Clelia II looking at National Geographic Explorer in Drake Passage

[Gaboss23]

this ship is not celia 2

[freshicedcoke]

how much was it swaying

[kalleebner]

What the hell has the Ice-Class to do with that situation ?

[27bsimp]

the rules change have nothing to do with the relative ice-class.. there are 2 IMO regulation changes coming in July 2011:

1) vesels must carry enclosed life-boats

2) vessels can ONLY carry light MGO (marine gas-oil) fuel type below the Antarctic convergence. Ice-class is a very subjective topic, but not one in the IMO discussion at present.

[bendiksen50]

The NatGeo Explorer is a former ship of the Norwegian coastal express, built in 1982, and then named "Midnatsol" ("Midnight sun"). It's nice to see it again! These ships are built for the rough weather they sail through along the Norwegian coast in wintertime.

This ship was changed for Antarctic cruises i 2008. I would feel safe onboard the NatGeo Explorer in all kinds of weather, like I enjoyed journeys when it sailed up here in Northern Norway.

[520largo]

We went with a tour company who contracted for this ship, so we had no say in what vessel we cruised. With that said, the ship still did well throughout the voyage. It was a freak accident.  White water can come over almost any bow...including yours. It was a fluke that the hand railing broke at that exact moment and came crashing through the bridge window...and thus started the chain of events. The crew were exceptional and I would gladly cruise with this crew and ship, ANYWHERE.

[RocketRodder]

@520largo Very well said, I am glad to hear that you're not fuming!

[crissehamscher]

The fact is that the rules will change next year to only allow ships classified as Ice Class (2nd only to Icebreaker Class) to cross the Drake into Antarctica. The NatGeo Explorer is Ice Class, the Clelia is not. We just returned from Antarctica on the Explorer and she is a great ship, fully able to take these rough seas with an equally great captain to steer her through. If you go, forget the pretentiousness of a luxury liner meant for the Mediterrean and go with the experts.