Infinity and South America Cruise

[hazeleyez3]

The Infinity has a sailing in 3/09 which has all the elements (South America ports, crossing the Equator, and cruising the Panama Canal) I am looking for my parents for the 40th anniversary. My hesitation is that I've read its had problems (more than others) in the past causing ports to be missed or cruises to be cancelled.

 

I've looked at all other lines as well as Celebrity's other ships, and don't see another with all elements. Should I chance it, and go with this one, or would it be better to book a different one with only one or two of the elements?

 

Also, I know since its a longer cruise the age range may be higher, but I was wondering about any night activities (other than the casino). My husband and I are in our 30s, and while we are not party-animals, I usually like to do a little something after dinner.

[TravelerThom]

The Infinity has a sailing in 3/09 which has all the elements (South America ports, crossing the Equator, and cruising the Panama Canal) I am looking for my parents for the 40th anniversary. My hesitation is that I've read its had problems (more than others) in the past causing ports to be missed or cruises to be cancelled.

 

I've looked at all other lines as well as Celebrity's other ships, and don't see another with all elements. Should I chance it, and go with this one, or would it be better to book a different one with only one or two of the elements?

 

Also, I know since its a longer cruise the age range may be higher, but I was wondering about any night activities (other than the casino). My husband and I are in our 30s, and while we are not party-animals, I usually like to do a little something after dinner.

We did the Infinity southbound from FLL to Chile last year. We did have a pod problem [one pod would not align properly after leaving Mantu, so we essentially had one motor heading into Lima - arrived late and spent extra time replacing rotational motors] and ended up missing the Arica port call. I felt that X kept us well informed, and they compensated $400 for the cheapest cabins, with somewhat more compensation for higher priced cabins. I had spent four days in Arica ten years before, so I was happy to take the money.

 

No travel is guaranteed [flown anywhere recently?], but if you are able to accept that I would still recommend the Infinity. The ship and crew were first rate, and we had a most enjoyable cruise. Be sure to check out the Spa dining [light healthy items from a little cafe line by the indoor pool, run by the specialty restaurant staff, no extra charge] and the specialty restaurant [$30pp, but worth it]. As you expected this is not a cruise for party animals, but the night club DJ starts about 11pm and goes pretty much as late as he has dancers, and there are the usual compliment of shows, bars and a number of places with music and dancing in addition to the night club.

 

Chile is a lovely country [both scenery and ambiance] and I would highly recommend spending some time there.