Antartica East 2026

Last time I visited Antartica, it was the Antartica peninsula which you can see is in the top left hand corner. This time , I am visiting the Ross sea area which is at the bottom of the map.

The Ross Sea region is the world’s largest protected area and is widely considered as the crown jewel of the Southern Ocean. More about that later

Had a lovely waterfront room at the Macq hotel in Hobart. It was the main hotel for passengers going on the Scenic cruise.

The Scenic Eclipse II was moored at Macquarie harbour a stone’s throw from our hotel but we weren’t allowed to walk the 100 m there for security reasons. We boarded around 2 pm and were immediately taken to our rooms where the luggage was awaiting us.

First stop Azure cafe to check out the pastries (that’s a chocolate coated croissant cross scroll) and then it was time for the sail away party

Gorgeous weather – it stayed sunny and light until around 9 pm.
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The first full day on board was filled with interesting lectures on mammals and seabirds, more food, trivia and an invite to dinner with the Hotel Director. Criteria for the invite is that you were a solo traveller ….there’s about 10 solo travellers on this trip.

Had to get out my best scarf for dinner to disguise the jeans

And I know that you’ve been hanging out for some facts (rather than just food and drinks)…..

Out of the 10000 species of bird, only 434 are seabirds. They are characterised by having waterproof feathers which are better than goretex, an uropygial gland which emits wax to coat their feathers, webbed feet and salt glands which enable them to drink saltwater. Their plumage is less colourful than land birds- they are mainly black, white or grey but can have colourful beaks or feet. And they live much longer than land birds with a lifespan of 20-60 years.

But I’m sure you,ve heard about Wisdom, the Laysan albatross . Wisdom is estimated to be at least 75 years old. This makes her the world’s oldest known wild bird. In her lifetime, scientists estimate that Wisdom has flown more than 3 million miles, laid 50-60 eggs, and fledged some 30 chicks.Her last birth was at age 74….just contemplate that !!!!

That’s enough for the first full sea day!!!