palmer10

We really had a wonderful cruise on the Silver Shadow, but it ended very badly. The ship ends it's itinerary in Valpariso and then you need a 'method' to get to the Santiago airport to fly home. When we saw the port trip 'Wine Tasting & Chilean Traditions and Airport Transfer SCL-C' we thought it would be perfect. Everything was very upscale. The wine tasting and tour was wonderful. The winery was in a beautiful location. The 'Traditions' part of the tour was a horse farm with a show and lunch. We ate lunch around 2 and then the bus headed to the Santiago Airport around 3. We could not check in for our flight until 8PM so we went to Gaspy's to have a glass of wine and some bottled water.

Around 6, both of us became very ill. It started with vomiting, and then the diarrhea started. Every 20 minutes or so, we were back in the restroom. The thought of a 10 hour flight back to Houston was terrifying.

We did make the flight and were able to get home, but here it is 2 days later and we are not back to normal. We've been on a liquid diet ever since. Last night I wanted to go to the emergency room but decided to wait until today to see. We're better but still have the symptoms.

This was the only meal that we ate 'off the ship' and we didn't drink any water at the restaurant. Also we didn't eat the empanadas offered as an appetizer. Therefore it had to be the beef entree.

I hope this never happens to anyone else. It is not SilverSeas fault but maybe they need to alter their itinerary for this excursion.

My husband and I are booked on the last Elbe River cruise in June. We are doing the add on for both Berlin and Prague. This is our 49th cruise but we have never been to any of the cities on this itinerary. I check the Viking website every day but I was so happy to see Cruise Critic's update today. It looks like by the time we get there the clean-up will be mostly done and attractions open. Thanks Cruise Critic!