moabkayaker

We recently concluded the 25-day Stepping Stones of the Atlantic trip on the Venture starting in Ushuaia, and because (after the Falklands and South Georgia) this was new territory for them, we had no idea what excursions might be offered until just before a destination. That said, they did a great job of providing several included options in each port (think Saint Helena or Tristan da Cunha) and we were not disappointed in any of them. I think Seabourn does not want to "promise" excursions in places that they may have to cancel or substitute, since that just creates more headaches. We did have a layover day in Ushuaia between an Antarctic cruise and the next one, and booked a third party excursion that day, since Seabourn does not seem to offer excursions on change-over days. Personally, I think one of the interesting things about the expedition travel is a bit of uncertainty combined with flexibility, and knowing that the best things that happen may be something substituted for the original. We're booked on Pursuit going across the Pacific west to east this August/September, and have seen many of the "possible excursions" listed, and are excited about these, as well as snorkeling and Zodiac, but know there are no guarantees.

Agree that we all appreciate your info. Interesting about the electric toothbrush - it's usually in my checked baggage toiletry kit with the large tube of toothpaste - I will reorganize. Looking forward to your future posts as it is making the time until we leave fly by! Thanks

Last year at this time, the blue market rate was about double the "official rate" so it was beneficial, especially when getting tickets at places like Iguazu Falls (where the credit card machines would not take US credit cards on the Argentine side). Cash is also handy in little food stores, etc., depending on how long you are staying pre or post trip.We'll probably change some dollars on Florida Street (where the "cambios" tend to hang out) when we arrive in about a month.

Happy New Year to you, too I am looking forward to hearing about your experience. We are booked on the Venture starting Feb 11, and like you looked at both Viking and Seabourn. We recently had an excellent experience with Seabourn's expedition staff on a trip to Iceland and Greenland, and that was probably the tipping point for us. We are also staying on the ship as it heads to the Falklands, South Georgia and on up the Atlantic to Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha, etc., and that just was also too good to pass up. Like you, we are planning on being in B.A. a couple of days ahead - we didn't want to miss the boat (literally) with potential winter weather. We were there about a year ago, and it's a fun city to explore. I will be checking in with your travels regularly. It's fun to see what other travelers' experiences are, and I have learned a lot reading several other blogs about such things as expedition jackets, excursions, etc. I will also look forward to seeing if there are any things that you bring you find you didn't need, or vice versa. I always wind up with stuff I needn't have brought! Deb

Thanks for your blog - we are doing Antarctica on the Venture in February and then taking it on to Cabo Verde, so found all you insights valuable. We have only done one other Seabourn trip (Quest last August) so good to hear what to expect on the expedition ship, both good and bad. Glad to hear about relaxed dress code, as we like to travel light, and warm gear will take up most of the space in our luggage. Disappointed about the news from South Georgia, but more for the birds than for us. Look forward to hearing about your next adventure.