Our ship sliced effortlessly through thick slabs of sea ice as we navigated between tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea last night. This morning we awoke to an entirely different scene with a thin film of grease ice blanketing a calm and gentle sea. The surrounding mountains were pure white and bathed in a bright sunlight. Our heading was set for Duse Bay and as we neared our destination, a huge expanse of fast ice became visible. For many of us, this was the first time we had ever seen sea ice frozen onto land!
This was only the beginning of what would be a very special day. Our captain and expedition leader announced their plans to charge boldly into the fast ice so that we could experience the very thing this polar ship had been designed to do. As we gained speed and drew near to the thick slab of ice, we could not help but brace ourselves for impact. There was no need, however, because the bow rode up and crushed down through the ice with ease. Once the ship was securely wedged into the ice, our crew let down the gangway and everyone ventured out. What an incredible experience to see our beautiful ship lodged in the frozen ocean. With a loud blast from the ship’s horn, a bottle of champagne was broken across the bow, and everyone cheered with delight. Glasses clinked, toasts were made, and bright smiles shown all around.
We could think of no better place to christen the National Geographic Resolution than in the polar waters of Antarctica.
