Friday, March 25, 2016 - Yet another day at sea

The original plan was for the Polar Pioneer to arrive in Port Stanley in the late afternoon today. However, due to the very strong winds from the west since we left South Georgia our speed has been reduced and we are now expected to arrive at the port between five and seven tomorrow morning. In good conditions the ship run between ten and eleven knots per hour but for most of the crossing our forward speed has been between eight and nine knots. It's been slow going.

After breakfast all of the passengers attended a Disembarkation Meeting. When we docked Customs Officials would board the ship and check our passports. We would then leave the ship with our carry on luggage and take a 90 minute bus tour of the island. We would receive a sack lunch and head to the airport for another trip through Customs, check our bags and board our flight to Santiago with a stop in Punta Arenas. I am ready to head home. As always with me when a trip is over I can't get home soon enough.

This afternoon we were treated to "The Voyage Slideshow" which was put together by a group of volunteer passengers. They collected pictures from who ever wanted to donate and did a PowerPoint presentation put to music. It was great and several of the passengers are excellent photographers.

Just before dinner was the "Captains Farewell" with spiked and unspiked punch for all. Most of the crew spoke of the trip and were all thanked by the passengers.

ILYB