JazzyTheTraveler

On 12/5/2022 at 12:11 PM, AussieBoyTX said:

 

I saw that you were on the Weddell Sea side and thought that was cool! I thought that might be reserved for Commandant Charcot, which was only a bit further South than you were. 😎

Yes!! It was such a huge and happy surprise for me we got to land on that side of the peninsula. The Captain said the ice had cleared out enough for us to go on that side which is why I think it’s normally not visited except by the new Charcot boat, since it has better ice breaker chops. 

@AussieBoyTXWonderful report, thank you!! I’m on Le Boreal’s Great Austral Loop right now. It’s been a similarly amazing trip for us. Am so envious you got to do the Shackleton hike!! Gah - another reason I will have to do this again some day!! 
 

Question, if you don’t mind sharing, how much and who did you tip? The reception says it’s at our discretion, and that it goes into pools unless otherwise directed, but that she cannot suggest an amount. Soooo, any reccos you can provide would be most appreciated. 
 

Response to the poster asking what was the highlight… while we came on this trip for Antarctica (I have a thing with the Heroic Age), and I was soooo happy we got to the Weddell Sea side and stepped foot on the continent proper, South Georgia takes the cake for me. But, to the concern would they be different enough to warrant them both, yes. I’d go to both again 100x over if I could. They are so incredibly different and both so very amazing, they each warrant a visit. 

2 hours ago, tnm6217 said:

@AussieBoyTX I was planning to take a travel straightener with me on Le Dumont d'Urville next month.  I'm assuming based on your response that Ponant doesn't check your luggage for "contraband"?

@tnm6217 for what it’s worth, I use dual voltage curling irons when I travel, so it can work in both 110 and 220 volt plugs. Don’t know if that helps you but it def is easier so they don’t fry the sockets.
 

Thank you @AussieBoyTX for the info. 

Hi All - I’m heading on an Antarctic expedition on Le Boreal next month. An interesting question was posed on the Trip Advisor Antarctic Peninsula forum group recently that no one had an answer for. Question was about whether a passenger could take a curling iron on the ship. I’m not a big cruiser, but recall when I went on my Arctic voyage with Viking right before covid that I was able to use my curling iron and there were no restriction (at least not that I know). So, wondering if this no curling iron is really a thing for Ponant. Thank  you!

Now this is a wine list I can get behind!!
 

Happily, prices aren’t too terrible - about what I pay when purchasing retail - I suppose to be expected at the end of the world! Again, thank you so much for this info. You’ve helped put to ease the one looming question I had… what on earth will we have to drink! Clearly, it will be quite a lot of excellent wine!

Thank you @Pumblechook that is so helpful! I had a feeling given the lack of references anywhere that the wines would be a womp womp on their Premium Pass. So your recco on checking beforehand is well taken and much appreciated. Am thrilled to hear they have an extensive wine list to order from though. Getting very excited for our trip… planning this thing and all the little details literally helped me not go straight mad during covid! 

On 1/15/2022 at 4:42 PM, AussieBoyTX said:

 

I assume the list can change -- I don't recall the included tequila. The Pass Bar offered:

 

Patron Silver 9€

Patron XO Café 12€

 

The included Champagne has been Henri Abelé and Veuve Clicquot is the Pass Bar Champagne by the glass @ 13€

The prices are the a la carte prices if you don't have Pass Bar.

 

Ah! I found a picture! The included tequila was Jose Cuervo Especial.

Question - does anyone have any info on the wines they include in the Premium Pass? So far it seems a better plan if you’re a spirit drinker, but haven’t heard anything on the wines. Hubs and I are wine drinkers, with a strong preference for French wines, so we were quite thrilled to find Ponant when booking our upcoming Antarctica trip. Curious to hear feedback on the wine situation if it’s worth it for the Premium Pass, or if we’ll just plan to purchase bottles as we go. 

On 8/27/2022 at 9:58 PM, starcluster2 said:

I find your comments useful and informative. Hope that you can keep it up. I will be on Boreal in November for their first cruise in the Antarctic and looking forward to the trip.  (Anyone else on that trip?) Everything 'seems' to be falling in place for the trip but after all the cancellations that I've had from Ponant I'm still on the anxious side.  You mentioned a medical form as one of the heath requirements. I have been hearing that a medical is no longer required by Ponant - can you tell me what this was all about?

 

I hope that ice will not be a problem - it seems these days that the Arctic is fast becoming 'de-iced'  so to speak with climate change. And, here's hoping for great weather for you!

@starcluster2 My husband and I are also on the Le Boreal Great Austral Loop trip departing on Nov. 22nd, so we will look forward to seeing you on board! After 2 years of no proper traveling, I cannot wait for this trip! 
 

Regarding your question on the medical form, per my TA (and because I really really wanted to confirm, I also called and checked), Ponant does not require the doctor filled out form of years past. Now it is a self-atteststion form that confirms your physical fitness level and  medications, but that’s all. Hope this helps.