Shortly after breakfast our morning activities started and many of us wanted to go kayaking. Snowy peaks, glaciers and icebergs floating by in the slight current surrounded the fjord. The clear blue ice glittering in the sunshine was an incredible sight, especially out in the kayaks; away from the ship it was enough just to enjoy the silence of nature.
Some of the guests who did not go kayaking this morning went on a Zodiac cruise to explore a larger area of this magnificent scene in Hornsund. After only a couple of minutes one of the Zodiacs spotted a mother and two cubs (polar bears) swimming in the direction of the Caledonian Star.
The kayakers maneuvered between the icebergs heading for the ship, to get a good look at the polar bears. The mother and cubs decided to stop by our ship for a while, which gave the kayakers a chance to catch up, and for the guests who stayed on board to have a close look. We all stayed at a safe distance away from the three of them, and the Polar Bears seemed quite comfortable with our presence. It made us feel very special, both parties completely aware of our boundaries. When the mother and two cubs decided to move on, we followed them to the shore and watched them as they left the marine environment and climbed ashore to enjoy the heat of the sun.
