Our first full day in Antarctica was packed with exploration. National Geographic Orion was fortunate to visit two landmark Antarctic bases. One of the earliest British bases and the only official post office on the continent, Port Lockroy, went beyond the postcard-mailing with fast-ice walks and gentoo penguin watching. United States’ Palmer Station was a tour of some of the most technologically-advanced, contemporary research stations on the continent, with a bonus Zodiac tour of the nearby glacier, the Adelie penguin colony, and elephant seal haul-out. Though the sun never set until we were all fast asleep, the twilight sunshine lasted forever and provided exceptional photographic light for hours.
1/19/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
The Drake Passage
As we navigated north across the Drake Passage, conditions gradually improved and blue petrels and black-browed albatrosses graced our journey as visitors. John Pailthorpe delivered a captivating retelling of Shackleton's attempted crossing of the Antarctic continent, recounting the trials faced by those rugged men who cared little for comfort yet had a penchant for taking mortal risks. Following him, National Geographic Photographer Ralph Lee Hopkins shared some of the many future exploration options available to our guests through National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. As we approached Tierra del Fuego, the seas calmed. Although the skies remained overcast, wildlife became increasingly abundant as we neared the entrance to the Beagle Channel. Captain Martin presented a fascinating overview of the construction of MV National Geographic Resolution and her impressive capabilities. As we entered the channel, we were greeted by hourglass and dusky dolphins while enjoying empanadas for teatime. Once we entered the Beagle, sailing was smooth all the way to Ushuaia.
