OK, thanks. I'm going to send her a copy of your post. I'm not sure when she is leaving but they will be in Punta Arenas on February 11 so I imagine her trip is not terribly far away. Thanks.
Originally Posted by
greatam
Heads up!!! The Antarctica flyover shore excursion is one of the most cancelled excursions in the cruising world. WEATHER is a major factor. If you book with the cruiseline, at least if it is cancelled, you will get refunded. If you book a private charter plane, I would doubt you get a refund. And I would make a guess that to charter the plane, you will need to make arrangements WELL in advance and pay at least a hefty deposit. You truly are at the end of the world down there, without all the niceties we take for granted is most parts of the world.
Having been to Antarctica and on two South American, 'Round the Horn cruises, I would not even think of taking the flyover excursion, either with the ship or privately. Real waste of money for a 6 hour plane ride, HOPING to be able to see something. You do not land, you just flyover. Think about how much you can really see at 10,000 feet, when everything is white and kind of blends together.
The penguin trip to Magdalena Island is ABSOLUTELY fantastic. Ferry ride out to the island (about 2 hours), one of the largest penguin colonies in the world. This is a Celebrity exclusive, although there is another ferry that runs out of Puenta Arenas and goes to Magdalena Island.
The other penguin trip out of Puenta Arenas, Otway Sound, is not nearly as good, but if that is all that is available, better to see penguins than not see penguins. Long, dusty ride to see the penguins and it is PACKED with tour busses. A real disappointment after I had been to Magdalena Island. There are a couple of independent companies that offer Magdalena Island, but it takes some good coordination with the cruise line.
Is your Mom going this year? If not, have her look into one of the cruise ship trips that actually cruise Antarctica. HAL does quite a few, as do Crystal and a couple other lines. You will not be able to touch land in Antarctica (like a specialized Antarctica trip), but you will get to cruise around the Peninsula. MUCH better than taking the flyerover and believe me, it won't cost any more than the cruise she is already booked on + the flyover. Enjoy!!!