RETURN TO THE ICE: Eight years ago we made our first visit to Antarctica with Lindblad National Geographic on the Explorer. I must say it was one of our most memorable experiences.
Today, 1/27/2022, we start our return journey to Antarctica. Those who know me know I have Polar Fever and am drawn to these regions. This time we are traveling with Adventures by Disney, who has chartered the Ponant Cruise Line’s ship Le Lyrial. Lindblad set a very high bar in many aspects and it will be interesting to see the differences. At this writing, I was hesitant to travel to Antarctica with ABD, yet we can use our Disney Vacation Club points.
I will compare the different experiences at a later date in a post trip blog entry.
Due to COVID, this trip has been a GO/NO GO rollercoaster. Finally the decision to GO was made (I think Disney did not want to lose money). Most ABD trips slated to a country at Level 4 have been cancelled.
The initial itinerary had a day and half in Ushuaia visiting the sights there. My first thought was nice but get me to The Ice. I was getting interested in some of these activities because of my research. Due to Argentina being at a Level 4 COVID status (High), the pre trip offering in Buenos Aires was canceled, as well as all activities in Ushuaia. Yet, getting extra time down South is good for me.
Arrival paperwork is somewhat of a gauntlet, 72 hour PCR test, Proof of Vaccine, Proof of insurance which covers COVID treatment, then an Argentina Immigration entry form (almost all in Spanish). Then our COVID Vaccine documents must be submitted 48 hours before boarding the ship.
We will be tested upon our arrival at the Sofitel in Buenos Aires, tested again in Ushuaia before boarding the ship, tested mid trip, and tested for the flight home.
For the past two weeks we have been avoiding public contact and have tested negative for the flight to Buenos Aires.
Guests on this trip were allowed to cancel for a refund, reschedule to a later date, or GO.
My research indicates the Ponant Ships are kinda fancy, we will see, and not a requirement for me on an expedition cruise.
I hope the quality of the naturalists presentations is well done.
We are arriving a day early in Buenos Aires and will be laying low to avoid COVID. Meals will be takeaway and maybe some walks in a nearby park. I know a great hole in the wall empanada place.
One thing one must remember is on expedition cruises is that nothing is set in stone, there are plans A-Z and one must roll with the flow.
Will keep all up to date with entries as the ships Internet allows.
Oh yes, United allows us 3 bags each at 70lbs. Internal Disney Charter one bag at 50lbs and one carryon at 17lbs.
The capacity of this trip is 190 guests and last we were told there will be 142 guests.
