Up until about 30 minutes ago, we didn’t know whether to take along our cold weather gear tomorrow when we leave for Auckland. But the people at Heritage Expeditions have now assured us that our voyage is on track to depart Port of Bluff (near Invercargill), New Zealand January 18 according to schedule. It just requires the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker, the Polar Star to steam down from Sydney, plow through ice 6 feet thick (while moving at three knots), and free up our ship. The Akademik Shokalskiy can then hustle on up to Port of Bluff where we will board.

Thank you, Coast Guard!