Liz Masterson

Did I read somewhere that you did the hike in Ushuaia with the dogs? How difficult did you find that one if you did...

You should have no problem. Just grab a towel from the pool area and return it when you come back.

Terrific! Do you have any recommendations for YouTube videos that might give us a jump on learning about the South American itinerary and maybe some of the celestial highlights?

Have you returned yet? Any suggestions for these two ports?

All you be celebrating the New Year on board? Maybe I’ll see you there! I promise to try not to doze off! 😉

I wonder if they wish they hadn’t built that big church…

Loved this extension. My only gripe was not enough time at the villa to enjoy it. We actually stayed back one day to sleep in a bit and walk in the olive groves and soak in the beautiful deep tub. We were especially lucky to be able to make an unscheduled stop at the American Cemetery just in time to walk around and take it all in Effie watching them lower the flag and play taps. It was one of the most moving travel experiences I’ve had.

This is a great question. I’m on this itinerary this coming winter as well. I don’t know the answer but you might ask it in the South American Ports Board here: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/47-south-america/ I would list the ports in your question. Jupiter seems to be the ship that sails this itinerary each winter. So you might also get some ideas from looking through past Jupiter roll calls from winter 2023 and 2022.

We are going in 2025 as well. We've chosen to go with Kidney Cove Tours. They seem closer to town and hopefully, the ride out will be a bit less intense. Also... they say they have Rock Hopper Penguins and they are so comical! 🙂

Thank you for posting all the lovely photos @Mercruiser!

So many Penguin options. I am booked to see them in the Falklands, but looking for other options since it is not uncommon for ships to skip their Falklands port call due to weather.

Lots of options for Penguin Tours in the Falklands. Thank you all for contributing to this discussion!

Another option might be Kidney Cove Tours. I have not yet tried them but I am booked for Janaury.

Thank you all for your contribution to this discussion! I'm delighted to have found Kidney Cove Tours here and I hope our cruise makes it to port!

Yes! Thank you. I have booked and someone else on our cruise is considering it as well. It seems like a less intense excursion than Volunteer Point. Adian told my friend he thought her husband's mild back issue would be fine and he tries to go as gently as he can. And I like that it is a bit shorter. I love the look of those silly rockhoppers. 🙂

Thank yo Cherie, Can you go into specifics about what kind of vehicles you were in and on what types of roads for how long? My friend was worried about the longer trip to Volunteer Point. They are considering this one because it appears to be shorter. How far do you travel until you see the penguins? I've already booked... because rockhopper penguins are there and I find their comical eyebrows and antics irresistible. 🙂

I hope we have a good astronomer on board the Viking when we sail over New Year's. The South American cruise already has an abundance of sea days. Because we will miss our first port on New Year's Day, I'm assuming many excursions were unavailable because of the holiday, etc., we will have even more! I've sailed on Jupiter from Norway to Iceland before and was unimpressed with the Planetarium. Of course, I was tired from busy days... I dozed off in the presentation. The seats in there are very comfortable! And it is dark and warm... and we were crossing the north sea and the ship was gently rocking... But I am willing to give it another shot. Now I know how to get tickets. 🙂 Still... I do miss the extra seating. I love to tuck away up there sprawled out on a sofa with a book on a sea day.

Tip... Yes, Viking provides a box lunch. Maybe they have improved since June 2022... however, I'd suggest you pick out something nice from the train shops. They have a lovely variety of options better than the blah Viking cheese sandwich we got. Just my 2 cents...

Was this a Viking excursion or an independent one? I’m going in December!

I’d go ahead and book my own hotel. Look for a nice private guided tour online. You’ll probably have more fun for about the same cost as the pre cruise guided package.

I’m off to enjoy a long weekend in Dublin next month. Let me know your best tips. 😊

Remember there is a free laundry room on board! 🧺 I’d wear a pair of jeans/pants and pack a pair. I have a long black maxi dress and a no heal sandals that I wear for dinner. I change it up with a scarf or necklace. Otherwise that’s my dinner outfit unless I’m going to the buffet. As has been mentioned layers are your friend. I do not think you will need long underwear… but if you have a pair of leggings that you can wear with a tunic to the buffet it can do double duty. DO NOT FORGET YOUR BATHING SUIT. 🩱 You can wear it with your provided Viking robe to the spa while your spouse does the laundry. 😉

Sigh…. 😔 I cheered myself up by booking a cool transfer/tour from our Santiago Hotel to board Jupiter in Valparaiso this winter. Going to explore Zapallar and take a boat ride around an island of penguins and have a tasting of local cuisine and wine before we make our way to the ship. Made me feel a little better!

Thank you for posting about the crew enjoying their time while waiting for the passengers to return! I felt the same as you but your post changed my mind. Thanks for all your amazing posts. Now what will I read before bed… sigh….