Life aboard the ship

  Half Moon Island, Antarctica
Tuesday, February 7, 2006

2/7/06
Life aboard the ship.

The 'Marco Polo' holds about 750 people, I've heard there are about half that on board for this voyage. Some say there are limits due to visiting Antarctica. I don't know, but it does not feel crowded. Small ships as cruise ships go, but I still have had some trouble finding my way about. My room is on one of the lower decks, and has no view, but is big enough for me. I like it, and it is quiet and easy to sleep in. The ship has a beautiful dining room for the main dinners, a more casual restaurant (which I have not tried yet), several bars, a library, little casino, and an exercise room (which I did use this morning). There are 4 levels or so that have decks outside for lounging, or walking, or viewing. It is wet and windy out right now, but I'll bundle up in a bit and walk around. The cruise gave us all big red parkas for our excursions in and around Antarctica. They must be expecting it to be cold, because this is a seriously heavy coat.

Right now I am suffering from some seasickness. But it is not severe, I've been able to eat, attend a lecture on Antarctica, and be out on deck a bit. I just have to take it slow. I am hoping my body adjusts to the constant swaying.

Have been meeting a lot of people, and with this small of ship run into them regularly. Lots of people from Australia on board, and the UK as well. I have decided to give up telling people I'm from Vancouver, Washington. They either hear the Vancouver and think I'm from Canada, or they hear the Washington and think DC. So sometimes I say Portland, sometimes Seattle, and occasionally Anchorage. Everybody knows Seattle, no matter where they are from. Portland, not as much, and again, some people have said they thought Portland was in Maine.

There are a lot of older people on board, you know, like older than a young guy like me. And there is a good number of younger ones as well (in their 20's). They are dressed like they are ready for an expedition, so I think that is what drew them to this ship.

Tonight is formal night, so I will wear my Tux. Hopefully I'll be feeling better this afternoon and evening.

Not many photos right now, nothing to take pictures of but gray skies and an unending ocean (that I wish would settle down a bit). We are supposed to get to Halfmoon Island tonight, and I believe we'll be able to visit it tomorrow morning, though I guess it depends on the weather conditions.

MILES: flying 8517, bus 22, taxi 33, walking 12, ship 264, total 8848
Current position Latitude: 57d 58.41m S Longitude 63d 40.87m W
50 degrees Fahrenheit

Below is a map that I hope shows where I will be going the next few days...