Venture - Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland - Aug 7-21 As live as we can be!

[highplanesdrifters]

This mornings Zodiac took us to see some walrus. We were told the brown lumps where them. I believed them.

 

All was not lost, we got to plant the flag. 

 

 

We were geared up for the afternoon excursion when the announcement came that it was canceled due to 3 foot swells. Hmmm, seas of glass as far as the eye could see. But good news we would do some scenic cruising and look for the whales we had zipped by earlier. JACKPOT! They treated us to a pod of 30 to 40 fin whales. Granted they don't do all the tricks humpback do, but oh what a show.

Imagine being on deck 6 so close you could smell them.

 

 

The scenery alone is worth the price.

Zoom in for  all the blows.

[highplanesdrifters]

There are decent binoculars in all the cabins.  

Sea day. Hoping for some cabin tours today.

[RetiredandTravel]

So I'm guessing from your comments that you would recommend Antarctica first for someone new to expedition cruises.  Is that fair?

 

Also, understanding this cruise isn't finished,  do you find SS & Seabourn comparable in expeditions or do you favor one?

[highplanesdrifters]

1 hour ago, RetiredandTravel said:

So I'm guessing from your comments that you would recommend Antarctica first for someone new to expedition cruises.  Is that fair?

 

Also, understanding this cruise isn't finished,  do you find SS & Seabourn comparable in expeditions or do you favor one?

Antarctica first! Make sure to grab a trip which includes South Georgia. I think you would have a fabulous time on Seabourn or Silversea. IMHO, both excellent lines with very little difference between them except their ships.

Ships: 

Seabourn Venture is a big cut above SS Cloud. I love the Cloud and would not hesitate to travel on her again. Venture has better indoor and outdoor space along with more dinning options. The outdoor decks are many, which gives almost everyone a spot at the railing for wildlife viewing. This is important!  We will be on SS Wind in October and will report on the refurbishment. SS Wind was awfully tired last time we were on her. Silverseas acquisition of Endeavor bumps up their fleet to compete in the ultra luxury. category. Can't wait to try her.

 

Venture is Next Gen. Such and intelligent design.  I'll write more about her in future posts. 

 

We are almost mid trip. Jan Mayen next.....if she let's us in. Weather iffy right now.😉

[worcestergal]

Thanks again for all your great reporting (and photos) of your trip. If you do find yourself with a bit of extra time, I would love to hear about the food, the demographics of your fellow passengers and the kinds of things you do on sea days. (Our trip from Greenland to Newfoundland has quite a few of those!). Also, I am interested what kind of entertainment is being done. 
 

I did read the daily schedule which you posted, but I am curious about your take. 
 

Thanks!

[PACruiser5]

Thank you so much for your updates, info and photos!!! We get on for the Aug 21 sailing  so your info is invaluable! This will be our first expedition cruise (not for lack of trying, last 2 attempts at Antarctica/S Georgia both cancelled, maybe this November...) and first time on Seabourn so really appreciate it. 

 

A couple of packing questions, we will be in Iceland and Greenland which you haven't gotten to yet but appreciate any tips - things you wish you had brought or left at home? Hiking boots yes or no? 

 

And formal nights - you said people fluff up a bit, love the phrase, but a bit more info please? Is a blazer for men sufficient? Can I fancy up black pants and avoid packing a dress and the accompanying frippery? 

 

Thank you again! Love the sense of humor and general joy of the experience. I will try and post info on our cruise for those on later trips. 

[ct-andy]

8 hours ago, PACruiser5 said:

I will try and post info on our cruise for those on later trips. 

 

Please do. I have booked next year's Iceland and Greenland too. 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

@worcestergal

@PACruiser5

Will do my best to answer. Feel free to circle back if I miss something. Thanks for the kudos and please post about your trips. I have not been to the east side of Greenland so would love to hear.

 

Passengers: Mostly Americans in the 60s & 70s. But we have managed to find  a few Brits and Aussies. Need our fix of their wonderful cheeky wit. The athleticism ranges from a few walkers to  iron man. The group skews toward the walker end of the range.  

 

Sea days have about 3 lectures and I noticed a smattering of trivia and bag tossing. Will post more Herald's to give you an idea. On sea days I'm happy to read, get some exercise and expand my mind...try not to expand the waistline too much.

 

As mentioned earlier the Expedition team is top notch.  The lectures have been right up there. They are entertaining and I've learned so much. They are all recorded and posted on the TV.

 

Formal night. Not nearly as formal as a classic cruise. Saw one tux and gown.  I'm not even sure I've seen a tie. Jackets yes, a few cocktail dresses. Blazer and Fancy Up black pants will fit right in. In general people dress smartly. Only a few eye raising sloppy slackers.

 

I didn't pack hiking boots. I have Hoka waterproof Speedgoats. They worked great on our last expedition which was 4-8 miles a day.

You will be given Bogs boots for water landings which will mostly be the case. The Seabourn parka has two layers.  Some days I only wear the outer layer with a thermal underneath. Its been in then30s & 40s. MUST have, waterproof pants. Easily and cheaply found online or REI.  I just wear a thermal layer underneath. I packed a puffer vest. Great for wearing around the ship. 

I have a variety of hats, gloves and neck gators depending on the temp. We had a rather cold zodiac tour of glaciers. Layered up that day. Daytime clothes very casual. Evening, a nice shirt or blouse does the trick. 

 

The Ship does seem to have some HVAC issues and can be drafty in the hallways. They are working on it.

 

Entertainment...well...there is some. Cocktail hour music is nice in the lounges. I haven't been to the after dinner shows but will ask around. I believe it's just 2/3 entertainers. There is a small dance floor in the club.

 

I believe in Akureyi you may have a chance to ride Icelandic ponies. They have an interesting fifth gate called a tolt. Big fun.

 

SKJOLDUNGEN FJORD

Set your alarm for this one. Hands down one of the most spectacular places your will ever be. Right up there with Lemaire channel.

 

A few Greenland and one pony pic to wet your whistle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 14, 2022 by highplanesdrifters

[highplanesdrifters]

Still trying to get some suite pictures and will post some food porn. 

[highplanesdrifters]

When Seabourn Source is working its great. I can usually grab screenshots. For now some old school cell camers pics.

 

I am tempted to see what the Leather and Lace show is all about. I fear the internal snarkey monster might not be kept at bay.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[notjaded]

Very informative posts. Than you !

 

What percentage of the crew vs passengers wear masks?

 

How much COVID is going around?

[ct-andy]

20 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Still trying to get some suite pictures and will post some food porn. 

 

looking forward to it especially the sushi bites 

[highplanesdrifters]

4 minutes ago, ct-andy said:

 

looking forward to it especially the sushi bites 

It's been really nice to have the sushi. Very fresh tasting and well prepared. 

[highplanesdrifters]

Filling in our excursions to Gravsnest and Texas Bar. Nice little leg stretches.

 

Garvsnest is a protected site with Graves. Some of which have been pushed to the surface by permafrost and eaten by bears. The bears do not understand the concept of chains around the protected sites. A quiet, eerie and wondeful first stop. Seeing our guards posted all around us up on ridges and hills was comforting.  Expedition members posted all along our route with stories, history, and explanations of flora and fauna....and flare guns.

 

Texas bar, no definitive answer on its story. Fun stop and little hike around. Our range was limited due to fog. Can't see bears in fog, but they can smell us. 🤣

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cookies, hot chocolate and shots from the Texas Bar.  Who could ask for more? 

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

25 minutes ago, notjaded said:

Very informative posts. Than you !

 

What percentage of the crew vs passengers wear masks?

 

How much COVID is going around?

Very few masks except for staff. Not aware of any covid. 

[highplanesdrifters]

Tours of the submarine garage this afternoon. Yipeeee.

[notjaded]

9 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Very few masks except for staff. Not aware of any covid. 

Are staff required to wear masks?
 

Thanks!
 

 

[jsea]

Yes. Staff are required to wear masks. And it appears that either KN-95 are mandatory or it’s simply what Seabourn provides and no one opts for other style / type mask.

[highplanesdrifters]

The Bow Lounge on 6. 

Access to the front bow. Interactive radar and navigation screens which are now available on rooms TVs. Nice to have a spot to warm up when wildlife viewing.  The Pantry is a bonus. Coffee, water, soup, and lite bites.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

 

 

 

[worcestergal]

Thank you very, very much!  This is exactly the information I was looking for. You just made my packing so much easier!  And, your fabulous photos really add to my joys of anticipation. Thank you again!

[PACruiser5]

Thank you so so much! Have all the gear for Antarctica, just needed some guidance on what to bring on this trip. And love the photos!!!!

Enjoy the rest of the trip!

[toseaornottosea]

How does Venture handle rough seas?  Booked on an Antarctic cruise on her in January and will be crossing the Drake Passage twice.

[galeforce9]

On 8/11/2022 at 2:07 PM, Fletcher said:

Me too, those polar bear hunting/dining photos were thrilling to see.  

and @galeforce9are you still lugging heavy equipment around?  I'm never going to do the smartphone thing but I'm tempted by a compact and inconspicuous Leica D Lux 7 for most things on our next cruise on the Sojourn. Saves energy and weight.  But for a Venture trip I guess it might still be the big Canon and long lens.  

Skjoldungen fjord - 100% agree.  Spectacular place right up there with the best of Antarctica.  Looks like you had the weather 

[highplanesdrifters]

3 hours ago, toseaornottosea said:

How does Venture handle rough seas?  Booked on an Antarctic cruise on her in January and will be crossing the Drake Passage twice.

We have no idea. The seas have been glass since we boarded. Stay posted.