tncaec

We did this cruise earlier this year (in the opposite direction) with NCL. I recommend South Excursions if you're looking for a nice tour that departs from Santiago and drops you off at the port. Also, if you stop in Puerto Montt, Juan Sunkel Cerro is an awesome guide.

Reebster ... which tour did you do with Juan ? if easier, reply to tncaec at yahoo dot com

thanks in advance ... Thomas

We will be in PA for a long 12 hours ..... have several things planned but am also considering a trip out to the free trade zone - Zona Franca. Although, over the years I've found that duty-free doesn't always mean inexpensive. Has anyone gone out to this shopping district ? I'm not really looking for cheap booze but rather electronics or maybe clothes. Are some good bargains available ? thanks in advance ... Thomas

Will be in Ushuaia in early November, 2016. Unfortunately, time in port is a rather short 6 hours. Doesn't appear to be enough time to do a penguin/harberton estancia tour but probably ok to try a short excursion to the national park, although that could be a little rushed as well. Another option could be a flightseeing tour. Has anyone done this with AeroClub Ushuaia ? A little pricey so would love to hear some thoughts from folks who may have done it. Thanks in advance. Thomas

northern aurora .. thanks for the detailed info. My ship (HA Zaandam) isn't showing any penguin excursions in Ushuaia so I checked out the Piratours website. They show a 6-hour duration for their tour and unfortunately, we are only in port for 6 hours (2-8 pm). I went ahead and booked a Volunteer Pt trip and if weather keeps us from landing, I will try to find a last minute penguin trip out of Punta Arenas. happy sailing.

ambelina .... I went ahead and booked a Volunteer Pt trip ... certainly kings will be a highlight and won't be seen in such numbers anywhere else on cruise. still thinking about PA vs Ushuaia. happy cruising!

hola Ambelina ... will be interesting to hear Northern Aurora's answer. Why have you chosen the Volunteer Point trip over others in the Falklands ? In PA ... are you visiting Seno Otway or Isla Magdalena ? Why have you chosen PA over Ushuaia for penguin viewing. Thank you for your help.

Going on the Zaandam, November 8 .... will be stopping in Falklands, Punta Arenas and Ushuaia ... all have penguins although some different types. The Falklands looks like the best option; however, it also seems to be the port landing most likely to be affected by weather and landing and/or excursion cancellations.

I don't want to chance it and find out we can't do the excursion .... fortunately, Falklands is first so I could have a later opportunity assuming we haven't booked other tours.

What have past cruisers experienced in this regard ? Booked multiple penguin excursions ?

Thanks in advance.

sorry if this has been beaten to death but I tried a search and found it less than helpful. results either didn't indicate how old the post was and going one by one was painful.

in any case .. is there a recent 2016 wine list for by the glass and bottles ?

thanks in advance.

TJ

New to this board so thanks in advance and excuse any duplicative questions (i did a search and couldn't find exact answers).

Planning this itinerary on the 11/8/16 sailing. Looking at ocean-view cabin choices on either Dolphin or Main. My initial thoughts were to go starboard on the Dolphin deck because I was worried about Main cabins being too noisy underneath the Lower Prom if folks were running or dragging chairs around. thoughts?

With respect to Dolphin itself .. what is below this deck in the mid-aft range?

Also, it look like the Dolphin has an open area at the far aft with tables and chairs. Is this correct and did folks find this area to be crowded constantly ?

Any other recommendations for a newbie ? THANKS !