James’ and Sara’s Excellent Antarctica Adventure

Day 5-6 : At sea

Thanks for all your comments on the Falklands. I, of course, forgot to put in date for the Falklands islands war (1982) but a few of you pitched in with the right date. 1965 was the year when the UN approved discussions between Britain and Argentina re Falklands sovereignty.

We are at sea for the next two days travelling to South Georgia island so will use the opportunity to show you some of the luxury of the Scenic Eclipse. By comparison with other cruise ships, it looks very small.

Scenic Eclipse is on the right

First, our room (this is specifically for Sammy)……We have two large single beds with a couch, a wardrobe for hanging stuff and lots of drawers. Bathroom is also very modern.

the mess entirely belongs to James! View towards verandah
Plenty of hanging space. This is one of two cupboards and we have plenty of drawers
view looking towards door and bathroom
Bathroom is ultra modern. Problem is you can’t wash your undies in the sink very easily! Fortunately there is a free self service laundry

Today we went to a cooking demonstration of how to make a chocolate mousse.

They made dark chocolate from first principles, using cacao beans and cacao butter, spread it on a mat, chilled it and then used it as chards to decorate the mousse. James scored a bowl of the chocolate so that he can ask the waiters to use the chocolate bits to make him a proper hot chocolate (rather than a milky hot chocolate …..how indulgent!? ( and it shows how accomodating the cruise staff are)

There are 6 restaurants and one coffee shop. You can find james almost anytime of day in the same seat in the coffee shop, which is called Azure.

James has probably earned his own seating plaque. We’ve only been on the boat for around 4 days and he has sat in this seat on about 12 occasions!

There’s a gym which operates 24 hours and Sara has made good use of this. James has paid it a visit but this may be the only photo witnessing James’ time in the gym (p.s. this photo is specifically for Sally)


On the way to South Georgia we came across some rocks protruding from the middle of the ocean, called Shag Rocks

And we sailed past our first ICEBERG which was much further north than usual…..so exciting. It was pretty big

Food facts

All the food on the Scenic Eclipse has been magnificent. It’s very different to many other cruise ships as, while there are buffets, it is not self serve and the portions provided to you are relatively modest in line with dietician recommendations for portion size. Of course, you can go back to the buffet any number of times.

They make great coffee and have lovely cakes.

On the first evening we went to the Night Market which sits just 8 people. Menu was Asian fusion.

Here’s what we were served…….

Vietnamese rice paper roll
Cambodian Coconut soup
Korean taco with scallop
Spring onion with jidory chicken from Laos
Duck breast crepe from Cambodia
Bali beef tail

However, the piece de resistance was the dessert. The cook spread multi coloured gelato over a freezing tray and then served it by rolling numerous pieces into a cannoli shape. Amazing.

And this is how it looked once served

James dressed for dinner tonight ( ie he put on a shirt) and we have got the waiters to create some lovely mocktails for us.

Time for bed now

awaywiththebirds

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14 responses to “James’ and Sara’s Excellent Antarctica Adventure”

  2. Thanks for the photos of the room. It does indeed look very spacious! And the penguin coffee was cute but somehow disturbing… 🤣

  3. I thought the penguin coffee was so cute! Not disturbing at all. The ship looks really fantastic – so clean, fresh and modern. And the food! Not that I’m that interested but Martin is 🙂
    Lovely blog Sar – keep them coming – love you xxxxxxxx

  4. I would love to try some of that food . So would Angela !!!!
    Looks very scenic and tranquil . I assume you are super relaxed by now after such an horrific start ❤️ Warren

  5. Hi Sar and James.
    I asked Jim to send my regards and Hi and he has sent me the link.
    Love those smiles as you both enjoying this journey and the coffee, cake (and gym).

    Cheers

    Phil P

  6. YUM YUM YUM … Sar if more cooking courses on offer on board then we can expect a 3-star Michelin style dinner next at yours on your new crockery.
    James, you have most likely never been so photographed ever? No treadmill to fly off the back of… safely sitting. xx

  10. Food looks yummy! Do they also cater for people with Coeliac or gluten intolerance?
    Great to see you both looking so relaxed.
    Keep on enjoying.

  11. Think we know what we’re going to ask James to bring for dessert next time he comes to ours for dinner… What an amazing ship!!!

  12. All looks very good. Reminds me of cruises I have done. All you have to think is what am I having for my next meal? Some daily routine is always good,so keep going to your favourite Azoure coffee place everyday.From your smiles you seem to enjoy all so far.From looking at the Iceberg in the background..plenty of Ice for your drinks….

  14. Sharon is sharing your glorious trip with me. Such a privilege to be immersed in a David Attenborough experience and watch icebergs floating past. Thrilled to hear the fur seals have been brought back from the brink of extinction. And the food doesn’t look too hard to get down!!! Love Dinah