Fly the Drake vs. more luxurious ship
Mar 18, 23, 5:02 pm
#16
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 7
Fly the Drake passage and sail on Silversea Endeavor
What's wrong about a luxury expedition? I get seasick just thinking about rough seas. Sailing the Drake was not an option. I know i would have 3-4 horrible days and maybe some after effects.
We booked Silversea on a 5 night cruise and it was fabulous. My wife wanted to claim the 7 continents title, and that was accomplished. We saw a LOT of wildlife and spectacular scenery.
We were satisfied with that experience and didn't feel we needed to see more of Antarctica. Silversea has several ships available. We lucked into The Endeavor, the most expensive ship ever built on a per cabin basis. This boat was purchased by Crystal after they went out of business. Built for arctic exploration but also for comfort. Yes, it's pretty pricey but we felt it was worth it.
We booked Silversea on a 5 night cruise and it was fabulous. My wife wanted to claim the 7 continents title, and that was accomplished. We saw a LOT of wildlife and spectacular scenery.
We were satisfied with that experience and didn't feel we needed to see more of Antarctica. Silversea has several ships available. We lucked into The Endeavor, the most expensive ship ever built on a per cabin basis. This boat was purchased by Crystal after they went out of business. Built for arctic exploration but also for comfort. Yes, it's pretty pricey but we felt it was worth it.
Mar 24, 23, 12:34 pm
#17
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Miami, Florida
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 5
I sailed the Drake a few days ago
Hiya... I sailed the Drake both ways on Atlas Ocean Voyages (a smaller luxury cruise line, but new) a few days ago. I went through the same "dilemma" you were a year ago.
I talked at length with Jonathan Zaccaria who was the expedition leader on our cruise. (search him up, he is VERY well versed) and we talked about this very topic. Flying the Drake awards you no "street cred". He felt and I understood, one has to earn the right to seeing Antarctica. Flyng over the Drake is unpredictable and you may not fly when you think you will. You see no change from the airport to essentially, snow. Part of the build up is getting there...
We sailed it both ways. On the way it was not too bad... but take your Dramamine, or wear the patch and deal with it and save yourself a lot of cash. Take that extra 6K and use it for another trip. If I can sail it, anyone can. And once you do, you feel like a small part of the world's population who has done something pretty bad a$$..Lastly, be sure you boat has a day where you can do the Polar Plunge. it was amazing!!
I talked at length with Jonathan Zaccaria who was the expedition leader on our cruise. (search him up, he is VERY well versed) and we talked about this very topic. Flying the Drake awards you no "street cred". He felt and I understood, one has to earn the right to seeing Antarctica. Flyng over the Drake is unpredictable and you may not fly when you think you will. You see no change from the airport to essentially, snow. Part of the build up is getting there...
We sailed it both ways. On the way it was not too bad... but take your Dramamine, or wear the patch and deal with it and save yourself a lot of cash. Take that extra 6K and use it for another trip. If I can sail it, anyone can. And once you do, you feel like a small part of the world's population who has done something pretty bad a$$..Lastly, be sure you boat has a day where you can do the Polar Plunge. it was amazing!!
