It was a wonderful sunny day in Longyearbyen when we made our way to the port. The little blue ship Plancius was already waiting for us at the pier. We watched how the luggade was craned on board, then it was time for us to walk up the gangway for the very first time. Hotel manager Zsuzsanna welcomed us and the friendly Philippine crew showed us to our cabins. We had some time to explore the ship before we all gathered in the lounge for an introduction to the ship and a safety briefing by first officer Miia. Then the lines were cast off and we were under way, our adventure had begun. The colourful houses of Longyearbyen grew smaller and we sailed out into the Isfjord. The next program point was the practical part of the lifeboat drill. Equipped with warm clothes and our bright orange life jackets we first mustered in the lounge and then went out on deck to inspect the lifeboats. Let´s hope that we will never have to see them from the inside again. After the drill we were in for a treat: The Captain´s Cocktail. We met our Russian captain Andrei Zybin and toasted with him and the expedition team to successful and safe voyage.