A South American Adventure

I love to get feedback from my clients good or bad, this also gives me an insight to what people have experienced especially if I have not been to that part of the world before.  Mrs J & Mr M T have recently returned from a fantastic South American trip sailing on the Crown Princess. They emailed me as they travelled which was fab and have also sent me photos – thanks to them we can share this amazing trip!

Busy on arrival at Buenos Aires port but as platinum members we went straight through and we were on board and in our cabin by 12 mid-day on 1st Feb! Half day excursion in Buenos Aires on second day was interesting and good value. Visited La Boca district, Ricoleta Cemetry (funny story about Eva Peron’s mausoleum) a Cathedral and generally got feel for the busy city.

Uruguay was lovely, very hot and there were some difficulties with the tenders as the swell was high but once we got ashore they were handing out walking maps and we managed to see a lot and fit in time for a bottle of the local wine!!(not the best idea on an empty stomach and in the heat but made for some fun getting back for the last tender!!)

The first sea day dawned bright and sunny but by late afternoon, early evening we were being buffeted by huge waves (force 10).  Had a dinner table near to the window and it was amazing to see the waves flying past …. Literally!!

Puerto Madryn – a 2+ hour drive each way to see the penguins at Punta Tombo Reserve. Worth every penny and mile …. There were hundreds of thousands of them! Walked through the reserve and down to the ocean where some were taking a dip.  Wonderful ?

Falkland Islands – another tender experience but better weather and smoother organisation here. Took a shuttle bus laid on by locals (£18 including free coffee/tea at local cafe on return to Stanley) to Gypsy Cove where we walked and saw more penguins, birds etc. Stanley itself was small but interesting with shops, pubs, landmarks, memorials etc. Spent 5 hours happily and caught last tender back from pier!!

Today we have been around Cape Horn and you won’t believe it but after all my umming and arrgghhing about being on the Port side of the ship (as starboard side fully booked) the ship sailed all the way around the Cape with it on PORT side – result!! Able to toast the calm seas, clear views and tick off another place on the bucket list with a glass of wine on our balcony!!!!

Ushuaia – end of the world. We had a few difficulties here as two other ships ‘pinched’ the berth which meant an unexpected tender! Fortunately our trip on the steam train was the last one of the day so we were the least affected in getting off the ship. The last tender back to the ship at 3pm turned into about 6pm!! The queue along the quayside was amazing ….. We did the Southernmost railway & Ensenada Bay tour. A bit pricey but the coach took us into the Tierra del Fuego National Park with a stop at the end of the world ‘post office’ at Ensenada Bay (fantastic views) before the train trip.

The delay lifting anchor meant that we were cruising the Beagle Channel somewhat later than planned but fortunately we still got to see the glaciers before dark!  We then asked for a table by the window so we could continue appreciating the scenery over dinner.

Punta Arenas – a few passengers got off here at the crack of dawn to visit Antartica. We took the tender ashore and did our own thing! Another interesting cemetery, a town within easy walking distance and some museums. If we had to say, this would be our ‘least favourite’ port.

Amalia Glacier (scenic cruising) – bit overcast today at times today and started to rain on the approach but once there the mist lifted long enough to allow a good view of the glacier. Ship did a full 360 turn before the mist descended again and we got underway.

Puerto Montt – One of Mick’s favourite ports! Did the Lake Esmeralda, Petrohue River and Puerto Varas trip here. From the ship we headed towards the snow capped Osorno Volcano, visiting the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. Had a catamaran ‘cruise’ on the lake before stopping at Petrohue Falls which were pretty spectacular. We then had a super lunch in a hotel at Puerto Varas before a little shopping and a return to the ship.

Valparaiso – the end of our South American adventure ?. Smooth disembarkation and coach transfer to the airport where we had quite a wait but managed to fill it with some Wi-Fi access, shopping, lunch and a couple of cups of dodgy tea!!

Overall, a super holiday. Would highly recommend this itinerary. We found the Crown Princess to be fine for our needs. Food was good. Entertainment was okay, not fantastic but perfectly acceptable. Looking forward to being on her again in September!!

Does’nt this sound the most amazing trip? if you want to do the same, let me know!

Till next time x