Our morning started bright and early. Peering out onto the balcony, we saw that the deck was lightly dusted with snow, a foreshadowing of how our day would be spent in Antarctica.
This was the first cloudy day during our adventure through the great white continent and we were truly lucky that it was to be the only cloudy day on our 2-week trip.
Captain Patrick Marchesseau made an announcement on the intercom with updates on the day's itinerary due to the weather conditions. In Antarctica, weather can change drastically and for the worst, so it's best to always be prepared for harsh conditions.
Though we weren't disembarking on land for the day, we were prompted to get our gear on for a ride on the zodiacs. Before disconnecting the intercom, the captain made one final announcement that caused a sense of overwhelming joy and shock. Last night while we were nestled in our soft beds, Le Commandant Charcot crossed the Antarctic Circle! When we were initially planning our trip, we were looking into itineraries that could take us past the Antarctic Circle, though not guaranteed to make a crossing, the idea was intriguing. This vacation was perfect and it hadn't even been a full week yet!
We hopped into the zodiac, eager to explore the beautiful tabular icebergs that surrounded us. Once again, luck was on our side as we got to sit in the best zodiac! Sitting next to Michael, the penguin specialist, was a real treat. We were also graciously accompanied by astronomer and NatGeo Explorer, Jennifer Lopez.
Patches of broken-off icebergs scattered throughout. Selfie of Brandon and I enjoying a snowy ride on the Antarctic ocean. Collapsed tabular iceberg.
As we navigated the waters from the numerous icebergs, snow gently fell upon us. While we rode the Antarctic ocean in the zodiac, we were amazed by the how magical the scenery was. These structures weren't just icebergs, they were castles, grottos, they were intricate, delicate, and mysterious. Being so close to some of them was a bit scary, especially because there is never a warning of an iceberg breaking off and causing a major splash.
We quickly came upon a wonderous sight, a lone emperor penguin on an iceberg! It was perfect that we sat in the zodiac with Michael because he is incredibly knowledgeable about penguins and he gave us an impromptu lecture on emperors. Our zodiacs stood still and quiet, giving us enough time to watch this beautiful creature at a respectful distance. This moment was special because even though we saw a few emperor penguins yesterday, this one was closer so we had a better view to study him.
We continued on our journey to a massive tabular iceberg, one of my most favorite spots during our trip through Antarctica. To put things into perspective, 90% of the iceberg is underwater, so you only see 10% above water.
I was amazed by this gigantic beast of mother nature. Formed inside the iceberg were caves of the most stunning blue you have ever seen with ice stalactites glistening against the white ice.
Just around the corner, we spotted two Weddell Seals taking a nap as well as a few swimming and poking their heads from out of the water. It was a peaceful scene and I was enamored with this magical place, I could have spent hours admiring the area and those that inhabit it.
To put the size of this tabular iceberg into perspective, these Weddell Seals look tiny in comparison.
Jennifer Lopez took out a National Geographic Society banner and asked if we wanted a photo with it. My eyes lit up! I've loved National Geographic since I was a child so this was a special moment for me.
It was then that the weather quickly turned and we had to make our way back to the ship. Our guide had told us that weather in Antarctica can be extremely dangerous and that there is a possibility of losing sight of the ship.
During our race back to the ship, Jennifer gave us some insight on the importance of space exploration and why Antarctica is involved, something she would discuss in further detail during the day's lecture onboard Le Commandant Charcot.
Left photo- Brandon, me, and penguin specialist, Michael. Right photo- Jennifer Lopez and her husband Sebastian Alvarado.
A piercing blue is showcased on a broken iceberg, with a beautiful reflection on the water
We safely made it back on the ship and quickly changed out of our Antarctic gear so that we could grab a smoothie on Deck 9 before the lecture. Traveling with Ponant, you have to allow some spontaneity. It can be hectic with so much to see and do and with little time. You have to plan accordingly and also, try not to plan your day too much. We were hungry for lunch but had minimal time between getting back onboard and going to the lecture, something that was important to us during this trip. Our itinerary was in partnership with National Geographic, so it was a must to go to every lecture.
The presentation was eye-opening and informative. Who knew that Antarctica is the closest continent there is to mimic Mars? This is because Antarctica only receives less than an inch of rain a year, has an average temperature of -20 degrees, and has the McMurdo Dry Valleys that resemble Mars' terrain. The likeness of Mars makes Antarctica the perfect place to study and practice what exploration could be like on the red planet.
After the lecture, we grabbed a bite to eat in the Gastronomic Restaurant. I warmed up to a nice bowl of mushroom soup and enjoyed pan-seared gnocchi and cannelloni pasta with beef marmalade. Afterwards, we indulged in a few more smoothies at the Detox Bar (we went a total of three times that day) before heading back to the theater for another National Geographic lecture presented by world-renowned NatGeo photographer, Sergio Pitamitz.
It was finally time to settle down after another long but wonderful day. We used our time, before getting ready for formal night, by visiting the Cigar Lounge on Deck 6. If you haven't had a chance to explore the ship more in depth, you can read Exploring Antarctica with Ponant: A glimpse of Le Commandant Charcot for more insight.
I don't typically smoke but I did want to indulge in a luxurious lifestyle that I normally am not accustomed to back at home. When in Rome! Cigars and whiskey are priced accordingly and are an extra fee. Brandon and I shared a cigar while I sipped on a glass of whiskey and Brandon enjoyed a martini that was included with the fare. Life felt right and I savored every second, knowing this would all be a memory to look back on.
Just like the Cigar Lounge, Formal Night was indulgent. It started with a deconstructed Piña Colada and ended in the Gastronomic Restaurant for a glorious array of fine meals.
Sometimes, Ponant will have two special menus to choose from during formal nights. Brandon had chosen the vegetarian side and I had chosen the meat side of the menu. We wanted to sample a little of everything and this was a perfect way of doing so. Again, our dinner was outstanding and the presentation of the dishes were spectacular.
Full from another amazing dinner onboard Le Commandant Charcot, we made our way back to our cabin to rest and prepare for tomorrow's adventures in Antarctica.
Ponant marks our location on a map every evening
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