Antarctica Sea Ice Hike (11-30-24)

Published by

Digger Deb

November 30, 2024

Our ship, the Viking Octantis, is parked in sea ice in Wilhelmina Bay. Sea ice is frozen seawater that floats on the ocean surface, unlike icebergs which are chunks of ice shelves or glaciers that fall into the ocean.

With the permission from our Captain, the Expedition Team tested the depth of the sea ice to see if it was safe to allow the passengers to walk on it.

Our Expedition leader, Pablo, announced that the sea ice was determined to be safe. So 10 passengers at a time were allowed to go out on the sea ice. We were told this is the first time a Viking Expedition ship had done this, including Polaris, Viking’s twin Expedition ship.

The lowest compartment houses the anchor. The compartment with the 6 windows is the Hide, a cozy space for reading and watching the waves crash against the ship, or enjoying an after-dinner drink.

One lone penguin marched across the ice while we were walking. Later, I saw him lay down to rest as the passengers continued back to the ship.

At 5 pm we backed out of the sea ice, heading to our next adventure stop.

2 responses to “Antarctica Sea Ice Hike (11-30-24)”

Morgan Craft

November 30, 2024

Absolutely stunning and beautifully desolate Deb. You guys totally look the part of Antarctic explorers!

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1. Digger Deb
  
  November 30, 2024
  
  Yes, “desolate” is an apt description. Feels like another planet. To think of all the explorers who sailed to the Antarctic without modern technology and all the comforts we enjoy today.
  
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