Port Power

Absolutely correct. Kayaking being cancelled is usually announced with 1-2 hours’ notice before zodiacs start leaving. The ship’s specialist photographer always seems to go out by himself with driver, sometimes with one other expedition member. At the end of the cruise passengers are given a USB with pictures from our expedition. Out on the zodiac, the photographer can photograph us, as well as get up pretty close to shore. They can also go back and forth to find just the right place, view or action. There was also one zodiac with just two passengers. We think this is a “private expedition experience” that can be purchased. One passenger had a huge camera lens, the other a GoPro on a long stick. Don’t you worry, I certainly am enjoying. Definitely bring binoculars. I find my so useful.

I thought it might be you in the same zodiac this morning. It was the camera that gave you away! We were so fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. My iPhone obviously doesn’t do justice the the scenery, but I did manage one decent shot of the leopard seal. No comparison, of course. However, the eyes see much more than a camera can show, and the brain will remember.

Time wouldn’t permit you to kayak and return to the ship and then go out on a zodiac. Kayaks tend to go out after the first zodiac groups, but before the second groups. Last night I opted for the zodiac in St Andrew’s Bay in the morning, but kayak in Gold Harbour in the afternoon. The kayaks cannot get as close to the beaches because of waves and surf, so take different routes. I made the right choice this morning, because our zodiac saw a leopard seal catch and kill a king penguin, and then play around with it for half an hour before eating it. Feathers were all over the water. I was amazed at how small the feathers are, but obviously they need to be to provide such a waterproof covering. The photographer’s zodiac was the only other one there, so there should be some good photos tonight! I could see the kayaks over by the cliffs to our right. There were some seals over that way. Bad luck for me again as the afternoon kayaking was cancelled due to wind strength. In that case there is still plenty of time to join your zodiac group.

Well, as I have been posting, we are definitely at South Georgia, both landing and zodiac cruising. Currently there are only three places where passengers are allowed to land, and we have done two of them. I expect the next cruise will do the same. Tomorrow is again zodiac cruising only, as well as kayaks. St Andrew’s Bay in the morning, Gold Bay in the afternoon.

It will be. Mention was made at last night’s briefing. £, €, USD and credit card.

Silver Wind is anchored in Fortuna Bay overnight tonight. It is a long, sheltered bay. We will be landing by zodiac tomorrow morning to see king penguins up close. About one hour on land in staggered groups . In the afternoon the ship moves to Grytviken. The authorities will come aboard to check passports. They will also check a sample of outer clothing for grass seeds, etc. Once cleared, zodiacs will ferry passengers in three groups to the cemetery to see Shackleton’s grave, and Watson’s. Zodiacs will then ferry passengers to the township to visit the museum, church and post office. We are not allowed to walk through the old town. There is a strict demarcation line to keep any contaminants contained. So, weather permitting, we will be going ashore. Unless kayaking, of course.

Actually, Silver Cloud was very close to us, port side, around 13:00. It then disappeared into the mist.

We will definitely be landing at Grytviken as the ship has to undergo mandatory immigration and customs. Evidently 25% of the passengers are inspected. Because Silversea has such a good rating is why they can go to other places before Grytviken. I am not saying that passengers can go ashore. I await further information from the expedition team. Zodiak cruising in Cooper Bay was fantastic for the first group, but the weather came in quickly and the second group struggled to come back aboard. Snow stinging their faces as it cam in sideways! Tonight’s briefing will indicate if we are landing anywhere else, but of course that is also weather permitting. Bird specialists advise that it takes two years for this sort of illness to stabilise. However, it seems that already certain bird populations have natural immunity. Healthy Macaroni penguins. Healthy birds. Healthy king penguins. And one of multiple huge icebergs! We also saw Silver Cloud to port during lunch.

We have just had our arrival talk for South Georgia tomorrow. Change of plans. Due to the strong winds and ocean swell, the ship is heading to the south east area and will anchor in Cooper Bay at 7:00am. We will be zodiac cruising, but not landing due to bird flu restrictions. It is expected we will still see plenty of fur seals and King penguins. In the afternoon the ship will move to Royal Bay, where zodiac cruising but no landings will again take place.

Did you see the really big iceberg starboard side about 45 minutes ago? It was the third one this afternoon, and by far the biggest. And closest.

And when this thread finishes, another one will start! 😀

I am amazed that this thread is still going!

I have found all my excursions excellent. Maximum of around 25 passengers per big bus, and excellent guides. Never any queues or delays generally. I have also found that Silversea passengers are considerate and on time. Of course there are exceptions, but I hope that doesn’t happen to you. Yes, if you do request, the butler will unpack for you. On one cruise I had unpacked, but time got away from us. We asked the butler to unpack for my son. Personal choice, as you might end up moving stuff about later on. There is no discount on pressing. However, there is a passenger laundry on each deck of Silver Muse, so you can iron your own garments. Some people are intent on booking restaurants in advance. I never do and have never had a problem eating where I want. La Dame is a personal choice. I do like Silver Note, so do try to book at least one night. You can always go there after dinner elsewhere just to listen to the singer. Don’t stress. Enjoy your holiday. New Zealand is a fabulous country.

I also believe you are over thinking this. As mentioned earlier, “gty” means you will be allocated an equal or better cabin. I had booked a vista suite by on Silver Muse and was allocated a balcony cabin. Yes, you might not know your suite number until boarding, but that doesn’t matter. I didn’t think you could actually book a waitlisted category? You book what is available but go on the wait list if your preferred suite becomes available. People do cancel last minute for various reasons on occasion. I have never known Silversea to book non-existing cabins such that airlines do with seats.

Further to my mention of stone rivers yesterday, these are they, the sharp looking rocks in the foreground. These “rivers” of rocks are everywhere, although difficult to distinguish in the second picture. The dome on the hill is part of the Defence Force security. There are 2000 soldiers in barracks just over the hill. Vista of the wind swept land. Estancia homestead where the British soldiers assembled before moving on to Stanley.

Unfortunately I don’t have any photos of the stone rivers, but they are incredible features across the landscape. The soldiers hid during the day and moved at night. They had night vision equipment, but the Argentinians did not. He was also vocal about the assistance the locals gave in helping to move ammunition, etc, up the hills, and using their tractors at great risk to explode land mines. It was during this time, liberating Goose Green, that Kevin met his wife-to-be. After retiring from the armed, they returned to live at Stanley and raised their two daughters here. One daughter is now in senior airport management and will soon be the boss. The other, a lawyer, is about to have her wedding at home and intends to return permanently once she has some more experience under her belt. Kevin was very proud that children are returning to the islands as working adults.

My excursion today was the Battlefields tour. Our guide, Kevin, had been a paratrooper during the 1982 conflict to regain the Falkland Islands. He was tremendously interesting, both with his first hand knowledge of what went on after they landed, as well as current information on wind and solar power and lack of tradespeople. The paratroopers could not parachute in because of the “stone rivers” throughout the island. Men would have been killed or horribly maimed landing on these piles of rocks. Therefore they came by water. However, not into Stanley as expected, but from San Carlos.

May I just correct you? They are Black Browed Albatross. (Like in eyebrows.) I love your photos and the detail you show. I have definitely passed a couple on to family at home, although quoting the source and not saying they photos are my doing. (Such a pity.) 😀

Silver Wind is at Port Stanley today and will then head for South Georgia. We will be there on Christmas Day. Currently the weather looks enough to keep us from landing! I will update in due course.

At the briefing it was, basically, play it by ear. There will definitely be places on South Georgia where we cannot land, so will just view by zodiac. No definite mention of Antarctica itself. If the advance expedition party see signs of mass deaths, they will radio back and landings will be prohibited. One day at a time…..

The zodiac briefings are on Wednesday morning and I expect this matter will be discussed. I spoke briefly to an expedition team member before muster.

On this ship I did a spa and gym tour, but as I am not interested in actually having any treatments, I did not ask. Demand differs between ships and destinations. I still recommend going soon after boarding for your best chance of preferred dates and times.

I hope this also helps.

I hope you take good photos I can pass off as my own? 🤣

If you are boarding Silver Wind, you must be in Santiago with the rest of us, about to leave for the airport. It seems there are not many CC contributors onboard. Hopefully we will meet up. Carol