Thanks very much for both these comments. I read that they have tested the dead seals and it was NOT bird flu, but they have not said what the cause of the mass deaths haven been. Hoping the bird flu is contained and excited at the possibility of getting to visit South Georgia on foot.
As for the Ponant/SS comparison - my experience is a bit tainted because it was a Solar Eclipse charter to Antarctica, during COVID (Nov 2021) and the whole thing was a complete disaster - one landing in Antarctica due to horrible weather (7m waves), four days out bof our way to chase an eclipse that didn't happen (well it of course happened, but we were completely covered in cloud). I did like the Ponant ship, and found the food excellent (if a bit repetitive). The wines however were an awful embarrassment, especially for a French cruise line, and communications from the Captain and the senior members of the crew were absolutely atrocious (non-existent). This was especially distressing since we basically spent the entire 10 days at sea - the most expensive (and rough) boat ride in history. In fact, our Captain was basically AWOL the entire trip.
The lectures were decent but not great, and I can't say much about the expedition team because we only got one landing! Not even any additional zodiac cruises!
Finally, many passengers sent letters to Ponant senior management, and they basically ignored all our concerns and blamed everybody else.
So, no matter what, this trip is sure to be better than the last one! I am looking forward to a different company and to all the excursions, and free kayaking (which Ponant would have charged for had the weather made kayaking possible). Also being a bit of an admitted wine snob (life's too short to drink crap wine, and it doesn't have to be expensive!) I'm thrilled to see the huge and very decent complimentary wine list from Silversea - a huge step up from Ponant. Ditto the food menus - they look varied and amazing!
As for the comment about comparing like for like, I think it's what a lot of people want, and it's very helpfu for people to make their decision on future cruises based on what's important to them. It's not a matter of better or worse, but strengths and weaknesses.
Thanks again for your input. T minus 8 days! Can't wait!
CJ