Sailing around the ice

But still foggy....

What a day it had promised to be. Mediterranean-type seas, glorious sunshine, and a whole day's sailing. It was to be a day of relaxation, reflection, and socializing. The ship came to life slowly, with no expedition outings on the crossing. Guests enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, a cup of their favorite beverage in Seabourn Square, or a look at the array of screens in the Bow Lounge, displaying navigational data, radar screens and weather maps.

But the warm air and cold water soon resulted in a mantle of fog across the sea. Notions of whale sightings and photos of birds in flight disappeared. The convection fog was created by temperature variation, much like a glass frosting when it is removed from a refrigerator. This would change as the voyage progressed, and the temperatures reversed, with cold air and warmer seas from the approaching land of ice and the Gulf Stream current.

The Bridge officers and watchkeepers scanned their radar screens, always on the lookout for other vessels or obstacles that could threaten the safety of the ship. The screens remained blank, and the AIS was devoid of any tracking. The ship's complement went about their day, taking care of guests, refreshing suites, maintaining equipment, and finalizing outstanding reports because of the busy expedition days.

The Expedition Team presented Conversation topics about the area and activities of interest: exploration and adventure in and around Greenland, the next stop for Seabourn Venture. Guests abounded in the public areas, chatting, reading or just relaxing. The restaurants served an array of delicious meals, and the bar staff kept the guests well-served. The bragging rights for the winners of the Team Trivia series were hotly contested: teams acquired new members and points racked up in pursuit of this accolade. The jigsaw puzzle in Seabourn Square progressed somewhat, and the library showed signs of above-normal use.

All in all, it appeared that everyone had a good day.

Text and photos by Ian Klynsmith.

Today marks the second day at sea on this wonderful passage, crossing between Svalbard and Greenland. Seabourn Venture was shrouded in a thick blanket of fog all day, although it occasionally lifted to reveal the calm seas ahead. Besides a few Northern Fulmars trailing behind the ship, not much else could be seen in this vast expanse of water. Fortunately, the seas have been calm, allowing for pleasant cruising and the day's activities to unfold.

With Expedition Team members posted around the ship, the day's first activity took place in the Photo Studio. Here, photographer John Shedwick presented a workshop on editing techniques and styles. Following this, a series of Conversations took place: kayak guide Rob Egelstaff, adventurer Riaan, and lastly, ornithologist JP.

As the day continued, anticipation for the upcoming Greenland adventures increased. Will it be foggy? How much ice will there be? What can guests expect to see at Seabourn Venture's first port of call Ittoqqortoormiit? Everyone will have to wait and see.

As the night closed in, some of the Expedition Team participated in a hilarious game of Liars Club, in which ridiculous words need to be defined, but only one of the team members is telling the truth. It was amusing to find out that words such as Quakebuttock and Bubaloobies actually exist in the English language.

Text and photos by Sabine Henry.Читать далее