The deck was almost flat, and surrounded by a rail.

The flooring was wet, and somewhat slippery, but nobody thought of that; they thought of nothing but the wonderful place in which they found themselves.
They were in a small lake surrounded by lofty and precipitous icebergs.
On every side these glittering crags rose high into the air; nowhere was there a break or an opening.

They seemed to be in a great icy prison.

It might be supposed that it would be exhilarating to a party who had long been submerged beneath the sea to stand once more in the open air and in the light of day; but this was not the case.

The air they breathed was sharp and cold, and cut into throats and lungs now accustomed to the softer air within their vessel.