Zodiacs how hard are they to get in and out of?

[wwinfl91]

We are considering a cruise to Iceland and Scotland on Silverseas newest ship, the Endeavor,which uses zodiacs to take passengers to take passenger on to shore especially in a lot of the small ports we will be visiting. We are in are mid 70's and early 80's but are normally mobile and in decent shape for our ages. Will we have trouble getting in and out of the zodiacs? This is for people who have traveled on smaller expedition style ships. Thanks for help. 

[pavementends]

Cruises attract people with enough money, which usually means...not very young. And not in the peak of physical condition. On an arctic cruise some years ago, there were passengers in the 70s or a bit more, who participated fully in the landings.

 

You are unlikely to have trouble if you have reasonable balance and agility. Regular hiking over rough ground, tennis, etc. would be an indication of general fitness and agility. Not necessary, but helpful.

 

 

[Port Power]

On 12/18/2022 at 4:30 AM, wwinfl91 said:

We are considering a cruise to Iceland and Scotland on Silverseas newest ship, the Endeavor,which uses zodiacs to take passengers to take passenger on to shore especially in a lot of the small ports we will be visiting. We are in are mid 70's and early 80's but are normally mobile and in decent shape for our ages. Will we have trouble getting in and out of the zodiacs? This is for people who have traveled on smaller expedition style ships. Thanks for help. 

Expedition leaders are excellent in showing the correct way to get in and out of zodiacs, and are there to assist, using the monkey grip. Ask to use both arms if that balances you better. In some situations we would sit on the side of the zodiacs and swivel, then slide along the side.  I have seen pretty unfit travellers manage it, so you should do well.  Age is irrelevant.

[2552phxcrzr]

We have done lots of expedition style voyages that required getting in and out of zodiacs.  If you have a decent sense of balance and agility, you'll be fine.  At 5 feet 1 inch ... I sometimes find getting in a little more challenging ... depends on the terrain and how high the nose of the boat is sitting.  But there are always plenty of staff around to help if necessary.

[sherylc]

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. 

[Rothko1]

As I posted on the other thread:

 

I was just on the Silver Endeavour in Antarctica.  

 

You board the zodiacs from the side of the side (as opposed to the Silver Origin in the Galapagos where you board at the back of the ship on the marina deck).  The Captain turns the ship so that typically you will be on the lee side when using the zodiacs.

 

There will always be at least 3 crew assisting you on and off:  two people on the ship and one in the zodiac.  You do the "sailors grip" which is grasping the forearms; it is very secure.  Backpacks or bags get handed in or out after you finish boarding or de-boarding the zodiacs.  They put a box in the zodiac which you step onto. 

 

Once onboard the zodiac you sit down and then scoot down towards the back of the zodiac to let more people on.  Frankly, you never want to be the first people on the zodiac because then you are back near the engine and it will be harder to hear the zodiac driver.  Plus, you get better views if you are near the front of the zodiac.  So let others board first.

 

When you make a "wet landing" at the shore, you scoot up to the front of the zodiac and they have you swing your legs around first and then exit the zodiac.  They usually have boxes there as well for boarding the zodiac.  Lots of crew to help you with the wet landings and boardings.

 

The crew is very very experienced at assisting passengers on and off.  They will make sure you are fine.  There was an older gentleman who could barely walk with a cane, and he was going on the zodiacs with very little problem.

 

You should go on the Endeavour.  It is a magnificent ship, and you will have a wonderful and safe adventure.