BSinPNS

They were pretty good, too.

For 10 or more, we found that gathering in the Rendezvous Lounge works well. Place to sit and see outside for the early arrivers. Close to the mid-ship stairway to head down to deck one or two depending on the dock. Have fun!

You will traverse the straits after the port call. Check the daylight hours as the day is long in November - December - January. We missed Punta Arenas as the winds were >60kts and the Chilean officials closed the port. This gave us time to transit during the day and see Skua Glacier. (Only an option on the BsAs - Valpo as it's between Punta Arenas and Valpo.)

While most of the 80,000 penguins that come to the reserve to mate and prepare for the winter had already departed (early march 2015), there were plenty to see. Most were molting which means they were defenseless since they cannot enter their safe environment, the water. It was great to see the penguins and walk among them - they have the right of way on the sidewalks. The only downside was the 2.5 hour drive from Puerto Madryn followed by an equally long return. Our driver spotted many local animals and stopped for pictures of animals including mana (small deer-like animal related to the antelope), choique (similar to ostriches), guanacos (llamas), maras (Patagonian hare) and two rodents - tuco tucos and the tailless cavy. As we neared the ocean, we saw turkey vultures, pinguinas (egrets), grey petrels, and albatross. Since the area is surrounded by sheep ranches, we saw gauchos and border collies herding. A box lunch was included.

While the Delta is nice, there is so much to do in BsAs that we took that option. Tomas Hughes of Bonaventura Tours is excellent. Like visiting the city with a friend or relative. Gets to know you and then takes you to great places.

Buenos Aires. We arrived a week before sailing and spent four days touring the city - two days with Tomas (Bonaventura Tours) seeing the city sights and sailing on the Tigre Delta, one day at Estancia El Ombu de Areco, and a day exploring the San Telmo Market and Government Square on our own. Since we overnighted in Buenos Aires the first night of the cruise, we took in Tango Carlos Gardel and returned about 0030 with no problem.

Iguazu Falls. If you are leaving from BsAs, a trip to the Falls is not to be missed. Eleanor Roosevelt remarked, "Poor Niagara," after seeing Iguazu. A fellow CC member organized a group of 20+ who booked individually with Pablo from 01Argentina. We had a great time exploring the falls in small group tours arranged by Pablo. He arranged the air (Aerolineas Argentinas), accommodations (2 nights in Iguazua the Saint George Hotel), tours and transport to/from the airports for less than a third of Celebrity's price for an up/back on the same day.

Montevideo. Tour of the city highlights followed by lunch and wine tasting at Vina Varela Zarranz winery which included cheese, olives, cold cuts, homemade meat pie (similar to quiche) and a dessert sampler. This was an excellent tour that got us back to the ship with plenty of time for shopping.

Punta del Este. Tour included a drive through Beverly Hills, San Raphael, Hand in the Sand Monument, Four Seas Corner, Casa Puebla, Museo del Mar, and a drive around the peninsula. The trip was originally planned to include a meal (not included) at El Sargo. After discussion in the van, we opted to skip the lunch and return to the ship as most of us had been on the go (and eating) since arriving in BsAs over a week ago. The guide/driver, Hebert Sismondi was good, but not outstanding.

Puerto Madryn and Punta Tombo Penguin Tour with Forestero Tours. While most of the 80,000 penguins that come to the reserve to mate and prepare for the winter had already departed, there were plenty to see. Most were molting which means they were defenseless since they cannot enter their safe environment, the water. It was great to see the penguins and walk among them - they have the right of way on the sidewalks. The only downside was the 2.5 hour drive from Puerto Madryn followed by an equally long return. Our driver spotted many local animals and stopped for pictures of animals including mana (small deer-like animal related to the antelope), choique (similar to ostriches), guanacos (llamas), maras (Patagonian hare) and two rodents - tuco tucos and the tailless cavy. As we neared the ocean, we saw turkey vultures, pinguinas (egrets), grey petrels, and albatross. Since the area is surrounded by sheep ranches, we saw gauchos and border collies herding. A box lunch was included.

Ushuaia. We left the port about 7:30 and breezed past the entrance gate since the park had not officially opened and made our first stop at a small area where our guide explained that beavers had been brought from Canada to start a fur industry. The only problem was the beavers adapted to the slightly warmer climate by growing shorter fur, thus reducing the value of the skins. Now there is a huge beaver overpopulation problem. Next stop was Ensenada Bay where the End of the World Post Office is located. With our early start we were still ahead of many of the ship tour busses. We stopped briefly at Roca Lake for photo opportunities and then at the park's main area for shopping, coffee and bathrooms. The guide paid our entrance fees as we exited and handed us our tickets. There are several glaciers, including the La Martial, surrounding Ushuaia which gave us some excellent photos. While the guide was very knowledgeable of the area, her English skills were limited.

Punta Arenas. We arrived outside the harbor at Punta Arenas this morning greeted by winds gusting to 60 knots. The Chilean authorities closed the port due to dangerous conditions and there was no question that we would be moving on since it was a scheduled tender port. The activities staff put together a full day of things to do while the cooks broke out lots of food to feed the starving hoards who were unable to eat ashore. The captain announced that we would be going to the Skua Glacier tomorrow - it's a bit off track but we have plenty of time. The Chilean pilot on board said that we would enjoy it and we did.

Puerto Montt with GV Tours. After our tender ride ashore, we began our first day in Chile with a ride to the countryside through an area where there was a forest fire yesterday which closed the highway. Last night's rain had dampened the fire, but there was lots of lingering smoke near the city. On the way, we learned that this area was settled by Germans in the mid-1950s. Today the influence is still very strong with private German schools, clubs, and parks. The weather cleared as we approached Lake Llanquihue, the largest in Chile, for a short stop and walk about the town of Puerto Varas, known as the City of Roses. Since we were early, the shops had not yet opened. In the distance was our next stop, Mt. Osorno, a snow-capped volcano. We walked across the lava field to reach the Petrohue Falls and rapids. While not Iguzu, it was very picturesque with glacial blue water swirling. We stopped at restaurant in the Vincente Perez Rosales National Park and learned that the owners of the tour company (and restaurant) were an ex-pat from Oregon (complete with his OSU ball cap) and his Chilean wife. Our final stop of the adventure was in the Bavarian-styled village of Frutillar with a very interesting performing arts center. We wished that we had more time in Puerto Varas on the outbound leg, but we were driven by the need to get to the restaurant before the ship's tours arrived.

Arica with Sertours. We did a quick walking tour of the town including the Cathedral designed by Gustave Eiffel (of tower fame) and a few other sights. After getting in the van, we headed to a surfing area and small lighthouse and then headed up the large rock hill, Morro de Arica, with a figure of Christ facing the sea and several cannons commemorating the battle in the 1880s where the Chilean troops defeated the Peruvians gaining control of the area. We drove along the coast for a while observing local birds before heading into the Lluta River Valley. We visited the San Jeronimo Church founded in the 1600's with a few vendors selling mementos. We stopped for a delicious lunch at 38 y medio Restaurant - probably the best meal we have had off the ship since leaving Buenos Aires. We the left the main highway to cross the mountainous desert before descending into the next valley to visit the mummies from 6000-8000 BC at the Museo of the Universidad de Tarapaca. On our travels we saw several geogliphs dating from the 1500's. We had an excellent driver who told our guide (translator) what we were seeing. It seemed like he was a last minute substitution.

Lima – Cancelled due to dock unavailability – Pisco Substituted

I would caution against using Peruvian Local Friends for tours in Lima. They require a 50% deposit and when we provided cancellation notice three weeks in advance due to the port problem, they said the contract did not provide for refunds. X provided a credit of $50 or $100 per person depending on cabin level as compensation.

Pisco (San Martin), Peru (Sub for Lima/Callao)

Originally we were scheduled for Lima (Callao) but the pier was not ready for our arrival so San Martin was substituted. We were very pleasantly surprised with the Ballestas Islands Exploration Ships Tour (Ship Tour I501). We were bused to the port of Paracas where we boarded a very comfortable boat to the islands. We saw the Candelabra on the hillside and then proceeded to the islands where we saw lots of sea lions, pelicans, boobies, and other seabirds including Magellianic Penguins. It was an excellent tour but friends reported that they had taken the free shuttle to Paracas and were offered a similar tour for $25.

Manta with Narwell Tours

We had an excellent tour with Jonathan and Jesus from Narwell tours. Our arrival time was delayed and then it took longer than expected for the ship to clear, but our excellent guides adjusted the schedule to compensate and we still saw all that was planned - just shorter stops. We stopped at the Pacoche Humid Forest to see the howler monkeys, stopped at a small restaurant on the coast (not included) for a seafood luncheon, visited a renowned Panama hat maker in the village of Pile, shopped for hats and souvenirs in Montechristi and returned to the port.

Transiting Panama Canal

The Panamanian pilot and Infinity's speakers provided a great commentary going through the locks and the remainder of the canal. We were in the locks with the Azamara Journey which provided an interesting perspective since Infinity is a Panamax vessel which absolutely fills the lock while the Journey is smaller. The "new" locks are still under construction and the Panamanian pilot said they would be ready in 2016. 2017 or 18 would appear to be a much safer bet. We began the approach from the Pacific about 6AM and after traveling north, we entered the Caribbean about 6 PM.

Colon, Panama Embara Indian Village (Embara Village Tours)

The highlight of the visit was traveling to the village by dugout canoes and watching the boatmen handle them when there were only inches of water below the boat and our 6 - 8 passengers. This village of 135 residents is really authentic complete with a local K-6 school with a Panamanian teacher. Lunch was local freshwater fish and plantains served in a plantain leaf bowl and delicious fresh fruit. A village elder took us on a trail to show us some local plants and other sights. The native dance was little more than the women moving their arms and walking in a circle with a drummer in the background. The worst part was the hour we spent before getting to the canoe area with our guide, Ian, getting lost on the back roads of Panama. We had a very close vote on returning directly to the ship based on his incompetence, but are glad we stayed with the plan.

Cartagena, Columbia with Marelvey Pena

We walked through one of the nicest port entrances complete with all sorts of wildlife - flamingos, peacocks, long-necked geese, parakeets, parrots, sloths, rabbits, etc. to meet our superb guide, Marelvey Pena. Our first stop was at el Popa, a monastery at the top of the city's highest point. There was a festival-like environment as we arrived with a group of recent high school graduates enrolled in a government program performing several dances. After watching this, we walked the remainder of the way to the top for some excellent views of the city along with explanations by Marelvey and then entered the chapel complete with the alter from a former church in the city. At the Fortress of San Felipe, we learned about how the one-legged, one-armed defender of the city defeated a far larger British force and about a recent ceremony attended by Prince Charles and Camilla. We then did a nice walk about the old city, seeing the walls, main plazas, cloisters and visiting the Spanish consulate, the Gold Museum and a Juan Valdez coffee shop. It was very hot and very humid and Marelvey did an excellent job including several air conditioned stops so we could refresh. Marelvey is an excellent guide who I would recommend highly.

The facility is really capable of handling one ship a day, maybe two if they are small. We were on Celebrity Infinity and the only ship disembaking/embarking that day and it was very smooth. A large Princess ship had arrived the previous day, but had done its thing, so we were effectively the only one in.

Very clean and comfortable hotel in Puerto Iguazu. Rates were very good. We booked through 01Argentina travel agency which gave us some great group rates. $900 for a three day, two night trip including room at the HSG and tours.

Arno, Thanks again for keeping this updated.

Hotel Director is Marios Geogiadis starting on 3/29.

Bob

Here is the list provided by Guest Relations for the Infinity Cruise (3/29/15 FLL - San Diego). There are many changes from the previous two cruises indicated by (new). BTW, will be posting a review for the South America B2B this weekend.

Captain- Nicolaos Frantzis

Staff Captain - Gerasimos Limperatos (new on 3/15 cruise)

Chief Engineer - Konstantinos Zannikos (new)

Hotel Director - Marios Geogiadis (new)

Guest Relations - Mario Tavares (served as hotel director on previous cruise when he came onboard. Ana was GRM.)

Cruise Director - Kyle Dodson (new)

F&B Manager - Staphane Coutouly (new)

Executive Chef - German Rijo

CC Hostess - Claudia (new)

The singers and dancers are into the fourth month of their contract and will be aboard for a while longer. I am sure many of on board entertainers will change as there is a heavy Latin influence for the South America cruises.

If you are talking about using your card in an ATM on the ship, a few months ago they were Wells Fargo - US.

We have done this cruise twice at Thanksgiving. Wrote extensive reviews including private tours (which are our preference). Glad to answer questions.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=245098 - November 2013

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=111862 - November 2012

Looks like he is headed for three months of training on HAL ships. More at http://www.hollandamericablog.com/albert/.

Based on our November cruise on Connie. 18 is the pier normally used by Allure and Oasis on Saturday/Sunday. Other days of the week, it seems to be shared by RCI/X ships. They were encouraging drivers to park at the return terminal and there was a shuttle bus. Don't forget to drop your checked luggage at the terminal before parking. Beats loading/unloading it from the bus. Have fun.

We were on Connie just after she had a four day yard period after this year's TA for repair to the diesel engine requiring drydocking. Ship was sparkling, crew had enjoyed a few days on board - working but without pax - and were happy to have us back on board. Lots of small tasks done inside; cabins were deep cleaned; some decks repainted, etc.

Why not keep your rental car and turn it in at Port Everglades. Many rental agencies do not charge a drop fee. Have Fun.

I would suggest dropping the luggage at 18 and perhaps leaving your spouse(s) there with any carry on and driving to the parking deck for 25/26. I believe that is what they were doing to those wanting to park in the port when we departed. People were saying they lot at 18 was closed and there was a shuttle bus running between the parking deck and 18. Some were upset as there was no explanation. Have a great trip.

Master Tasos Kafetzis

Staff Captain Christos Trifyllis

Chief Engineer Emmanouil Archontakis

GRM Christian Bell

Hotel Director Daniel Simon

Cruise Director Rich Clessen

F&B DIrector Bernard Mazet

Executive Chef Yasna Arriagada

Captain's Club Host Graeme Kelleher

Gran Volta String Trio - Really excellent performers

Supastition - House band

Roberta Amaral - Guitar/Vocalist

Alessio - DJ

Graeme is the CC host on Constellation.

The service in Blu was excellent. The menu has not changed in a while, but the food was prepared well and served quickly even on the first evening. It seemed that lots of folks had the beverage package and the servers were doing quite well keeping up with the demand. The martini bar was the place to be. The entertainment was the best that we have seen on X. I believe White Magic is travelling with the ship so they should be on board. Gran Volta string trio was excellent with a wide repertoire of music. Have a great time.

1130 has an extended balcony, but not as extended as 1138 or 1140. While 1130 is next to the stairway, we did not hear any traffic or door opening/closing and it was very windy which caused doors to slam. We had no privacy concerns as you have to be at the balcony rail to see down (or for someone to see you). 38 and 40 are over the canvas of the Oceanview Bar so there is more privacy and the balcony is larger. Absolutely no noise with the sliding glass door closed. There is little traffic on deck 11 since there are only 40 or so cabins. We did see some lost people on the first day or two who thought they were at the front of the ship. I would suggest keeping one or two of the curtains closed when you are out of the room if the sun is bright. We really noticed as we headed East with the sun in the West. The aft exposure really heats up the cabin. Very easy to cool it down though - just open the balcony door and cabin door at the same time and you can exchange all the warm air for cool hallway air in 20 seconds or less. We have 1140 booked for B2B South America in March. Have a great cruise.

SHIP: Constellation

CABIN #: 1130

DECK #: 11

CLASS: AQ1

AREA: Aft/Stern

BED NEAR: Bath - facing inboard

QUIET?: Yes

BALCONY VIEW: Yes

BALCONY SIZE: Outstanding with good sized overhang

WIND A PROBLEM?: Not at all

SOOT A PROBLEM?: None

PROBLEMS/COMMENTS: These aft-facing AQ balconies are excellent. Room identical to others, but balcony and location are great. It is like being on a small ship - small, isolated berthing area and private dining room (Blu) with large ship amenities - shows, shops, etc.

That is something I say after every cruise, but this one was really too short particularly since the crew and ship were superb. We knew it was going to be short five days with stops in Cozumel and Key West and two fun sea days, but were envious of those doing a back-to-back.

Captain Tasos Kafetzis has been onboard for almost a month and you could feel his warmth and energy extending to all crewmembers with whom we interacted. The master was visible and approachable in various locations around the ship and seemed to enjoy interacting with the guests. He gave an outstanding presentation on the building of the first two Solstice class ships and his announcements were always tinged with humor.

Rich Clessen was the CD and his experience was obvious. He had the excellent string trip, Gran Volta, performing in the theatre for the 30 minutes prior to the production show on formal night which was lots more entertaining than watching the spiraling lights or tired PowerPoint display. The production crew was excellent with equally talented singers. It was nice to watch what I think is an updated version of the long running Land of Make Believe show. White Magic with Michael White and his fiancé, a contortionist from Mongolia, put on an excellent show as did an Elton John impersonator Joel Mason. We noticed that the casino was much busier on this short cruise than on longer Caribbean sailings.

We were fortunate to be in one of the new aft-facing AQ rooms - 1130. As reported it is in an excellent location overlooking the stern with no noise heard from below unless you were on the large balcony. Although we prefer the Solstice class ships for all their activities, we thoroughly enjoyed the smaller Blu venue on this class ship. If you eat breakfast in Blu, don't miss Mentor's muesli artistry.

Embarkation. As we departed on a Monday, it was very smooth since Connie was berthed at Port Everglades terminal 18 which is used by Oasis/Allure on the weekends. Very nice and spacious (as expected). Even though the ship had to undergo a USCG inspection, boarding started at 11:45; rooms were available at 1PM.

Disembarkation/Immigration(again)/Customs. Arriving on Saturday, we were at terminal 25/26 which was fine. It is a long walk (in a covered walkway) from the midship exit on deck one to the terminal. Since it was a five day cruise there were lots of early walk-offs – probably 50% of the passengers. Once again we had to clear immigration and customs which wasn’t too bad with three agents. (Not sure why we had to clear immigration again as we had done it the previous morning in Key West.) Luggage was arranged by deck since it was a short cruise. This terminal works much better for Connie that it did the past two years when we disembarked from Eclipse after a 14 day cruise.

Could you find something to complain about - sure, but none caused us concern. We did encounter some higher seas which caused some passengers discomfort and the ship made some noises. There were some railings that needed varnishing, the room air conditioning had a hard time handling the direct sun, etc.

Ports:

Cozumel - We did the Tulum Ruins ship tour (CZ02). You spend about two hours at the ruins and 4.5 hours getting there and back - a local ferry (nice) for an hour ride followed by an hour bus ride repeated on the return. The ride from the parking lot to the ruins and the taxi ride from downtown Cozumel back to the ship are not included. The ruins were impressive, just be prepared for a lot of windshield/nap time getting there and back.

Key West - We did the Old Town Trolley tour which was very good, but chilly on a brisk 65F morning with a strong breeze. (Remember to take a light jacket.) We walked around town and spent the afternoon enjoying the ship (and packing). Before disembarking in Key West, we had to present our passports to immigration after which we had a hole punched in our sea pass card. US citizens cleared in the Rendezvous Lounge on deck four. The line stretched from the lounge entrance to the theatre and back to the lounge but it moved very quickly with three agents. Non-US citizens were cleared in the conference rooms on deck three.

Master Tasos Kafetzis

Staff Captain Christos Trifyllis

Chief Engineer Emmanouil Archontakis

GRM Christian Bell

Hotel Director Daniel Simon

Cruise Director Rich Clessen

F&B DIrector Bernard Mazet

Executive Chef Yasna Arriagada

Captain's Club Host Graeme Kelleher

Gran Volta String Trio - Really excellent performers

Supastition - House band

Roberta Amaral - Guitar/Vocalist

Alessio - DJ

Feel free to ask questions.

We have often turned our car in at the Port Everglades Avis office and have seen many couples waiting around for a turn-in to be cleaned and readied for them. It is a small office where they still use the computer instead of the hand-held for turn-ins and fill in all the data on the computer for rentals. While a great place for turn-ins (after dropping off our bags) and transport to our ship, we have opted to take the inexpensive cab ride ($20) to the airport and ask them to drop us at the back of the Avis area. Unload the bags right into the car, check -out at the gate and we are on the way. A bit pricier, but far more convenient that waiting for the shuttle and then waiting in line for paperwork and then waiting for a car. The rental car areas are pretty much a ghost town on the weekends at the FLL airport. Of course on slow days in the port, going to the Avis at Pier 66 Hyatt may be wise. We tend to return on a Saturday or Sunday with seven plus ships in port.

You will see more kids on tours and to a degree on the ship since they are out for school holiday from mid-December to the end of January or so.