Ponant canceling South Georgia Island due to bird flu...

[mbanks1220]

Just got notice from Ponant that they are canceling South Georgia Island from our cruise due to the Bird Flu.   Very few details about what is happening instead.  Anyone else know?

 

[AussieBoyTX]

Ugh. 
 

Do you know the revised itinerary?

[highplanesdrifters]

Slightly dated info.

https://www.swoop-antarctica.com/cruises/south-georgia/avian-flu

 

I've heard from an expedition member who landed on Fortuna a few weeks ago where there is a big King colony. But it's a rather dynamic situation that may change quickly.

 

FWIW, here is an interesting link to all the South Georgia landing sites.

 

https://gov.gs/visitor-sites/

[mbanks1220]

No, Ponant hasn't released it yet which is so frustrating as we leave soon.   Once I get it and hopefully before we leave I will post it.

[bike utah]

I called Ponant and was told they will release more information later today.

[AussieBoyTX]

Found this. Sounds grim. 
 

Mass deaths of elephant seals recorded as bird flu sweeps across the Antarctic

Researchers warn of one of ‘largest ecological disasters of modern times’ if the highly contagious disease reaches penguin colonies

 

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/08/mass-deaths-elephant-seals-penguins-bird-flu-antarctic-ecological-disaster-aoe

Edited December 22, 2023 by AussieBoyTX

[Colleen Higginson]

On 12/20/2023 at 7:20 PM, mbanks1220 said:

Just got notice from Ponant that they are canceling South Georgia Island from our cruise due to the Bird Flu.   Very few details about what is happening instead.  Anyone else know?

 

 

[Colleen Higginson]

Any further update from Ponant 

[marieps]

We sail the Great Austral Loop on 2 Feb.  Ponant just informed our TA than the South Georgia Islands have been cancelled.  We'll do more landings in the Falklands and on the peninsula instead.  They're also offering 20% off a future cruise booked by 12/31/25.

[allemonde]

We're sailing "The Great Adventure" on 27 Feb - we were informed today that we also would have South Georgia cancelled, with Falkland Island as an alternate route. Same offer of 20% off a future cruise by 31/12/25.