16 Jan 2025

Crossing the Antarctic Circle and first Iceberg spotted!

Over 4 sea days heading south towards our first landing at Cape Adare, we were delighted to have great viewing of seabirds, including many albatrosses, shearwaters and prions. We enjoyed many educational presentations within the Main Lounge and an art programme led by our resident artist Kathy Reilly got into full swing.

Shortly after 1740, on 15th January we crossed the Antarctic Circle holding a ceremony on the pool deck and took our oath to protect this special environment and receive the Mark of the Penguin before the most intrepid took an Antarctic Pool Plunge as part of the initiation. About 2300 we encountered our first large iceberg, and despite the late time, the outer decks and bridge were a hive of activity whilst our Captain and bridge crew skilfully circumnavigated the stunning ice cliffs.

On 16th January we viewed Humpback Whales in the morning after passing through the first ice bands and entering the Ross Sea. Later in the day, we encountered feeding grounds for Blue whales - viewing 4 of the largest animals that have ever existed, near Heritage Adventurer. We also believe that we saw an additional whale that might have been a hybrid of a Fin and Blue due to its very dark skin but a Blue Whale's reminiscent dorsal fin and mottling in the skin.

Now we travel onwards through open water anticipating another band of ice and Cape Adare tomorrow.

Images © C. Finch, Heritage Expeditions