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The last full day of our epic ‘Saga of Ice and Fire’ cruise found us sailing south along the UK east coast, passing the Yorkshire promontory of Flamborough Head, before approaching the East Anglian coastline several hours later. The day provided a last chance to admire the seabirds that have become so familiar to us and marvel at their supreme power of flight in this harsh environment. Storm Petrel, Manx Shearwater, Puffin, Guillemot, Gannet, Fulmar, Kittiwake, Common Tern and a variety of gulls all graced us with a flypast at some stage during the day, giving our passengers a final opportunity to test out their improving identification skills. A couple of Harbour Porpoise popped up briefly, reminding us that despite the wind farms, the gas platforms and the busy shipping lanes, we still share the North Sea with marine life.

Today also provided a chance for reflection, especially as Emma and I were delivering a presentation on the wildlife we had sighted throughout the voyage. An expectant crowd had gathered early in the luxurious Darwin lounge and it was a delightful privilege to speak to so many friendly faces, many of whom we had got to know extremely well over the two weeks. I showed many images of the birds, marine mammals and scenery that we had photographed, and I talked about the memories of each sighting, the identification criteria for each species and some of the ecological issues pertinent to their survival. Emma then talked about the work that we do for Marinelife and the impact that we are trying to achieve through our research and education programmes.

Throughout the two weeks onboard we have been inundated with questions about Marinelife’s work and everyone who has approached us has been most impressed by the way that Marinelife conducts its scientific research surveys. Moreover, the passengers have all relished the enthusiasm and dedication which Emma and I have shown as we’ve conducted our education programme and we spent today humbly shaking many people’s hands as they offered their appreciation and praise for the work we’ve done. I am convinced that our ‘Swans’ will be going home and telling everyone they know about what they learned of the wildlife out at sea, and of the work that Marinelife does. The children and grandchildren they will speak to will hopefully become supporters of the charity and help to spread the vital conservation message that our world’s oceans require urgent protection.

And finally, as the last day drew to a close, each of the Guest Speakers was invited to share a five minute reflection of the cruise with the passengers. Sharing the stage with such eminent figures as Dr Hugh Doherty, Dr Peter Cattermole and the Right Reverend Stephen Platten, Emma and I felt honoured to talk about our highs and lows, the wonderful sights we’d encountered and the fun we’d had with the fabulous crew. But most of all, we wanted to convey our appreciation for the support given by the passengers themselves, as they had become wildlife enthusiasts and budding birders too. They had seen the birds and animals, and many had even seen some which we had missed, and all had relished the profound enjoyment which can be experienced from the fascinating natural history out at sea.

Minerva will be returning to Iceland and visiting St Kilda on MIN110721 (21 July - 05 August 2011).