Well, we had hopes of seeing the scenic cruising around Cape Horn and the Faro Les Eclaireurs, or the famous lighthouse that marks the Beagle Channel some time today. However, there was no mention of it in the Daily newsletter as to the approximate time we would arrive to the area. We asked some friends at breakfast if they heard any announcements we may have missed, and they said no, they were not aware of any sight-seeing. It was printed on our official itinerary as "Drake Passage and Cape Horn" – cruising only. We did it in 2020 with Captain Mercer and looked forward to it again today.
It became crystal clear to us when Captain Rens came on with his noontime talk. He gave the usual temps and winds, and sea conditions, which we knew were deep swells with the increased motion during the evening. The only mention of Cape Horn was that we had sailed past it, and it was just too rough to get close to it. He had sped up to get us out of the Drake Passage and into slightly calmer waters. We still had 120 nautical miles to reach Ushuaia tomorrow morning. The temperature will be a chilly 48 degrees F with winds of 13 kilometers. The skies will remain overcast and cloudy and the swells would continue to be confused at 5 to 9 feet high on the way there. His plan was to pick up the local pilot at 3am in order to be docked by 7am. In ending his talk, he recited a touching poem about Antarctica and the many souls that had lost their lives there.
Anyway, that was the plan. Sometimes these well-laid out plans go awry. And they did. Around 3pm, we noticed that the ship's speed had picked up enough to toss us around even more. The driving wind even blew our veranda door open without warning. Something had changed. Then the Captain came back on the speakers and announced that he was taking the ship directly into Ushuaia tonight instead of tomorrow morning. If we heard it correctly, a commercial vessel was going to take our spot unless we got there first. In addition to that, we would be needing provisions and fuel, which could be loaded tonight by the crew. Even more pending was the fact he had three medical disembarks. We knew of the one lady, but two more came as a surprise.
We kept busy as usual catching up on photos. Ship activities went on as usual with three lectures and three sessions of trivia. We still need to catch up on those talks on our TV.
Dinner was in the Pinnacle Grill this evening with their regular menu, not the pop-ups. In order to do justice to this meal, we did not have lunch, but just some mixed nuts and an apple. It wasn't too busy at 8pm, so the service was excellent. For starters, we had the wedge salad with their special ranch dressing. Finally, we added one order of clothes- line bacon, which was perfect cut up on the salads. Their bread basket was filled with fresh tasty rolls and crispy lavage.
Entrees were the same with lamb chops (cooked medium), a small baked potato with the toppings, and a shared bowl of sauteed mushrooms. Passing on dessert, one of us indulged with one macaroon cookie. We had to laugh because these little morsels resemble tiny cheeseburgers. There are no more chocolate candies and we do not miss them.
There was a grand variety show in the World Stage this evening. Five of the recent acts were combing for an evening of movement, magic, and music.
Back in our room, we saw that there was going to be a nice sunset tonight. Bundling up, one of us took some photos of the orange-lit sky with the mountains and islands as a backdrop. There were even albatrosses flying along with the ship. Even though we missed the Horn, this sighting of the sunset and the albatrosses made up for the deletion.
So the plan was to pick up the pilot at 9pm, and be alongside the dock by 12am. Sure hope our guys have heavy jackets because working outside all night will be bone-chilling. Although he did not say it, we highly doubt that anyone will be let off of the ship tonight. Most everything would be closed anyway. Oh yes, and one more last minute change happened. Captain Rens said the Volendam will be docked until 10:30am, then he will have to move the ship away from the dock, and use the tenders to transport the guests until 1:30pm. He cautioned those folks with mobility problems to make sure if they do get off early, they must be capable of tendering back. All aboard remains at 1:30pm. A very short day for sure.
Bill & Mary Ann
