We booked travel through HAL because of concerns that weather might interfere with travel plans. Flew from Seattle to Wash. DC then on to Rio. When arrived in Rio we were taken to a hotel to wait while the ship was sanitized because of a g/i outbreak on the previous cruise. HAL handled things very well - food and drinks were provided, then an orderly procedure was done to transfer people to the ship.

On-board - loved our cabin - what a wonderful way to see Antarctica from your own verandah! Our cabin steward Tri was attentive and efficient!

Ports: our favorites -- Montevideo where we walked the old town on a beautiful day, enjoyed the architecture, outdoor market and Mercado del Puerto which now holds restaurants and shops. Puerto Madryn - booked the ship's tour to Peninsula Valdes to see the sea lion colony. Another beautiful day and great experience seeing all those babies! Pt. Stanley - ship's tour of Volunteer Point. What an adventure - 4by4's across the peat bogs to the point where hundreds of King, Gentoo and Magellenic penguins nest. Great picture taking weather for all the penguin pics! Ushuaia - Walked to the Prison Museum, but it didn't open until 10Am and English tour was not until 11:30 so went back to town to check out souvenirs and take pics of beautiful gardens because ship was leaving at 1:00. Punta Arenas - Took Magdalena Island tour. Seas were very choppy and was concerned about the 1 hour ferry ride to the island, but it was very smooth. Penguins were a great sight with their babies in different stages of molting. Read more