Antarctica tour advice

[lpslps]

Trying to plan an Antarctic experience.

My wife gets sea sick very easily. Drake Passage sounds terrible.

I see some cruises fly to So. Shetland Islands but only visit Antarctica. Do we miss something wonderful on So Georgia or Falklands?

Are there other choices? Suggestions are requested.

Thanks

[dpro]

Trying to plan an Antarctic experience.

My wife gets sea sick very easily. Drake Passage sounds terrible.

I see some cruises fly to So. Shetland Islands but only visit Antarctica. Do we miss something wonderful on So Georgia or Falklands?

Are there other choices? Suggestions are requested.

Thanks

 

Not exactly clear on your question, however miss South Georgia and the Falklands and you will miss opportunities to get up close and personal with loads of wildlife. Both islands are well worth visiting. You may be better served taking one of the expedition cruises to Antarctica, many also stop in South Georgia and the Falklands. Silversea, Hurtigruten, and many others do these cruises.

 

Regards,

 

RonC

[lpslps]

You answered the question. I understand that the large ships are stabilized but don't go ashore and don't offer the same experience as the smaller (100 pax or so) boats.

can you comment?

 

Thanks

[royal65]

We are on the Star Princess 1/26/11 departure from Santiago. It offers a charter flight shore excursion to Antartica from Puenta Arenas. We'll only be in Antartica for a few hours and the trip is a bit pricey, but it would be an option for you. Cruise also visits Falklands.

[dpro]

You answered the question. I understand that the large ships are stabilized but don't go ashore and don't offer the same experience as the smaller (100 pax or so) boats.

can you comment?

 

Thanks

 

It depends on what you want in the way of the experience. The cruises that "drive by" will probably see some great scenery, however these ships are probably not ice rated and weather will play a factor. I know that some do stop in the Falklands, but only at Port Stanley, where you could take an excursion to some penguin colonies.

 

The expedition cruises are usually ice rated ships, or reinforced hulls at least, carry about 100 pax, and depending on weather will make landings. These are most suited for seeing loads of wildlife and great scenery. We were on the Fram this past February and cannot speak highly enough of our experience. We did have a rough crossing on the Drake, but some are smooth as glass, it just depends on the weather. Just take your seasick meds and you should be fine. We had excursions on South Georgia, the Falklands and many places on the Antarctica Continent. We liked it so much we are headed back in Jan 2012 to do the Weddell Sea.

 

So for us the expedition ship was by far the best solution. However we have friends who have done the "drive by" and they were satisfied as well.

 

Hope you will post and let us know what you decide.

 

Regards,

 

RonC