Fecha: | 11.09.2024 |
Posición: | 66°03.0’ N - 18°20.4’ W |
Viento: | N-5 |
Clima: | Clear Sky |
Temperatura del Aire: | +4 |
Finally, the day of our embarkation had come at last. After a morning spent traveling across the beautiful landscape of Northwestern Iceland, we arrived in the early afternoon at the pier of Akureyri, the second biggest city in Iceland.
Warmly welcomed by the expedition team, who helped to carry our luggage on board; we waited at the pier and got acquainted with some other passengers and taken the first photos of our new ‘home’ for the next week. After a short time, during which some of us took a swift look around Akureyri, 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 and get our bearings and grab a tea or coffee in the bar. Once everyone was onboard, it was time for the mandatory safety video, follow by the drill, during which we learned the process for finding our lifeboats and how to use our lifejackets.
Afterwards, we quickly headed back to the bar for the Captain’s Cocktail and the kind welcoming words of Expedition Leader Florence and Assistant Hotel Manager Karolina. Whilst sailing away from Akureyri’s pier, 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 gathered again for the mandatory AECO and Zodiac Operations briefing, even though a few of us were absent from the room due to the first effects of motion sickness.
Sooner or later we had to face the reality of the Denmark strait, this 250 nautical miles wide natural channel that separates Iceland from Greenland, our long lasting destination for this incredible voyage. Despite the uneasy feeling of several guests, our destination would make every roll and pitch worthwhile!
After a long day of travel for most of us, it was time for bed to get some rest. However, within few hours, we were awaken by the first Northern Lights sighting! A few nice strips of pale green lines in the sky added some last-minute excitement to an already action-packed first day!