Conejored

We did a bit of both on our Ama cruise a few years ago. Some of our most memorable days were just sitting on the front of the top deck and enjoying the stunning scenery go by with maybe 10-15 others who stayed on board. We usually did this when the daily tour was a longer bus tour away as are not fond of sitting on a bus. Days where we just docked in town we took the walking tour and looked around on our own (or took a bike). We were on a 14 day Budapest to Amsterdam tour which I think lends itself more to this since it is longer and after a few days, just sitting and watching the wonderful scenery makes a good break from the go go go of the other days.

I don't think they are quite ready with the details for these yet. I noticed on their website that a brochure will be ready in July and their current brochure with 2016/2017 info just lists the Fram sailings so this may be a late decision on their part. I am also looking for more details on the Midnatsol sailings and have not been able to find much either. I have ordered the brochure and hopefully it will have more information. I liked the different itineraries (looking at the Legendary Magellan) from the typical Antarctic sailings. Would not do the Christmas Magellan Cruise as I expect that would have some of kids, but the January one may be ok as most would be back in school. I don't think their booking website even has all the room types listed as it seems to stop at mini suites and does not list any of the larger ones at this point. Will keep checking it to see if additional details show up over time.

Any of you experienced Antartica cruisers have any thoughts on this news:

http://www.hurtigruten.com/us/utils/news-on-front-page/hurtigruten-to-triple-number-of-berths-on-its-2016-2017-antarctica-sailings--with-the-addition-of-the-ms-midnatsol-to-southernmost-continent/

I have looked at some of the itineraries and am very intrigued with their Legendary Magellan sailings and by the different type of itineraries than the typical Antartica sailings which all seem to be basically different versions of the same. These that appear to be a cross between the scenic aspects of the Chilean Fjords and Antartica landings, but am a bit concerned about how the number of passengers (max 500) will affect landings and how they will be coordinated with that many people. Not that concerned about the amount of landing time, but more about how the locations may be limited based on the size of the group (they are keeping it under the required size to land at all it seems). I am more about grand scenery photography than wildlife photography, but will be traveling with friends who may feel differently so as long as we can get on land to see some wildlife up close and actually step foot in Antartica, it should be fine for them.

At the moment the price is very attractive for an 18 day trip as compared to others. I expect the larger passenger count helps in that aspect. I know since this is a new ship and sailings, it will be hard to judge as there will be no actual experience to go by, but thought I would at least throw the subject out for discussion here.

Thanks!

I have not been on this particular itinerary, but we sailed from Budapest to Amsterdam on the AMALegro last August. Best vacation we have ever had! We loved the ship and the crew was fantastic! Artur the hotel manager and his crew was excellent and AMA handled a issue with low water and a grounded barge that closed the Danube for a while in an excellent manner. Artur mentioned that the AMALegro was moving to France for this season and he was hoping to keep his crew with him so if they all stayed together, you will have a great crew for your trip!

Salad Muncher,

I thought I would try and find where the Swiss Ruby currently was located using the Marine Traffic website. Good news is that it is currently in Dresden... but.. and I think this is a big but.., it has been there since the 25th of June and has not moved from there since then (if I am reading the site correctly)!! You can see it's location history at:

http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/datasheet.aspx?datasource=ITINERARIES&MMSI=269057146

I expect David's reports are more accurate than anything any TA will give you at the moment!