At 60, the Antarctic journey is full of comfort in the glaciers
In this southernmost, hardest-to-reach, and most pristine and vast small town on Earth—Puerto Williams, Chile—we boarded the "Silver Sea Endeavour" cruise ship and finally began the long-awaited Antarctic adventure😆
The boarding time was originally scheduled for 12 noon, but to avoid the winds and waves of the Drake Passage and choose the best sailing time, the ship decided to move the boarding up to 6 a.m. before dawn. We rushed from the seaside cabins to the pier. With the enthusiastic and orderly guidance of the staff, we quickly completed the procedures and became the first passengers to board. This cruise ship would accompany us through the next 11 days at sea.
The rooms on the ship are spacious and fully equipped. On the bed were the bright red down jackets, backpacks, the cruise itinerary, and the captain’s introduction, all gifts from the ship. Although our small group of four traveling independently had arrived smoothly, the main tour group from the travel agency had not yet flown in from Santiago, Chile. Additionally, the ship’s maintenance and resupply at the dock were slower than expected, so we unfortunately missed the best window to cross the Drake Passage. At this time, the sea was getting rough, and to ensure the safety of everyone on board, the captain decisively adjusted the route, diverting to the Beagle Channel to first explore the fjords of Tierra del Fuego while waiting for the waves to calm.
Who knew that waiting would last a full two days. Polar journeys are always full of uncertainties—sudden weather changes and increased waves often disrupt plans—but for those who love surprises and adventure, it should be a wonderful experience. Honestly, we liked these uncertainties too. Although we are all over sixty and no longer young, we remain curious about the world. Even better, most of us are retired, with plenty of time and patience to embrace and digest whatever happens.
This trip is accompanied by like-minded classmates and friendly neighbors. Outside the window are snowy peaks, glaciers, and quiet fjords; inside, we sit around drinking tea and chatting happily. Mealtimes offer delicious dishes from various countries, and we eat and drink to our heart’s content. In the evening, the lounge is filled with piano music and singing, and two neighbors who played on the community ping-pong team have now played on the Antarctic cruise... Fellow travelers find rare calm and warmth in the wait. The captain held a welcome cocktail party as scheduled, with everyone dressed formally, raising glasses in celebration, and the ceremony brought together the camaraderie and anticipation of all aboard.
At this moment, we are not only explorers but also visitors and companions of nature. The ship’s staff constantly monitor the weather and sea conditions, protecting everyone’s safety with professionalism and caution. Passengers also look out for each other and share their experiences, turning the wait into an opportunity for communication and connection. In this remote and pure land, kindness among people, respect for nature, and tolerance for the journey together weave a stable and beautiful beginning.
We are still quietly waiting for a safe and comfortable crossing opportunity. This unexpected stay also allows us to more deeply appreciate the beauty of the journey—not only in the destination but in the people we travel with, the hearts we share, and the calm and hope ready to embrace uncertainty at any moment😌