The first day at sea - Icebergs and Penguins - 2
The Falkland Islands
On the way to South Georgia
South Georgia
On the way to Antarctica
Elephant Island
“The captain plays with the ice”
Deception Island
Antarctic Peninsula
From Antarctica to the Pacific coast of South America
Patagonian Glacier World
The Long Journey Home
Final thoughts and helpful tips
January 30, 2026 - The first day at sea
The jet lag is still taking its toll, and shortly after 5 a.m. I give up.
Since yesterday evening, we are on our way to New Island [↗], part of the Falkland Islands [↗]. When we started out with islands on both sides, the water was so smooth that it felt like we were on a river. We are now at the eastern end of the Beagle Channel, and for some time now, I have been noticing the movement of the ship. Nothing I haven't experienced hundreds of times on a plane.
Every day, there is a list of activities and/or lectures that you can join. Today, we are mostly obliged to attend. Parkas and boots provided by Hapag Lloyd for the trip are being handed out, and a briefing on the use of Zodiacs is taking place. In addition, there is a lecture on the IAATO rules [↗] for visiting Antarctica and a bio-security briefing with a check of the clothing you want to take ashore.
In the late afternoon, there is also time for a preview of the Falkland Islands and a captain's welcome.
The distribution of parkas and shoes needs only a few minutes and takes place on the pool deck. Although “pool” is an exaggeration; “splash pool” is probably better fitting. But it was filled and everyone had fun watching the water spill over. The captain just made an announcement: The wave height is just 1.5 meters and the wind force is 3. So there's still plenty of room for more. By now, I only notice the movement of the ship when I pay attention.
Next, all passengers have to attend the Zodiac and IAATO briefing. Just as everyone is seated, the captain calls to say that orcas have been sighted. So, everything is put on hold, we wrap up warmer and head out onto the deck. I barely see an animal showing its black and white back in the distance. We cruise around a bit more, but then everyone gathers again in the Hanseatrium to listen to the lectures. On this trip, we even have an inspector from the Ministry of the Environment and the IAATO on board to check the procedures. This is apparently mandatory every five years.
During this lecture, we have already been told that we must take great care to ensure that no organic material is brought in. Of course, nothing else should be left behind either, but the clothing check in the afternoon is more about showing us which areas of clothing to pay special attention to. Velcro fasteners, for example, are a magnet for dirt. We are responsible for checking everything ourselves after returning from an excursion. In South Georgia, an inspector even comes on board and if he finds more than 15 particles, there are consequences, ranging up to a landing ban.
Afterwards, we go to the boot room to make sure we have the right boot size and to watch a demonstration of the boot cleaning system, which we have to use before and after every shore leave.
Now the afternoon is already half over, but we are not dismissed yet; the PreCap for the next two days is coming up. Here we are told what is planned for tomorrow and the day after tomorrow on the Falkland Islands. And since we are all gathered in the Hanseatrium, we are given a little lesson on the history of the Falkland Islands.
The captain concludes this rather packed day by welcoming us on the pool deck at 6:30 p.m. Over a glass of champagne or similar, he introduced us to his management team in a light-hearted manner. For dinner, I join a few other solo travelers at the self-service restaurant for a caviar evening.
