I chose this cruise to explore western South America and specifically to go to Macchu Pichu. Also to travel the Panama Canal one more time. It did not disappoint. As usual, NCL tours are well planned and the guides are very professional.

Embarkation at San Antonio was probably the easiest of any port I've done so far. Some sparse facilities in a warehouse, but they moved us through quick and it was easy to follow where to go.

Some folks thought the Macchu Pichu trip was overpriced at about $2000 each and you missed two days off the boat. These were people that did not take the excursion. But for this excursion they chartered a 737 to fly the 97 of us from Aricca, Chile to Cusco, Peru, and had us split into groups of 9 or 10 or so, each with a guide. The guides were equipped with oxygen and first aid due to the high altitude in Cusco. I saw them use their first aid skills in person when one woman fainted during lunch. They rushed into action and appeared to know exactly what to do and were very professional at helping her until an ambulance arrived. I saw her later on so I know she recovered fine. The hotel for 2 nights in Cusco was absolutely first class and at least 4 star quality. Really nice. Fantastic breakfast buffet and dinner included. Better than the ship even. The train ride down to MP was great with a wonderful meal and great views and some commentary. MP tour was very detailed and the guide knew his history and helped the less agile folks with the stairs and walking around. We spent around 4 hours there, and it was enough for me. If you want a detailed study of the place and want to spend a few days there, then this is not for you. But after 4 hours I was ready to go back and thought I had seen enough to satisfy my curiosity. The ride back was just as good. The same train and hotel and the next day, another 737 to go to Lima. I understand where the $2K went, and in my opinion, it was worth it. Read more