This is an astonishing privilege, to wake up at around 07.00hrs, tune the TV to the “bow-cam” channel to see the Pio Xl Glacier in full, spanning the width of the screen. At 07.10 hrs, our Captain addressed his passengers through the ship’s P.A. system and the “bow-cam” channel. Outside, my balcony looked out onto what Jo might describe as a dreary and bleak landscape.
M.V. Queen Victoria came to rest around a mile from the largest glacier outside of Antarctica. It looked no bigger than Amalia Glacier which we visited yesterday. It was slightly clearer, and felt less cold than yesterday. However, a well delivered commentary over the “tannoy” explained amongst other detail I fail to recall, that Pio Xl Glacier could accommodate five cities the size of Buenos Aires, population 1,700,000. Even so, the Glacier is receding noticeably, according to people on board who have visited not so long ago.
The ship, like yesterday made several turns of 360 degrees providing ample opportunity for everyone to enjoy clear uninterrupted views. It was possible to discern the Andes behind the Glacier after some of the cloud had lifted. My first pictures were taken from the stateroom balcony before venturing down to the Promenade Deck and other open deck areas, mainly the stern of Deck 9.
Jo had joined me shortly after 9 o’clock; we had breakfast, took more pictures and watched as our ship positioned itself for departure at, I think, 10.45 hrs.
We attended a most amusing as well as informative lecture on “Chile from Top to Bottom,” delivered by the now well liked lecturer, Richard Cowley OBE MA. I rather wish that I had attended all of his presentations. Cunard have done extremely well in arranging a plethora of highly significant speakers and commentators for this magnificent voyage. Our journey around this part of the world took us to unusual and rarely visited locations. Few cruise ships, I imagine sail by the most southerly tip of The Americas. I wonder how often passenger ships circumnavigate Cape Horn each year. Sadly, we were not blessed with the rare clear blue skies I enjoyed in Alaska last year; instead, the white sea mist and low cloud are obscuring our opportunity to marvel at the Chilean fjords as we now head back towards a slightly bumpy Pacific Ocean.
Neither Amalia or Pio XI shed any ice into the water while we were there. This would have been spectacular, if a little alarming, as ice-falls can create substantial turbulence.
The visits to both glaciers certainly added substantial and memorable interest to the voyage as a whole. I understand that the second glacier which we saw from 07.00 hrs, Pio XI is named after Pope Pious XI.
I need to have amendments printed for those invited to my birthday celebrations on Sunday. The Midships (Gin and Fizz) Bar cannot accommodate 28 guests. Therefore, we shall be assembling in the much more suitable Yacht Club on Deck 10 for champagne and canapes.
Disappointingly, the mix of sea mist and low cloud continue to obscure the majestic fjords of Chile. 13.14 hrs 25/2/20….Happy Birthday, Claire….I have just remembered! David.
David's Cruise 