Like most expedition ships, the Polar Front has an open bridge. In some rough environments (Subantarctic in my experience) the bridge can be a good location for observing from but on the Polar Front with it’s expansive outdoor working spaces and the calm conditions, I had preferred staying outdoors and low to the water.

One morning I was awake a little earlier than usual and found myself the only one about on the ship so headed up to the bridge, somewhat surprising the First mate I think. His English being far better than my French we had an enjoyable chat about the challenges of being a mariner with a family and young children. It was lovely to see the pride the crew have in their vessel and excitement at the recent retrofitting to diesel/electric and the benefits of the new power system.

At the appointed time a wake-up call to the guides had them on the bridge to strategise for the day and plan a route to continue our Polar bear hunting.

It is a real team effort with the guides planning on where they would like to search and the crew devising a plan to get the ship to the location and through the ice.

Photos with Nikon Z8 and Nikkor Z 14-30mm f4