We are currently in south America, we didn't bother with local currency as we could tap with a credit card ( no international fees) where needed and used USD when cash was required, approx 1000-1200 pesos to the 1USD.
I bought a cap, it was 15,000 pesos, got it for $10USD.
Almost at Deception Island where we will shelter from the 70-80nm winds, after 8m waves, (25 ft) lots of rocking, and rolling last night.
First icebergs this morning.
I have found wait listing for a particular cabin category involves a lot of waiting, not much gain. Pick another category or j7st keep checking up until final payment.
Definitely less bumping. The leg is fine, I can't run or stride out but can walk okay with smaller steps.
The tender ride was quite bumpy, I managed to get us on the 1st tender by queuing up 50 mins early, about 7.10am but then they started handing out tickets at 7.30am and we were on the 1st one at 7.50am. Rosie and the other 2 were managed to join me by the stairs before the tender.
The ride back was much bumpier and no queue. We are in for a rough crossing of the drake for the next 24 hours.
Welcome to Cruise Critic, prices are USD, so also add the gratuities to the price, 18-20%.
As for drink packages, you would need to be drinking at least 5-8 drinks per day, depending on the wine or cocktails. More if they are beers.
It is easy to have a calm embarkation, or debarkation .
1- pack your patience
2- board late so you miss the lunchtime rush
3- take the last debarkation time with them taking your luggage off.
I will be surprised if we get ashore in Stanley tomorrow, the wind will likely rule us out for tendering but we hope I am wrong. If we do get to go we were going to Bertha's Beach as we had been to Volunteer Point previously.
It is south East of Puerto Madrn by the mouth of the gulf, approx 90 minute drive. We went to the light house and saw sea lions on the beach and in the water, we then went to a Magellanic penguin colony, lots of them like your pics. We could walk among them and some will get very close. Then to the ranch house for BBQ lamb and other food. We saw rhea, guanacho and many other birds and animals along the way.
The hype was always going to work to some extent, I was tempted until I saw the itineraries and the prices. A new ship just isn't enough for me nowadays.