Around Cape Horn

The prospect of visiting South America and cruising the Chilean Fjords was something we had on our bucket list. This was our second cruise on the Éclipse and fourth Celebrity cruise.

Embarkation: took a Port transfer with Vasalfa Turismo from our hotel the 4 Points Sheraton in Providencia, Santiago to Valparaiso for a tour and then onto the Port of San Antonio. Our guides Christian and Ashton were excellent and ensured our personal safety and our luggage was secure. Check in was quick, note all passengers had to surrender their passports at check in. Passports were returned to all passengers later in the cruise. The Port of San Antonio and Celebrity need to design another gangway, as this one was too steep and supported by sea containers as a base.

Ports : Puerto Montt, Chile is a tender port. Tendering was ok overall. Booked our own tour at the Pier, went to Petrohue Rapids and the Chilean Lake District with a stop in Puerto Varas. Two sea days were next where we cruised through the Chilean Fjords & The Straits of Magellan. A third sea day was added due to inclement weather conditions in the South Pacific Ocean, which resulted in the cancellation of our next Port of Punta Arenas, Chile. The ship rocked and swayed all night as Captain Michael let the storm system pass ahead of the Éclipse.

Cruised past Glacier Avenue at 0430 am. Our stateroom was on deck 8, port side and were treated to scenic views of the Glaciers as daylight started at 0425 am.

Arranged a private tour of Tierra Del Fuego National Park.

Cruised around Cape Horn at 0600 am under cold, windy grey conditions. Cruise Director Alejandro and guest speaker Alan Riles narrated our passage and the history of Cape Horn.

After another sea day we docked in Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Took a Celebrity excursión to Punta Tombo Penguin Rookery. This is a 2 1/2 hour coach ride each way through the rugged Patagonian country side. Because of the cancelled port we docked in Montevideo, Uruguay over night. Explored the city on foot and took taxis with no issues.

Our final port was Buenos Aires, Argentina where we over nighted. The ship docks about a 15 minute coach ride to the cruise terminal. Dining : Ocean View was very busy on sea days and ran out of items towards the end of the cruise. Cafe Al Bacio is good spot to relax and chat, ran out of speciality teas by day 10. Moonlight Sonata main dining room was ok, a good option for lunch on sea days. Celebrity should update the menus ad we had the same items on two Med. Cruises . The chefs also need to cut back on the heavy use of salt. Main of note was the lamb in pastry, best of the cruise. The Kobe beef meatloaf ranks as the most unappealing main we have been served, grey thin slice of something soft and mushy, I took a small bite and ordered another main. Service in the main dining room was off overall. Premium drink package was good ad was the wine and beverage service.

Cabin Attendant Alfred got to know our schedule and took care of us and our requests. Overall staff were attentive, polite and greeted passengers through out the ship.

Entertainment was good, the high light was the Tango show on our last night.

Cruise Director Alejandro was funny and active through out the cruise.

Tip: take clothing for 80F to 40F, warm socks, toques, layers, comfortable foot wear, rain gear. Only about 25 percent of male passengers wore jackets on Chic Nights.

Disembarkation went smoothly and orderly.

Clean, well maintained and comfortable bed.