I had not had Antarctica on my priority list of places to see - probably because I had seen videos of the Drake Passage with small ships lurching back and forth. I still don't know why I decided to go on the Star Princess, but it was the one of the best decisions I have ever made.

As Australians, we flew to Buenos Aires via auckland on Aerolineas Argentineas. I knew the airline's reputation but the flight was worse than expected - enough said! After an overnight stay we flew to Iguazu Falls for 2 nights and stayed in the Hotel Panoramic because at the last minute the hotel was changed by the travel agent from the Hotel Das Cataras due to renovations there. I can certainly recommend this hotel although it is 20 k's from the falls national park. The falls are almost as equally awesome as Antarctica and so not to be missed on any visit to Argentina or Brazil.

After an overnight stay in BA a a Tango show organized by Alan at Buenos Tours (excellent) and a tour which took in downtown sights and La Boca (very colorful) we embarked. Read more