We spent our morning exploring Perseverance Harbour, Campbell Island by Zodiac. The morning was calm and cool in the sub-Antarctic region of New Zealand, and on return, we were met by the hotel team with hot ginger tea to warm us up.

It was lunchtime when the Christmas festivities truly began. We had a switch in roles during lunch, and the ship’s officers and our expedition team replaced the hotel and galley teams in the restaurant. Expedition Leader Lisle was not found at a table with guests, but in the galley, working the pot wash station. National Geographic Orion’s Chief Purser was also in the dish pit. Field Staff were found throughout the restaurant, pouring drinks and clearing dishes, all of which allowed the hotel and galley teams an opportunity to relax and dine with guests.

The rest of the day was packed with festive activities that included a scavenger hunt, a round of caroling with guest Marcy on the guitar, selecting the winner from the crew cabin door decorating contest, and an intimate dinner in the lounge. The day was capped off by a classic Christmas movie with popcorn.

It was a very happy holiday for all!