Has anyone done the Oceania shore excursion: Laguna San Rafael by Catamaran?

[longduo]

We are sailing around Cape Horn on the Oceania Insignia Jan. 10 and are trying to decide on shore excursions. Has anyone done this one? Do you recommend it? I have also posted on the South Amreica port section, but no responses so thought I'd try people who have sailed Oceania before.

 

Laguna San Rafael By Catamaran

Half-Day (Approximately 3 1/2 hours)

Tour Price: $209.00

 

We often plan independent shore excursions, but this one can only be done as a ship trip. We're wondering if we will truly see scenery that is spectacular and different from the rest of the cruise. We'd appreciate any guidance.

 

Here is their description of this tour:

"Join us for a journey to one of the most spectacular

sceneries in Southern Chile. Begin by boarding a

modern, comfortable catamaran. As the vessel will tie

up alongside M/S Insginia, this excursion will take

place using several departures due to the catamaran's

capacity. Whether you are in the first group or the

last one, the stunning scenery and the excitement of

this unique experience will equally thrill you. See

fantastic views of floating pieces of ice and the San

Valentin Glacier. The spectacular glacier is one of a

group of four that flow in all directions from San

Valentin Mountain. This glacier also has the

distinction of being the world's nearest one to the

Equator. As a dramatic backdrop, the San Valentin

Mountain rises from this massive ice field which is

part of the Laguna San Rafael National Park. Relax in

the warm and cozy interior, or spend time in the clear

and invigorating air out on deck. You will want to

bring your camera, binoculars and wear warm clothing.

Watch for huge blocks of ice calving with horrendous

noise off the glacier. As the vessel cruises slowly

out of Laguna San Rafael, take one last look at the

spectacular setting and marvel at this unique

experience".

 

Longduo

[owl61]

I just returned from a Skorpios cruise that went from Puerto Montt down to the Laguna San Rafael. It was my second time. The glacier is a neat sight and presumably the catamaran will allow you to get close enough to see up close and personal the calving - which is what makes the trip fun. Unfortunately, it is also a reminder of global warming. The glacier has shrunk tremendously over the past 20 years. There are markings on the mountain sides that show just how much the face has receded in relationship to the lagoon.

On the tour off the Skorpios we chipped ice off the blue colored ice floats to make 12 -30s.... 12 year old scotch with 30,000 year old ice totally free of any polutants since it was formed 30,000 years ago. It will be worth the price if you can experience calving...a pretty good bet.

[longduo]

We will definitely sign up for the catamaran tour. Thanks for your help!

 

Longduo

[canoecanoe]

We will definitely sign up for the catamaran tour. Thanks for your help!

 

Longduo

 

Just wondering if you went on the catamaran tour to see the Glacier.

We are going in Feb/Mar. 2010 with Oceania and wonder if it's worth the now $500.00 per couple for the 3 1/2 hr. catamaran trip to see the glacier.

[CAG]

We were on the Oceania cruise last February and after multiple attempts for the cataraman to tie up to the ship, the excursion was cancelled due to unsafe conditions. Just be aware that it might not happen. The crew indicated that it did not occur on the previous sailing either.

[raffeer]

We were on this cruise in Feb '08 and San Raphael was cancelled due to rough seas. We never even got close enough for the the catamarans to make the attempt.

Oh well another sea day..................

[hondorner]

We decided it was not worth the money; but that's not much help to you, because we can't prove a negative. All I can say for certain is that our lives didn't change because we missed it, but who knows -- our lives might have changed for the better if we had gone :rolleyes:.

[timbo89]

The catamaran was being repaired and so we skipped the port - this was in Feb '08