teamflames

Thanks for response, I have tried Safari and Chrome on iPad and only Safari on IPhone. I will try and download Firefox.

Hi, I am trying to use the HAL website (in Australia) but on both my iPhone and iPad I can’t get past the page where you select cabin type. Are others having this problem?

Thanks for the responses. While I understand the package is less in our case the cruise fare is more so the overall cost of the cruise when package is added is the same as that in the US but expected to pay gratuity on top. I guess we either sail and not pay them on principle we are paying more or choose another line.

Hi we have never sailed Princess. I know gratuities are included on Australian sailings but what about non Australian sailings. It is clear that if booked in the USA with plus or premium upgrade gratuities are included but it isn’t clear if this also applies if booked thru Princess Australia?

Thanks, did you stay 2 nights at the hotel provided by Seabourn?

Hi again for those who have done the Antarctica packages recently, I have been told that a transfer from BA airport to hotel is included - how does this work with people flying from all over the world? also for those that extended their stay in BA longer than the included one night hotel stay how did it work? thanks

Thanks for amazing detail. Sounds like a great trip trying to book the exact same one for next year.

Wow that is so disappointing what happened to you re expeditions. As you say though the other ship didn’t so I guess no point crossing Seabourn off specifically. also sounds like the service issues we experienced on the encore especially around bars and dining are still a thing

Thanks M

Can I ask how many expeditions a day did you do on your SB Antarctica cruise? We are looking to book for January

Thanks for your reply, great to hear Seabourn aim for similar amount of expeditions, we were looking at an Atlas cruise which has fewer passengers but then I have learned Seabourn has more zodiacs. I have read that they split into 6 groups which sounds like a lot and with the limited numbers allowed on shore was concerned there maybe only enough time for one expedition. I will look up the silversea thread. How do I find yours?

I didn’t say I didn’t like them - just that on our one particular cruise service was poor. As mentioned love the stateroom, caviar, the events, ship decor, art classes and more. Drinks service was worst ever encountered and service in general was poor. i don’t believe in the notion that every cruise on a certain line is of a certain standard. Too many variables. Crew and officers change and can make a big difference. seabourn is well priced and well experienced in Antarctica and so more than happy to consider them. Also this ship is smaller than their others so hoping service will be better. However it is bigger than many other options hence I want to ensure I am comparing experiences correctly. will search as you suggest - thanks

We sailed on the Encore end of 2018. check in was worse than any other cruise. Lunch order in the Colonnade was completely forgotten 2 days in a row. Several mornings had to wait 45 minutes to be asked for a coffee. Drink orders were always wrong, regularly forgotten. It was just bizarre. Last day sat by the pool for an entire day, not once asked for anything. Dirty plates sat there for 6 hours until officers cleaned them. That is just a small sample

We have only done one of each. Both gorgeous ships. Seabourn cabins better. both have laundries. drinks included on Seabourn, Viking need to upgrade to be fully included. Viking has walking deck, Seabourn doesn’t. Viking included spa area superior to Seabourn. Food subjective - both very good, I would say Seabourn though slightly better, room service amazing and caviar on demand viking doesn’t include tips service - we had major problems on both cruises but Seabourn were just terrible - I was shocked how poor it was. Viking includes basic shore excursions - we didn’t like this as too basic. Viking felt more casual but fellow passengers less friendly. Seabourn tends to attract a fun mature crowd, Viking passengers felt conservative. Dont believe the Seabourn is luxury and Viking is Azamara level hype - not true. There was very little entertainment on Viking and zero nightlife on our cruise. Also Seabourn do some great “events”. We have only done one of each. We were so disappointed in Seabourn service. Viking didn’t suit us as we don’t want included shore excursions and like a little more fun.

Hi we are looking at a couple of itineraries in Antarctica this coming January. Interested in reviews of those who have been onboard the new ships recently? Especially interested to know how many expeditions per day you get to do if conditions permit? it seems most companies aim for 2 (at least one landing and one zodiac trip) is this the same with Seabourn? Cant tell in the literature and the ships do hold more than the smaller expedition companies thanks

I haven’t had it clarified yet - but it looks like $700-800 which could add up a lot if they are required on multiple days. Also based on your feedback on Ross itineraries I wonder what you would do if you chose not to pay for the helicopter at each site, am moving away from that itinerary as just too costly and too unknown.

Funny you say that PP, those Basecamp itineraries were the ones I was studying today. Definitely seem to be a bit more focused on adventure - although the reviews are very hit and miss - those with negative views seem to have had poor expeditions staff/teams - sounds like there are some inexperienced hires being used (those trying to have their own cheap experiences). we are not hung up on being on a luxury ship but it just seems crazy that there is so little price difference and often the luxury ones (like Atlas) are actually cheaper than Intrepid.

Awesome response PP. ok will focus more on TA forum. Not sure I am searching for rough seas, I can suffer seasickness but it is rather difficult to predict - sometimes fine in rough seas but bad in minor swells! The scenic ship has helicopters but at added charge so could add up. Great feedback

Thanks PP, I do agree with your sentiment but at the moment when I look at pricing I can be on an all inclusive luxury boat with about 200 people on board or for the same price I can travel on Ocean Endeavour which seems to be a basic ship, same passengers, much less included and same itinerary. Do these ships really do excursions so much better? Will keep searching - all good fun.

Hi I have received quotes for Quark Ultramarine and Scenic eclipse. Both look high end and itineraries seem similar (at least in time). Scenic seems to include a little more in terms of drinks. Quark is slightly more expensive. Does anyone have any experience in both? Is there an advantage to Quark? thanks

Hi we are in process of researching a potential Antarctic cruise at the end of the year. We are based in Australia. There are the various options of travelling from South America to the Peninsula and islands but we are also looking at a cruise from NZ that visits “east Antarctica” Mawsons etc Just curious if anyone has done both and can tell us the pros and cons? thanks

Hi there, which company were you with?