Antarctica & Cape to Cape on Cloud 2-21-24

[Port Power]

I am just astounded by the differences between my experience in December/ January and yours in late February.  It seems much warmer now, more like summer.  Lovely seeing the chicks almost fledged.  I am enjoying your posts.

[highplanesdrifters]

On 2/22/2024 at 4:30 AM, southerngoose said:

@highplanesdrifters Do you plan on doing the Master Class in Photography?   I'm curious what that is and whether it's worth it.   I'm also curious about which photography equipment would be included and if it's included for the entire cruise (ie, maybe I shouldn't bring my own camera?)

 

 

I haven't been able to talk to the photo guy, but he did send this information. Busy man.  Looks like only iPhone photo class.  I would bring your own equipment for sure.  If he surfaces I'll see what I can find out.

 

[southerngoose]

@highplanesdrifters   Thanks so much for your research.  This is HUGELY disappointing.  The screen shot that I saw offered things like helping you on land with composition and getting good shots.   That would be fabulous when you are in a place with tons of penguins.     This offering is very disappointing.   

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, southerngoose said:

@highplanesdrifters   Thanks so much for your research.  This is HUGELY disappointing.  The screen shot that I saw offered things like helping you on land with composition and getting good shots.   That would be fabulous when you are in a place with tons of penguins.     This offering is very disappointing.   

If you can, post the screenshot and I'll ask about it.  Or try and ask about it.😉

[southerngoose]

@highplanesdrifters   Thank you so much.  This is something I found online (I think it was here at Cruise Critic) - someone posted it from their trip and I don't know which cruise it was (other than it being an antarctica trip).    I was looking at "Masterclass in Photography for all levels", which appears to be a bundling of several of the other services.   In lieu of that, I would be willing to get 2-3 "in the field", if it promised to help me with composition and to take "good" photos of me on the landing.   I find these prices to be high, but on the other hand, this is a once in a lifetime trip that I likely would not ever do again so I figured that it was worth it to get some pro photos of me in an usual spot and get some composition help.   

 

I'm a crappy photographer with decent equipment (DSLR with 24-300mm zoom) who has taken tons of classes, but still need help.   At this point, I'll accept assistance to get some good photos that I would be able to remember the trip by.  

 

I appreciate all of your assistance to help me figure this out!

[Gl3nnG4ry]

On 2/23/2024 at 3:32 PM, highplanesdrifters said:

Chinstraps....sound on.

 

At 19s (background) "Beware of falling rocks". LOL

Seriously tho, awesome, thanks for sharing :)

[Port Power]

4 hours ago, southerngoose said:

@highplanesdrifters   Thank you so much.  This is something I found online (I think it was here at Cruise Critic) - someone posted it from their trip and I don't know which cruise it was (other than it being an antarctica trip).    I was looking at "Masterclass in Photography for all levels", which appears to be a bundling of several of the other services.   In lieu of that, I would be willing to get 2-3 "in the field", if it promised to help me with composition and to take "good" photos of me on the landing.   I find these prices to be high, but on the other hand, this is a once in a lifetime trip that I likely would not ever do again so I figured that it was worth it to get some pro photos of me in an usual spot and get some composition help.   

 

I'm a crappy photographer with decent equipment (DSLR with 24-300mm zoom) who has taken tons of classes, but still need help.   At this point, I'll accept assistance to get some good photos that I would be able to remember the trip by.  

 

I appreciate all of your assistance to help me figure this out!

I’m pretty sure I posted that photo from Silver Wind in Dec23/Jan 24 in response to queries.  The private zodiac booked through the expedition team was the same price, so well worth booking with the photographer.  Different ship, different photographer, so it might be dependent on the shipboard photographer?

[southerngoose]

@Port PowerWell, I find it frustrating if it's "photographer's choice" vs a standard offering.   Maybe if it were free, I might understand it being "photographer's choice".    

 

Could I ask if you did any of those photography activities?  Or did you just post it?   If you're the one who posted it, thanks!   But I'm still curious to know if it was worth it.  I sort of understand that the value may be dependent on the photographer.    Still would love to know more about any real experience.  🙂 

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, southerngoose said:

@highplanesdrifters   Thank you so much.  This is something I found online (I think it was here at Cruise Critic) - someone posted it from their trip and I don't know which cruise it was (other than it being an antarctica trip).    I was looking at "Masterclass in Photography for all levels", which appears to be a bundling of several of the other services.   In lieu of that, I would be willing to get 2-3 "in the field", if it promised to help me with composition and to take "good" photos of me on the landing.   I find these prices to be high, but on the other hand, this is a once in a lifetime trip that I likely would not ever do again so I figured that it was worth it to get some pro photos of me in an usual spot and get some composition help.   

 

I'm a crappy photographer with decent equipment (DSLR with 24-300mm zoom) who has taken tons of classes, but still need help.   At this point, I'll accept assistance to get some good photos that I would be able to remember the trip by.  

 

I appreciate all of your assistance to help me figure this out!

I'll see what I can find out for you.

Fyi, even crappy equipment and a crappy photographer will excell in the great white.  There will be plenty of staff happy and willing to take photographs of you.  Even other guests will take pics of you and send them. It's one be euphoric family.   😄

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, southerngoose said:

@Port PowerWell, I find it frustrating if it's "photographer's choice" vs a standard offering.   Maybe if it were free, I might understand it being "photographer's choice".    

 

Could I ask if you did any of those photography activities?  Or did you just post it?   If you're the one who posted it, thanks!   But I'm still curious to know if it was worth it.  I sort of understand that the value may be dependent on the photographer.    Still would love to know more about any real experience.  🙂 

I would suggest starting a new thread with  specific photo questions.

[highplanesdrifters]

I'm way behind on posting. Days are crazy busy. So much so we can barely get showers in before the evening briefing. We had a special treat at the end of our mini hike which I'm excited to share.

 

Whom amongst us has had a trail blocked by a Weddell Seal?

 

Here he comes.

 

 

Guests had to scatter with the help of staff.

 

 

 

Penguin food coma kicking in.  Just let me sleep!

 

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

And then a fight between a Crabeater seal an Antarctic Fur Seal.  A game of king of the hill.

 

 

Aside from all this, a mother humpback and calf spent the day entertaining us in the bay.

 

What lucky folks on this zodiac.

 

 

All of these amazing events happened in the last 30 minutes of an already amazing excursion.

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, southerngoose said:

@Port PowerWell, I find it frustrating if it's "photographer's choice" vs a standard offering.   Maybe if it were free, I might understand it being "photographer's choice".    

 

Could I ask if you did any of those photography activities?  Or did you just post it?   If you're the one who posted it, thanks!   But I'm still curious to know if it was worth it.  I sort of understand that the value may be dependent on the photographer.    Still would love to know more about any real experience.  🙂 

 

This showed up in today's Cronicle.  It leads one to believe there is more available than just an iPhone class.  Once we hit the Drake it will be easier to have a chat with the photo guy.

 

[Fletcher]

The guy we had running the photo studio on the Cloud was utterly useless, clueless.  I thought he was mainly there to sell stuff.  I think you have to be a really bad photographer or a total beginner to get anything of value.  

[highplanesdrifters]

Charlotte Bay

Some truly scenic cruising on another gorgeous summer day.  Folks are beginning to get jaded.  Rating icebergs - is it really worth getting up to take a picture?😄

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

Portal Point

The earlier scene of the seal party.

A relatively easy landing for guests, but staff were in waist deep water. Hats off to them, stellar crew. One guy got the surprise of his life when a crabeater seal swam up next to him. Eeeek.  We had an easy but slightly slippery climb to the top of a snow hill which afforded 360 views.  Reminds you how insignificant you are.  A moment to tuck in you back pocket.

 

Landing

 

He's still king of the hill!

 

A base of Granite rocks.

 

 

 

I was already standing for these bergs.

 

 

Green algae

 

 

Lots of Lenticular clouds down here.

 

More rocks, me likey.

 

 

360 video from the top of the hill.

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

Evenings keep us busy too. I've been remiss in my food and libation posts.  Food remains exceptionally tasty. Service top notch.  Cocktails perfectly mixed. Included wines have been more than drinkable.  Revenue wines very reasonable. 

 

Dolce Vita 

 

Dinner at LT.  What a view. Another pinch me moment.

 

 

 

 

Grouper

 

 

And Sunset

[highplanesdrifters]

Neko Harbour, Charlotte Bay

 

Home to the largest Getoo colony on the continent.  They did not have to tell us this as you could smell them even before you opened the door.😄

 

 

 A little Iceberg tour before landing.

 

 

That's going to make a proper Gin and Tonic.

 

 

 

Don't even think about coming up this path!

 

Iceberg Oragami gone wrong.

 

 

The Colony

 

Drop off your dirty chicks here.

 

 

He did an extra leg through the fluffer.

 

 

Who is going to power wash this for next season?

 

 

The little dude wanted to High Fin Me.

 

 

Another FEED ME video.

 

 

Little swimmers  returning from snack time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

Charcot Bay, Antarctica 

 

Well I guess we won't be getting in any Zodiacs today.🙂 on to the Drake!

 

 

 

Nothing terribly exciting.  These are Moment of Zen sound on videos.  I like the reveal of how the waves carve the bergs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

Slipping into the Drake with some crazy cool tabular icebergs.  A little rock and roll, but no biggie.  Scroll on if you've had enough.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[jpalbny]

Wow! I can almost feel the intensity of the wind from your videos. Thanks for posting.

 

23 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Scroll on if you've had enough.

 

Never!

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, jpalbny said:

Wow! I can almost feel the intensity of the wind from your videos. Thanks for posting.

 

 

Never!

Oh how kind, thanks so much JP.  I was hoping to find a way to give the real feel and experience.

 

When we return home we string everything together and put it on the TV for background entertainment.  OK so maybe we aren't the most exciting.🤣

[highplanesdrifters]

 

An easy crossing so far with gentlest of rocking. 

We are solidly in the Drake about to enter the Convergence.  This area is nutrient rich due to the mixing of the different oceans and upswelling.  Critter buffet.  Eyes open for wildlife.

 

Not an exciting scene, but something we long for when landlocked.  

 

How's this for following seas? 😁

 

 

 

A little food porn from Flavors of India night. 

 

Potato cakes with lentel Curry. Oh yum!

 

Chicken something or other. 

 

 

Salad Nicoise 

 

Lobster Salad.   Chef has been doing an amazing job with Lobster. Always perfecty prepared in any dish we have ordered.

 

 

[jpalbny]

They still have that Delta Pinot Noir, I see. Not bad withbfood, but a little less polished that my preference. What did you think? 

 

Hope you get some nice sightings at the convergence! 

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, jpalbny said:

They still have that Delta Pinot Noir, I see. Not bad withbfood, but a little less polished that my preference. What did you think? 

 

Hope you get some nice sightings at the convergence! 

 

Have to agree, the Pinot was a tad light.  Not much in the convergence except a nap or two and some excellent lectures. We have met some wonderful people and have been closing down the restaurants.   😅