2 March 2023, Antarctic Cruise Day 17, Drake Passage to Ushuaia, Argentina –

The last two days of the cruise were definitely not amongst the highlights. As soon as we hit the open sea, I started feeling queasy, despite taking seasick pills. The Drake was much rougher than on the way down, especially the first night. Those who hadnt taken to their cabins for the duration, were staggering around the ship like drunken sailors. My appetite gradually disappeared – not that we hadnt eaten enough to have plenty in reserve – and we lay low, only emerging for meals. On the first day we were invited onto the Bridge, which would have been more fun if the ship hadnt been pitching like crazy! Much more pleasant was the Engine Control Room, down on Deck 2, and much more stable.

On the last night, there were farewell drinks, where the members of the expedition team shared their favourite experiences. Standing on the sea ice, and getting up close to the humpbacks, featured in their recap. At the end, they showed us a video of the voyage, which we’ll get a copy of in a couple of months time. It covered the cruise beautifully, and I cant wait to watch it at leisure later.

Once we got into the calm water of the Beagle Channel in the early hours of this morning, my seasickness abated and I woke up feeling much better. After breakfast it was time to disembark in Ushuaia. No time to sightsee, as we were hustled onto a bus and taken to the airport. We are now back in Buenos Aires, where the temperature is still 38 degrees. We have another early start tomorrow to catch an 8am flight to Iguazu Falls.