The day started with high spirits, what did the captain have planned for us today? As adventurers, we waited anxiously to hear his voice over the intercom. We were ready to continue exploring Antarctica!
We decided to embrace the day and see if the Bridge was open for visitation. Another thing we absolutely loved about Ponant is that there are no fees to tour the Bridge and there are no set times to visit. As long as the sign is posted for guests to enter, you can freely visit when you desire.
First time was a charm and we cautiously opened the door, unsure if we had to knock. The bridge crew looked at us politely and told us no videos but we were free to take as many photos as we wanted from a distance. It did feel a bit awkward being inside the bridge without any guide leading us around or discussing the mechanics of how things work, so we quickly glanced around from afar and took a few photos. It was definitely a neat experience watching the crew work and getting the opportunity to see the open ocean from their viewpoint. However, a tour would have been more enjoyable and educational.
A view from inside the Bridge. Le Commandant Charcot is outfitted with a helicopter and was used during our trip.
After viewing the Bridge, we grabbed a smoothie from our favorite part of the ship on Deck 9. If you would like to learn more about Le Commandant Charcot, head on over to "Exploring Antarctica with Ponant: A glimpse of Le Commandant Charcot." As we were enjoying the views out of the floor to ceiling windows, the intercom came on, announcing that we were going to attempt to land on sea ice! We were so excited to witness what this amazing ship could do, after all, Le Commandant Charcot is an icebreaker and is outfitted for these kinds of adventures. We quickly prepared for the colder weather, excited to watch the ship do what it's made for.
As we made our way to the bow of the ship, we heard the booming of the helicopter's rotor above us. I did feel a bit envious of the pilot and scientists inside; what an amazing view they had of Antarctica! As they scanned the landscape from above, searching for the perfect area for landfall, Le Commandant Charcot proceeded to inch its way closer to ice.
The flat sea ice was so crisp, clean, and untouched. Everything was incredibly still and peaceful in that moment. Then, the first hit of ice came and the ship shook violently. The crushing of ice was thunderous as the ship continued onward. Ice broke apart with ease and gently splashed against the other broken pieces.
Unfortunately, our first attempt at landfall was a no-go as the ice was just a bit too thin. The helicopter continued on scanning the area and the captain continued trying other locations.
We went back to our room to relax, but not for long because another announcement was made that there was a wildlife sighting! Throwing on our parkas, we opened the sliding glass door and eagerly looked around. Two Emperor Penguins stood on the ice, gazing out at the open ocean. Seeing this beautiful pair in the wild was extraordinary. Emperor Penguins live in remote places closer to the coastline and on sea ice. As with anything in Antarctica, it is not guaranteed that you will see this type of penguin. Our captain allowed us adequate time for our viewing pleasures before turning around, not to bother the penguins.
A pair of Emperor Penguins from afar and an action shot of a Minke Whale diving underwater.
Not long after, our cabin phone rang. The cruise director, Simone, gave us a call with amazing news, we were to get married today! We had been planning our Antarctic wedding since 2019 and the day had finally arrived. If you're interested in having a wedding in Antarctica, be prepared for spontaneity. We knew we were going to get married during our trip but we had to have complete faith that the staff onboard were preparing for the special occasion as well as the perfect location. The most difficult part was not knowing when it would happen and my anxiety had me believing that they forgot.
Simone had told us that we were going to make landfall on sea ice and that while guests were to disembark the ship, we were to stay in the cabin until they called us. Brandon and I got ready, donning our best outfits. We took some selfies on the balcony as we watched guests embark on their sea ice treks.
Since we eloped, I brought Bear, my stuffed animal who travels everywhere with us, to be our ring bear(er). Selfie of Brandon and I on our balcony overlooking the sea ice. Photo of our meteorite wedding rings and vows.
My heart pounded with excitement as Simone called our cabin once more. We made our way to the mudroom to put together the final part of our wedding attire, our Wellies boots! I felt positively overwhelmed by the gracious comments I received from guests still disembarking the ship. No one but the staff knew about this wedding, so guests were shocked to see us.
Simone greeted us and took us down the ramp to our private area on the sea ice. All eyes were on us and I've never felt so special as I did on our wedding day. Heads turned and mouths were agape, I truly felt like the belle of the ball. We walked a few hundred feet from the ship and met with the Captain and a few crew as witnesses to our wedding. The crew stood next to a table with glasses on top with a bucket of champagne and an inflatable couch nearby. It was such a sweet gesture that the staff had set up for us.
Our captain, Patrick Marchesseau, began the beautiful ceremony as Simone help my phone to capture video and hummed "Wedding March." We laughed, we shed a tear, and we were overjoyed by the entirety of it all. The scenery was otherworldly and here we were, so far away from everything, but we felt safe and at peace.
We were so grateful for the crew on Le Commandant Charcot, for Captain Machesseau who took time out of his day to marry us, for Simone who planned our special day and filmed our wedding, and for the photographer who not only captured stunning photos, but also gifted us the photos free of charge.
After our ceremony, we toasted with a glass of champagne and engaged in conversation. The captain had told us we were the first couple to get married on Le Commandant Charcot and that he had never officiated a wedding in Antarctica, let alone not knowing it was possible! We felt special to be the first ones to get married on the ship.
After everyone finished their glass of celebratory champagne, Simone told us that we had time to sit down, relax, and soak it all in while they made their way back to the ship. When we were done, we could wave our arms to let them know to come get us. That was when it really hit me. We were alone in such a big world, sitting on sea ice next to Larsen Ice Shelf B, and not a sound could be heard. That moment in time was pure bliss. We sat there harmoniously as we sipped more champagne and exchanged our vows in private. Time stood still as the chilly air kissed our cheeks and we watched other adventurers from afar.
One of my most favorite photos of all time, the photographer captured a phenomenal photo of us from afar.
Brandon and I knew we had to eventually go back to the ship. After taking a few photos of each other, we waved down the crew and were brought back to the ship. I will never forget this memory as I know I will never experience it again. Luckily, we received the coordinates of our wedding location, somewhere that is special to us and us only and will never be shared with any other couples, but the chances of revisiting this exact location in our lifetime might be impossible.
Some of the best wedding photos of the day. Also, shoutout to my friend Sean for helping me make the beautiful cape.
We changed into normal clothing and continued our celebrations back at the Detox Bar where our favorite barista was happy to see us once more. He asked if we were the ones who got married outside (I was the only red-head on the ship and was easy to spot). He wasn't the last person to ask us this question and we ended up feeling like celebrities during the duration of our trip.
We sipped our smoothies and watched the crew practice a rescue mission with the helicopter. It was interesting to watch but was difficult to see since they were so far out. We also had another Minke Whale pod sighting and watched as the dove under the sea ice.
Before heading to dinner, we attended a lecture in the theater discussing the Nordenskjold Swedish Antarctic Expedition from 1901-1903. I've always found explorers to be intriguing and above all, brave. Visiting this serene continent has been inspiring and it allowed myself to be even more grateful to those that explored the land and seas and endured the challenges long ago. After the lecture, Dr. Susan Currie, shared with us that there was a Ross Seal sighting during our viewing of the Emperor Penguins. Ross Seals are the rarest type of seal to be found in Antarctica, with a population of about 75,000 across the continent.
After a busy but wonderful day, we sat down for our favorite meal of the day onboard Le Commandant Charcot. We once again, ate to our hearts content, savoring every bite from the immaculate meal.
They say to enjoy every day as if it's your last, but I say, enjoy every moment as you cannot duplicate time. January 26 will forever stay near and dear to my heart. It was a magical wedding on the most beautiful continent in the world.
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