First Holland America Cruise. Chosen because it was the only affordable (?) cruise that went to Falklands, Antarctica and into the Chilean fjords and not around them (like Princess) or only to the Antarctic Peninsula and back to Buenos Aires (like Celebrity).

We arrived the day after most people had checked in. Embarkation was the usual mess and compounded due to the World Cup madness created by Argentina's win the day prior, but we arrived the following day and breezed right on. A great deal of attention was given to us needing to bring our vaccine cards and test no more than 72 hours prior to boarding. After doing all that was required we were never even asked at check in for anything related to Covid, never mentioned. They did have everyone test the third day of the cruise, we heard some people were in quarantine but there were never any announcements as to the outcome of all the testing.

First disappointment, canceled the stop to Punta del Este - too windy, says the Captain. People who bused to shore excursions there said it was a perfect, wind free day, and the Celebrity ship that had been in port with us in Buenos Aires was having no problems tendering their guests to shore. Hmmm. Read more