Orion or Explorer for Antarctica

[Gig103]

We're close to actually booking a Lindblad expedition and checking the 7th continent off our list :)

 

I have to say that BA is our preferred jumping off city because we haven't been there and would like to see it before and after the cruise. However, the smaller and newer Orion itineraries start in Santiago.

 

My only concern with Explorer is that some searches I've done indicate that there are limitations on the number of guests allowed ashore and so I'm wondering if I should go with the Orion and plan a separate trip to BA (maybe open jaw and head there after the cruise, possibly even direct from Ushuaia)?

[hobse]

I can't speak to the Orion, but we have been on The Explorer 3 times and she is a wonderful ship.  We went to the Arctic in 2009, Antarctica 2010, and last year South Georgia and The Falkland Islands 2017.  All 3 sailings we had the same fantastic captain, some of the same naturalists, and the same waiters!   The only thing that could (and rarely) prevent you from doing a landing would be weather.  But the crew on The Explorer are experts with this.   Passengers are divided in groups to comply with the limitations.  You will not be disappointed.

[cruisethree]

I am researching Dec 2019.  I wanted to fly and cruise and not do the Drake sail.  What do you recommend?

And how many days do you think you need?  I am looking at Ocean Explorer(11 days altogether)  and they allow a camp over night on the ice.  Or Ocean Nova which is only 8 day altogether.  Counting days of travel to airport and travel, probably 4 days actually doing anything with Nova.  How long have you done?