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Clipper Adventurer Antarctica |
| Reviewed By: Davie, Keyworth Nottingham on 18th Feb 2008 |
| Cruise Line: Fred. Olsen Cruises |
Times cruised before: 3-5 |
| Cruise Ship: Balmoral |
Sailed:
January,
2008 |
| Destination: Antarctica |
Age: 46-55 |
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We have just returned from a very enjoyable two weeks on Clipper Adventurer which sailed to the Falklands and then spent four days in Antarctica. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of going to Antarctica on a small ship. We had 106 passengers on board which meant that everyone could land every time and obviously a small ship can go to many places the large ones are unable to. The passengers were split into four groups which took turns to land first.
We had booked the cheapest cabin but it was still a reasonable size, although the bathroom was rather cramped. There was plenty of wardrobe space and the beds were comfortable.
The food is very good, especially the main courses. Breakfast can either be a continental buffet style in the lounge or a cooked meal in the restaurant. At lunch there was a very good soup and salad buffet or a full meal in the restaurant. The evening meal was always in the restaurant. Dress in the restaurant was very informal and casual even at the Captain's farewell dinner (tops or shirts and trousers were virtually everyone's choice). All restaurant meals had a choice on every course. Hot drinks and soft drinks were available free all day and there was also a bar.
The crew were very good, friendly and efficient. There was an open bridge policy so you could watch the navigating at any time and this was particularly interesting as we weaved our way through icebergs and ice sheets! There were lectures virtually every day and these were of a particularly high standard, especially those given by the British geologist, the British mammal expert and the New Zealand bird-watcher. We spent one day on the Falklands and it is a shame that we didn't visit Port Stanley where in fact we had been before. The landings in Antarctica are very varied and there are literally different sorts of penguin by the thousand. We also saw humpback whales and seals as well as the many different birds. We landed where there were the remains of an old whaling station and we also visited the Ukrainian Antarctic base which was very interesting. The Antarctic authorities plan all the itineraries of all the ships so that no two ships are in the same landing area at the same time.
The crossing of Drake Passage can be rough so take sickness tablets if you need them, although they were freely available on board. We had a relatively calm crossing. It was never below about 4 deg C in Antarctica although there can be a wind-chill factor. Many of the days were blue sky and sunshine and you will get excellent photos of the spectacular scenery - and the penguins!
There were 17 British people on board, a couple of Australians, some Canadians and the rest from the States. As the policy of ths ship is open seating, it is easy to meet many of the other passengers.
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