Day 13 – January 7, 2026
South Shetland Islands
(Day 11 on the ship)
Today was another day at sea, cruising through the stunning South Shetland Islands. Our first stop was Deception Island, where we spent about an hour before continuing along the island chain. Most of the morning was spent up on deck, soaking in the dramatic scenery and watching the landscape unfold around us.
Around 12:30 pm, we arrived at Halfmoon Island. This small, crescent-shaped island sits in the McFarlane Strait between Livingston and Greenwich Islands and is one of the region’s most wildlife-rich landing sites. It’s especially well known for its large chinstrap penguin colony, along with breeding populations of south polar skuas, Antarctic terns, and other seabirds. Weddell and fur seals are also commonly seen lounging along the shoreline.
We met up with Catherine and Scott for a quick bite at the Pool Grill, then John headed to the Observation Lounge to get some work done while I enjoyed some quiet time before showering and washing my hair. A little downtime was much needed after so many hours outside.
As the afternoon continued, we cruised through the islands and then entered the Bransfield Strait, traveling along the southern edge of the South Shetlands before turning north and east toward Elephant Island. We’re expecting to arrive there around 8 am tomorrow, and the weather is looking promising again.
At 5:30 pm, we gathered for a small cocktail party, followed by an expedition update in the theater where the team reviewed the day’s sightings and highlights.
At Deception Island, sightings included chinstrap penguins and whales. Deception Island was named in 1820 by explorer Nathaniel Palmer and is composed largely of volcanic rock rich in iron. It’s also notable for hosting the first powered flight in Antarctica in November 1928. Whalers Bay, located within Deception Island, served as a major whaling hub beginning in 1906 and includes a cemetery, with its last burial following a volcanic eruption in 1969.
At Halfmoon Island, we again saw chinstrap penguins, along with humpback and minke whales. The island is also home to Argentina’s Cámara Base, a seasonal research station accessible only by sea or helicopter, operating during the summer months and closed in winter. Southern elephant seals were reportedly spotted in the area, though we didn’t personally see them.
We also learned that Antarctica is home to roughly 8 million penguins, some of which travel 25 to 62 miles in search of food—pretty incredible when you think about it.
Dinner was at Prime 7 at 7:30 pm, and we scored a table right at the back of the ship with amazing views. As if on cue, the whales put on another spectacular show, swimming alongside us during dinner. I started with the lump crab cake, followed by the slow-roasted prime rib of beef with a side of sweet corn. John chose the seared diver scallops to start and the New York strip, paired with green beans, onions, and bacon. We kept dessert simple with the small sampler provided—caramel fudge and s’mores fudge.
After dinner, we headed up to the Observation Lounge for a nightcap before calling it a night. Being outside in the cold and sun all day really takes it out of you, and we were more than ready for sleep.
Due to earlier rerouting around ice, our arrival was delayed, but we’re now scheduled to reach Elephant Island around 8 am tomorrow, with planned visits to Point Wild and Cape Valentine.
Another incredible day at the edge of the world. 🌍❄️🚢
More About Deception Island & the South Shetland Islands
Deception Island, part of the South Shetland Islands, is the flooded caldera of an active volcano and features one of Antarctica’s rare natural harbors, Port Foster, accessible through the narrow Neptune’s Bellows. It became a major hub during the early 1800s sealing boom and later served as a shore-based whaling center in the early 20th century until operations ceased in 1931. The island later supported scientific research and military operations, but volcanic eruptions in 1967, 1969, and 1970 caused widespread damage and forced evacuations. Today, Deception Island is protected for its historic ruins, geothermal features, and unique volcanic landscape.
The South Shetland Islands form a rugged, glacier-covered archipelago in the Drake Passage, about 150 km (90 miles) north of the Antarctic Peninsula. Discovered in 1819, the islands quickly became central to early sealing and whaling activities and later played a significant role in Antarctic exploration and logistics. Under the Antarctic Treaty System, they now host numerous international research stations and are a common stop for carefully managed scientific and tourism expeditions.
