Scientific vessels, icebreakers, and cruise ships like the Grand Princess, one of the largest in the world, congregate in the port of Ushuaia. In this context, the MV Hondius wouldn’t stand out. It’s an ice-strengthened expedition ship, 107 meters long, with a capacity for about 170 people. On March 20, 149 people boarded: 88 passengers and 59 crew members. They represent 23 nationalities, and 14 are Spanish: five from Catalonia, three from Madrid, one from Galicia, and one from Valencia. The latter, oceanographer Aitana Forcén-Vázquez, is also part of the crew, acting as a guide for the tourists. There’s also an elderly Dutch couple who traveled to various locations in Chile and Argentina before arriving here, at the southernmost point of the continent. The MV Hondius advertises numerous amenities and a luxurious atmosphere on its website. Fares for this voyage range from $17,600 to $29,400. There are scheduled stops at some of the most remote islands on the planet, visiting diverse ecosystems and ending in Cape Verde, known as the “African Caribbean.” This is the logbook of their journey.

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