twangster

Here are some photos from the channel near Puerto Williams. We departed in darkness so we missed this on day one. It's very pretty. You can't park there.

I had a brief discussion with the expedition team leader about capacity. He indicated this cruise was well within the team's capacity to manage and even the 245 next cruise was not a concern for him.

Somewhere off in the distance in this vicinity was Cape Horn. Land ahead of us. Looking back to the Drake Passage. Chilean Dolphins. We've reached the pilot station for Puerto Williams. New ETA to Puerto Williams is now 3:30pm. These fur seals seemed to be just goofing around with each other.

Noon update: We've come full circle or nearly so. My boarding pass for the charter flight back to Santiago was dropped off this morning. Window seat on the left side. My luggage is packed and I made it under the 23 kg weight limit.

Day 18 Chronicle: 5 JAN - At Sea and Puerto Williams Chile.pdf

Day Eighteen - Drake Passage and Puerto Williams Position report: Balcony observations: The seas have settled considerably and most of the ship's motion is gone.

Just before bed our position:

In the early evening the Captain hosted us in the main theater for some final words. As well as a parade of the crew.

Information posted for our consumption:

I imagine every trip is different and unique. Expedition cruising is all about what you make it. I am confident your experience will be equally great.

Our position using the windy.com swell forecast.

Photo statistics: 14,235 pictures and/or video clips captured 781.21 GB on disk 1,960 images processed for posting. Photos have been reduced to 1,200 maximum pixel width to make them easier to upload over ship internet.

The Silver Wind has a complimentary laundrette on deck four forward. It's a compact space with 3 sets of washers and dryers. There are complimentary laundry pods available containing powdered laundry soap compatible with the ship's bioengineering systems. The trick is finding time when 200+ other guests are also vying for laundry resources.

Next cruise to have 245 guests. This sailing had 229. Maximum capacity was stated to be 277.

Captain's noon address just now. Seas at 3m are expected to remain until 1am at which point they will improve. In the Captain's words it's a relatively good day in the Drake. I'm kind of disappointed. I guess I'll have to come back to experience the real Drake Passage. Live from the Drake Passage aboard the Silver Wind.

Waiting for me after breakfast: Departure information:

Relatively speaking it's no worse than what we experienced in the Scotia Sea earlier in the voyage, so far. There is some motion to the ship. I was using the grab handles to shower this morning. I was also walking like a drunkard on the way to breakfast and I didn't drink that much last night. I'm enjoying it.

I was secretly hoping we would just go for it. Having said I loved the Neumayer Channel. I am doing the Drake au natural. No medication for me.

Down for breakfast in The Restaurant I had the venue to myself so an opportunity for some photos. Which window seat shall I pick?

Day 15 Chronicle: 4 JAN - At Sea.pdf

Day Fifteen - The Drake Passage Position report: Balcony observations:

Our final daily recap and briefing was held this evening. Among a number of topics Sara reminded us again about the IAATO Antarctic Ambassador Expedition Challenge. The guests that completed the challenge on board were called on stage and presented with certificates. You can also complete the challenge on the IAATO website. Just before dinner I captured our position and track through the Neumayer Channel. At 21:45 it was the crew talent show. Amazing talent among the crew. Impressive. Just before bed it was one last position report now that we have made the turn North. Ready or not, Drake Passage here we come.

Incidentally my 360 camera discovered two more Starlink antennas in the forward area above the Panorama Lounge. That makes at least three Starlink systems on board with a theoretical aggregate bandwidth of 1.5Gbps for the ship.

The Silver Wind in The Neumayer Channel in 360. Silver Wind in the Neumayer Channel in 360 - Midship Silver Wind in the Neumayer Channel in 360 - Forward

Here are some pictures from my 360 camera during the Neumayer Channel transit.