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We're so exited to be in Buenos Aires and to meet up with Alena Wilson. Alena is Kelly and Merrilyn Wilson's daughter who's here in Mendoza, Argentina as part of her course work. Alena's been studying in Italy for the past number of years and is now doing reasearch for her PhD.
What fun we had, coffee followed by lots of walking throughout the city, then a great lunch and more walking.
Sadly we couldn't have dinner with Alena because we had a special ships "La Rural" event celebtrating the rurala nd urban history of Argentina. This was a free event for the round the world folks on the ship and included transportation to and from the venue - interactive kiosks for body painting, tango dancing, a photo booth and a marionette puppeteer, open bar with local cocktails, gauchos, tango demonstrations and so on. Our first of 5 such events and this one was wonderful.
What fun we had, coffee followed by lots of walking throughout the city, then a great lunch and more walking.
Sadly we couldn't have dinner with Alena because we had a special ships "La Rural" event celebtrating the rurala nd urban history of Argentina. This was a free event for the round the world folks on the ship and included transportation to and from the venue - interactive kiosks for body painting, tango dancing, a photo booth and a marionette puppeteer, open bar with local cocktails, gauchos, tango demonstrations and so on. Our first of 5 such events and this one was wonderful.
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We anchored in Punta del Este a bit later than planned around 9:30. By the time we were cleared to go ashore (they take the folks going on tours to shore first) it was 10:30 am. We spent the day walking around the city, primarily enjoying the beach and the waterfront. We did get to the famous "hand" sculpture and had our picture taken.
Of course we continued our routine with a fabulous lunch and an Aperol Spritz! Uruguay is on the International Living top 10 list for retirement so we are very interested in determining if this is a place we'd like to return to - not to retire but maybe for 6-8 weeks.
The beach is great, with lots of water sports and umbrellas and chairs for rent. There are loads of apt along the waterfront for rent and great restaurants. It was a lovely warm and humid day.
We loved it - we even took some photos of the vacation rental buildings so we could remember where they are when we get back home.
The best part - we spotted a penguin swimming near the beach - so much fun!
Of course we continued our routine with a fabulous lunch and an Aperol Spritz! Uruguay is on the International Living top 10 list for retirement so we are very interested in determining if this is a place we'd like to return to - not to retire but maybe for 6-8 weeks.
The beach is great, with lots of water sports and umbrellas and chairs for rent. There are loads of apt along the waterfront for rent and great restaurants. It was a lovely warm and humid day.
We loved it - we even took some photos of the vacation rental buildings so we could remember where they are when we get back home.
The best part - we spotted a penguin swimming near the beach - so much fun!
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Another quiet day at sea. The weather is continuing to warm and we even saw the sun today. By the time we get to Uruguay tomorrow we'll be back up to 87 degrees! We packed away our winter clothing today - we won't need it again until Alaska and possibly not even then.
We're excited to break out the sunscreen tomorrow.
Tonight we attended a cocktail party, hosted by the ship in celebration of what they call their OCircle or loyalty recognition.
We're excited to break out the sunscreen tomorrow.
Tonight we attended a cocktail party, hosted by the ship in celebration of what they call their OCircle or loyalty recognition.
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Very quiet sea day today - this is the view from our cabin this morning and it remained the same until late this afternoon - the sun came out for afternoon tea in the Horizon's Lounge. Sadly it's already gone away again.
I forgot to mention Shimi Goodman in yesterday's blog - he's a Tenor who's done two onboard show's so far. Fabulous singer and natural showman. His shows have been incredible. He's worth checking out! We're dining with new friends Bill and Kayleigh tonight!
I forgot to mention Shimi Goodman in yesterday's blog - he's a Tenor who's done two onboard show's so far. Fabulous singer and natural showman. His shows have been incredible. He's worth checking out! We're dining with new friends Bill and Kayleigh tonight!
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Port Stanley, Falkland Islands - we tendered ashore and got to stand on terra firma for the first time in five days! We took a ship's tour to Bluff Cove to see the penguins - both Gentoo and King! The Bluff is part of s 35,000 acre farm and the tour included coffee and treats. It was an extremely windy day but fairly warm. So much fun to be amongst the penguins!
After about 3 hours with the penguins we had a fish and chip lunch at a great restaurant in Port Stanley. We loved this stop and would certainly consider returning!
We had a beer in the Victory Pub where Adrian said yes when I asked him to marry me and we sealed the deal with a beautiful ring handmade right here representing the beautiful coral off the coast!
After about 3 hours with the penguins we had a fish and chip lunch at a great restaurant in Port Stanley. We loved this stop and would certainly consider returning!
We had a beer in the Victory Pub where Adrian said yes when I asked him to marry me and we sealed the deal with a beautiful ring handmade right here representing the beautiful coral off the coast!
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Today is our fifth day at sea – we’re traveling today to the Falkland Islands so no views to occupy our time. Our usual day of Bridge lessons and play and not much else. I finally got our blog updated which took most of the day (on and off). The weather is still very cool, but we did get to see the sun for the first time in about a week.
Not much else to report so I thought I’d catch you up on the ship’s gossip – we’ve had two people die so far, one on each segment. The average age on board I am told is about 10 years older than others have experienced on a world cruise. Likely due to the pandemic and pent-up demand. Also, lots of folks are onboard now for cruises that were scheduled during the pandemic.
There are reportedly two couples who live onboard Oceania ships, moving from ship to ship but not leaving! Can’t imagine!! Also, we met a woman named Sue who a couple years ago met a man in his 90’s who needed a companion for traveling. He created a contract, and she is traveling strictly as his companion, and I assume caregiver to some degree. Long story short he died onboard last year, as he had planned, but left her with 2 or 3 more world cruises fully paid for and in the Owner’s Suite.
Life onboard is backwards to home, we shower in the evenings, so we’re cleaned up for dinner and just sort of crawl out of bed to greet the day. We’re getting ready to pack up our winter clothes for the remainder of the trip – two more days at sea after the Falklands and then we’re back to warm weather.
The food onboard is largely good but is beginning to be a bit monotonous. Sounds silly when there appears to be so much choice but…we’re thinking of renting a hotel for our overnight in Rio. Maybe a hotel on the Copacabana Beach! Also thinking about doing the same thing in Cape Town where we’ll be for 2 nights. Might be nice to have a change of scenery and menu choices for a day – a little adventure within an adventure.
Not much else to report so I thought I’d catch you up on the ship’s gossip – we’ve had two people die so far, one on each segment. The average age on board I am told is about 10 years older than others have experienced on a world cruise. Likely due to the pandemic and pent-up demand. Also, lots of folks are onboard now for cruises that were scheduled during the pandemic.
There are reportedly two couples who live onboard Oceania ships, moving from ship to ship but not leaving! Can’t imagine!! Also, we met a woman named Sue who a couple years ago met a man in his 90’s who needed a companion for traveling. He created a contract, and she is traveling strictly as his companion, and I assume caregiver to some degree. Long story short he died onboard last year, as he had planned, but left her with 2 or 3 more world cruises fully paid for and in the Owner’s Suite.
Life onboard is backwards to home, we shower in the evenings, so we’re cleaned up for dinner and just sort of crawl out of bed to greet the day. We’re getting ready to pack up our winter clothes for the remainder of the trip – two more days at sea after the Falklands and then we’re back to warm weather.
The food onboard is largely good but is beginning to be a bit monotonous. Sounds silly when there appears to be so much choice but…we’re thinking of renting a hotel for our overnight in Rio. Maybe a hotel on the Copacabana Beach! Also thinking about doing the same thing in Cape Town where we’ll be for 2 nights. Might be nice to have a change of scenery and menu choices for a day – a little adventure within an adventure.
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Today we were up early and out on deck to see Deception Island – very different ash covered mountains and glaciers. We could easily see the moss and lichen – the only plants that grow here. We also got to see the largest colony of Chinstrap Penguins, thousands of little white dots – sadly my phone couldn’t capture them. The wildlife included seals, penguins and sea birds.
Later we sailed past Paradise Bay and then on to Admiralty Bay and St Georges Island. The ship provided a few views of the many research stations on the island. Another magical day surrounded by glaciers, mountains, wildlife and we even say a lone sailboat along with all the cruise ships in the area.
In addition to observing all the wildlife we managed to play Bridge (best view on the ship is from the Polo Grill Restaurant where Bridge is played). The ship headed North late this afternoon – headed for the Falkland Islands where we’re due to arrive on Tuesday morning.
We haven’t been to the gym since I got my cold, so it felt very good to get back at it late this afternoon. Busy in the gym today though!
Tonight, we attended a special dinner for “Round the World” cruisers also in the Polo Grill.
The Insignia Lounge presented Emilio Valle and his guitar in a new show tonight, so we managed to stay up for this event as well.
Later we sailed past Paradise Bay and then on to Admiralty Bay and St Georges Island. The ship provided a few views of the many research stations on the island. Another magical day surrounded by glaciers, mountains, wildlife and we even say a lone sailboat along with all the cruise ships in the area.
In addition to observing all the wildlife we managed to play Bridge (best view on the ship is from the Polo Grill Restaurant where Bridge is played). The ship headed North late this afternoon – headed for the Falkland Islands where we’re due to arrive on Tuesday morning.
We haven’t been to the gym since I got my cold, so it felt very good to get back at it late this afternoon. Busy in the gym today though!
Tonight, we attended a special dinner for “Round the World” cruisers also in the Polo Grill.
The Insignia Lounge presented Emilio Valle and his guitar in a new show tonight, so we managed to stay up for this event as well.
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Today was a fabulous day for wildlife - we spent most of the day watching humpback whales, penguins and seals. Adrian managed to get some great pictures of a whale that kindly came close enough!! So far most of the wildlike has been too far away to see. We also managed to capture a picture of some folks walking on a glacier. Lots of ships in the area, enjoying the majesty. It truly is impossible to capture this area in pictures or words.
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We were told to be up on deck for 6 am to see the sunrise – however, we set our alarm, checked the view from our balcony and went back to sleep. At 6 am all we could see was fog! We were due to arrive in Dallmann Bay at 10 am so we decided to go to the beginner Bridge class at 9:30 and then head for the deck. Perfect timing – we arrived at Dallmann Bay in. a bit of a snowstorm. Great fun watching the crew joyously play in the snow - many had never seen snow. Lots of message writing in the snow and even a snowman added to the festivities!
What a magical day, slowly cruising the Antarctic Peninsula we were privileged to see penguins, seals, whales, and sea birds. For us it was this surreal experience, almost like sailing through the upper half of the Rockies! Clouds, fog, mountains, ice bergs, so many colours - blues, greens, reds, and of course more than 50 shades of grey.
We spent most of the day watching the ocean! After the snowstorm ended it was amazingly calm and quite comfortable when the wind dropped. We spent time watching from the outside deck, from inside the Horizon’s lounge, from our dining table and our cabin balcony. Lots of photos but none of them truly capture the magic and beauty of the area.
What a magical day, slowly cruising the Antarctic Peninsula we were privileged to see penguins, seals, whales, and sea birds. For us it was this surreal experience, almost like sailing through the upper half of the Rockies! Clouds, fog, mountains, ice bergs, so many colours - blues, greens, reds, and of course more than 50 shades of grey.
We spent most of the day watching the ocean! After the snowstorm ended it was amazingly calm and quite comfortable when the wind dropped. We spent time watching from the outside deck, from inside the Horizon’s lounge, from our dining table and our cabin balcony. Lots of photos but none of them truly capture the magic and beauty of the area.
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How lucky are we? Today we spent the day traveling Drake’s Passage on our way to Admiralty Bay Antarctica. While not completely calm -we had a very tolerable level of swell and motion the whole way. It could have been so much worse. It was chilly and we really spent the day relaxing. A little Bridge, an afternoon nap, and dinner in the Terrace Café. One of our favourite sommelier’s, Anthony, gave us a lovely glass of port after dinner. After dinner we practiced some Bridge hands before going to see tonight’s entertainment, Emilio Valle, a fabulous Chilean guitarist. After the entertainment the ship announced we’d be changing our itinerary for tomorrow and would head to Dallmann Bay instead of Admiralty Bay. Dallmann Bay is more sheltered and would provide a much smoother cruise, A great and happily an uneventful day!
