Datum: | 02.07.2024 |
Positie: | 78°14.6’ N - 015°32.5’ E |
Wind: | NW 4 |
Weer: | Partly Cloudy |
Luchttemperatuur: | +13 |
Finally! The day had come, it was time for us to board our new home for our expedition, the Ortelius! We arrived at the port in Longyearbyen with to see calm, glassy waters. Some of us only had landed a few hours before and now we were about to start our set for our adventure! The hotel staff and crew had brought our luggage aboard and taken it to our cabins earlier in the day. So, all that remained was for us to take a few photos of Ortelius while we made our way up the gangway. It was a particular warm day, most of us arrived in our t-shirts and there was almost no wind! Not yet what we expected.
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 ship safety video and briefing presented by Expedition Leader Claudio and Chief Officer Romanas. We were given all the information we needed such how to move safely around the ship, the things we could and could not do, and how to put on our emergency life jackets. With this in our minds, 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, got our lifejackets, and proceeded 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.
With the drill complete, we headed to the bar where Hotel Manager Vova and Expedition Leader Claudio welcomed up. With briefing formalities concluded, it was time to join Captain Per in the bar to raise a glass in celebration of the voyage. Our expedition leader Claudio and Captain Per switched uniforms in an attempt to prank us, but we quickly saw through them…Cheers everyone! After this came our first evening meal - 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.