And then we were out of the fjord and into the Southern Ocean. And for the next three days we were confined to the interior of the ship. The extremely strong winds continued, so that the ship could make only about 8 knots. We were allowed in the bridge - we were always allowed in the bridge, except when the pilot was on board - from which we could watch the bow slam into huge waves, which would break well above the bow and slam into the exterior of the bridge, which was on the ship's eighth deck. Traveling through the Southern Ocean, in a modern ship that is capable of communication with the outside world, gives one a great appreciation of those who explored or worked in those waters in sailing vessels, totally dependent on and subject to the mercy of the weather, and totally isolated from the outside world. It is almost beyond my comprehension.
And so it continued until we neared the sea ice extending out from the Antarctic continent, at which point we were once again allowed on deck and observed Southern Fulmars, Pintado Petrels, a few Snow Petrels and even one Antarctic Petrel, which came and left before I could get it in focus. Oh yes - there were icebergs galore. And our first Adele Penguins. And Crabeater Seals. We were in Erebus and Terror Gulf (named, I'm happy to say, after the HMS Erebus and the HMS Terror, which were used in exploring the area, and not after anything that had happened there) nearing Antarctica.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
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
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.