Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Cruise Ship Encounters Severe Waves During Antarctic Expedition
A video captured by a passenger shows a cruise vessel being violently buffeted by massive waves during an Antarctica voyage. The incident occurred as the ship traversed the Drake Passage, known for its challenging sea conditions, highlighting the raw power of nature in the remote polar region and the experience of an Antarctica cruise.
Dramatic Footage Emerges of Ship in Rough Seas
Lesley Anne Murphy, a passenger onboard, shared video clips on Instagram on March 26, depicting the cruise ship intensely rocking. The footage reveals the vessel lurching violently, with a woman sliding across the floor and a television crashing against a wall. At times, the windows of the ship were overwhelmed by towering walls of water, underscoring the intensity of the rough seas encountered.
Drake Passage Delivers “Drake Shake” to Antarctic Cruise
The turbulent conditions were experienced as guests crossed the Drake Passage, a famously treacherous body of water separating Antarctica from South America. Despite the intense conditions, featuring waves reported to be around 35 feet high, Murphy conveyed a sense of excitement and safety. “Yes, we were safe, and it was insane … and at times, even fun?” she wrote on Instagram, adding, “1000% worth it for this trip of a lifetime!”
The travel journalist likened the experience to a “48-hour rollercoaster.” Murphy was a guest aboard Quark Expeditions’ Ocean Explorer at the time of the incident during her polar expedition.
Expedition Company Reassures on Safety Protocols
In a statement provided to media outlets, a spokesperson for Quark Expeditions emphasized their long-standing expertise in navigating polar waters. “Quark Expeditions has over 30 years of experience navigating polar waters with a purpose-built, ice-class fleet and expert crew,” the spokesperson stated in an email. “Safety remains our top priority, ensuring guests are well cared for in all conditions. The ship, crew, and passengers completed their polar voyage safely and without incident.”
Navigating the Drake Passage: “Shake” or “Lake”
Most expedition cruises to Antarctica involve crossing the Drake Passage, a journey typically lasting around two days. Travelers may encounter a “Drake shake,” characterized by rough seas like Murphy’s experience, or a calmer “Drake lake.” Murphy indicated on Instagram that the ship experienced two “Drake shakes” during her particular trip.
Alternative Antarctic Travel Options Exist
While many embrace the Drake Passage crossing as part of the adventure, some cruise operators offer flights over this challenging waterway. However, according to Kristin Winkaffe, a luxury travel designer, these flight-based itineraries are considerably more expensive and can be less dependable due to unpredictable weather patterns in the region. Therefore, for an Antarctica cruise experience, braving the Drake Passage remains a common, albeit potentially turbulent, part of the journey.