Today I once again woke up to calm conditions. We have been very lucky with a smooth Drake on the way over and now a smooth Drake on our return. Already as breakfast is announced, the South American continent was coming into view.
The day's program began with the Wellington Boot return party, half way interrupted by our closest approach to Cape Horn at about 9:30 am. The light on the Horn was very nice and we approached unusually close, perhaps the Chilean authorities were in a better mood than usual considering today is New Year's Eve?!
Once the ship had made its turn the lecture program continued with Christian's presentation on the early discoveries of penguins by the first naturalists, and Saskia later on explaining how animals like plants have developed amazing adaptations to survive the cold.
After our last lunch aboard the Ortelius, the afternoon was spent doing the account settlements. Later on, Delphine gave us a slide show about the other voyages Oceanwide Expeditions has to offer. A lot of temptation between the Polar bears in the High arctic and the myriad of King Penguins in South Georgia!
By late afternoon we were already at anchor in the Beagle Channel. It was soon time for Captain's farewell cocktails and a superb New Year's Eve dinner. Before midnight the New Year's Eve official party started both in the bar and on the outside deck behind the bridge for some bubbly and cheers at midnight. Some of us kept on partying much later in the early hours of the morning. . .love my new friends: Colin, CarlHeinz, the three Davids, Susan, Debroah, Heidi, etc. Hoping you ALL continue to explore this earth as authentically and adventurously as we did on this Antarctica Expedition!!!!!
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner