Laylam

We did the 2023 Christmas cruise in Antarctica. A transfer from the BA Hotel to the airport is included at the start of the trip. After landing in BA on the way back you are on your own. Both our flights to and from BA were at EZE (Ministro Pistarni International Airport) because of storm damage at AEP (Aeroparque) from where they normally fly.

We travelled to Svarlbard July 2023 and saw 2 polar bears, but binoculars were required. On an earlier cruise to the Canadian Arctic we saw 9 polar bears in Nunavut, which were clearly visible from the ship and close-op from the zodiacs.

I agree.

Scenic Eclipse.

This was in the Falkland Islands Zodiac entry.mp4

Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole. One of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas, it's known for its rugged, remote terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra sheltering polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes. The Northern Lights are visible during winter, and summer brings the “midnight sun”—sunlight 24 hours a day. ― Google

I agree wholeheartedly. We once had a problem disembarking in Manaus. Although our circumstances were quite different. Because of an early morning flight we disembarked at midnight, and were taken, and left, at the gates of the port to wait for the taxi we had requested. We were immediately surrounded by rough sleepers and felt very unsafe. I complained to Seabourn so it didn't happen to anyone else. They were very apologetic and I think we received an OBC on our next cruise.

Singles are well catered for/looked after on Seabourn. You will be invited to hosted tables etc..

In defence of the OP, they didn't plan their SB cruise with a baby either. Their honeymoon cruise was cancelled. We cruised on the Sojourn last January with a couple in the same situation, their honeymoon cruise was cancelled and now they had a baby. The baby was a delight and learned to walk during the cruise, much to the delight of approximately 350 surrogate grandparents!!!

The itinerary I looked at had an overnight at Easter Island. I would expect you do landings by zodiac or tender.

KathyL2537, How have you handled the Drake Passage?

KathyL2537, thank you for taking the time out from your trip to post here. We are on the next sailing of Venture and so I am VERY interested. Was the ship docked at the pier or did you have to take a Zodiac/Tender? Our pre-boarding info suggests that we do and to bring a wind or rain jacket.

Thank you all for your very helpful replies. I love the photo of the 16 year old, he is either very hardy or the indoor temperatures are quite toasty.

Thank you kej1, Were the Patio Grill and outside the Colonnade ever opened for dinner?

Whilst I know there are no formal nights, I have a question regarding being "dressed for Dinner" on an expedition cruise. We are on the Venture over Christmas and New Year, and, on most cruises these would be "very dressy" occasions. My dilemma is this, I remove my layers and dress for Dinner, and, with almost 20 hours of daylight, an extraordinary wildlife encounter is announced from the Bridge which I miss because I am inappropriately dressed.. I would like those who have been there/done that to share their experience, please. Is it possible to stay rugged up and eat outdoors??.

I don't know about Seal Bay, but the Volunteer Point ride is VERY rough over farmland.

Yes, I am watching closely https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/south-georgia/avian-flu We are on the Venture in 3 weeks and have everything crossed.

I am curious about evening dress as well. I know there are no formal nights on the Expedition ships, but as we are on over Christmas and N.Y.E. I am wondering if it's Ugly Christmas Sweaters or something more formal?????

Thank you markandjie for taking the time to share your cruise with us. We are on the Venture over Christmas and this has proved informative and has added to our excitement.

I agree that the decor takes a bit of getting used to, but I have come to like it. The restaurants have interesting table configurations and we enjoy the choice and comfort of seating. The light and brightness of the Yacht Club, which is open for breakfast and lunch, is especially appealing. Nothing about it is "sobering". However it has been redesigned since the first ship, which apparently had a swimming pool within!!!!!! By contrast the Scenic Lounge is rather dark, but this works as well. It is a very large space, with plenty of comfortable chairs, sofas and tables allowing groups to gather beyond hearing distance of each other (well almost, the conversations tend to get more raucous as the night wears on). Many of the crew are ex-Seabourn, and there appears to be a lot more of them than on Seabourn. The meals have been a highlight.

I can assure you, now that we have experienced it, that this could not be further from the truth. We were all sat as if around a bar and conversation flowed with ease. The food on this ship has been amazing, and as much as we LOVE Seabourn, Scenic Eclipse has become a serious contender. We are diamond members on Seabourn, but the only perk we miss out on is laundry....fast internet & excursions are included, and the complimentary laundry has never been too busy, with only 200 passengers.

I have to say we have ended up VERY HAPPY to have been "bumped" by Seabourn. I agree with all you have to say about Scenic Eclipse 11, it feels like we are back on one of the "Little Sisters" and we have got to sail in Svalbard. Our next cruise is on the Encore in December, it will be interesting to compare the two.

I am not so sure it is sour grapes. Our stewardess was with Seabourn for eight years and like a lot of us is nostalgic for "The Little Sisters" and this ship, with 200 passengers (228 when full) feels very much like them. It will be interesting to compare this with the Venture in December.

I hope so.