islands (known as Îles de la Madeleine in French) on a picture-perfect day. We split into three activity groups. One excursion was a bus tour of the islands, the second a scenic bike ride, and the third was a hiking tour across the beautiful landscape. Our tour got to visit some of the archipelago’s striking red sandstone rock formations, a couple of picturesque lighthouses, and a tasting tour of a local artisanal cheese maker and smokehouse. This was in addition to an amazing lunch of mussels or fish and chips at wonderful restaurant in an old convent, and oysters on the back deck of National Geographic Explorer. It was a day rich in culinary adventures. We were treated to some foot-stomping Acadian tunes played by talented local musicians Gilles Lapierre and Evan Martinet. Lapierre, who was also our tour guide for the day, is a masterful singer, storyteller, and player of the knucklebones, a percussion instrument made of beef rib bones that is used in a variety of folk music traditions. He and Martinet, the finest fiddler on the island, filled the ship’s lounge with joyful energy and toe-tapping rhythms.
9/15/2024
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National Geographic Islander II
Floreana Island
Today we explored the mysterious and noble island of Floreana, the historic capital of the Galapagos Island province and home to the first settlers. This island has been eroding for over a million years. It is home to Post Office Bay, location of the oldest postal system in South America. We visited the famous barrel to send “stamp-less” postcards. Some guests took the opportunity to paddle around the area in kayaks, and we concluded the morning with an awesome snorkel. To finish our day, we visited Cormorant Point, a visitor’s site with a flamingo population.
9/15/2024
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Sea Cloud II
Vis, Croatia
Overnight, the bridge team of Sea Cloud II navigated from the island of Hvar to the island of Vis, which is the outermost lying island in Croatia. Because of its strategic location sitting far out in the Adriatic Sea, its two protected harbors, and its natural freshwater springs, Vis has been a coveted island since ancient Greek times, both for a place for local fisherman and for its military advantages. We enjoyed walking through the historic town of Komiza, visiting the local church named “Our Lady of Pirates,” and learning about the area’s rich natural history at the Vis Geopark. With local guides, we donned helmets and flashlights and explored military tunnels that were built during WWII and were continued to be used during the Cold War Era when they were nicknamed “Tito’s Tunnels.” After a day of exploration, we sat for lunch at a local winery, featuring a local dish called Peka, which involves slow cooked lamb, fish, and veggies over fire. After lunch, we rode to the high point of the island, Hum Hill, where guests took in the panoramic views. After a bit of free time back in Komiza, we boarded our tenders and returned to our lovely Sea Cloud II for our nightly recap and cocktail hour, followed by another wonderful dinner from Chef Florian Schneider.