After overnighting amongst the wind-packed sea ice at the mouth of the fjord, we awoke to a light fog and patches of blue sky. At 5:30 a.m., we departed and started shunting our way through the ice, moving deeper into the fjord. We were looking for clear water or landing possibilities whilst hoping that the fog would lift long enough for us to run an operation to enable guests to get off the ship for their first excursion in East Greenland.
Fortune was on our side, and just after 8:00 a.m., we found patches of calm open water and clearing fog. The landing sites were blocked by ice, so the decision was made to look for a large enough ice floe to pull up alongside and disembark guests for an ice walk. After preparations were made and a suitable floe was found, the ramp was lowered. Guests disembarked for a much-needed stretch and a taste of walking on sea ice amongst blue meltwater pools and pressure ridges. Everyone, including many of the ship’s crew, came out for a much-anticipated breath of fresh air after a couple of days onboard during the crossing and transit to the mouth of the fjord.
The experience was appreciated and enjoyed by everyone. It’s not a common occurrence, as many ships cannot accommodate landing on ice floes. After lunch we departed to seek clearer waters to the south…
