Today, I start my Antarctica trip!! I sat myself down to eat my breakfast and chatted a bit with the owners. Then I packed by gear and headed to town. I left my bags at the hotel because I could not board the boat until 4:00 PM. I explored Ushuaia a bit more. At about three, I headed back to the hotel to collect my bags, then made my way to the pier. I went through customs and walked down the pier looking at the large ships docked. Of course, my boat was the last boat on the pier… the Antarctic Dream…
I checked in and was given a key to my cabin. After settling in, I headed off to explore the boat. I was certainly impressed with the decor and the cleanliness of the boat. All of the staff was helpful and so friendly!! We met for a safety talk, a welcomed dinner then headed out to sea! It was great to finally be off.
We had a GREAT meal that evening. I had a feeling I was going to gain a few pounds on this part of the trip. By the way, the beds are very comfortable. I was able to snuggle up with a puffy down blanket. I think it was more psychological knowing I was on my way to Antarctica while staying warm under a puff of feathers and comfortable sheets.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.