caazcruzin

The Argentine government is apparently bringing the official currency market in line with the "blue dollar" market as of yesterday. Generally I rely on ATM's to get cash or use credit card while travelling but was planning on bringing dollars to use the "blue dollar" market. Now, I'm not so sure. Any thoughts???

I cannot thank both of you enough for the wonderful review, pictures and all! I have one question re: entertainment on the ship while in Buenos Aires. When we took the Baltic Cruise, Celebrity had a fabulous Russian Folk Dance perform on board the nite we stayed overnite in St Petersburg. They also had a fun Russian buffet, etc. Some people went out to the Ballet that night but I think they missed a great evening onboard. Was there any special entertainment the first night when the ship overnites in Buenos Aires...a tango show, etc? Considering something off-ship but would be happy to stay onboard if there is something special to stay for. Thanks in advance.

Our ship (Infinity) boards on Jan3 and then stays overnite leaving the port on Jan 4 at 5pm. I appreciate a recent thread re: taxi drop off at the port. I am wondering how long it takes by taxi to get into the Recoleta area? Just thinking about how it easy it is to go back into the city at night after boarding and then again the next day prior to departure. Thanks in advance.

We will be on the Celebrity Infinity 1/3/16 sailing from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso. The itinerary has several "cruising days" which I believe are sea days. There are also 2 days called "Chilean Fjords" and "Magellan Strait". There are no ports on those days but they seem to be distinct from "cruising days". Just trying to clarify if these days are slowly moving through scenic areas and if there might be special narration or information given while this is going on. Thanks to anyone who might know the answer!

Thanks for the assistance. That is the email address I used. The phone number I used has a Spanish message so I had a friend of mine who is fluent listen to it but the message is so fast it was a bit difficult to understand. I will call back and leave a message in English...nothing to lose! Good idea about emailing the tourist office. I'll follow up on that.

It seems Pira is the only tour group with a license to go to Estacion Harberton. We have been trying to reach Pira but have gotten no response. I tried 3 different phone numbers today and no luck. No response to emails. I notice that there are posts on this board re: Pira that are fairly recent. For those who have gone with Pira...how did you contact them? Any advice? Thanks in advance.

I am not an expert having never been, but as you can tell from my earlier posts on this thread I've done a fair amount of investigating trying to figure out how to get there! And, as of last night, we will be spending 2 nites pre-cruise in Iguazu as well. The Sheraton is way over my price range. I managed to snag what I think is a very good deal at the Panoramic Hotel. Mostly the rooms are well over $300 but through the trip advisor site, I got one for under $200. It might be a double bed which we are ok with but might not work if you prefer larger. Includes breakfast as well and has great reviews. Hope it's ok to post this! The Loi Suites is recommended on TA quite a bit but a refundable rate is around $350. I find Trip Advisor is sometimes a better resource for the land portions of cruises. Good luck!

Ooops...everytime I spell it, I spell it differently and usually incorrectly! I hope all of you who can manage the trip to Iguazo really enjoy it. I think I may have to take another trip to South America to make my way there.

I would love to go to Iquazo Falls but am afraid I don't have enough time to do it justice. I was originally considering flying up in the morning, spending the day on the Argentine side and flying back to Buenos Aires the same night. Can be done logistically but seems too rushed and probably a bad idea. I am hoping we can squeeze at least 2 days pre-cruise.

One more thing...there are some great "deals" to Peru and, along with maryann, highly recommend allowing yourself to embrace the whole experience. I went for Machu Picchu and fell in love with so much more. If you would like any info on the tour group we used which was really economical compared to some send me a private message .

Just thought I'd add a bit re: altitude as I was in Peru last year. We started in Lima and flew to Cusco which is over 11,000 feet. We immediately went to a lower altitude in the Sacred Valley and then to Machu Picchu which is around 8,000 ft. We were with a tour group of about 25 and there were varying degrees of accomodation to the altitude even going lower immediately. With a short trip to Cusco and Machu Picchu that time for accomodation is much less. I LOVED Machu Picchu and Peru was a fabulous trip. However, I don't see tacking it onto the middle of a SA cruise unless it is an extension at the end. Just thought I'd add my 2 cents....have a great trip!

I would appreciate someone explaining the "blue dollar". I have read about it on trip advisor but don't quite understand. Thanks in advance.

I managed to get the link. This map has definite walking routes identified as "design route", "fast route" and "seaside route". This opens the "Hesinki for Cruise Visitors". Scroll down and you will see the map I am referring to. I believe it is the second map.

http://www.visithelsinki.fi/sites/visithelsinki.fi/files/files/Esitteet/EN/cruise_visitors_guide_eng_2013.pdf

Re: where I found the walking route. I am having difficulty posting the link, but it is on the www(dot)visithelsinki(dot)fi website. There is a link to "Helsinki Welcomes Cruise Visitors" that has a description of places to visit and also a map with key attractions to visit and a walking route outlined. Sorry I can't put in the exact link but it is easy to find on the website.

Is it possible to walk from Hernasaari to Market Square? I downloaded a Helsinki brochure from the tourist bureau and they show a walking route. We are "good walkers" but would appreciate advice. Thanks.