Awoke my first morning on board feeling a bit chilled. Turns out Kerrie and I had left the two windows in our ample cabin ajar. Making more progress North not only has made us closer to our desired destination of 90 degrees North but as well brought us cooler temperatures. I thought I would have slept longer given a lengthy day of travel the day prior but my excitement and thrill of being on board wouldn’t let me sleep.

With a full day at sea making our way through the Barrent sea, it was a ideal day for us on the ship to get through the necessities of the expedition. We gathered for mandatory safety drills and briefings, going over for examples life vest and life suits. All passengers were given instructions on various emergencies along with a life boat drill. Given that the use of helicopters for transport to points of interest and for areal sightseeing are available, we were given through and detailed instructions on safety measures and policy.

It was greatly appreciated given approaching cooler weather that Quark dispensed to us today it’s wonderful yellow parka, surely to be a treasured and keepsake after this expedition. As well we each received a pair of rubber boots.

Although the dress code on board is casual several passengers took the opportunity to dress up at the Ship’s Captain Welcome Cocktail Hour prior to dinner. Here we enjoyed meeting our Captain Dimitiy Lobusov and his officers. Champagne flowed freely along with smiles and laughs as the passengers and crew mingled and took photos.

Even before two full days completed on board, it is evident friendships are developing. Signs of newly formed friendships reveal in parties sitting together at feeding times, and venturing to the bar together when the bar is open.

The mood on board is upbeat and positive as tomorrow we expect to see ice for the first time.

North Bound,

Giovanni Savaglio

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