31. The Polar Plunge.

Brrrrrrr!

Iris takes the Plunge. Credit: Frances--taken from Deck 5.

Really?! Who in their right mind would jump into Antarctic waters hovering at freezing temperatures? Turns out, a lot of crazy—or fearless—people. Forty-five brave fools took the plunge late in the afternoon in the middle of a snow storm! A part of me wanted to do this, just to experience it and to survive something really, really scary and really, really cold. But my practical brain took over. Not this time.

Our friend and honorary Penguinista, Iris, took the brave step and survived. Yay!

Iris jumping off the ship’s stern platform. A harness is strapped around her waist. Credit: Michelle Sole.

Heading down to the Ready Room to walk "the Plank" Credit: most are frame grabs from my own video; upper right is a selfie taken by Mike.

Yeah, you’re all smiles now prior to taking the plunge, just you wait!

David, JW, *unsure*, Jennifer and Sarah. Credit: Juan?

Couples and entire families took the plunge. For safety reasons, they had to do it solo—no double jumping—while strapped to a hefty harness and safety line.

A happy couple heading down to the Plunge Ready Room; taking the plunge; and afterwards toasting their accomplishment. Credit: Top left clockwise--Frances, Michelle Sole, Unknown.

A photo grid of passengers taking the plunge and expressing themselves uniquely.

Nine of the 45 human ice cubes in the act! Credit: All photos Michelle Sole.

After taking the plunge…shots and hugs!

Neha taking a shot. The Antarctica veterans doing it again.

JW is the only passenger (that we know of) who can claim he has taken the polar plunge in Arctic and Antarctic waters! Kudos! At top when asked if he had any last words he laughed and said, "Bye-Bye!"

Brigitte, Max and Jake Zimmer taking a celebratory swig.

The hard-working crew who set up the plunge activity, waited patiently in rocking Zodiacs or on the platform for each passenger to make the jump and ensure their safety coming aboard. The wind was blowing, it was snowing and above water, the temperature was below freezing. All in a day’s work for these intrepid crew members.

Expedition crew members setting up for the Polar Plunge.