Fecha: | 10.07.2024 |
Posición: | 78°14.6’ N - 015°32.5’ E |
Viento: | S7 |
Clima: | Overcast |
Temperatura del Aire: | +5 |
Finally! The day had come, it was time for us to board our new home for on our upcoming expedition, m/v Ortelius! We arrived at the port in Longyearbyen to see calm, glassy waters. Some of us only had landed a few hours before, and now we were about to start our adventure onboard M/V Ortelius. The expedition team and hotel staff had helpfully brought our luggage aboard and taken it to our cabins earlier in the day. All that remained was for us to take a few photos of Ortelius while we made our way up the gangway.
We were warmly welcomed by all the crew and staff who assisted us in finding our cabins. With some time left, we explored the ship to get our bearings, and were able to grab a tea or coffee in the bar.
Once everyone was on board, it was time for the mandatory ship safety video and briefing presented by Expedition Leader Claudio and Chief Officer Romanas. We were given all the information we needed such as how to move safely around the ship, being made aware of things we could and could not do, and how to put on our emergency life jackets. Having learned this, it was then time for an abandon ship drill. So after hearing the seven short and one long blast of the ship’s horn we went to our cabins, retrieved our lifejackets, and went to our muster station in the bar. Then we were led to our lifeboats so we would know where to go in case of a real emergency.
After the drill, we headed to the bar, where Hotel Manager Vova and Expedition Leader Claudio welcomed us. With briefing formalities concluded, it was time to join Captain Per in the bar to raise a glass in celebration of the voyage. Then it was time for our first evening meal, with a delicious buffet selection provided by Chef Heinz and his galley team served by our friendly dining room staff. After dinner we were given our muck boots which we would use for going ashore; comfortable but also, very importantly, waterproof for our wet zodiac landings!
After a long day of travel for most of us it was time for bed to get some rest before the first full day of our trip tomorrow.