Safari to FALKLANDS, SOUTH GEORGIA, ANTARCTICA--a relative bargain

[Atravelynn]

Helpful Hints and Things I Learned (in no particular order)

 

 

(‘v’)  A cap with a bill, like a baseball cap, was really helpful on bright, sunny days.  I do not recall that on the packing list.  Here is Poseidon’s packing list.

https://poseidonexpeditions.com/info-for-travelers/how2pack/

 

Saunders Island, Falklands – Gentoo Penguins

 

 

(‘v’)  Bincolulars are on the packing list.  I always bring and use binos on safaris and wildlife trips.  I brought binoculars and took them on the first shore excursion to Westpoint, Falkland Islands, but did not take them again on a shore excursion. I wore them on the ship whenever I was on deck and used them about 3 times, mostly for whales.  There was an excellent pair of binoculars in the lounge for guest use.  Not sure that I’d bring them again for ship use, though I did use them in the nature activities in Ushuaia.  If weight became an issue, I think it would be ok to leave the binoculars behind.

\

St. Andrews Bay, South Georgia – King Penguins

 

(‘v’)  If purchasing waterproof pants, the high-end Gortex ones are needed and they must be waterproof, not just resistant.  I had good quality Gortex pants, plus some lesser quality ones and on very wet days I wore both.  Sometimes the pants, especially the bottoms, had not dried out yet from the morning outing when it was time to go out in the afternoon.  Two pairs of the waterproof pants worked well for me.  I noted the Poseidon packing list suggests no Velcro or mesh for the Gortex pants.  While ideal, that can be hard to find.  Velcro just meant more careful inspection in the bio-security sessions was needed.

 

 

Ocean Harbor, South Georgia – Fur seal sups playing on land

 

(‘v’) Info was provided to us about where you could rent gear, such as Gortex pants in advance.  I saw people who went that option and the gear was top notch.  One lady told us the Gortex pants she wore on the trip were the first pants she had worn in 40 years.  I felt kind of honored to witness that. She had boarded the ship in a skirt and wore skirts at all time on board.  

Saunders Island, Falklands - Gentoo

 

(‘v’) Another reason for 2 pairs of rain pants:  For the best photos of penguins and seals it is often helpful to go low, either squatting or sometimes kneeling.  Especially on the rocky surfaces, it is easy to rip a hole in the Gortex pants.  Wearing a cheaper, thinner pair of rain pants as an outside layer means that pair takes the brunt of the wear and tear on the knees.

Aitcho Island in the South Shetland Islands near Antarctica-Gentoo Penguin chicks

 

 

(‘v’)  The temperature on the ship was surprisingly warm.  Most of the time short sleeves were adequate on the ship, and I tend to be cold.  The library was rather cold and actually offered a nice contrast.  Temperature in the room could be controlled.  I packed for a colder on-board experience than what I found.

St. Andrews Bay, South Georgia – King Penguins

 

 

(‘v’)  Some cruises offer free flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, or even from the originating country to Buenos Aires.  But those free flights may mean you have two different airlines involved--the free flight and the one you have to book.  When the entire international and domestic flight itinerary is not booked all at once, from your originating country, then weight limits imposed by Aerolineas Argentinas kick in, which can either cost more or cause problems with carrying on photo gear.

[Aerolineas Argentinas had limits of 33 lbs for a checked bag and 10-17 lbs, depending on whom I talked to, for the carryon limit.  You could pay for heavier checked luggage but the carryon rules did not permit additional weight.]

Danco Island in Antarctica – Gentoo

 

(‘v’) Two pairs of gloves/mittens are definitely needed and the kind I found most useful for photography are the open fingers with a mitten flap that pulls over the top.  This inexpensive pair worked well. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0187Q9F2W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

These gloves (link below) were also good, but I really like the mitten option in the ones above

https://us.photographygloves.com/

 

Two pairs are good because often one pair was still wet after the first outing of the day and not dry in time for the second outing.  Someone on the trip told us about The Heat Company for good gloves, stating, “They are pricey but you’ll never need another pair.”

https://www.theheatcompany.com/en-us/gloves/heat-3-smart

Cuverville Island, Antarctica Peninsula – Gentoos

 

(‘v’) A drybag and not just a water-resistant backpack is needed for camera gear.  We got splashed and deluged with waves a few times in the zodiac.  Backpacks got soaked.  Drybags, of course, kept contents dry.  Don’t bring plastic bags to protect cameras from waves or when it rains.  In fact, plastic bags are OUTLAWED on South Georgia.

Westpoint, Falklands – Black browed Albatross

 

(‘v’) The parkas provided to us were very warm and had good protection for wrists, neck (no need for my balaclava) and head.  The Arctic Muck boots were plenty warm too.  Really good quality gear! (We could keep the parkas if we wished.)  One long sleeved heavy shirt, plus the parka, was enough to stay warm on most outings. I liked my hat with ear flaps, which I usually wore instead of using the hood.  Sunglasses were on the packing list and were useful on sunny days. 

Cuverville Island, Antarctica Peninsula – Gentoos

 

(‘v’) One thing I wished I would have brought was a small waterproof camera for shots taken from the zodiac while we were zipping along between ship and shore or when taking off from and arriving on shore.  My good cameras were always stowed during these times to protect from waves.  When slowly cruising along the shore or iceberg viewing, I felt safe with my good camera(s) out because waves were not crashing in and there was not much spray.  But there were times when a waterproof camera would have been nice.

Salisbury Plain, South Georgia – King Penguins

 

 

(‘v’) Boot sizes for the Arctic Muck Boots provided are whole sizes only.  No half sizes.  I wear a 9 1/2 and wore a 10.  It fit because of my 2 layers of thermal socks.  You provide your boot size in advance.

Disinfecting the boots between wearers.  I saw them do that and here is proof.

 

 

Salisbury Plain, South Georgia – King Penguins

 

 

(‘v’) I brought Hot Hands and Foot Warmers and never used either.  I discussed this with others who also had brought but never used these warming pads.

 

Aitcho Island of South Shetlands – Gentoo chick

 

(‘v’)  What really contributed to warm feet was the insoles I brought from home.  I replaced the Artic Muck Boots thin liner with thicker insoles, which also worked well with boots half a size bigger.  (Size 10 boots when I usually take 9.5)   Insoles were on the packing list and I’m glad I brought them.

St. Andrews Bay, South Georgia – King Penguins

 

(‘v’) It was possible to phone (at least to the USA) for I think $29 for 20 minutes, if I recall correctly, by using a phone card easily purchased on board at reception.  There was a phone in the cabin that always connected with the US for me no matter where we were.

Near Cuverville in Antarctica, taken from ship—whale spout on the left

 

 

(‘v’)  In contrast to phone service, Internet was very spotty and iffy from what I was told.  Never tried it.  My original intent was to do some work on the ship a few hours here and there, via Internet, but that would not have been successful if I had tried it.

Aitcho Island of South Shetlands – Chinstrap Penguin

 

(‘v’)  Laundry services were available.  Underpants for both men and women were $3/pair.  The cost to launder rain pants was about $6, an excellent deal to take advantage of before packing the smelly pants for the trip home. Just walking amongst the penguins made outerwear stinky.

For do-it-yourself washing, there was a clothesline.

Aitcho Island of South Shetlands – Gentoo chicks

 

 

(‘v’)  For clothes and gear brought from home that you will use for land excursions, an extensive biological invasive species eradication process is required.  To expedite, before leaving home pick out any seeds that have adhered to Velcro on any garment or gear going ashore.  Dump out any lint, dirt, seeds, etc. that have accumulated in camera, tote, or dry bags.  All gear is vacuumed and inspected, sometimes with a magnifying glass. Local inspectors will likely be brought aboard. We did have passengers denied entry to the zodiacs until they did a second cleaning of their gear, which delayed their landing.  I noted the Poseidon packing list suggests no Velcro, but that is almost impossible to avoid.

Saunders Island, Falklands – Gentoo

 

(‘v’)  It was very easy on the Sea Spirit to eat healthy, such as salads and fruit.  Fresh fruits and vegetables were available throughout the 20-day trip, which surprised us and was a topic of conversation and outright wonder. How did they do it?  No replenishment of supplies was possible after the Falklands. 

It was not seen as weird (by staff or other diners) to order a soup and a salad for dinner and nothing else.  Fresh fruit was always a dessert option at dinner.  On the other hand, ordering two desserts was also ok and some folks did that too. All lunch and dinner menus of our delicous meals are shown in this album.  They were included on a souvenir tiny replica of Sea Spirit flash drive that will appear at the end of the report.

http://www.safaritalk.net/gallery/album/1760-sea-spirit-menus/

 

Stanley, Falklands – Upland Goose, male is white, female is brown.  Taken during the afternoon guided walk back to the ship.

 

 

(‘v’)  Lens papers worked better for wiping off the camera lens while on excursions when there was precipitation, rather than a lens cloth, which could produce a smeary result. 

Westpoint, Falklands – Black browed Albatross

 

(‘v’)  When it is snowing, it is even more important to take many continuous shoot photos that are repetitive, because the falling snowflakes can mar some of the otherwise perfect shots.

Saunders Island, Falklands – Gentoo Penguin and chick

 

 

(‘v’)  I did not bring a tripod or monopod.  A monopod or tripod could be useful for: (1) photos.  (2) a walking stick.  Walking sticks were provided for our use and to my surprise I used them often for slippery conditions, even though I don’t usually use a walking stick for hiking. (3) Deterring aggressive fur seals. The males could be a bit scary.  If you did not have a stick of some sorts, banging rocks together also worked. I might take a monopod another time. I saw no more than maybe 12 monopods or tripods, about half belonging to the 6 professional or nearly professional photographers on the trip.

Aitcho Island of South Shetlands – Gentoo

 

(‘v’) The pre-departure info mentioned two gatherings where you could dress up.  I was a little worried about needing to pack special clothes for this.  Polar Cruises assured me that dressing up was optional.  I handled these two more formal affairs by wearing a penguin scarf, which proved to be a fine solution.  Below is a re-enactment of me in my penguin scarf. 

While a few people got dressed up, most just wore the nicest clothes they had packed—whatever those might be—and one guy wore a ratty t-shirt with a quip about alcohol.  Indeed, dress up was optional.

This is the penguin scarf I wore for the dress up occasions.  Very appropriate. 

This is a re-enactment shot but I assure you I looked just like this at the Captain’s Reception in my penguin scarf.

 

(‘v’) Suggested tipping is $20 USD /day at this time.  $6 USD/day for guides and $14 USD/day for staff.  Tips, along with all ship-based expenses can be placed on a tab, paid with credit card, charged to a Florida location, at the end of the cruise.   Other than postcards and stamps, plus some inexpensive souvenirs at the research stations or Grytviken, lunch/snacks in Stanley, Falklands, no other money was needed.  US dollars were preferred.  British pounds were also fine in the Falklands.

Cuverville Island, Antarctica Peninsula – Gentoos

 

 

(‘v’) There is no dry room or mud room for gear, so jackets hang in the room.  We improvised and hung jackets and other damp gear, on hangers from the dropped ceiling that had a ledge, as shown in the photo.

Hanging our parkas

 

 

Triple Cabin Hints

(‘v’)  A small air freshener would have been helpful, the kind you can spray, not a plug-in.  It could be used in the bathroom and also in the cabin where 3 parkas and 3 pairs of boots, permeated by “penguin stench,” were stored.  It did get smelly.  Fortunately, my cabin mates and I all thought it was rather funny.

 

Salisbury Plain, South Georgia – King Penguins

 

 

(‘v’)  Suitcases fit under the beds. I had a big suitcase and it fit under the bed just fine.  A suitcase also fit under the sofa bed.

Stanley, Falklands – Upland Goose, male is white, female is brown.  Taken during the afternoon guided walk back to the ship.

 

(‘v’)  To hang the bath towel on the limited number of bathroom hooks, it would be helpful to have something like the clips to clip mittens onto the sleeve of a jacket, but in this case clip them onto the towel to make a loop.  We used the label as a hook when we could, but it was not always intact.  Even for a non triple-share, I think a  clip would be useful to keep the towel on the hook, so it would not fall down on top of the toilet, or worse yet in the toilet.  We made sure we kept the lid closed for that reason.

 

Towels in bathroom of Cabin 347

 

 

Deception Island, active volcano, Antarctica

 

 

(‘v’) There were 2 hooks in the bathroom for the cotton bathrobes provided.  With 3 people and 3 bathrobes, 1 bathrobe needs to go elsewhere, as shown here.

 

 

(‘v’) Since there was not enough room in the bathroom for personal items for 3 people, this toiletry kit was useful.  It also worked well the couple of times I completed my morning routine in the bathroom near the Oceanus Lounge.

 

In lovely oceanic turquoise with many zippered compartments!

 

(‘v’) The outlets and power strips available in the 3-share cabin were not adequate if there were everyone needed to charge devices. The extension cord I brought, that allowed just 2 extra spots for charging, provided enough spots for us all. The power strips in the cabin may offer 6 plugs, but depending on the size of the item being charged, only 2 or 3 slots may be uncovered.  There were charging stations elsewhere on the ship, but charging in your own cabin is more convenient, so I’d recommend BYO extension for more charging.

 

This single power strip did not provide adequate recharging for 3 people.  An extension cord with 2 extra places for plugs gave us enough outlets.

 

St. Andrews Bay, South Georgia – King Penguins

 

 

(‘v’) The bed nearest the outer wall did get cold at night once we hit the South Shetland Islands and the cold continued through Antarctica.  It was not cold in the Falklands or South Georgia, but the cold seeped through the wall from the outdoors and made that bed a cold place to sleep once we left South Georgia.

Saunders Island, Falklands – Magellanic Penguins

 

 

(‘v’) The sleeper couch in the room, that accompanies the two twin sized beds, always stays open to provide a double bed. (So a triple-share cabin could work well for parents with 2 kids, from a sleeping standpoint.)  It looked very comfortable and did not seem like it was a second-rate spot to sleep.  Actually, it provided more space for sleeping and laying out stuff than the twin beds.  It is closest to the ensuite bathroom (toilet, sink, shower, drinkable water) for anyone who might be up in the night a lot.  It could be curtained off from the other two beds.

Leaving South Georgia, taken from ship

 

 

(‘v’) A vibrating alarm, as opposed to a sound alarm/phone, is helpful so as not to disturb the cabin-mates. Worked great for morning wakeups or waking on time from midday naps without disturbing others.

St. Andrews Bay, South Georgia – King Penguins

 

 

(‘v’) The triple-share cabins are on the same deck as the big Oceanus Room where all 114 people can fit for orientation, lectures, presentations, etc.  Usually the Oceanus room was empty and it certainly was empty throughout the night.  If roommates somehow proved intolerable (and fortunately mine were delightful) you could easily leave your cabin and spend time in the Oceanus Room in chairs or cushioned comfortable benches, suitable for sleeping.  There were lights, electrical outlets, big windows in the Oceanus Room, plus a toilet nearby.  Of course, the bar and library on Deck 4 offer another escape from the cabin. For anyone who was wary of a 3-share, the Oceanus Room "getaway" might allay some fears.

St. Andrews Bay, South Georgia – King Penguins

 

 

Saunders Island, Falklands – Gentoo Penguin and chick

 

 

 

Zodiac Cruise near the Gonzalez Videla Chilean Research Station, Antarctica Peninsula

 

 

 

End of Helpful Hints and Things I Learned.

 

Next is the last post with a word from the penguins

and the souvenir tiny replica of Sea Spirit flash drive makes an appearance.

 

Edited June 20, 2019 by Atravelynn

[janzin]

This is really, really useful information and much of the clothing info applicable to an Arctic cruise as well, so thank you!

 

I am wondering if you could provide a link to the a) Gortex pants you used and b) the rental place for gear...if you meant a place in the USA. I am reluctant to buy some of this stuff which I'll never use again (although...if I ever get to Antarctica...!)

 

I'm surprise that you didn't use binoculars more. I would think they'd be mostly useful for seabirds and whales. I think I'd be out on the deck a lot with binoculars quite a bit. 

 

Waiting expectantly for the souvenir tiny replica Sea Spirit. You are quite the tease

Edited June 20, 2019 by janzin

[Atravelynn]

3 hours ago, janzin said:

This is really, really useful information and much of the clothing info applicable to an Arctic cruise as well, so thank you!  You are very welcome.

 

I am wondering if you could provide a link to the a) Gortex pants you used and b)  My good Gortex pants are Patagonia brand.  STY31150, RN 41884.  Don't remember when I got them, so no link.  Might have bought them at a physical REI store a couple of years ago.  Unlike you, I use that kind of stuff every winter just at home. the rental place for gear...if you meant a place in the USA. New Headings   https://store.newheadings.com/    I am reluctant to buy some of this stuff which I'll never use again (although...if I ever get to Antarctica...!)

 

I'm surprise that you didn't use binoculars more. I would think they'd be mostly useful for seabirds and whales. I think I'd be out on the deck a lot with binoculars quite a bit.   The birds were so fast when the ship was moving that it was hard to track them with binocs.  The binos did work for whales.  I found I just zoomed with my camera.  I know some people do that on safari, but I always prefer the binos in that situation.

 

Waiting expectantly for the souvenir tiny replica Sea Spirit. You are quite the tease   I had planned to finish the report in the above post but twice I lost a lot of what I had inputted and ran out of time to complete the report.  The wrap will occur hopefully this eve.

 

Edited June 20, 2019 by Atravelynn

[offshorebirder]

Extremely useful trip report @Atravelynn.    You are to be commended for such thoughtful advice.

 

 

[Atravelynn]

 

Thanks @offshorebirder.  Just following through on the subtitle of

"What would have been helpful for me to know when I was contemplating and planning a trip like this."

 

Antarctica is something to shout, squawk, gak, quack, and bray about and that’s what these birds are doing.

Stanley, Falklands – Falkland Steamer Duck (endemic)

 

Saunders Island, Falklands – Gentoos

 

Saunders Island, Falklands – Gentoos

 

Prion Island, South Georgia -- Wandering Albatross

 

Danco Island, Antarctica -- Gentoo

 

Half Moon Island in South Shetland Islands, Antarctica -- Chinstrap

 

Cuverville, Antarctica -- Gentoos

 

 

Don’t forget the offer you can’t refuse of the penguin socks if you go!

Even in a crowd, you’ll stand out in the penguin socks!  Passengers, crew, staff of the Sea Spirit-one of the many photos

provided for us on the souvenir tiny replica of Sea Spirit flash drive.

 

 

 

The End

 

Edited June 20, 2019 by Atravelynn

[janzin]

OMG love the the souvenir tiny replica of Sea Spirit flash drive.  Worth the wait And the many thousands of dollars. Ha, just kidding but its really cute!  Anyway thanks for the fantastic, informative report. And great photos. You've got me looking at trips now...!

[Atravelynn]

3 hours ago, janzin said:

OMG love the the souvenir tiny replica of Sea Spirit flash drive.  Worth the wait And the many thousands of dollars. Ha, just kidding but its really cute!  Anyway thanks for the fantastic, informative report. And great photos. You've got me looking at trips now...!

The most expensive flash drive I own!

[TonyQ]

A fantastic report, lots of really helpful practical details that give a real flavour of the experience of the trip.

Your photos are beautiful- stunning landscapes and superb wildlife. The variety of penguins is amazing.

Thank you 

[johnweir]

What a fantastic trip report, the amount of detail is incredible. Your images are wonderful as well. I have thoroughly enjoyed every episode and it has greatly enhanced my understanding and knowledge of a wildlife destination I know very little about. Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts on what clearly was a very special trip.

[Atravelynn]

On 6/21/2019 at 4:17 AM, Antee said:

Thanx alot for a great, inspiring and interesting report!

It was fun to do it and head back out to sea for this "Southern Ocean Adventure" as @Treepol called it.

20 hours ago, TonyQ said:

A fantastic report, lots of really helpful practical details that give a real flavour of the experience of the trip.

Your photos are beautiful- stunning landscapes and superb wildlife. The variety of penguins is amazing.  7 count 'em 7 different penguins!

Thank you   You are welcome!

 

18 hours ago, johnweir said:

What a fantastic trip report, the amount of detail is incredible. Your images are wonderful as well. I have thoroughly enjoyed every episode and it has greatly enhanced my understanding and knowledge of a wildlife destination I know very little about. I learned a whole lot too!   Seems a shame not to put this knowledge to use again. Maybe I'll have to look into another triple share cruise--booked through Polar Cruises on Sea Spirit again of course.   Maybe a Triple Share of Safaritalkers is on the horizon some day! Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts on what clearly was a very special trip.  And thanks for reading.  It was a MOST special trip and such a privilege to visit these remote, beautiful areas (in comfort).

 

Edited June 22, 2019 by Atravelynn

[Zubbie15]

I’m extremely behind on this report, only starting page two - mostly because I want to be able to take time to absorb all the info. Antarctica is high on my bucket list, probably won’t be for 10+ years but this report is going to be super useful in planning.  Thanks for sharing.

[kitefarrago]

Antarctica is definitely on my list of places to list, and every time I look it seems to have become more expensive. I very much appreciate the thoughtfulness of this report, in particular regarding the choice of ship/tour operator and time of year, and the meticulous detail recording the various landings and the amount of time available at each.

 

Andrea

[Atravelynn]

19 hours ago, Zubbie15 said:

I’m extremely behind on this report, only starting page two - mostly because I want to be able to take time to absorb all the info. Antarctica is high on my bucket list, probably won’t be for 10+ years but this report is going to be super useful in planning.  Thanks for sharing.

10 years is a good amount of time for saving up!  Of course the cost will increase over those 10 years as well, but hopefully at a slower pace than  your Antarctica fund.

1 hour ago, kitefarrago said:

Antarctica is definitely on my list of places to list, and every time I look it seems to have become more expensive.  As more people want to go, that can also push up the price with more demand.  But there also are more ships vying for the limited time landing spots.  The staff was talking about how it used to be less of a rush to get on the calendar.  Now they wait by the phone or computer for the moment they can schedule so they can get their dates.  For JUST Antarctica there are options under $6K USD.  I very much appreciate the thoughtfulness of this report, in particular regarding the choice of ship/tour operator and time of year, and the meticulous detail recording the various landings and the amount of time available at each.  You're welcome.

 

Andrea

Last night for about 30 minutes of panic I thought I had lost the souvenir tiny replica of Sea Spirit flash drive.  Fortunately I found it, all 2.5 GB intact.

[xelas]

On 6/20/2019 at 7:27 PM, Atravelynn said:

Suggested tipping is $20 USD /day at this time.  $6 USD/day for guides and $14 USD/day for staff.  Tips, along with all ship-based expenses can be placed on a tab, paid with credit card, charged to a Florida location, at the end of the cruise. 

 

Wouldn't it be easier to just include those $20 USD per day in the cost of the trip?! If paid by credit card to the tour company account, it does not have the real tipping "feeling".

[xelas]

The trip report, in standard @Atravelynn way of giving us plenty of useful details with fantastic photos, is one more gem on Safaritalk. While personally I will not dream about Antarctica, it was a joy to read through all your stops and penguins (those on socks included ). Thank You for the effort!

[Atravelynn]

40 minutes ago, xelas said:

 

Wouldn't it be easier to just include those $20 USD per day in the cost of the trip?! If paid by credit card to the tour company account, it does not have the real tipping "feeling".

I think some people gave more.  Others tipped the suggested amount and then gave an extra tip to certain staff members.  I know at least one person who did not believe in tipping and did not tip at all.  So the suggestion made the tipping optional.

36 minutes ago, xelas said:

The trip report, in standard @Atravelynn way of giving us plenty of useful details with fantastic photos, is one more gem on Safaritalk. While personally I will not dream about Antarctica, it was a joy to read through all your stops and penguins (those on socks included ). Thank You for the effort!  I'll only send a pair of penguin socks to Antarctic travelers.  So, sorry the offer will not extend to you.  Sweet dreams of Africa to you!

 

[xelas]

9 hours ago, Atravelynn said:

I know at least one person who did not believe in tipping and did not tip at all.  So the suggestion made the tipping optional.

 

Wow, I am not alone then  ...

 

About the penguins, my ladies bought me a nice shorts with them all over ... but they would probably not work all that well as the conversation "ice breakers" 

[ForWildlife]

Finally! The Souvenir tiny seplica of Sea Spirit flash drive!

What a wealth of information you presented in this trip report, and what a number of fantastic photos! Loved it!

[Atravelynn]

6 hours ago, xelas said:

 

Wow, I am not alone then  ...

 

About the penguins, my ladies bought me a nice shorts with them all over ... but they would probably not work all that well as the conversation "ice breakers" 

Or they might be the talk of the town/ship/safari camp!

1 hour ago, ForWildlife said:

Finally! The Souvenir tiny seplica of Sea Spirit flash drive!  And then I nearly misplaced it after taking that picture of it and forgetting where I put it afterward.

What a wealth of information you presented in this trip report, and what a number of fantastic photos! Loved it!  Thanks

 

[michael-ibk]

Lynn, it was not nice of you to deliver such a fantastic report. I've always put off Antarctica/S. Georgia/Falklands as too expensive but now I see that I simply have to do this. So you're to blame for my impending bankruptcy. Really, really beautiful, and photowise your very best one. Thank you very much for all the effort you put into this, it's really an "Everything you need to know about an Antarctica trip" encyclopedia. 

[SafariChick]

Echoing others and agreeing that is was every bit what I've come to expect from an @Atravelynn trip report, and then some! Fabulous photos and details and the souvenir tiny replica of the Sea Spirit flash drive did NOT disappoint - it's adorable! Thank you for all!

[Atravelynn]

On 6/24/2019 at 12:30 PM, michael-ibk said:

Lynn, it was not nice of you to deliver such a fantastic report. I've always put off Antarctica/S. Georgia/Falklands as too expensive but now I see that I simply have to do this. So you're to blame for my impending bankruptcy. Really, really beautiful, and photowise your very best one. Thank you very much for all the effort you put into this, it's really an "Everything you need to know about an Antarctica trip" encyclopedia. 

Antarctica is ready and waiting whenever you feel like filing bankruptcy and gaining a souvenir tiny replica of Sea Spirit flash drive.  I'll gladly take credit for both.

20 hours ago, SafariChick said:

Echoing others and agreeing that is was every bit what I've come to expect from an @Atravelynn trip report, and then some! Fabulous photos and details and the souvenir tiny replica of the Sea Spirit flash drive did NOT disappoint - it's adorable! Thank you for all!  You are welcome and I am glad you found the final photo to your liking!

 

[xyz99]

What an amazing trip, and as always great TR with lots of good photos, details and things we all wanted to know about (and answers to some questions I would not even think to ask). Antarctica is on "the list" but not sure at this point if we will ever get there. The cost alone is a big deterrent.

Any idea, how would the cost change for 2? Would it just double?

Did you feel 21 days was too long? Were you at any point bored, or just "eh, another penguin"?

When on the ship, how do you get into a zodiac, do you get wet? Is it difficult, do you need to be in good shape?

Thank you so much for all this, I think I want to go back and read from the beginning again. Slower

 

[Atravelynn]

2 hours ago, xyz99 said:

What an amazing trip, and as always great TR with lots of good photos, details and things we all wanted to know about (and answers to some questions I would not even think to ask). Antarctica is on "the list" but not sure at this point if we will ever get there. The cost alone is a big deterrent.

Any idea, how would the cost change for 2? Would it just double?  If you and another woman booked the triple share your combined cost would be double what the third person sharing would pay.  But if you booked a double cabin, it would cost less on a per person basis than a solo booking the  double cabin.  Here are some pricing examples:   

 

The same Falklands-S.Georgia-Antarctica trip as I did, but leaving from Chile, so it is 3 more days on board, departing in Oct 2020 is $11,696 per person in a triple share; the least expensive double on that cruise is $15,476 per person.  If you wanted that least expensive double for a solo traveler, it would be 1.7 x $15,476 = $26,309 for the solo traveler.   To give you an idea of how fast those triple-shares book...for the January 2021 departure, almost the same dates as I did, only 1 single share berth is available now.

Here is the website of Polar Cruises for Sea Spirit.  https://www.polarcruises.com/antarctica/ships/premium-expedition-ships/sea-spirit

Just Antarctica without the Falklands and South Georgia is much less, $6746 is the lowest I see on the Polar Cruises Sea Spirit website.  The lowest I found anywhere was $5653 in a very basic quad-share on a different ship.

https://travelwild.com/cruises/antarctica/antarctic-peninsula-cruises/antarctic-peninsula-whale-watching-voyage/

 

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Did you feel 21 days was too long?  No - there was one lady who did our itinerary and then was leaving the next day for 11 days just Antarctica (and South Shetlands).  Lots of us were jealous of her.  Were you at any point bored, or just "eh, another penguin"?  Because we saw 7 different kinds of penguins--and they were doing different things from feeding chicks to jumping on/off icebergs to fighting--it was always new.  Plus the environments between the Falklands, South Georgia, the South Shetland Islands, and Antarctica were different.  We also enjoyed watching seals, other birds, whales and spectacular scenery.   Judging from the behavior and reactions of the others on board, everyone was enthused about all the outings and the VARIETY they offered.  The itinerary is designed for variety.

 

When on the ship, how do you get into a zodiac, (easy--explained below)  do you get wet?  Not wet through to your skin (unless you do the polar plunge and jump off the ship in your bathing suit).  We got hit with waves in the zodiac but our gear kept us dry.  I hate being wet and cold, so I avoided the polar plunge, and was never wet and cold.  Is it difficult, do you need to be in good shape?  We had people of various ages (I'd say median age about 60), shapes, and fitness levels and everyone was easily able to do all the landings by zodiac that they wanted.  You get help in and out of the zodiac, so no sea legs are needed.  The crew was helpful and patient and everything was set up to make it easy to get in and out of the zodiac without falls.  The last thing the crew wants is an injury so they take extra safety measures.   Boarding the zodiac from the ship is quite easy because 3 different people grab your wrists and you grab theirs as you are led down a couple of stairs into the zodiac that is tied right next to the ship. The last staff member does not let go until you are sitting in your spot in the zodiac.  At the landing site, getting out is structured and orderly, done one by one, with assistance, in very shallow water that does not go over the boots.   Legs always point toward the motor before swinging them in or out of the zodiac.  There is lots of help getting back in at the end of the shore activity and you can always ask for a little extra boost or an arm to steady you.  During all boarding and exiting of the zodiacs, you hand your gear to a staff member.  That way you don't drop it in the water and it does not tilt you off balance.  Before using the zodiacs the first time, everything was explained.  Anyone wanting more assurance or extra instruction joined a special group for extra zodiac tutoring.  Since I did not join that group I am not sure what they did, but the staff made it very clear that they wanted everyone to be comfortable  with the zodiac transfer and they would do their part to be sure everyone was.

As far as the level of fitness needed for the landings, only the first landing required a walk of about a mile and there was an option to drive that.  The rest you were in control of how far you went and there were seals and/or penguins all over, so it was not necessary to go to the end of the designated walking areas.  A few sites had high hills that you could climb or not.  Walking sticks that were provided to everyone if they wanted one helped, especially when there was slippery ice and snow.  There was never a need to go fast.

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Thank you so much for all this, I think I want to go back and read from the beginning again. Slower   If you read slow enough, it will be time for YOUR turn for Antarctica.

 

 

Edited June 27, 2019 by Atravelynn

[xyz99]

SO much good info here...thank you!!! I hope my turn for my time in Antarctica will come, this definitely makes the research easier .