Originally Posted by Pausanias

Larkin - I just got off the Quest in Barbados. As someone more accustomed to expedition style ships with around 100 passengers, I have to say the Quest just bowled me over. It was by far the youngest ship we have ever been on and offered superb levels of comfort and outstanding food in the casual restaurant where we ate virtually every meal. We were not remotely impressed by the Thomas Keller restaurant. The cabins were superbly designed and ours was serviced without fail when we were at breakfast. Service levels throughout the ship were high. We especially liked Seabourn Square where you could get a proper coffee, browse the library, surf the internet, read your local newspaper on a iPad and much more besides. On these bigger ships we tend to go for tables for two and are generally rather anti-social. We never see the shows, never use the casino, never saw the spa, and the pool deck wasn't great either though that won't be an issue on your cruise.

Which brings me to this - We have thought long and hard about taking this ship to Antarctica and South Georgia and I think we may well do so, favouring the Quest over the smaller expedition ships. It will ride better in rough seas, offer a degree more comfort, and while you will definitely get fewer zodiac landings and less bonding with Mr and Mrs Penguin, previous polar experience tells me that kitting up in all your over-clothes and rubber boots isn't something you want to do three or four times a day. And the scenery is often better from a ship.

I hope you enjoy your trip and let us know how you get on.