Ushuaia, Beagle Channel

A beautiful sunny day in Ushuaia. The passengers left the vessel in good order, to be replaced by the next group eager to experience the southern ocean, its many moods and unique life forms. The ship was prepared for its voyage of discovery to the Falkland Islands and the crown jewel of the southern ocean, South Georgia Island.









The passengers boarded the ship, located their cabins and after lifeboat drill and other formalities, met the Captain his crew and the staff. The engines churned the water as Fram set sail down the Beagle Channel into the sunset. It will no doubt take everyone a day or two or become familiar with the workings of the ship and all its little secrets.

Drake shake

Yes, this morning we experienced the wilder side of the Drake Passage: at dawn we were awoken by the violent thrust of stormy winds that almost threw us out of our beds! We had a respectable 10 in the Beaufort scale, which means we were treated to gusts of wind of up to 100 km/h, and waves of 9-12 metres. In other words, a decent storm.

Luckily, in the course of the day the seas calmed a lot, and by noon the sun came out – and with it, everybody on board MS Fram. Indeed, people were happy to be able to venture out to the open decks and get a bit of fresh air after the jumpy ride of the morning. And yes, we were accompanied by the ever fascinating birds that roam these waters.

At the end of our voyage of discovery we approached Tierra del Fuego on a wonderfully sunny afternoon.

Drake Passage

Farewell to Antarctica as we set off across the dreaded Drake Passage bound for the continent of South America and our final port of call, Ushuaia. The seas were calm and the sun actually broke through the cloud layer. The day was a quiet one at sea: lectures continued on various topics as well as tours of the bridge where the Captain answered a myriad of questions about our floating home.

Flocks of pintado petrels, a few albatross and other seabirds glided around the ship. We caught a final glimpse of an iceberg in the morning: a whitish dot low on the horizon. Our memories are rich with the things we have seen and experienced and we have made many new friends.


The evening was rounded off by the Captain’s dinner where the gallant officers and crew and intrepid staff gathered in the dining hall to wish us safe journeys.