Antarctica - Part 2

 It's been 5 days since we left Punta Arenas.  Following the landing at Yankee Harbor that morning we have to take a PCR test.  All passengers must take this test. After all the tests that we have taken you'd think that there won't be any COVID cases.  Unfortunately, 8 passengers and 1 crew member tested positive.  This means that the virus is still lurking around somewhere on the ship.  Those infected have to be quarantined in the Medical Center for 7 days.  I feel bad for those passengers.  Their cruise is almost over.  It's no fun being quarantined anywhere.  For those tested negative the experience continues.

However, they locked up some of the amenities and outside toilets.  The indoor gym and sauna are locked up.  The jacuzzis and pool are still opened.  So is the Explorer Lounge.  

Public Toilets are closed

The next day we have a landing at Telefon Bay on Deception Island.  This used to be a volcano.  You see lava sands and rocks on the beach.  There are no wildlife here though.  We just walked around the beach and some hike higher to get a better view of the island.

Landing at Telefon Bay

A Glacier Lake

Hiking up the hill

Crew waiting for us with their Zodiacs

MS Roald Amundsen in the morning sun

In the background someone is getting ready for a polar plunge

After the landing in the morning we have the afternoon free to do whatever we please.  Some signed up for a kayaking excursion.  Others signed up for an overnight camping.  Both are pricey.  I heard the kayak is about 150 euros and the overnight camping is 400 euros.  Doesn't make sense for me to spend so much money sleeping in the cold while I have a nice warm cabin to sleep in.  

I spend most of my free time in the Explorer Lounge.  This takes up almost the entire 10th floor.  There are comfortable chairs all over and some that are just next to the windows.  There is a bar here serving all kinds of refreshments.  All soft drinks and hot beverages are free.  If you want cocktail or beer or wine, that is extra money.  The staff comes around often to take your orders.

Bar and Lounge on the 10th floor

Comfortable seating in the Explorer Lounge

Empanadas for snacks