Arctic / Antarctica - Newbie Questions

Looking to venture from the norm and we are looking at broadening our horizons on future cruises.

Between us we have sailed 83 times on RC, X & NCL

We are in our early 40's with Daughter 13, have completed, Baltics, Alaska, Eastern, Western & Southern Caribbean, Norwegien Fjords, Mediteranian & Pacific Coast

Now looking for something with a bit more adventure and itineraries that we can say we have not done before.

We like Port Intensive Itineraries, but also cruise for the ship as well

Our Daughter mentioned Arctic or Antarctica, so after a bit of research we came across Silverseas.

So a few Questions.

Which ships/yachts, if I am correct on this, sail either the above mentioned destinations.

Are the cruises fully inclusive (drinks/alcohol)

Which of the SS ships have Casino's

For 2 adults and a 13yr old, what cabin/stateroom would be advisable, we are typical suite dwellers, so are used to having a bathtub and a balcony.

Are all SS ships casual for attire in all restaurants

Any reviews or threads where I should go to specific for Arctic or Antarctica

Any assistance or recommendations would be much appreciated

Thanks

Graham

Happy Days!!

Here are some answers in red, specific to Silversea, since you posted your questions here. There are other lines which cruise to these regions but have never sailed them.

Now looking for something with a bit more adventure and itineraries that we can say we have not done before.

We like Port Intensive Itineraries, but also cruise for the ship as well

Our Daughter mentioned Arctic or Antarctica, so after a bit of research we came across Silverseas.

So a few Questions.

Which ships/yachts, if I am correct on this, sail either the above mentioned destinations.

Silver Explorer (FKA Prince Albert II)

Are the cruises fully inclusive (drinks/alcohol)

They sure are! We walked off the boat with no additional charges.

Which of the SS ships have Casino's

Silver Explorer does not have one. The only gamble on the Antarctica cruise is whether the Drake Passage will be calm or rough - the Drake Shake, or the Drake Lake...

For 2 adults and a 13yr old, what cabin/stateroom would be advisable, we are typical suite dwellers, so are used to having a bathtub and a balcony.

There seem to be suites suitable for families on Silver Explorer. We have met families who have done this but as we are a party of two, can't answer from experience.

Are all SS ships casual for attire in all restaurants

Fairly. Some dress up a little more for the Captain's welcome and farewell parties. Please search this forum; there have been several threads about the dress code on Silver Explorer that have plenty of details. Here is one: Dress Code Link

Any reviews or threads where I should go to specific for Arctic or Antarctica

There are several. I posted a trip log of our Arctic cruise to Svalbard 8/2011; the link is in my signature. There is a link to pictures as well. I did a review of our Antarctica cruise from 12/2009 and pictures; link also in the signature. Several others have posted reviews and trip logs as well. I can't remember all of them at the moment...

Any assistance or recommendations would be much appreciated

Go on either of these cruises. They are great!

JP / Chris

Thanks for the information, will research the forum and read your reviews to get

a better insight.

Much appreciated

Graham

George and I have done the arctic on explorer twice. Would be very expensive to take a child in a suite. I have written blogs on both which you can find on this site, but I will tell you, as a mom, these cruises would be above my pricepoint if taking kids. The trip is totally inclusive though, so you know upfront what you are paying for.

George and I have done the arctic on explorer twice. Would be very expensive to take a child in a suite. I have written blogs on both which you can find on this site, but I will tell you, as a mom, these cruises would be above my pricepoint if taking kids. The trip is totally inclusive though, so you know upfront what you are paying for.

Thanks Rachel

Dear Daughter has become accustomed to the suite life, we are booked in the Royal Suite for our upcoming Alaska cruise on RC.

Typically we have always sailed in suites, I know we have spoilt her.

But when my ladies cruise with or without me I like to pamper them.

Nice to know all is inclusive, been reading some of the reviews and have to say the itineraries look great, that will probably be the major factor in our decision

on way forward.

Explorer or Cloud are catching my eye.

Just need a ship with a casino, the itinerary and we are good to go.

Can you post links to your blogs, so I can get the perspective from a parent, thanks!

Happy Days!

Graham

The biggest question you need to answer about Antarctica is:

Do I want landings in Antarctica or will a "sail-by" fill my requirements?

Until you answer that question, you will have a large number of possibilities with many price-points, quality points and activity-level points.

The "sail-by" is an itinerary that won't make actual landings in the 7th Continent, usually because of the size of ship. Those that do landings are limited in the number of guests they carry. Some lines meet that requirement by having smaller ships. Some (such as Seabourn), take a ship that's a bit over the pax maximum and limit the number of guests on the landing itineraries.

"Landing" itineraries/cruises tend to be significantly higher in cost than comparable "sail-by". This is due to a number of factors, including the operational expenses of having an expedition team, zodiacs, and other specialized equipment. OTOH, you get the opportunity to have a penguin walk right across your path, to trod on the 7th C, and the overall experience of being there.

Once you have focused on what you prefer, then it's time to choose your ship/provider. You can go anywhere from basic expedition level to top-shelf luxury. Myself...I've done 3 sail-bys and 2 landings. World of difference but both types were wonderful.

Time for some soul-searching and focus. Write back if you have more detailed questions.

And, for reference, my two landings were with the Marco Polo and Seabourn, the sail-bys on Crystal. I have not sailed on the SS Explorer (yet).

The biggest question you need to answer about Antarctica is:

 

Do I want landings in Antarctica or will a "sail-by" fill my requirements?

 

Until you answer that question, you will have a large number of possibilities with many price-points, quality points and activity-level points.

 

The "sail-by" is an itinerary that won't make actual landings in the 7th Continent, usually because of the size of ship. Those that do landings are limited in the number of guests they carry. Some lines meet that requirement by having smaller ships. Some (such as Seabourn), take a ship that's a bit over the pax maximum and limit the number of guests on the landing itineraries.

 

"Landing" itineraries/cruises tend to be significantly higher in cost than comparable "sail-by". This is due to a number of factors, including the operational expenses of having an expedition team, zodiacs, and other specialized equipment. OTOH, you get the opportunity to have a penguin walk right across your path, to trod on the 7th C, and the overall experience of being there.

 

Once you have focused on what you prefer, then it's time to choose your ship/provider. You can go anywhere from basic expedition level to top-shelf luxury. Myself...I've done 3 sail-bys and 2 landings. World of difference but both types were wonderful.

 

Time for some soul-searching and focus. Write back if you have more detailed questions.

 

And, for reference, my two landings were with the Marco Polo and Seabourn, the sail-bys on Crystal. I have not sailed on the SS Explorer (yet).

Thanks Flyertalker for the information.

We would more than likely be looking at landing as appossed to "sail by"

but we are not ruling out anything at this time.

Will read all the reviews, do some further research and come back to you guys if we don't find the answers we need.

We are seasoned cruisers, but sailing SS and these itineraries are new to us.

Thanks again

Graham

Graham

If you go to google and query Antarctic cruise reviews I think you will get to another frequented travel page with an owl logo...

There is a wealth of information there. Many cruisers have done their homework with comparisons of the different cruiselines and include such things as what to expect when traveling in different months, what dry sacks work best to protect sensitive camera gear, what lens filters to use, etc, etc.

I am not sure that I can post the website itself (due to list rules on CC) but if you want to know one specific website, send my your email and I will forward it off this list.

I have done the arctic on the explorer and the alaska expedition on the discoverer. I am hoping to go to the Antarctic in the very near future on the explorer.

I can tell you that at the end of the day, one is pretty exhausted from all of the activities in the zodiacs and the landings. The entertainment was a piano player...and although some pax stayed up to dance and enjoy the midnight sun, more went to sleep so that they could get up early for the next day's activities.

Graham

If you go to google and query Antarctic cruise reviews I think you will get to another frequented travel page with an owl logo...

There is a wealth of information there. Many cruisers have done their homework with comparisons of the different cruiselines and include such things as what to expect when traveling in different months, what dry sacks work best to protect sensitive camera gear, what lens filters to use, etc, etc.

I am not sure that I can post the website itself (due to list rules on CC) but if you want to know one specific website, send my your email and I will forward it off this list.

I have done the arctic on the explorer and the alaska expedition on the discoverer. I am hoping to go to the Antarctic in the very near future on the explorer.

I can tell you that at the end of the day, one is pretty exhausted from all of the activities in the zodiacs and the landings. The entertainment was a piano player...and although some pax stayed up to dance and enjoy the midnight sun, more went to sleep so that they could get up early for the next day's activities.

Thank you, yes know the owl well:)

Appreciated you cannot post link on CC.

CC has such wealth of knowledge and cruisers with 1st hand experiences that, for me is a much better and reliable source of information. As a go to place;)

I do look through threads and gather as much info as possible when needing information, sometimes you can get everything answered in one fell swoop with the advice and answers from the great CC people.

We are all for the activities and daughter wanting to be a vet when she is older really is into the wildlife and habitats. And for us all we need new itineraries, new ships and to take a break from the normal cruise life.

Will be sure to let you know, which cruise, itinerary we end up deciding to book

Early days at present, so plenty of time to gather all the facts and figures.

Have a great day

Happy Days!

Graham

Silversea produce a very informative brochure entitled 2016 Expedition Collection which we have just received together with other SS brochures for 2016.They contain the answers to most of the questions posed.

Silversea produce a very informative brochure entitled 2016 Expedition Collection which we have just received together with other SS brochures for 2016.They contain the answers to most of the questions posed.

Thanks for the information.

My wife is looking at the website now, we will request the 2016 brochures

Edit: requested the Voyage & Expedition 2016 Collection brochures

Thanks again

Graham

Thanks Rachel

 

Can you post links to your blogs, so I can get the perspective from a parent, thanks!

 

 

 

We did not take our boys on these trips (too expensive and they are grown now anyway), but here is the link to my blog of the Svalbard trip

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1650860&highlight=reykjavik

 

There were only a couple of kids onboard.

 

And no casino on explorer.

Here is the link to the other trip from churchill to Kangerlussaug

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1903333&highlight=churchill+to+kangerlussauq

Thanks Rachel

 

Can you post links to your blogs, so I can get the perspective from a parent, thanks!

 

 

 

We did not take our boys on these trips (too expensive and they are grown now anyway), but here is the link to my blog of the Svalbard trip

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1650860&highlight=reykjavik

 

There were only a couple of kids onboard.

 

And no casino on explorer.

 

Thanks for the links Rachel

Have read the 1st one, will get to the other after we have had dinner.

Sunday Pork Roast:)

 

Daughter will be 14/15 for when we do one of these cruises, and after 20 or so already under her belt, is already planning what we will be doing on this one.

 

Thanks again

Graham

I think age wise she would be fine for one of these trips, providing she likes getting out in nature and does not require a lot of entertainment onboard to be happy. My boys would have certainly done fine at that age. In fact, we took the youngest to the galapagos with us on celebrity Xpedition when he was 16, and he had a fine time and still talks about that trip.

I think age wise she would be fine for one of these trips, providing she likes getting out in nature and does not require a lot of entertainment onboard to be happy. My boys would have certainly done fine at that age. In fact, we took the youngest to the galapagos with us on celebrity Xpedition when he was 16, and he had a fine time and still talks about that trip.

Loves reading, loves Geography and most of all animals, she has been fortunate to have witnessed and experienced many different cultures from an early age.

We have also been blessed as her appetite for trying various cuisines around the world means she is not a fussy eater either.

Having also sat at a few Captains & Officers tables she also has very good table etiquette.

Thanks for all your replies and I enjoyed reading your reviews/blogs.

Graham

We did have a child on the Arctic cruise we did. The zodiac was terrifying for her, and every time we went across the top of a wave and plunked down, she screamed. Being in the zodiac with her was not pleasant for all and I am sure that she will not remember the zodiacs with fondness. We also had a teenager and several young people in their twenties on the alaska expedition. They had fun!

However, having mentioned younger folk, I should also mention that there are "older" pax who are ornery and just sour apples. You quickly learn who they are, and avoid them as best you can. I think it's the same on any cruise, but when you have to be in a zodiac with a complaining person for several hours, it's not fun.

Also keep in mind that the higher up the deck number you go, the more the chance of really feeling the movement of the ship.

I think 309, where we stayed on the explorer has the option of a third person. It has the best closet! It's huge. The suite itself is also two rooms with a dividing wall, and of course there is a bathroom. It's also near reception and the changing room, so was great for us.

We loved having tea or hot chocolate in the afternoon in the panorama lounge and the MDR has wonderful picture windows. Food was fine, they will also accommodate special requests given notice.

The lectures and briefings given by the expedition team were informative and worthwhile.

On the arctic cruise, there were many who did dress up for dinner. Not as much on the arctic expedition, where I saw jeans at dinner and apparently nothing was said.

Graham

We did have a child on the Arctic cruise we did. The zodiac was terrifying for her, and every time we went across the top of a wave and plunked down, she screamed. Being in the zodiac with her was not pleasant for all and I am sure that she will not remember the zodiacs with fondness. We also had a teenager and several young people in their twenties on the alaska expedition. They had fun!

However, having mentioned younger folk, I should also mention that there are "older" pax who are ornery and just sour apples. You quickly learn who they are, and avoid them as best you can. I think it's the same on any cruise, but when you have to be in a zodiac with a complaining person for several hours, it's not fun.

Also keep in mind that the higher up the deck number you go, the more the chance of really feeling the movement of the ship.

I think 309, where we stayed on the explorer has the option of a third person. It has the best closet! It's huge. The suite itself is also two rooms with a dividing wall, and of course there is a bathroom. It's also near reception and the changing room, so was great for us.

We loved having tea or hot chocolate in the afternoon in the panorama lounge and the MDR has wonderful picture windows. Food was fine, they will also accommodate special requests given notice.

The lectures and briefings given by the expedition team were informative and worthwhile.

On the arctic cruise, there were many who did dress up for dinner. Not as much on the arctic expedition, where I saw jeans at dinner and apparently nothing was said.

Thanks for the cabin information and answers to my questions.

Luckily we all have good sea legs!

We have always followed the rules of any cruise line we have been on.

So formal, informal works for us, ladies like the dressing up part and I do my bit

And dress accordingly.

Agree on your comment about the apples, we know a few;) but have also made some life long friends from cruising on the way, and for the most part there are only a few bad apples.

Hopefully will receive our brochures soon, I know we can see them electronically but I like flicking through the brochures, easier to flick back and forth and compare data. We can then really start planning and working on the ship and itinerary that would suit us.

Thanks again

Have a great day

Graham

We were on the Explorer in the Owner's Suite, connecting with the adjacent Medallion suite.

That gave us a (smallish) sitting room to gather in, but provided us and our daughter with

a proper, separate bedroom/bathroom. This is the largest suite combo on the Explorer and the prices reflect it. For us, there is plenty of time spent in the room on this type of cruise, and we were happy to have the elbow room. The caveat, as mentioned previously, is that the location on Deck 7 makes it particularly vulnerable to movement. Our crossing was just an average one, so we were fine, but staff members did mention that in particularly rough weather, these cabins can be miserable.

We went to Antarctica and there were no children on our sailing. Perhaps, around the holidays, this will be different. Be aware that there is a lot of down time and not a lot of activity on board (certainly no casino or shows), so your daughter should be good at entertaining herself.

If the OP is looking for a "cruise ship" experience with landings, and a luxury price point is acceptable, I would suggest both the Seabourn Quest and L'Austral from Ponant. Both ships have the cruiseship experience (entertainment, casino, dining, activities etc) combined with expedition landings. Both are pricey, but give an all-inclusive product. Staterooms have significant space.

Just a thought beyond Silversea.

If the OP is looking for a "cruise ship" experience with landings, and a luxury price point is acceptable, I would suggest both the Seabourn Quest and L'Austral from Ponant. Both ships have the cruiseship experience (entertainment, casino, dining, activities etc) combined with expedition landings. Both are pricey, but give an all-inclusive product. Staterooms have significant space.

 

Just a thought beyond Silversea.

Thanks for the info

Keeping our options open

I would also have proposed a Ponant cruise. No formal nights, alcohol included. They do Antarctica and the Arctic, going north of the Aleut islands and to Kamchatka. Captain Cook was hanging out up there on one of his many explorations. We will be on the Austral soon and I plan to write a review.

Have you been to Iceland, Greenland and Baffin Bay? I am sure this is a great destination as well.

We were on the Explorer in the Owner's Suite, connecting with the adjacent Medallion suite.

That gave us a (smallish) sitting room to gather in, but provided us and our daughter with

a proper, separate bedroom/bathroom. This is the largest suite combo on the Explorer and the prices reflect it. For us, there is plenty of time spent in the room on this type of cruise, and we were happy to have the elbow room. The caveat, as mentioned previously, is that the location on Deck 7 makes it particularly vulnerable to movement. Our crossing was just an average one, so we were fine, but staff members did mention that in particularly rough weather, these cabins can be miserable.

 

We went to Antarctica and there were no children on our sailing. Perhaps, around the holidays, this will be different. Be aware that there is a lot of down time and not a lot of activity on board (certainly no casino or shows), so your daughter should be good at entertaining herself.

Thanks for the cabin information

We are creatures of habit, and a Suite with a Balcony is what we are used to.

Price is not an issue, cannot take it with you:)

We live for the now, as the future is unpredictable

I would also have proposed a Ponant cruise. No formal nights, alcohol included. They do Antarctica and the Arctic, going north of the Aleut islands and to Kamchatka. Captain Cook was hanging out up there on one of his many explorations. We will be on the Austral soon and I plan to write a review.

 

Have you been to Iceland, Greenland and Baffin Bay? I am sure this is a great destination as well.

We have not experienced the uppermost Northern countries, Norway, Finland & Sweden is as far North as we have managed so far, and Alaska.

Will make sure to check back in and follow your review, are you planning to do a live review

Thanks for the other cruise option

Will make sure to check back in and follow your review, are you planning to do a live review

 

Thanks for the other cruise option

Sorry no live review. I like to take a break from hanging out on the web. :)

Our cruise is a b2b from Hongkong to Japan via Korea. But I will write a review for the people who are interested in this line... probably in early May.