Neko Harbor - First Antarctic Peninsula Landing

December 31 – Neko Harbour, 64.50S,62.33W

Just when we thought the vistas could not get better, we woke up surrounded by glaciers in Neko Harbour, which were active. We could hear the thunderous crack and then see the splash into the water. We landed on a sandy beach below a hill, technically our first landing on the Antarctic Peninsula itself.  There was a Gentoo Penguin rookery here, both close to the water and stretching up the side of a hill. We were able to hike up the hill, an elevation gain of about 300 feet. The sun had disappeared and it was snowing, sometimes heavy. It was fun just watching the Gentoo's going up and down the penguin highways from the water to their nests. There were lots of Gentoo chicks, often two in the nest, but only one will typically survive.

Neko Harbour landing site

Taking a bath

All refreshed

Neko Harbour glaciers

Departing Neko Harbour about 1700, we went a short distance to Paradise Bay where the ship drifted on still waters as we celebrated the arrival of a new year.  The still waters were only interrupted by the sounds of the humpback whales feeding around the ship.  The ship was decorated and there were festive meals and lots of champagne. We had dinner in Restaurant 2 with the Schoonmakers, which has a small plate fixed tasting menu, just perfect. After dinner there was a celebration in the Grand Salon, with music, dancing and ringing in the New Year, with a stuffed penguin in diapers as the guest.  At midnight it was still light!

View from the top of the hill

Champagne waiting in our suite

Humpback whales feeding while we drifted

Gill's and Schoonmaker's in Restaurant 2 on New Years Eve

Putting diapers on the Penguin for New Years Eve