Celebrity Solstice Excursions

[Rotorman]

We are sailing on the 12 day New Zealand Fjorland Cruise beginning

March 10, 2014. Trying to find out whether it is best to take Celebrity's excursion on March 17 in Akaroa called Akaroa and Wildlife Cruise or to take an excursion on our own with Coast Up Close. They have an excursion on a smaller (18 passenger vessel) which can get much closer to wildlife. The morning excursion leaves at 10:30. You arrive at this port at 8am and you are tendered. As I have not done many excursions on my own, my concern is whether you would have enough time. Has anyone used this operator before?

[HappyTvlr]

I certainly don't want to scare you, but just want to let you know that we were unable to tender at Akaroa a couple of years ago due to weather. I will say that it looked pretty calm, but who am I to judge. Many people were hanging off their balconies as tour companies rode boats along side to discuss the cancelations. I am not familiar with the company you are looking for information on, but just want to give a friendly reminder to check their cancelation policy.