Patagonia and Ice, any comments?

[TrulyBlonde]

20 hours ago, Rob the Cruiser said:

 

DW and I have visited Buenos Aires three times and never encountered "bums and con people everywhere". It's a fabulous city. 

 

The only victims we ever encountered on a cruise were those who ignored advice to leave their jewelry in their cabins when going ashore. 

My former husband did business all over the world. I was always on my own many days exploring different cities. I remember having lunch in BA at the Cipriani (no longer there) and the head waiter spoke to me softly and told me to remove and hide my Cartier watch. I have never forgotten that warning and have been there 3 times now. I follow that advice now no matter what foreign city I am in. I have been fortunate and have never had an issue other than a scary cab driver in Marseille.

[clo]

1 hour ago, LHT28 said:

Just consider  if flying from or through a winter  area  that you may encounter delays

A bit of snow can shut down an airport for  hours or days

JMO

We've had that happen. Flying to Houston, connecting through Phoenix, to then go to Rio. Connecting flight to PHX got canceled/delayed (can't remember) and we missed our flight to IAH and subsequently to Rio. Twenty-four hours later we flew out. Annoying but since that was our final destination not earth-shattering. I would NEVER not come in ahead of time. 

[jonthomas]

1 hour ago, LHT28 said:

Just consider  if flying from or through a winter  area  that you may encounter delays

A bit of snow can shut down an airport for  hours or days

JMO

 

yes I hear you.....  when already spending such an amount, whats another several hundred dollars...for deviation, for hotels, for food..for taxis...etc...better make it another couple of thousand .....and then there is the issue of adding more days to an already long cruise.....

[ORV]

19 minutes ago, jonthomas said:

 

yes I hear you.....  when already spending such an amount, whats another several hundred dollars...for deviation, for hotels, for food..for taxis...etc...better make it another couple of thousand .....and then there is the issue of adding more days to an already long cruise.....

I don't know if you're being facetious or not, but a couple of thousand is a bit of exaggeration. You're looking at $350 for the deviation for 2 people, you can stay in a hotel just about anywhere for less than $200-$300 a night, you're going to need a taxi or transfer regardless, you're going to eat regardless. Personally I'd gladly pay an extra $600 to insure that I'm not going to miss the boat. 

 

Having said all that a couple of times over the years I have flown in the day of the cruise. Once into Santiago and another into LHR. Both big gambles but they were direct overnight flights from my gateway airport. The plane was our hotel room. I haven't done that in a while, at least a year😄

Edited March 1, 2021 by ORV

[TrulyBlonde]

6 minutes ago, ORV said:

 

 

Having said all that a couple of times over the years I have flown in the day of the cruise. Once into Santiago and another into LHR. Both big gambles but they were direct overnight flights from my gateway airport. The plane was our hotel room. I haven't done that in a while, at least a year😄

When we first starting cruising and did not know any better, we also flew in same day. We were lucky and had no issues. After learning more about cruising, we then realized how exhausting it is arriving 1st day and from then on always arrive at least one day ahead of boarding. It is so much more relaxing and worth the extra dollars.

[LHT28]

4 hours ago, jonthomas said:

 

yes I hear you.....  when already spending such an amount, whats another several hundred dollars...for deviation, for hotels, for food..for taxis...etc...better make it another couple of thousand .....and then there is the issue of adding more days to an already long cruise.....

Well you must  need 5 * hotels    & gourmet meals 🤔

[Shawnino]

One man's opinion but if I'm looking at the right one, I'd choose another itinerary if this is your first time in that part of the world. One day budgeted in the Falklands isn't really enough (and may quickly turn to zero) and a drive-by of Antarctica and a no-see of So. Georgia will be disappointing at best.

 

Buenos Aires: Take a proper "remise" (car service) booked inside the aeroport to your hotel. We always used Manuel Tienda Leon, but it's been a few years. Try to stay in Recoleta district. As others have written, no jewelry, no flashing money around. Do not go to Republica Boca, period, unless you are on guided tour with security. (Not too much to see there anyway...La Bombonera for soccer fans...) Stick to well traveled streets. 

 

The town of Ushuaia itself is underwhelming, but if you can get out of town to the National Park, do that. Beautiful. 

 

Time in Falklands would be tight, so pick just one of (seeing the town; out of town adventure without penguins; trip to penguins). You're somewhere between 50-75% of being able to get ashore at all. 

 

Drake Passage: This could be the wildest sea you've ever experienced: rolling, thumping, breaking glass (windows; portholes), ropes in the corridors...or it could be the Drake Lake, smooth as a baby's bottom. Or anything inbetween. 

 

Disembarkation in San Antonio is not so hot--they used to call on Valparaiso, but the port is a chaotic mess. San Antonio is more stable--but nothing to see there. Very industrial port, like Livorno. Get to Santiago, or better yet get up to Valpo/Vina del Mar to look around. If you need a guy, I know a guy.

 

 

Edited March 2, 2021 by Shawnino

[jonthomas]

all appreciated...thank you....

[clo]

46 minutes ago, Shawnino said:

Do not go to Republica Boca

Great advice on everything...except we thoroughly enjoyed La Boca. We went one morning, walked about, bought a cute little picture, had a wine and then a lunch with wine and headed back to Recoleta. But if time is limited I'd skip it.

[mauibabes]

We have been looking at the New Exotics itineraries and intend to book the January 18, 2023 Patagonia and Glaciers 20 day cruise on Marina, BA to Santiago. My Specialist in Miami said the January trip should have better overall weather than the February 20 day trip heading back from Santiago. The Exotics go on sale Wednesday morning and I think this trip is going to be a hot seller with the trip over to Antarctica and the islands. They have not done this itinerary in awhile and will do it twice on Marina and once on Insignia as a part of the World Cruise.  We hope to have 8 couples going on this trip and are really looking forward to this itinerary. 
we have just got to sail soon.  
Gerry and Bonnie 

[jonthomas]

10 hours ago, mauibabes said:

We have been looking at the New Exotics itineraries and intend to book the January 18, 2023 Patagonia and Glaciers 20 day cruise on Marina, BA to Santiago. My Specialist in Miami said the January trip should have better overall weather than the February 20 day trip heading back from Santiago. The Exotics go on sale Wednesday morning and I think this trip is going to be a hot seller with the trip over to Antarctica and the islands. They have not done this itinerary in awhile and will do it twice on Marina and once on Insignia as a part of the World Cruise.  We hope to have 8 couples going on this trip and are really looking forward to this itinerary. 
we have just got to sail soon.  
Gerry and Bonnie 

 

I have been mulling this cruise over and  for all kinds of reasons, almost decided to let it go...but this has reignited my interest again. ....

 

how wonderful to be able to sail with 8 other couples...you are fortunate....in our circle,  no one is interested in cruising ,  many have bought RVs, summer homes, all kinds of other getaways...

 

would make it much easier to travel with others....

 

leaving my email in case anyone wishes to say anything that they dont want in print here....

 

johthomas100z@gmail.com

[Kate-AHF]

15 hours ago, Shawnino said:

One man's opinion but if I'm looking at the right one, I'd choose another itinerary if this is your first time in that part of the world. One day budgeted in the Falklands isn't really enough (and may quickly turn to zero) and a drive-by of Antarctica and a no-see of So. Georgia will be disappointing at best.

 

Buenos Aires: Take a proper "remise" (car service) booked inside the aeroport to your hotel. We always used Manuel Tienda Leon, but it's been a few years. Try to stay in Recoleta district. As others have written, no jewelry, no flashing money around. Do not go to Republica Boca, period, unless you are on guided tour with security. (Not too much to see there anyway...La Bombonera for soccer fans...) Stick to well traveled streets. 

 

The town of Ushuaia itself is underwhelming, but if you can get out of town to the National Park, do that. Beautiful. 

 

Time in Falklands would be tight, so pick just one of (seeing the town; out of town adventure without penguins; trip to penguins). You're somewhere between 50-75% of being able to get ashore at all. 

 

Drake Passage: This could be the wildest sea you've ever experienced: rolling, thumping, breaking glass (windows; portholes), ropes in the corridors...or it could be the Drake Lake, smooth as a baby's bottom. Or anything inbetween. 

 

Disembarkation in San Antonio is not so hot--they used to call on Valparaiso, but the port is a chaotic mess. San Antonio is more stable--but nothing to see there. Very industrial port, like Livorno. Get to Santiago, or better yet get up to Valpo/Vina del Mar to look around. If you need a guy, I know a guy.

 

 

 

Entire post.. just.... yes.  Will add that we stayed one night in Vina del Mar, right on the beach and it was wonderful.  And adding another vote for getting out of Ushuia and getting a guide or tax to the National Park.  Worth every minute, particularly if you have a local driver that knows the tourist ebb and flow, and will get you to the important sights ahead of the rest of the ship.

[azdrydock]

OP.... Enjoy your cruise

We did it last year and didn't feel threatened in anyplace. The graffiti, not to be confused with street art, was no worse then southern Europe. Like most cities common sense keeps you out of trouble. Didn't run into any "bums or con people"  All of the tour buses were clean and relatively new, guides spoke very acceptable English, some were college students. Not much in a few the of the west coast ports but go1 hour inland and you will feel like you are in Switzerland. Did a 10 hour ship to plane with Tours by Locals from San Diego to Valparaiso to Santiago that was fantastic.

 

As with any cruise no one can predict the weather or sea conditions, Drake passage was as smooth as could be. We were in a Verandah and cabin temperature was comfortable.

 

IMHO it is ideal for the first timer since you get a taste of everything. If you miss the Falklands you will still see penguins up close on your next few stops.

[TrulyBlonde]

12 minutes ago, azdrydock said:

OP.... Enjoy your cruise

We did it last year and didn't feel threatened in anyplace. The graffiti, not to be confused with street art, was no worse then southern Europe. Like most cities common sense keeps you out of trouble. Didn't run into any "bums or con people"  All of the tour buses were clean and relatively new, guides spoke very acceptable English, some were college students. Not much in a few the of the west coast ports but go1 hour inland and you will feel like you are in Switzerland. Did a 10 hour ship to plane with Tours by Locals from San Diego to Valparaiso to Santiago that was fantastic.

 

As with any cruise no one can predict the weather or sea conditions, Drake passage was as smooth as could be. We were in a Verandah and cabin temperature was comfortable.

 

IMHO it is ideal for the first timer since you get a taste of everything. If you miss the Falklands you will still see penguins up close on your next few stops.

Agree. We spent close to a month cruising SA from Lima all the way to BA on Insignia. After all of that time and money spent we thought it would be foolish to not see Rio. We flew there and spent a lovely time seeing the sights and the beauty Rio offers. Copacabana Palace is a fabulous place to stay and is on the beach (or across the street from it).

Yes, we were surprised to see so much graffiti but you forgot to mention how friendly all of the dogs are 😉

We did make it to the Falklands and went on the penguin tour. Loved it. We enjoyed this cruise so much that we then booked a cruise on Ponant to Antarctica and S. Georgia.

 

We had a wonderful and memorable trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[jonthomas]

Which side of the ship would you recommend? Port or Starboard? Sailing south from Buenos Aires  around horn, north to Santiago, Chile.

[TrulyBlonde]

8 minutes ago, jonthomas said:

Which side of the ship would you recommend? Port or Starboard? Sailing south from Buenos Aires  around horn, north to Santiago, Chile.

The best way to make that decision is to look at the cruise itinerary map. Pick which ports and areas are most important. If not that way, heading South toward the horn, land would be on the right side (starboard). You will really enjoy the Chilean Fjords and I assume you will travel thru them.

[jonthomas]

Yes I think starboard is the way to go. Will be booking the most mid ship balcony. 

[TrulyBlonde]

9 minutes ago, jonthomas said:

Yes I think starboard is the way to go. Will be booking the most mid ship balcony. 

I just looked at your itinerary and this has many similar ports to our trip. I am excited for you 🙂  You will not touch land in Antarctica but it will still be beautiful.

We had to do a 2nd trip to get to Antarctica and if doing it all over again, we would have stayed longer and combined that area into our trip. However, you have time, work constraints so this should work nicely.

 

We also did not have the Drake Lake on our Ponant trip and spent too many days in the washing machine getting there. Wild and crazy place. 

[basor]

23 hours ago, jonthomas said:

 

yes I hear you.....  when already spending such an amount, whats another several hundred dollars...for deviation, for hotels, for food..for taxis...etc...better make it another couple of thousand .....and then there is the issue of adding more days to an already long cruise.....

The other important item to remember is there is , generally, only one flight a day between the US and Buenos Aires...it is usually a night flight departing the US around 8-10PM and arriving in BA the next morning so if you miss the flight from the US, you will have to wait until the following evening for the next flight.  There are a few exceptions (AA out of MIA) but figure, miss your international flight and it is a guarantee 24 hour delay.

 

I would never plan on arriving the day of the cruise departure from any South American city.....   Also, depending upon the itinerary, when you depart from BA, you will stop the next day in Montevideo and then it is many sea days to the Falklands, etc. and you could actually end up missing a lot of the cruise because the only place to catch up with your cruise could be Ushuaia..

 

Antarctica is a beautiful  continent and we thoughrly enjoyed our expedition cruise aboard Seabourn where we spent a week cruising around Antarctica with multiple landings and kayaking among the icebergs,.

 

Also, for what it is worth, we have traveled to Argentina and spent many days in BA every year for the last 20 ,   We have family that live in the Patagonia region and so transit BA both directions, We love the city and have it found beautiful, safe and enjoyable. Felt safer there than in NYC or SFO...

[jonthomas]

Yes, I agree to do this trip, we would have to go to BA two days ahead, pay the deviation, have peace of mind, see the sights, relax and board the ship ready for the adventure.

 

It is really a break to talk about something uplifting instead of the gloom and doom of the past year and the continuation into this year.

 

Of course I am keeping in mind to be grateful that we are able to look to the future. 

[jonthomas]

40 minutes ago, basor said:

The other important item to remember is there is , generally, only one flight a day between the US and Buenos Aires...it is usually a night flight departing the US around 8-10PM and arriving in BA the next morning so if you miss the flight from the US, you will have to wait until the following evening for the next flight.  There are a few exceptions (AA out of MIA) but figure, miss your international flight and it is a guarantee 24 hour delay.

 

I would never plan on arriving the day of the cruise departure from any South American city.....   Also, depending upon the itinerary, when you depart from BA, you will stop the next day in Montevideo and then it is many sea days to the Falklands, etc. and you could actually end up missing a lot of the cruise because the only place to catch up with your cruise could be Ushuaia..

 

Antarctica is a beautiful  continent and we thoughrly enjoyed our expedition cruise aboard Seabourn where we spent a week cruising around Antarctica with multiple landings and kayaking among the icebergs,.

 

Also, for what it is worth, we have traveled to Argentina and spent many days in BA every year for the last 20 ,   We have family that live in the Patagonia region and so transit BA both directions, We love the city and have it found beautiful, safe and enjoyable. Felt safer there than in NYC or SFO...

 

Yes it is BA to Santiago. 

[Shawnino]

Starboard 100%.

 

If you're flying from the US/Toronto and want to save a little money, consider Copa Airlines.They are Panamanian and all their flights hub up in Panama City at roughly the same time. They seem to pretty much run the aeroport, so departing flights will wait for any late arrivals so that people make their connections. It also means that their longest flight is only 5.5/6 hours. I've always found staff to be very gracious. 

 

Economy class is what it is, but on Copa, it's less expensive.

 

Pre-pandemic the Business class was about half the cost of the US carriers. To be sure, it's business-class-minus (no flat bed, no pods, minimal IFE) but the recliners are comfy, food runs roughly equal to other carriers, drinks flow, and there is ample personal space.  

[clo]

8 hours ago, TrulyBlonde said:

Rio

Like this!

 

[Rob the Cruiser]

17 hours ago, Shawnino said:

Starboard 100%.

 

If you're flying from the US/Toronto and want to save a little money, consider Copa Airlines.They are Panamanian and all their flights hub up in Panama City at roughly the same time. They seem to pretty much run the aeroport, so departing flights will wait for any late arrivals so that people make their connections. It also means that their longest flight is only 5.5/6 hours. I've always found staff to be very gracious. 

 

Economy class is what it is, but on Copa, it's less expensive.

 

Pre-pandemic the Business class was about half the cost of the US carriers. To be sure, it's business-class-minus (no flat bed, no pods, minimal IFE) but the recliners are comfy, food runs roughly equal to other carriers, drinks flow, and there is ample personal space.  

Agreed. We're satisfied with Copa for our Denver - Buenos Aires flights. Business class seats are like domestic first class but there's a connection in Panama City, so we weren't subjected to 14 continuous hours of torture. The "Copa Club" for frequent flyers and business class is spacious and as nice as any I have visited. 

Edited just now by Rob the Cruiser

Edited March 3, 2021 by Rob the Cruiser

[clo]

3 hours ago, Rob the Cruiser said:

Agreed. We're satisfied with Copa for our Denver - Buenos Aires flights. Business class seats are like domestic first class but there's a connection in Panama City, so we weren't subjected to 14 continuous hours of torture. The "Copa Club" for frequent flyers and business class is spacious and as nice as any I have visited. 

Edited just now by Rob the Cruiser

When we fly to Rio/BA we've done United out of Houston nonstop and 'only' about ten hours. Returning from BA (over a year ago - boohoo) I used points and $$$ to WL for Polaris business and it cleared! It will be hard to go back to anything less.