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The trip surpassed
all our wildest expectations. Each day was better than
the one before. Just when you thought it couldn't get any
better--it would!
The ship was comfortable. The crew and expedition staff were
great. The food was fabulous. I still can't figure out how
they kept the fruit and lettuce so fresh for 19 days! We did
hit some rough seas here and there (although the Drake wasn't
as bad as I had imagined!). Not many passengers seemed to
be immobilized by mal de mer, however. I think between what
the ship doctor had and the remedies that people brought,
the seasickness was minimized. But please continue to be honest
with folks signing up for the trip, that it is a legitimate
concern. It helped us go prepared. The clothing recommendations
that you give are perfect. Layers, layers, layers and Gore-Tex
outer layer. Our LL Bean wellies were perfect, even for all
the hiking and trekking we did onshore. South Georgia is a
hidden gem (in spite of the nasty overcast, windy, rainy weather!).
We really enjoyed our stops there. Then amazingly, the fates
were with us and we stopped at Elephant Island. Some folks
even landed on Pt. Wild before the tide rose too high for
the rest of us to land--but we had a great zodiac ride and
got a good look. Great chinstrap penguin rookery there.
Deception Island was totally fascinating. John did the polar
dip, I was just too tired to dress and undress and re-dress
yet again, to lay in a lava hole with warm water! (OK, I was
a weenie!).
We had the best weather in Antarctica--sunny and warmer temps!
We even saw an Emperor penguin (all by itself!). That was
totally unexpected, as we knew we were out of their range.
And we had a wedding. An Australian couple married by the
Russian ship captain on Antarctica! (Probably not legal, but
we had a lot of fun celebrating!). Even the Gentoo penguins
seemed enthralled by the festivities! Fabulous barbeque on
the back deck in Paradise Harbor (which lived up to its name!).
There really weren't any disappointments. Your advice and
literature that you sent was incredibly helpful. Thanks again
for all your assistance and patience with our questions. It
really was a trip of a lifetime.
Cathy & John
Arlington, VA
Orlova – Explorers Cruise
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