Roald Amundsen has started on the first Antarctic Cruise of the Season

[AlanCruise]

The Roald Amundsen started yesterday on it's first Antarctic cruise of the season, with reduced number of passengers.

Current rules required Covid PCR test before flying to Chile, a PCR test on arrival at Santiago and a lateral flow test before boarding the ship.

Chile are changing the entry rules as from December 1st, which will hopefully reduce the needs for tests before travelling, but it is believed Hurtigruten will still require a PCR test before boarding  - probably to be done at the hotel in Santiago.

 

Hope it all keep working, I am due to travel in January!

[karen11g]

That’s great news! We’re traveling in Jan too.

 

I’m starting the process today to get our mobility passes. Do you have any info about what’s changing Dec. 1? I couldn’t find anything. 

[WholeNewWorld]

I am on this ship right now!  Just outside of the Ave of Glaciers.   (Do NOT miss that area!!)

 

We've been tested 4 times so far with at least 3 more tests to come.  The governments requirements are crazy and confusing making travel here a huge PIA. 

 

But the ship is beautiful, the staff are top notch, the views are beyond words!  -Im in room 801 and LOVING it!  

[WholeNewWorld]

2 hours ago, karen11g said:

That’s great news! We’re traveling in Jan too.

 

I’m starting the process today to get our mobility passes. Do you have any info about what’s changing Dec. 1? I couldn’t find anything. 

Do not get on the airplane until you have written permission to enter. (You should have 3 or 4 emails with different types of needed permission.  Each is different)  They are sending people back to the U.S daily who do not have all their paperwork and apps.  (My sister was one of the people sent home)

[CraigShanklin]

10 hours ago, WholeNewWorld said:

I am on this ship right now!  Just outside of the Ave of Glaciers.   (Do NOT miss that area!!)

 

We've been tested 4 times so far with at least 3 more tests to come.  The governments requirements are crazy and confusing making travel here a huge PIA. 

 

But the ship is beautiful, the staff are top notch, the views are beyond words!  -Im in room 801 and LOVING it!  

 

[CraigShanklin]

Please keep your news and updates coming! We are scheduled to sail on the next sailing of the Roald Amundsen…cabin 701…in about 2 weeks. As you know, this is an amazingly complex process to even get to the ship via Chile. Any tips or insights…since Hurtigruten has been virtually silent and almost no help, are invaluable. Also please keep the “positives” of the trip coming. We need some positive motivation right now. As I’m sure you were, we are totally stressed out and sorry we made this booking. Please keep the tips, news and travel updates coming!

[Heartfelttraveler]

11 hours ago, WholeNewWorld said:

Do not get on the airplane until you have written permission to enter. (You should have 3 or 4 emails with different types of needed permission.  Each is different)  They are sending people back to the U.S daily who do not have all their paperwork and apps.  (My sister was one of the people sent home)

Do you know what they are?  Could you list them?

[WholeNewWorld]

We just got notice that Chile has rescinded it's permission for us to stop in the town of Stanley.  The crew is working hard to find us another stop...but I fear this cruise may include a lot of sea days.  

The drake passage has been kind to us-last night was very choppy but nothing some Dramamine could not handle.  

 

As for the needed emails: #1 will contain your 'rules and regs'  #2 will have a link for your Mobility pass along with the needed code to sign in  #3 will have a QR code showing the government has received your required paperwork #4 will have a code that the authorities need showing your required paperwork and vaccine have been accepted.  

 

 

We are still hoping to enjoy the eclipse-but weather charts are showing only a slim chance of a full view.  😞 

[karen11g]

Found an answer to my question about changes Dec 1:

 

Beginning Dec 1 PCR tests upon arrival in Chile are not required if your mobility pass includes the booster. (Still need PCR test within 72 hours of last flight into Chile.) Of course, things could change any time.

 

https://cl.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/

Edited November 27, 2021 by karen11g

[karen11g]

13 minutes ago, WholeNewWorld said:

As for the needed emails: #1 will contain your 'rules and regs'  #2 will have a link for your Mobility pass along with the needed code to sign in  #3 will have a QR code showing the government has received your required paperwork #4 will have a code that the authorities need showing your required paperwork and vaccine have been accepted.

Very helpful - thanks!

[AlanCruise]

The official information is on the Chilean web site at https://saludresponde.minsal.cl/plan-fronteras-protegidas-1-de-diciembre/  (In Spanish).  

 

Note this is subject to change, a week ago it said that no test was required before flying to Chile, now it is.

[WholeNewWorld]

58 minutes ago, AlanCruise said:

The official information is on the Chilean web site at https://saludresponde.minsal.cl/plan-fronteras-protegidas-1-de-diciembre/  (In Spanish).  

 

Note this is subject to change, a week ago it said that no test was required before flying to Chile, now it is.

Ive been here 2.5 weeks.  Come in early to see the area.  -We had to have a PCR test before we could get on the plane to leave the U.S, then a second PCR test is required at the Chilean airport.  

After the test quarantine is required till a negative result comes through.  A positive result will have the Chilean police knocking on your (required) hotel door with an escort to their facilities.  

 

Then we had to have a third PCR to get into the Hurtigruten hotel the night before. 

Then a fourth test to get on the boat.  

 

We have been told another test will come before we get to one of the islands-but Im not sure which one.  

 

Things change daily so be sure you trust your travel agent!  

 

[CraigShanklin]

15 minutes ago, WholeNewWorld said:

Ive been here 2.5 weeks.  Come in early to see the area.  -We had to have a PCR test before we could get on the plane to leave the U.S, then a second PCR test is required at the Chilean airport.  

After the test quarantine is required till a negative result comes through.  A positive result will have the Chilean police knocking on your (required) hotel door with an escort to their facilities.  

 

Then we had to have a third PCR to get into the Hurtigruten hotel the night before. 

Then a fourth test to get on the boat.  

 

We have been told another test will come before we get to one of the islands-but Im not sure which one.  

 

Things change daily so be sure you trust your travel agent!  

 

Thank-you for sharing all this information. We are right behind in two weeks and are eager for any news or updates that you can share! Keep these reports coming! Thank-you! Craig

[karen11g]

3 hours ago, WholeNewWorld said:

then a second PCR test is required at the Chilean airport.  

After the test quarantine is required till a negative result comes through.

 

This requirement is currently scheduled to end Dec. 1 for anyone who has a booster shot on top of original vaccination. Of course, always subject to change.

[WholeNewWorld]

42 minutes ago, karen11g said:

 

This requirement is currently scheduled to end Dec. 1 for anyone who has a booster shot on top of original vaccination. Of course, always subject to change.

Yes our tour guide here said the same...of course he laughed after he said it, and now we have lockdowns beginning again.  I would say plan for at least 2 hours to get through the airport

[WholeNewWorld]

Today we are docked at Half Moon Island.  Im heading out in an hour for snow shoeing!  

 

Just a quick note about life aboard: If you are a YouTuber consider this your vacation.  The site is blocked -this also includes all streaming sites.  Im assuming this is due to limited bandwidth, but I did not ask.  WiFi in general is spotty at best.  Everyone has complained that is does not work in the cabins.  The best spots I have found: Deck 6 science center Deck 10: Lounge 

 

Also-food seems to be hit or miss.  I eat a keto diet and have struggled finding any veggies.  This really surprised me, I thought for sure I should at least be able to grab a salad for lunch or dinner and maybe some chicken for protein.  Last night night I was told there were no salads aboard at all. Today for breakfast I had bacon, eggs, some fresh bell peppers, cucumber,  and coffee-simple but very nice.  Lunch I had a steak so chewy is was awful.  I might have to drop the diet for the remainder of this trip..still considering.  

 

For the Photographers: Bring whatever spare parts you might want/need.  Although this is Heaven for us photographers-the ship's shop has nothing for cameras.  This might include: extra UV filters, cleaning gear, neck strap...ect

 

 

Ok it's time to gear up for our first steps on Antartica!  Safe travels everyone~. 

 

 

 

 

 

[CraigShanklin]

6 hours ago, WholeNewWorld said:

Today we are docked at Half Moon Island.  Im heading out in an hour for snow shoeing!  

 

Just a quick note about life aboard: If you are a YouTuber consider this your vacation.  The site is blocked -this also includes all streaming sites.  Im assuming this is due to limited bandwidth, but I did not ask.  WiFi in general is spotty at best.  Everyone has complained that is does not work in the cabins.  The best spots I have found: Deck 6 science center Deck 10: Lounge 

 

Also-food seems to be hit or miss.  I eat a keto diet and have struggled finding any veggies.  This really surprised me, I thought for sure I should at least be able to grab a salad for lunch or dinner and maybe some chicken for protein.  Last night night I was told there were no salads aboard at all. Today for breakfast I had bacon, eggs, some fresh bell peppers, cucumber,  and coffee-simple but very nice.  Lunch I had a steak so chewy is was awful.  I might have to drop the diet for the remainder of this trip..still considering.  

 

For the Photographers: Bring whatever spare parts you might want/need.  Although this is Heaven for us photographers-the ship's shop has nothing for cameras.  This might include: extra UV filters, cleaning gear, neck strap...ect

 

 

Ok it's time to gear up for our first steps on Antartica!  Safe travels everyone~. 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks so much for your valuable tips!....keep them coming! We'll be in Santiago in a week.

[WholeNewWorld]

Last nights dinner was awesome.  The leg of lamb was fantastic and we decided for a 'cheat desert' chocolate waffles and a milkshake.  (You do NOT want to see my blood sugar today 🐵)

 

It's 10:20am and we've seen 4 whales, lots of penguins, and beautiful icebergs everywhere. ❤️ It's a busy morning.  Tonight is 'sleep on land night' Those who have won the lottery to spend the night on land have many meetings to prepare- I think they are crazy!  LOL

 

Since we are the first cruise to resume sailing since Covid-we are considering ourselves the 'beta testers' of everything. Everyone has abandoned using the app-and now meets at deck 6 for coffee and viewing the days activities on the big screen.  (You can find it on your cabin TV, but we've enjoyed the early morning gathering) 

 

The weather is beautiful today, and I cant wait to get to shore! We are the first tender boat out today, but that doesn't start until about 130pm.  Today I have nothing planned-so Im going to drag all of my camera gear ashore and play around with all the lens, lights, and scenery! 

 

A word about the zodiacs.  If you are short (like me) hoping back in is near impossible.  I needed help-it wasn't a problem for the crew The rocks are very slippery so don't try to be a hero just ask-it's better then getting hurt and having to miss the rest of your trip.  

 

The cabin announcements are very different compared to other cruises I've been on.  They are not made through your TV, but through your cabin phone.  So on go a shore days-you only need to press the PA button on your phone.  You will not hear them without pressing that button.

 

 

Our room: we are in room 801.  We sprung for this room, because of the extra space, which is A LOT!  But my tip to you is get a room at the very front.  Seriously-very front of the boat! Space is important, but trust me the views from your room will be worth it!  (Sadly I cant post pictures...bandwidth won't allow)

 

 

Classes: The professionals on board are great.  Ive done a couple photography classes, a meteorite class, and penguins of the world class. All were about an hour long and very educational.  

Safe classes are mandatory for some of the activities-so those will depend on your choices.  

 

 

 

Bonus tip: Bring a set of extra shoelaces...trust me on this one.  😞 

Safe travels everyone~

 

 

[karen11g]

WWW, how was snow shoeing?

[WholeNewWorld]

7 minutes ago, karen11g said:

WWW, how was snow shoeing?

It showed me how out of shape I really am!  😛 We hiked about 2000' up the side of a mountain for a 360* view of the island.  It's totally worth the struggle.  

 

Edit to add: The guides were totally flexible-if you decide snow shoes are not for you, just turn around and head back towards the shore.  You can hang out, take pictures, or just enjoy your first time on Antartica!  

Edited November 29, 2021 by WholeNewWorld
More info

[CraigShanklin]

2 hours ago, WholeNewWorld said:

Last nights dinner was awesome.  The leg of lamb was fantastic and we decided for a 'cheat desert' chocolate waffles and a milkshake.  (You do NOT want to see my blood sugar today 🐵)

 

It's 10:20am and we've seen 4 whales, lots of penguins, and beautiful icebergs everywhere. ❤️ It's a busy morning.  Tonight is 'sleep on land night' Those who have won the lottery to spend the night on land have many meetings to prepare- I think they are crazy!  LOL

 

Since we are the first cruise to resume sailing since Covid-we are considering ourselves the 'beta testers' of everything. Everyone has abandoned using the app-and now meets at deck 6 for coffee and viewing the days activities on the big screen.  (You can find it on your cabin TV, but we've enjoyed the early morning gathering) 

 

The weather is beautiful today, and I cant wait to get to shore! We are the first tender boat out today, but that doesn't start until about 130pm.  Today I have nothing planned-so Im going to drag all of my camera gear ashore and play around with all the lens, lights, and scenery! 

 

A word about the zodiacs.  If you are short (like me) hoping back in is near impossible.  I needed help-it wasn't a problem for the crew The rocks are very slippery so don't try to be a hero just ask-it's better then getting hurt and having to miss the rest of your trip.  

 

The cabin announcements are very different compared to other cruises I've been on.  They are not made through your TV, but through your cabin phone.  So on go a shore days-you only need to press the PA button on your phone.  You will not hear them without pressing that button.

 

 

Our room: we are in room 801.  We sprung for this room, because of the extra space, which is A LOT!  But my tip to you is get a room at the very front.  Seriously-very front of the boat! Space is important, but trust me the views from your room will be worth it!  (Sadly I cant post pictures...bandwidth won't allow)

 

 

Classes: The professionals on board are great.  Ive done a couple photography classes, a meteorite class, and penguins of the world class. All were about an hour long and very educational.  

Safe classes are mandatory for some of the activities-so those will depend on your choices.  

 

 

 

Bonus tip: Bring a set of extra shoelaces...trust me on this one.  😞 

Safe travels everyone~

 

 

WWW...I've been sharing your comments with everyone in our group...please keep them coming! WE leave for Santiago in a week. A few questions...as far as gear or clothing...is there anything you would have done differently or changed? (other than the shoe laces!) Are you wearing the ship's boots for everything ashore including snow shoeing? What are the odds of getting to sleep ashore?

[WholeNewWorld]

2 hours ago, CraigShanklin said:

WWW...I've been sharing your comments with everyone in our group...please keep them coming! WE leave for Santiago in a week. A few questions...as far as gear or clothing...is there anything you would have done differently or changed? (other than the shoe laces!) Are you wearing the ship's boots for everything ashore including snow shoeing? What are the odds of getting to sleep ashore?

Im happy to answer any questions!  My plan for tomorrow was a detail of the 2 types of cabins my family has rented (801 & 728) -with the ship only a third full I might be able to peak into a different room for some details.  But thats a huge maybe with all the covid regs. 

 

As for clothing: I could have gone out today in sweat pants and a t-shirt and been very happy.  The crew wants us to wear snow pants and bring our jackets incase the weather changes.  Their rubber boats are required on land.  A good pair of waterproof shoes will be great around the outside decks-Im wearing flip flops inside.  

 

As for the over night on land.  I did not apply-I only know it's a lottery.  I do know a family that was chosen if I see them at dinner I'll get the inside scoop! 

 

As for things I'd change-I got a new card reader before I left, only to learn today it doesn't work with my laptop...test everything!  So now Im using my camera for those important great shots and my phone for ones to post on social media.  (Jeni Andrew, colorado-facebook if you'd like to see...)

 

I brought 2 pairs of snow pants-1 is plenty.  

 

Every day so far has included a hard hike up a mountain.  Be ready

 

 

Safe Travels~

 

 

 

[WholeNewWorld]

Good morning!  Sorry for the delay weather and internet issues.  Today isn't much better-it's so windy our plan A has been cancelled.  We are on plan B-which includes ramming into a large sheet of ice.  The hit was HARD and did not break the ice but stopped the boat instantly!  We are currently reversing out of the ice..probably moving onto plan C

 

So today let's talk rooms: Im in room 801.  it can hold 2 very comfortably, 3 using the couch.  Either way the cabin has plenty of space.  The bathroom is spilt in 2 with the toilet having its own closet.  The blackout curtains save the night.  No need to bring clips-the curtains have magnets installed.  Genius! we have a coffee maker and kettle for hot water in here-which is nice on sea days.  

 

 

I have a family member in room 728.  She describes it as perfect for a single cruiser!  Plenty of space and the bed is very comfortable.  It also has a coffee maker and kettle for your morning cup of Joe.  If you are 2 people in this type cabin-be sure your relationship is good!  😛

 

 

All classes for today have been canceled so we could watch Captain try to make his way through the ice.  Sadly though after 3 hard hits into the ice-we have just learned the ice is to thick for us to pass.  So the new plan is: The crew are heading out in a zodiac to see if the ice is stable enough for us to walk on. That will be our only excursion for today it seems.  I might skip it-it seems like a lot of work just to slide around on the ice.  

 

 

 

More Tips:

If you are a photographer wondering which lens to bring.  Bring them all!  I brought 6 different lenses and have had the best time learning to use them under these conditions.  The light changes constantly-clouds add an extra piece to both the settings and the picture.  Also take the classes-H has picked some great instructors you will always learn something.  I also brought my travel Tri-pod but haven't really used it..so far

 

Chapstick-bring it!  Between the masks and the dry air chap stick will be your best friend.

 

VPN: H has blocked many website including: YouTube, PayPal, and all outside servers.  If you are considering catching up on work during sea days get a good VPN-it will help.  It's not prefect and it seems many on the ship are struggling to gain access to needed sites even with VPNs, but sometimes it works.

 

Toiletries: The soaps and conditioners onboard are great.  I'd suggest leaving yours at home.   

 

Safe Travels~

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[CraigShanklin]

4 hours ago, WholeNewWorld said:

Good morning!  Sorry for the delay weather and internet issues.  Today isn't much better-it's so windy our plan A has been cancelled.  We are on plan B-which includes ramming into a large sheet of ice.  The hit was HARD and did not break the ice but stopped the boat instantly!  We are currently reversing out of the ice..probably moving onto plan C

 

So today let's talk rooms: Im in room 801.  it can hold 2 very comfortably, 3 using the couch.  Either way the cabin has plenty of space.  The bathroom is spilt in 2 with the toilet having its own closet.  The blackout curtains save the night.  No need to bring clips-the curtains have magnets installed.  Genius! we have a coffee maker and kettle for hot water in here-which is nice on sea days.  

 

 

I have a family member in room 728.  She describes it as perfect for a single cruiser!  Plenty of space and the bed is very comfortable.  It also has a coffee maker and kettle for your morning cup of Joe.  If you are 2 people in this type cabin-be sure your relationship is good!  😛

 

 

All classes for today have been canceled so we could watch Captain try to make his way through the ice.  Sadly though after 3 hard hits into the ice-we have just learned the ice is to thick for us to pass.  So the new plan is: The crew are heading out in a zodiac to see if the ice is stable enough for us to walk on. That will be our only excursion for today it seems.  I might skip it-it seems like a lot of work just to slide around on the ice.  

 

 

 

More Tips:

If you are a photographer wondering which lens to bring.  Bring them all!  I brought 6 different lenses and have had the best time learning to use them under these conditions.  The light changes constantly-clouds add an extra piece to both the settings and the picture.  Also take the classes-H has picked some great instructors you will always learn something.  I also brought my travel Tri-pod but haven't really used it..so far

 

Chapstick-bring it!  Between the masks and the dry air chap stick will be your best friend.

 

VPN: H has blocked many website including: YouTube, PayPal, and all outside servers.  If you are considering catching up on work during sea days get a good VPN-it will help.  It's not prefect and it seems many on the ship are struggling to gain access to needed sites even with VPNs, but sometimes it works.

 

Toiletries: The soaps and conditioners onboard are great.  I'd suggest leaving yours at home.   

 

Safe Travels~

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks again for all this detail! Many of us are reading every one of your posts with great interest. Please keep them coming? A quick question...how are you taking your camera gear ashore. Are you using a true "dry bag" or just your regular camera bags? Thanks for any news or trip advice!

[WholeNewWorld]

1 hour ago, CraigShanklin said:

Thanks again for all this detail! Many of us are reading every one of your posts with great interest. Please keep them coming? A quick question...how are you taking your camera gear ashore. Are you using a true "dry bag" or just your regular camera bags? Thanks for any news or trip advice!

I have both.  Normally I just use my camera back pack, but the first day ashore was wet and snowing so I used the dry bag that day.  I prefer my backpack because it keeps things in a safe spot and stops them from clashing into each other, but sometimes the dry bag is the best choice.