The Night of the Igloo

The Night of the Igloo

One of the unique features of our Endurance ship are the igloos. There are a pair on the top deck (that’s accessible to passengers) They were originally intended as warming huts and are positioned at the back of the ship with easy access to the saunas (and bathrooms) and the outside hot tubs. They turned out to be so popular that the powers that be decided to equip them as first come/first serve overnight accommodations. Once I read about them before our trip I wasted no time in hightailing it to the reception desk as soon as we checked in to put our names down. Ron (a good sport who said ok to staying overnight in a glass house) wanted to stay in one the night that we were in the most northern position. The gal at reception said she’d find out. The captain informed her of the days that we’d be above the arctic circle and couldn’t guarantee which day for sure we’d be at Ron’s chosen spot. So, I guessed. I picked the night of August 22. I knew the igloos weren’t heated but I found out that they supply a couple of hot water bottles. They bring in a comfy mattress and bedding and take your order for a wake up coffee drink of your choice to be served while you watch the sunrise. It was exquisite. I think the sun was down for about 3 hours that night. We got in the hot tub, snuggled under the blankets, had a wee dram of scotch and counted our lucky stars. Lovely!

I shot this the day we embarked from Nome

A really great Darth Vader cape was supplied – warm and waterproof (and fun)

He couldn’t resist. The glass facing the deck side was frosted and clear on the water side.

A lone sailboat – we never saw another the entire trip til we were near one of the communities

A model of the ship on board showing the igloos and the hot tubs

A view from the water of one of the igloos

Sunset – about 12:30 a.m. Eyeshades were also provided.

Our morning view – this was about 6:30 a.m.

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