WholeNewWorld

I've got one last 'pro tip' to give you on my last night aboard: The red jackets are yours to keep, but the patches are not, those must be returned on the last night. BUT if you want to keep your patch you can, they will charge $10 to your account for the replacement. 😜 

Ok what do I mean by the patch? When you get on board you will be divided into groups: this group will be very important.  Your group will be called for landings, and other events. (Each group is named after an antarctic wild animal.) You will get a velcro patch to place on the shoulder of your jacket to help the crew identify you and your group.  

DH and I are Black Browed Albatross-so that is a green patch with the name sewn across.  For each landing we wait till our group is called, then head down to catch the zodiac to land. (don't forget to press the 'PA' button on your cabin phone)  It's very organized when people wait their turn...but sometimes we had  a hard time getting to the launch because people just couldn't wait their turn.  

I asked around about purchasing my patch, and was told 'it's no problem-just don't return it', 'you will be charged a $10 fee but it's yours if you want it'      YAY! 

What if you are part of a group that prefer to go ashore together, but you're placed in different 'patch groups'?

 We had this happen to us. My SIL is in a different group, we decided not to worry about trying to switch, but we were still were able to spend some time on land with her.  Not every landing, but I'm guessing 3 out of 5 landings we were able to be with her.  You'll have to decide how important that is for you.  

Well I think that is my last tip. I hope these have been helpful. I will post some pictures tomorrow once we get back to Santiago.  

Safe Travels~

Last day aboard 😢 Yesterday was so cool! We saw a huge pod of Sei Whales.  At least 10 but I think many more.  They were close enough to the ship to see each water spout-what a cool encounter!  

Some info about Kayaking: Do it! What a fun excursion that was.  My group was lucky enough to have a shore launch making the first few minutes much easier than water launchings.  

It's very low key: get in grab your paddle and then follow the leader around and looking for wild life.  The whole trip was 2.5-3 hours long.  (pro tip: don't have the second cup of coffee before-no potty break happens during this!) 

I woke up this morning to an information overload-all before my coffee- it was hard! 

Each cabin was given color coded luggage tags (Same idea as other cruise lines) this color tells us when to have our luggage outside our cabin tonight, what time we must be off tomorrow morning, and what time our flight back is.  It was very well organized...although some still struggled to understand. 

My family is color 'green' so we are the second group off the ship and first flight back to Santiago.  We should land around 3pm.  Our checked luggage will be picked up by the crew tonight around 11pm then checked all the way through to Santiago.  Be sure to consider that when you pack-you won't see that suitcase again till then.  

Once in Santiago-If you have transfers through H they will pick you up at luggage and take you to the next spot.  

If you have connecting flights home-you will have to go grab your luggage and check them in again for the rest of your trip. 

If you have private arrangements: you are on your own after you grab your luggage. 

PCR Testing: (anyone else tired of these? It cant be just me...) 

 Yesterday was crew testing day.  Since we didn't hear about any problems-Im assuming everyone tested negative.  

Today is all guest testing.  We each have a time slot to report to the medical office.  (Pro tip: check your time carefully.  Some on board have a 2am appointment-yep 2AM!)  The time will depend our your return home flight and your home country requirements.  

For me and my family-we test at 2pm today for Chile requirements-then since we are staying 1 night before a 11pm flight home on the 12th we will need another test.  That we must arrange on our own.  (I prefer to make private arrangements because I have trust issues....) Be sure you know what you need. Go by what your airline is requiring it will make things much simpler.  

Tomorrow we will have actual internet again-and I hope to add a few pictures finally!  

Safe Travels~

12 hours ago, DemExplorers said:

This is my first post.  I cannot figure out how to do a reply.  
We are scheduled for January 11th.  I’m interested in more packing advice. I know snow pants and goggles for landings and comfortable clothes on board…and good books. 
How is the jacket?  What other layers do you recommend?

How are the boots?  Do they grip well or is there lots of slipping and twisted knees?

 

I saw that most dining tables are small. Often the dinner table is where friendships happen.  Did you interact and make friends on board. 

 

I look forward to every post and hope someone takes over for the next couple cruises.  Thank you so much for sharing!

Gaylee

Welcome!

 I'll help where I can-as for packing-throw half of your clothes out of your suitcase.  Antartica is warm, almost hot at times.  1 pair of snow pants will be plenty for the whole trip.  1 good wool layer with a sweater and 2-3 pairs of warm sock will be enough.  The jackets they provide are also surprisingly warm.  (Pro tip-zip the pockets before your zodiac ride.  One poor guest learned the hard way his phone is not protected unless the pocket is zipped!)

Laundry service is available and only takes 24hrs to have it returned. 

As for the boots-H requires you use their boots.  They are heavy and hard on the ankles.  Hiking in these boots is hard-many hikes will be down the side of a snowy or icy mountain, and the weight of boots make it harder. But they are completely waterproof and warm which I think is the point.  If you have knee problems I'd suggest you bring a small brace just for some extra support.  Not the full metal one-just the slip on one you can get at a local drug store or amazon.  (I'm a year past my 3rd knee surgery and didn't need a brace-but bring one just incase!) 

The reason for the requirement is for sanitization.  After each landing you will go through a 'car wash' to clean the boots.  I think this is required not only to slow the spread of bacteria from one island to another, but also to stop the poop from coming onboard.  (Pro Tip: you will walk through a lot of poop on this trip!)

As for dinning: The tables vary in sizes-just the same as all ships.  While the crew prefer you to stay with your group for all meals (for covid and Chile regulations) --no one is demanding it.  Many times I've just picked up a table setting and went to a table with friends.  There is a crew member noting where you sit and who you sit with for contact tracing, but thats as 'pushy' as it's been.  

If you feel uncomfortable doing that you can always order take away and sit up at the lounge.  I've done that a few times too.  Its quiet and the views are wonderful! 

Other packing tip: Know yourself! Do you often feel a bit sore after a hike? Bring a small bottle of Advil. Do you tend to be hot/cold? Pack a light sweater or cardigan (just 1 or 2 not many) Do you get motion sickness? Pack a lot of Dramamine! 

Hope this helps

Hot Tubs: Um YES!  Do not forget to pack your swim suits.  The experience of soaking in a hot tub while ice bergs and glaciers pass by is once in a life time experience! 

I might have drank all the Jack Daniel's on board...sorry not sorry!  😛 

As we get close to the end of our cruise I thought I'd take a second to praise the crew.  The growth and smoothness of the ship has been amazing in such a short time.  

Today was our final landing before we get back to Punta Arenas -and it was a tough one for the crew.  The winds are high, the seas are full of white caps, and the zodiac rides are wet and bumpy.  The crew was top notch from start to finish!  

We started getting notices very early that the ride to land was going to be bumpy and wet-suggestions went to each cabin on clothing and camera protection.  And man-they were not lying!  (pro tip: snow googles help during zodiac rides here) Here is the moment when the special hand grip is so important-following the guidelines and the crew will give you the safest boarding possible in crazy seas.  

We have a couple people on board with some walking issues-nothing bad but they need an extra hand in certain situations. The crew was aware of these guests and jumped into action be sure they were safely place into the zodiacs and back onboard the ship.  

I took a short hike to look at the animals and gardens,  and then gave up on fighting the wind.

I grabbed some take away lunch and now Im currently sitting in the lounge watching the world sail past.  

Sadly tomorrow we start the dis- embarkation process.  Time to turn in our boots and figure out when we need to take our PCR tests.  Man, back to reality stinks!  

1 hour ago, cruiseboy243 said:

Thank you for taking us on the Journey with you. I will be on the January 11th sailing and had a few question about the arrival into Chile. I know things are consistently changing but I wanted to know your experience. How long did it take for your PCR results for the test taken in the airport when you landed? Trying to get a general idea of how long we will be in the hotel prior to being able to explore Santiago.

 

Thank you!

The airport PCR testing was actually (and surprisingly) fast.  They told us we'd get our results via email in 4 hours.  It didn't even take that long!  

You are required to go straight to the hotel till you get the results-and the hotels will demand proof of testing..but it wasn't bad.  

The worst part of the whole airport experience was the fact that no one knew which way was up.  One person lead us down the hall to the left only to turn us around and head to the right..then we needed more paperwork just to get out of the airport-which we thought was 1 per family but it was per person.  It was just a big 'ol mess.  

Im praying you guys on future cruises will have a smoother experience!  

Being a Beta Tester: My family and I have considered ourselves the beta testers for this trip.  After an-almost- 2 year hiatus we are the first Antartica trip for H.  And it has had many ups and downs.   

Of course the ups are easy: smaller guest count, quieter ship, no crowds on landings.  

But the down sides are a bit harder: repairs to the ship might have been skipped, tonight the phone system is down, the app is a joke most of the time, skipping breakfast means nothing till lunch, and communication can be a bit rocky.  

We are still waiting for dis-embarkation instructions-most of that has to do with the U.S changing the rules mid cruise.  But I do wish there was some communication.  

I think lack of communication has been a big stumble for H. Im not sure if it has to do with them not knowing the plan till the last minute or if communication is their weak point, but even today people were confused about today's excursions, and many had questions about what to expect tomorrow.  This, to me, is the hardest part of beta testing. 

We have chosen to focus on the great time we are having: great people, awesome food, the best views in the world, and and people who love showing us these views! 

If you are next up on this cruise-be sure to pack your patience and flexibility!  A good attitude will be the difference between a great experience and a totally frustrating one.  

4 minutes ago, CraigShanklin said:

WNW…just curious when you return to Santiago? Are you at the Mandarin Oriental? If so, our paths will cross and we would love to say hi and hear more about your trip…before ours begins. Thanks again for all your helpful posts. Craig (and Diane)

That would be wonderful but we are downtown at the Ritz on the 12th.  😞 Next time! 

8 hours ago, AlanCruise said:

A couple of weeks ago I was told by Hurtigruten that there were 330 people booked on Jan 11 and on the UK web site you could only book with a Suite. So not likely to increase much.

I've been told they are bound to Chile's regulations right now.  Chile is requiring all crew to have a separate room and have room for quarantining any one sick. If Chile relaxes their rules H will fill up quickly

13 hours ago, Heartfelttraveler said:

You went from an MA to a MC.  One larger with small balcony.  The other smaller with a larger balcony and private hot tub.  Which suite do you prefer?

I'd prefer the grand suite.  Right up front-best views!  But I've now talked to my neighbor and was told they are having the same problems.  It's impossible to sleep the walls and ceiling creek so loudly it's awful.  😞

3 hours ago, khle said:

Thanks again! That was our plan - to check the one and then a handbag/backpack and carry-on each. For a 18 day cruise one piece of luggage isn't a lot (considering some of the winter clothing). No formal clothing though, so that saves some room.

One bag each was plenty for us. We still haven’t gone through all of our clothes. I’m wearing hiking pants onboard and snow pants on land. T shirts for both. 
the only reason we had two carry on is because I brought all my camera gear to have fun with. 
 

trust me this is very low key just be comfortable

11 hours ago, khle said:

That's why we originally went for the balcony mid-ship. Will be a smaller room but it will be enough space. Would be nice to have the suite at the aft - particularly with the hot tub!

 

Will wait till on the ship as the on-shore team likely doesn't have the info to make things happen!

 

Does their charter flight really only allow for one piece of checked luggage up to 50lb per person? Is there any flexibility or option to purchase an additional piece that you noticed?

 

Thanks again for the help!

Yeah we were told the luggage limit was strict 1 check 1 carry one. We each had one checked, but I had 2 carry on. No one said anything.  I think there is some flexibility but don’t go to far. 

21 minutes ago, khle said:

Thanks for the quick info! Really helpful. 😀

 

Currently we are mid-ship on Deck 8 - do they do the upgrades when on-board or should I give it a shot with their on-shore team (the on-shore folks don't always have  a lot of info with Hurtigruten).

Id try on board-they will have the most up to date info.  But keep in mind-mid ship will be the best with bad seas-which is very possible.  You might want to keep your cabin

56 minutes ago, khle said:

Thank you for all the tips and and description of everything - quite amazing!

 

Do they still allow folks to upgrade cabins to a higher category with these low numbers on board?

My guess is yes-but from my own experiences I went for a downgrade without any problems.  I went from the grand suite to an aft suite and it was totally worth the loss for the ability to sleep!  

I pray everyone in the front suites has a better experiences-the views are amazing but the sounds are crazy...

Oh my gosh-Get a massage!  After stressful travel, stressful boarding, lots of rocky weather, and walking 'funny' down the halls due to the waves my muscles are TIGHT! Today the weather is perfect, the seas are calm, and it was my turn for a massage.  The spa is small, quiet and worth every penny.  

Yes you have to wear a mask the whole time-yes it's a bit uncomfortable, YES its worth it!

I asked reception a few of your questions-I hope this helps: Room 701 has not stated any complaints about their room.  I've walked past the room a few times hoping to meet the guests, but no luck.  😞 

The next cruise will have the roughly 200 guests-although the count has not been finalized.  Which is close to the same as this cruise! Enjoy the extra space!  

The guests that stayed the night on Antartica have not reported any great pictures or must do moments.  I have a feeling this one might not be worth the $$$...sorry

*Side note: Im not sure why this cruise/trip is considered a retirement goal.  The excursions are hard the hiking is tough.  If you are younger and can-do it! If you are older and can-do it!  We have a couple of people aboard that struggle with walking BUT they do it!  This cruise has sites you can only see here-it's magical, but if it can be done without pain do it.  And to those that hike through the pain for this amazing trip-you are my heroes!  DON'T STOP

My lottery number has been drawn for tomorrow-so weather permitting tomorrow DH and I are kayaking around the Falkland Islands.  More to come tomorrow!

Safe Travels~

Edit to add: Q&A with the Captain take aways: The guest count will stay this low all season as required by Chile.  This allows the staff to have private rooms and space for quarantine if needed.

11 people were deported and missed this cruise because they did not have their government required paperwork. 

This ship goes back into dry dock next summer-It is on a 2 year year rotation, and even though Covid shut them down R.A will go in for needed repairs on schedule.  

25 minutes ago, GeezerCouple said:

 

I mean, that eclipse is part of this particular trip! 🙂 

 

What was your experience?

 

But what a shame to need to trade that forward view!

That is absolutely the best for us, but not all ships have something nice like that, or even anything at all.

 

GC

We didn't see anything.  The cloud cover has been thick for days, making the eclipse a total bust.  

We got up at 330am...opened the curtains-then went back to bed.  😞 

Hi there!  God willing I will be in Tokyo March 18th as part of Oceania's Around The World cruise.  

I want to spend the day fabric shopping for me and a few family members.  I know the area is not far from the port-but I don't know the common rules of shopping around there, or the language!  😛 

I'd like to hire someone to walk around with me: to translate, and show me the best stores to shop at.  

Do you have any suggestions-or maybe you have a friend/family member there that wouldn't mind showing me around for a day?  

Thanks!

Hi there!  God willing I will be in Tokyo March 18th as part of Oceania's Around The World cruise.  

I want to spend the day fabric shopping for me and a few family members.  I know the area is not far from the port-but I don't know the common rules of shopping around there, or the language!  😛 

I'd like to hire someone to walk around with me: to translate, and show me the best stores to shop at.  

Do you have any suggestions-or maybe you have a friend/family member there that wouldn't mind showing me around for a day?  

Thanks!

36 minutes ago, CraigShanklin said:

Thank you so much for all the updates! If you are crossing the Drake I assume you are finished with the Antarctic peninsula and are now headed to the Falklands? Any guess how many passengers will be on next week’s sailing (about half like yours?) Heard of any issues with cabin 701? Were you able to see the eclipse? Any feedback from those that went “camping” overnight? Is there any entertainment on board? Our traveling companion is considering bringing his guitar. Thanks for all your advice and tips!

We did the Drake passage at the beginning.  We had some very large rolls, but Captain stated it was the calmest seas he's ever had.  (perspective is everything!) 

We will be in the Falklands in 2 days-it's a long passage!  Weather permitting we will have 3 landings around there.  Chile has denied our Stanley stop-so Captain is working a few things out. 

A guitar would be great..nights have been quiet.  Other then the classes nothing else has been scheduled.  

As for cabin 701..I haven't heard of anything I ask around. 

The Camping excursion seems to be about perspective as well.  The way it works is you get your name in the drawing-if chosen you have 2 extra mandatory classes covering the 'rules' of the trip.  Day of you spend your morning doing whatever the whole boat excursion is, then have dinner.  Then around 11pm the group goes off ship for their night out.  Wake up is at 430am and back on board is around 530.         The crew takes all your 'stuff' for you.  Tents, sleeping bags, ect... the price was $500+ per person.  Is it worth it? No one said it was the best night ever, but a few people said it was nice.  

I have no idea how many are to be on the next sailing.  I know H was going to start moving towards full ship, but it won't be overnight.  ( I can stop by reception and ask this afternoon. )

This morning we received more paperwork required by Chile for our re-entry.  A tip for filling it out-only give them the answer nothing more.  (Don't use 2 words if 1 will work.) The country is really frustrating.  

2 more covid tests before we get home... 😮 

One more tip: If everything goes as planned from today forward: we will have 5.5 landings out of 18 day cruise.  Bring a book or 2! 

Our poor little ship is having a rough time.  The seas are rough- big swells that are tossing the boat port to starboard then straight up...then back down again.  Many guests have complaints about sounds in their cabins.  In my case-something has broken free in the ceiling.  Sometimes it sounds like nails on a chalkboard, sometimes it sounds like a metal piece rolling around.  It's non stop.  

We've been told it can only be fixed back on land, because we are directly under the bridge and the flooring there will need to be removed to find the break.  So we have switched cabins.  We are now in room 749.  Half the size but much easier to sleep!  It's not a quiet room, the noise from the engines are constant. But I love sleeping with a white noise going-so the constant hmmm of the motors is fine for me.  

There are 'phantom door slams' in the walls. (crew's name for it). If you stand in certain spot you'll hear what sounds like a door slam, but there is not a door it's just something that has wiggled lose in the walls slamming around.  

This being one of the ships first runs in high seas, it's to be expected, but man it's hard when you add an 18 month shut down on top of everything else.  The crew are running around everywhere trying hard to make things work. Sadly even movie night was canceled last night because of tech difficulties.  

Ok-enough complaining.  Heres a very long list of wonderful things on this ship.  Starting with the crew. They LOVE what they do and it shows!  The room stewards, the dining staff, the tour leaders, each one of them are great.  It's impossible not to smile around them.  

The rooms: they are very well designed.  Every square foot has been well thought out-giving us plenty of storage and great views.  The beds are very comfortable: not too hard, not to soft, just right!  

The food: The only warning I have here is the steak was awful.  Everything else tastes amazing.  Try the cauliflower fried rice trust me!!!!  

The Captain: I love his noon poems!  At noon he gives us the daily update and ends with a poem fitting for our surroundings.  I look forward to them every afternoon.  

The classes: Want to learn just how important whales are to the ecosystem-theres a class for it.  Want to hear the story of Captain Shackleton are his bravery? Theres a  class for it!  My DH is currently in a class all about the Antarctic Treaty.  I've been to many of the photography classes-very educational!  

Acher the bartender: Best man around!  For all the reasons! LOL

The bath room toiletries:  I have super fine hair,  my SIL has very thick hair.  We both love the shampoo and conditioner provided.  

Ok-I know I said the front rooms have the best view, but sitting in a hot tub in an aft balcony is damn awesome!  🙂 

Before I talk about the restaurants I must make this pro tip: bring ear plugs or a white noise machine or something to help you sleep.  The rooms are NOISEY at night when seas are rough.  Reception has moved a few people to different rooms to try to help-and offered us a different room as well.  But all the rooms are loud.  

Ok restaurants: The buffet at Aune's for breakfast is my favorite.  Lots of choices-and I have been able to stay keto at least for breakfast here.  Almond milk is possible-through I have to re-explain what is it every morning for some reason...

Dinners here are good.  The menu changes every second or third day.  Confirm the menu you read on the app is what is being served-they don't always match. Keto here for dinner has been somewhat challenging.  

Lindstorm breakfast so ok, nothing special.  This is the specialty restaurant which includes an extra charge for some.  It's not worth the $ for breakfast.  

Dinners are wonderful, worth the extra charge.  Please note: sometimes what we think we are getting is not what we get.  For example: last night's dessert was Mascarpone and raspberries.  (keto approved dessert in small servings!) What I got was very sugary vanilla pudding and strawberries...UGH...

Fredheim: Open from lunch through dinner.  This place has 2 different menus.  One for sit down meals, and one for take away.  Both are very good-the fried rice is GREAT!  The only tip I have here is-what they are calling 'hot dogs' is what the U.S calls sausage.  All are good just a different phrase.  

I also feel like I should explain a bit about why I've tried so hard to stay on a Keto diet.  So here's my personal story-feel free to stop reading if you are not interested.  

In 2018 my husband and I did the 180 day around the world cruise through Oceania.  It was a wonderful experience, other then the 40-50 pound we both gained over the 6 month trip.  Yep-we were unprepared mentally for the wonderful foods that come with those experiences.  We ate everything-every American breakfast, every English tea time, and every Captains special dessert.  

When we got home-we were forced to buy all new and much BIGGER clothing.  That was a large mix of emotions (none of them good) .  But we did it and started to set a path towards weight loss.  About a week later my husband had a stroke.  it was only TIA- Praise the Lord! Our primary doctor talked about different therapies that might be needed, and of course, weight loss.  We heard what the doctor said but did not listen.  

Then I fell one evening tearing every ligament in my knee.  That was Jan 2020.  Surgery was planned then Covid hit.  I spent a few months in a wheelchair hating life.  I was finally able to have surgery in May.  This included the same conversations: therapy and weight loss. 

So Jan 2021 DH and I decided enough-we spent a couple days researching Keto diet plans and began throwing almost everything from our pantry away.  Seriously-almost everything!  Now here we are Dec 2021 we both have lost 50 pounds, my blood sugar is stable, we are active again, and feel like we have been given our lives back.  I have come to terms with my sugar addiction, and actively plan my meals away from temptation. 

Ok Ive probably talked to much-I just wanted everyone to understand a bit about why I am trying to stay within my Keto lifestyle.  

Safe Travels everyone~. 

1 hour ago, CraigShanklin said:

Thanks again for all this detail! Many of us are reading every one of your posts with great interest. Please keep them coming? A quick question...how are you taking your camera gear ashore. Are you using a true "dry bag" or just your regular camera bags? Thanks for any news or trip advice!

I have both.  Normally I just use my camera back pack, but the first day ashore was wet and snowing so I used the dry bag that day.  I prefer my backpack because it keeps things in a safe spot and stops them from clashing into each other, but sometimes the dry bag is the best choice. 

Good morning!  Sorry for the delay weather and internet issues.  Today isn't much better-it's so windy our plan A has been cancelled.  We are on plan B-which includes ramming into a large sheet of ice.  The hit was HARD and did not break the ice but stopped the boat instantly!  We are currently reversing out of the ice..probably moving onto plan C

So today let's talk rooms: Im in room 801.  it can hold 2 very comfortably, 3 using the couch.  Either way the cabin has plenty of space.  The bathroom is spilt in 2 with the toilet having its own closet.  The blackout curtains save the night.  No need to bring clips-the curtains have magnets installed.  Genius! we have a coffee maker and kettle for hot water in here-which is nice on sea days.  

I have a family member in room 728.  She describes it as perfect for a single cruiser!  Plenty of space and the bed is very comfortable.  It also has a coffee maker and kettle for your morning cup of Joe.  If you are 2 people in this type cabin-be sure your relationship is good!  😛

All classes for today have been canceled so we could watch Captain try to make his way through the ice.  Sadly though after 3 hard hits into the ice-we have just learned the ice is to thick for us to pass.  So the new plan is: The crew are heading out in a zodiac to see if the ice is stable enough for us to walk on. That will be our only excursion for today it seems.  I might skip it-it seems like a lot of work just to slide around on the ice.  

More Tips:

If you are a photographer wondering which lens to bring.  Bring them all!  I brought 6 different lenses and have had the best time learning to use them under these conditions.  The light changes constantly-clouds add an extra piece to both the settings and the picture.  Also take the classes-H has picked some great instructors you will always learn something.  I also brought my travel Tri-pod but haven't really used it..so far

Chapstick-bring it!  Between the masks and the dry air chap stick will be your best friend.

VPN: H has blocked many website including: YouTube, PayPal, and all outside servers.  If you are considering catching up on work during sea days get a good VPN-it will help.  It's not prefect and it seems many on the ship are struggling to gain access to needed sites even with VPNs, but sometimes it works.

Toiletries: The soaps and conditioners onboard are great.  I'd suggest leaving yours at home.   

Safe Travels~

2 hours ago, CraigShanklin said:

WWW...I've been sharing your comments with everyone in our group...please keep them coming! WE leave for Santiago in a week. A few questions...as far as gear or clothing...is there anything you would have done differently or changed? (other than the shoe laces!) Are you wearing the ship's boots for everything ashore including snow shoeing? What are the odds of getting to sleep ashore?

Im happy to answer any questions!  My plan for tomorrow was a detail of the 2 types of cabins my family has rented (801 & 728) -with the ship only a third full I might be able to peak into a different room for some details.  But thats a huge maybe with all the covid regs. 

As for clothing: I could have gone out today in sweat pants and a t-shirt and been very happy.  The crew wants us to wear snow pants and bring our jackets incase the weather changes.  Their rubber boats are required on land.  A good pair of waterproof shoes will be great around the outside decks-Im wearing flip flops inside.  

As for the over night on land.  I did not apply-I only know it's a lottery.  I do know a family that was chosen if I see them at dinner I'll get the inside scoop! 

As for things I'd change-I got a new card reader before I left, only to learn today it doesn't work with my laptop...test everything!  So now Im using my camera for those important great shots and my phone for ones to post on social media.  (Jeni Andrew, colorado-facebook if you'd like to see...)

I brought 2 pairs of snow pants-1 is plenty.  

Every day so far has included a hard hike up a mountain.  Be ready

Safe Travels~

7 minutes ago, karen11g said:

WWW, how was snow shoeing?

It showed me how out of shape I really am!  😛 We hiked about 2000' up the side of a mountain for a 360* view of the island.  It's totally worth the struggle.  

Edit to add: The guides were totally flexible-if you decide snow shoes are not for you, just turn around and head back towards the shore.  You can hang out, take pictures, or just enjoy your first time on Antartica!  

Last nights dinner was awesome.  The leg of lamb was fantastic and we decided for a 'cheat desert' chocolate waffles and a milkshake.  (You do NOT want to see my blood sugar today 🐵)

It's 10:20am and we've seen 4 whales, lots of penguins, and beautiful icebergs everywhere. ❤️ It's a busy morning.  Tonight is 'sleep on land night' Those who have won the lottery to spend the night on land have many meetings to prepare- I think they are crazy!  LOL

Since we are the first cruise to resume sailing since Covid-we are considering ourselves the 'beta testers' of everything. Everyone has abandoned using the app-and now meets at deck 6 for coffee and viewing the days activities on the big screen.  (You can find it on your cabin TV, but we've enjoyed the early morning gathering) 

The weather is beautiful today, and I cant wait to get to shore! We are the first tender boat out today, but that doesn't start until about 130pm.  Today I have nothing planned-so Im going to drag all of my camera gear ashore and play around with all the lens, lights, and scenery! 

A word about the zodiacs.  If you are short (like me) hoping back in is near impossible.  I needed help-it wasn't a problem for the crew The rocks are very slippery so don't try to be a hero just ask-it's better then getting hurt and having to miss the rest of your trip.  

The cabin announcements are very different compared to other cruises I've been on.  They are not made through your TV, but through your cabin phone.  So on go a shore days-you only need to press the PA button on your phone.  You will not hear them without pressing that button.

Our room: we are in room 801.  We sprung for this room, because of the extra space, which is A LOT!  But my tip to you is get a room at the very front.  Seriously-very front of the boat! Space is important, but trust me the views from your room will be worth it!  (Sadly I cant post pictures...bandwidth won't allow)

Classes: The professionals on board are great.  Ive done a couple photography classes, a meteorite class, and penguins of the world class. All were about an hour long and very educational.  

Safe classes are mandatory for some of the activities-so those will depend on your choices.  

Bonus tip: Bring a set of extra shoelaces...trust me on this one.  😞 

Safe travels everyone~