This week's photos from the field included antics from sea lions in the Galápagos Islands, stunning panoramas on both coasts of Canada, and a beautiful view of Sea Cloud's riggings as she sails for the Croatian coast.
Nothing inspires new adventures or fresh perspectives like a new year. As you plan for 2024, consider checking off some of these unforgettable bucket-list experiences offered on our expertly crafted itineraries.
This week, our field staff sent back a number of beautiful wildlife shots such as bears in Alaska, birds in Galápagos, and musk oxen and arctic hares in the Canadian Arctic.
Our day in Red Bay, Labrador began with the morning sun turning the fog a striking cotton candy pink and ended with a sunset casting the flat ocean a rich ochre. Once a 16th-century Basque whaling hub, Red Bay is now a small community that is as welcoming as it is remote. We explored two museums, one showcasing the archeological discoveries of the Basque whaling history, and the other dedicated to the whales whose precious oil once lit European lanterns. On Saddle Island, we saw the remains of whale-processing sites, and walked along the "Boney Shore," still scattered with centuries-old whale bones. A hike up Tracey Hill rewarded us with breathtaking views of Labrador’s rugged landscape. A highlight was a moving performance by the Sandwich Bay Residential School Drummers, a group formed by senior Inuit women who use traditional drums to soothe the trauma caused by Canada’s infamous residential schools. It was a powerful and moving reminder to not forget the errors of the past while simultaneously offering a path to healing and reconciliation.
Sailing the Ionian Sea from Otranto to Sicily is a journey through some of the most beautiful waters in the Mediterranean. Departing from the historic port of Otranto, we followed a route rich with history and natural beauty. As one leaves the coastline of Puglia behind, the azure expanse of the Ionian Sea opens up, offering a sense of freedom and adventure. The winds can be gentle or brisk, making for exhilarating moments on deck as the ship glides toward the southern tip of Italy. The sea’s vibrant hues, from deep blue to turquoise, created a mesmerizing backdrop. As Sicily came into view, the looming presence of Mount Etna offered a dramatic final approach. The journey was a perfect balance of serene sailing, cultural immersion, and awe-inspiring views—a voyage that connects one to both the sea and centuries of Mediterranean history.
We spent our first day ashore exploring the colorful region of Apulia, traveling first to the city of Lecce, famed for its Baroque architecture. The over-the-top decoration of the buildings of Lecce is made possible by the region’s easy-to-carve, honey-colored limestone. After an introductory walking tour, we spent our free time exploring the city’s sights, shopping, or sampling what is perhaps Italy’s best gelato. We then returned to the port for a pleasant lunch on Sea Cloud ’s lido deck. Venturing back ashore in the afternoon, we explored the picturesque city of Otranto and its rich history. Our tour included a visit to the Otranto Cathedral, a fascinating church financed by Count Roger of Sicily. The interior of the church features a spectacular mosaic floor dating to the 1100s depicting Biblical, historical, and legendary figures, from Adam and Eve to King Arthur of England. A corner of the church also holds the skeletal remains of some of the recently canonized 800 martyrs of Otranto killed during an Ottoman assault on the city in 1480. Back aboard Sea Cloud, we swapped stories from our eventful day while enjoying a buffet dinner with grilled prawns, local sausages, and a succulent roast pig.
Our morning aboard National Geographic Sea Bird began slowly, which was a welcomed chance to relax after yesterday’s adventures of wine and history in Walla Walla, Washington. Breakfast was followed by a presentation on the last 1,000 miles of the Oregon Trail, and guests also had the chance to indulge in a massage or facial from our fabulous Wellness Specialist Allison Dickey. In the afternoon, guests enjoyed a wonderful Zodiac cruise up the Palouse River, witnessing beaver dams, belted kingfishers, and the incredible columnar basalt formations along the riverfront. Guests also had the incredible experience of driving through a sagebrush steppe ecosystem towards a lookout of Palouse Falls. The evening was rounded out with a delicious dinner followed by a wine tasting and presentation by our onboard wine specialist, Kristine Bono.