Tex1

Had a conversation with the hotel director a while ago on this. He said classic cruises tend to be mid 70s. Expedition trend younger, more so as you approach the poles.

I guess weather caused it to hit a pier, puncturing a hole in its hull. There was a delay caused by Argentina authorities in inspections and permitting. They are now repaired and on there way again.

This is truly devastating for all wildlife in Antarctica. It will be interesting how IAATO and the cruise lines adapt to this next season. I’m now more grateful that I went a year ago.

The Cloud and Wind do, I’d image the Endeavor as well, but not sure. Bio security is incredible important, and taken VERY serious, especially with the bird flu epidemic. However, they make it very easy to follow the rules, and provide the tools necessary, no manual labor picking boots nightly to worry about:).

Assuming you rent their boots, or ones you buy a clean going in, there is nothing to worry about. They will disinfectant where need that you walk through, or they have a machine you walk through that scrubs the bottom and sides of the boots. Nothing else was ever needed.

Depends on your goals. When I went wildlife was a primary goal, so this would way too early for that. That prime season from mid Dec- late Jan. Super early season like this will offer pristine landscapes, snow and ice. So much in past years some ports were unreachable or not safe. edited: sorry I didn’t answer your direct question, as you likely already knew that. Not sure 10 days will make a hugh difference,

While they have already stated the Cloud/Wind likely won’t be around at the turn of the decade, i would guess it’s the Cloud that will go first. Also would expect replacement to be available.

Whoever you spoke to is wrong. There are non on expedition cruises.

I adapters needed. Plenty of US outlets, usb type a, and a few usb type c.

Silversea travels with 200 or less to Antarctica. There are more landing site available, as well as the ability to do two landings a day. Ships with between 200-500 are limited on landing sites, and to one landing a day. Ships over 500 passengers can’t land at all.

Remember the temps will be between 30-35 degrees, so no need for extra layers. The vast majority of people wear a base layer, some type of pants and then the waterproof layer and are perfectly comfortable. Going thicker will also back it harder to walk in the snow.

They don’t count in your weight restrictions. However, you need to carry them on the plane. Wear shoes that you can toss in your carryon, when you but your boots on. You will need your boots, pants and jacket when you land in St George for the zodiak ride to the ship. Your Luggage and carryon will follow separately.

No Balconies are obstructed.

Before the season started, some scientists discussed closing the entire region down to tourism, do to the dire consequences on the bird flu spreading. Sadly, when this reaches Antarctica, it is likely to wipe out many colonies of penguins, seals, birds, etc. This is also compounded With most hatchlings from last year being born to late because of too much snow, and not surviving. I would not be surprised is this is the last year for a while landing are allowed in the region. Heard they are also discussing shutting them down mid season if conditions change.

They did use them both last years, thou mostly it was the MO. Now the MO in Santiago is also not on par with other locations if your used to top tier hotels. They do have a great pool to relax. Silversea also used nothing but contractors in Santiago, and the communication has horrible, as each would have different answers. I recommend just go with the flow, and all be will great once on the ship.

I found I never wore gloves as it wasn’t that cold! Maybe a pair of waterproof gloves for the zodiac ride. Or standard ski gloves if you have them.

I have found if you google it, you will find pics and vids of each ship and suite class.

There is a very well known issue affecting Apple products. Login on a PC, or update your OS/iOS.

Many TA provide there own OBC, independent of what SS offers.

This really goes to show, weather will rules everything about one’s trip to Antarctica. Be prepared to be flexible, patient, and enjoy the experience,

There were 4 flights in January, that are staggered. These planes will bring back to Santiago the guest on the prior cruise, and turn around and head back with the new passengers. IIRC your time slot would be the first or second plane. I was on the last flight, and we needed to stop in Punta Arenas as we were running low on fuel(not uncommon), due to a strong head wind, and arrived at the ship around 8pm. FYI, Puerto Williams has an incredible short runway, so planes need to take off with a minimum fuel load. And then stop in Punta Arenas for fuel, before heading for a Santiago.

It’s handled at the head office. It can be assigned anytime, from immediately after booking, or you might not know till you board.

Really. It enough for you to worry about. Many on their flight out of Santiago home, carried them on.

I’m not sure where your concern is. These are charter flights from an FBO, and not the main airport terminal. This past Jan, there were 4 flights to Puerto Williams. The plans es were a 3 - 3 configuration, with all middle seats left empty. The lone run way in Puerto Williams, is the limiting factor on what plans can take off, so only smaller planes can be used. On our flight down, I believe 2 of the 4 planes needed to stop in Punta Arenas for fuel, do to a head wind, while the other two didn’t. All flights home require a minimum fuel load to take off, so a stop is required fuel and provisions.

I would fully expect it on day two, unless the seas are quite rough.