We are not cruise people but are intrepid trailers. To say we were delighted by the attention and care of every detail of our expedition would be a sore understatement.The ship was spectacular- every detail from the way the closets were laid out to the comfort and amenities of the common areas was super thoughtful and clever and luxurious in an understated, tasteful way. The down-to -earth ...
My husband and I were onboard Viking Polaris in October, going from Valparaiso in Chile to Ushuaia in Argentina. We saw many beautiful fjords and glaciers; we visited fascinating cities and hiked an unscheduled trail that turned out more stunning than the original trail in Punta Arena. (The original hike was changed by the local operator due to the weather.) But the biggest surprise on this ...
We missed the bus pick up due to 3 late flights but a private transfer was arranged for us without any problem. As usual, greeted with a glass of bubbly upon embarkation then straight up to the World Cafe for lunch. Our cabin was on deck 3 in a good location on the port side. I loved the cabin, especially the new wardrobe configuration. There was much more space and more coat hangers than on the ...
We chose this trip from Santiago Chile through the Panama Canal to Ft. Lauderdale because we wanted to try an Expedition ship and I don't like cold weather. Everything is geared towards the Arctic however and there really wasn't much to do on the ship. We had a nature lecturer and a historian but the talks were mostly on the Arctic. The "toys" on board are only licensed to be used in Antarctica ...
We scheduled this cruise on the spur of the moment when we received a flash sale email. It was our first Viking cruise and it couldn't have gone better. The fact that the Polaris was only 1/3 full gave the ship a kind of surreal atmosphere (we wonder what it would be like with a full compliment of guests). Reservations at the specialty restaurants were easy to get, excursions were easily ...
We would not normally book Viking due to cost. We did book this cruise due to timing and a very deep sale in effect. However, after this experience, we are convinced that Viking is virtually an all inclusive experience...rather than nickel and diming you at every junction. Although our jr suite included unlimited laundry, every deck had a free launderette with 5 washers and 5 dryers for guest ...
I have read travel reports, watched YouTube videos and perused articles about Hurtigruten for several years. When my wife and I decided on an Arctica trip to celebrate significant birthdays, Hurtigruten was an easy choice. Starting in Valparaiso, Chile, the enthusiasm and knowledge of the expedition crew ensured an interesting, informative and engaging range of activities, workshops and ...
We chose this cruise to visit Antarctica and to travel on the latest hybrid ship. This was a very special experience. The ship, the whole crew, the expeditions and activities, the food all met and surpassed our expectations. I was travelling with my sister, both of us of pensionable age and we had a wonderful time. We learned a great deal from the lectures and enjoyed the shore excursions ...
Its the only way to see the Chilean coast inlets and scenery short of having your own boat. There are no roads or habitation in most of the areas we visited. Excursions by zodiac to see wildlife and glaciers were amazing. The ship was small by cruise ship standards but was therefore able to sail in confined fiords and through narrow passes.
The food and service was excellent. Nothing was too ...