sherylc

We are looking to book our first Azamara cruise (over a year and a half out) and I have to say I have a very different way of looking at the original issue. I understand that ports get changed all the time, cruises get shortened, etc. and this is just part of cruising. But what makes this issue much more worrisome to me is that the issues I mentioned are usually through no fault of the cruise line -- usually things they couldn't control such as weather, a change in requirements to enter a country, etc. To me, this shortening of itinerary seems to totally be because Azamara was unable to obtain port space ahead of time. While I have not been able to find the process for how ports determine which ships get to dock, I have to assume that the well organized cruise lines seldom face this issue -- they turn in the correct paperwork on time and don't have to change published itineraries very often. Based on the timing of this update, I just wonder if Azamara might have dropped the ball due to all the changes going on with new ownership.

We were thinking about doing an itinerary similar to Lynncarol's tour but with a rental car. Assuming we bought appropriate insurance, any reason not to "Do it ourselves"? (we've driven in Iceland before when not on a cruise ship)

I was on the Cloud on the 18 day holiday trip including the Falklands and South Georgia. I agree with all above about South Georgia being the highlight. The only difference I can share is that I am one of those 1 percenters who do get super seasick even with all of the above meds plus anti nausea, ginger, wrist bands etc. I visited the ship’s doctor 3 times for anti vomiting shots (phenergan) that worked wonders! Even with as sick as I got, I would still absolutely recommend doing the itinerary with South Georgia and I would do it again in a heartbeat! It’s very few days that you are in rough waters, the rest is protected and amazing.

Just got off a Silversea expedition cruise. No problem at all for anyone getting in or out of zodiacs regardless of age. Usually 2 "Able Bodied Seamen" would basically place you into the zodiac and then help you out. Wouldn't worry at all about that part. But some of the hikes can be very strenuous.

Each of the different Antarctica expedition lines vary in their offerings and experiences. For the cost of the cruise, I recommend spending the time and effort to do a lot of research. Things to focus on include: itinerary (does it include Falklands/South Georgia or just Antarctica), number of passengers (affects the overall experience, landings, etc), additional experiences (most offer Kayaks -- some with fee, others offer additional experiences but make sure you understand how difficult it is to book some of those), past performance (a good place is to check here and that "other place" that also has roll calls, etc -- I learned a ton following the comments from various people as they were on their expeditions). Lastly, be aware that an Expedition cruise does carry risk. As you do your research, you will probably see that this Antarctica season, at least 3 passengers have died do to "accidents" and a few have been seriously hurt. This is rare, but you need to be aware of all aspects of these absolutely amazing experiences. My recent trip was probably the best of my lifetime, and I have traveled quite extensively.

The pictures I posted above were taken on our Silversea Silver Cloud Expedition cruise 12/17/22 through 1/4/23 (Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica). Absolutely amazing trip. Food and service top notch (pretty much anything you want any time). Best cruise ever, but also most expensive cruise we have ever taken -- worth every penny though!!

I had forgotten about the Rockhoppers and Albatross in the Falklands!

Just got off an Expedition cruise with Silversea (also owned by RCCL). If you can do an expedition cruise, especially adding in South Georgia -- it truly is a trip of a lifetime!!

Our ship doesn't leave until late in the evening but we would love to drop off our luggage on the ship and then go back out to spend some more time in port -- is this ever allowed?

No self respecting restaurant would serve the 3-4 bite lobster tails that have become the norm on most non-premium cruise lines including Celebrity. You need at least 3 or 4 of them to have a decent size portion of protein!

Our upcoming cruise is completely sold out (doesn’t even show up anymore on the find a cruise search) yet we still got move up bid options. But people miss flights, get sick or cancel last minute for a myriad of reasons. Likely only way we will see our bid accepted and likely only within a day or two of sailing.

My answer might not be popular, but I think Celebrity needs to find the cruise price that allows them to offer the previous quality of service/food that their loyal customers have come to expect. I have sailed many times with Celebrity, but think my upcoming March trip might be my last at least for awhile. I would be happy to pay a little more to have the quality experience I’ve grown used to. What I’m not happy with is hearing about all of the changes that have occurred AFTER I made final payment in December. I feel a bit like I’m held hostage to go on a cruise substantially different from what I expected when I booked and then paid for the cruise. The question is which population Celebrity is going after. They might attract new cruisers for the lower price point, but lose people like me who know what cruising with Celebrity “should be.”

We got about 100 US dollars changed to Chilean from our US bank before we left. Useful for tips for baggage, small purchases. Not a great exchange rate, but nice to have a little money ahead of time.

We received our ordered parkas in our cabins and had an opportunity to go to one of the lounges the next day to do any exchanges. They had a "try on" option of each size to see what's best then had you exchange for the best size. Went very fast and easy. Had lots of extras of each size. All of them ran long in the arms for the women but had snaps at the sleeves to tighten them down.

Unfortunately that price point seems to be pretty common in the last couple of years. I think the supply/demand went crazy with Covid knocking out a couple of years. One other thought as you continue your search: We just got back from an 18 day cruise on one of the "luxury cruise lines" that included South Georgia and the Falklands. While Antarctica was incredible, the highlight of our cruise was actually all of the stops we made in South Georgia. Raises the price point even a bit more, but if you are likely to make this a single "trip of a lifetime" you might want to explore all options.

We hired boots for the Cloud. Wore them every excursion even if just a Zodiac ride (kept the feet nice and toasty warm!). You only need one pair of warm socks inside the boots so I would go with your normal size, maybe going up rather than down if you are on the half size.

I measured and ordered the large (usually wear a women's size 10) -- tried it on and switched to a medium. Still able to fit thermals and a fleece shirt under the jacket. The sizes are definitely unisex (meaning men's sizes). Hope this helps.

We are just off the Cloud (the Wind’s sister ship). Excursions for us were usually either a 45 to 90 minute zodiac ride or about a 2 hour landing. Who went first varied to make it fair, but people typically jumped back on a zodiac when they were ready to return to the ship. Always felt like we had plenty of time. I would recommend snow trekking poles if there will still be snow at landing sites. Most used them for our landings. Neck gaiters were super useful. Waterproof pants absolutely essential. Can be rain or ski but must be truly waterproof. mud room only held boos. You got all your other gear on in your suite including parka and life vest before you were called down for your turn. Put on boots and off you go. We brought crocks which were great to put on before and after boots (with thick socks) We dressed with wool thermals, a fleece layer and then the parka/rain or snow pants. Waterproof gloves important. Don’t forget sunscreen!! I didn’t enjoy the Drake, but water in Antarctica was very protected. Enjoy. by the way there is tons of information on this topic on a site that rhymes with “SpaceHook”

We did get a dayroom at the MO. Others seem to have gotten one of the two airport hotels. Most people on the boards seem to have been given a post cruise day room, but have seen a couple outliers like you who do not have it listed. Hope that helps.

Did everyone staying at the Mandarin Oriental pre-cruise (D2D) get meal vouchers? I've heard they aren't doing the promised "welcome dinner" but wasn't sure if everyone was getting the vouchers or only some based on TA.

Can one still attend these events if we don't bring a jacket (just sweater and slacks)? (Doing the 18 day cruise and just not enough weight/space for a jacket or skirt to only be worn once or twice)

Did you get a welcome dinner or vouchers for last night? Was breakfast the standard MO breakfast or a smaller version provided just for SS? Thanks!

I'm hoping they have a virgin Miami Vice on SS (pina colada mixed with strawberry daquiri)

There are also a lot of discussion on another site (something about books or faces or something) that has a specific group for this cruise line. Much of the discussions there have been about Antarctica.

I thought our flights were settled. Just got an update for Delta. instead of a 1 hr layover on our final flight home, now up to 6 hrs -- sigh. Going to be a long day.