Ice QUEEN
They call it the polar plunge and it’s considered a rite of passage in Antarctica. You stand on the jetty, shivering in your swimsuit or trunks, while a rope is tied round your waist, and then you jump into the icy water below before swimming quickly back to the ship. Bearing in mind the sea temperature is officially at freezing point, this is not something for the fainthearted, and it’s definitely not for me. I’m happy just to watch from the deck nursing a hot chocolate.
My journey to Antarctica began with two flights to the Chilean capital Santiago, followed by an internal flight to Punta Arenas in Patagonia. By the time our group embarks Silversea’s Silver Cloud we’re all glad of the chance to unwind over a Pisco sour or two (these cocktails are practically obligatory in South America).
The first day of sailing is calm, and I wake to see whales from my balcony. We
