A bucket list trip to observe penguins and glaciers.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was delayed about an hour due to extensive onboard cleaning after the previous cruise reported higher than usual norovirus numbers. Once underway, embarkation was organized and went quickly. Buenos Aries is an industrial port and after passengers complete the check-in process, they take a five minute shuttle bus ride to the cruise ship. Our itinerary also required all passengers to turn in their passports upon boarding. They were promptly returned to us after with an approval stamp after our port call in the Falkland Islands.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We were Aqua Class passengers and therefore enjoyed the excellent service and quality food in the Blu Restaurant. During our 14 night cruise there were many more “hits” than “misses”. The beef dishes, especially the prime rib and filet mignon were five star meals. The oven roasted lobster was the best I’ve ever had. The fish entrees were so-so and there were many more options available for passengers more “foodie” than we consider ourselves to be.
The Oceanview Cafe was very good for a quick meal and served a wide variety of fresh, individually prepared dishes including pastas, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, nachos, salads, as well as, different mass prepared entrees each day. They also make their own hand-dipped ice cream with several flavors available each day. Considering the number of passengers eating in the Oceanview for breakfast, lunch, or dinner each day, the quality of meals is overall very good.
We ate in the Tuscan Specialty Restaurant once and were not impressed. It took more than two hours to complete the meal service and we thought the quality was less than that of the Blu.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
OUTSTANDING! Best I’ve ever seen in my 28 past cruises. Led by the highly talented and very energetic Cruise Director Alejandro there was always something for everyone to do at all hours of the day and evening. Most noteworthy on this Antarctica Cruise focused on wildlife and glacier viewing was the presence of two naturalists. Each day educational and entertaining programs were provided to passengers. Most noteworthy is Celia Garland, a naturalist / entertainer employed by Celebrity on some Antarctica and Alaska cruises. If considering a future cruise to one of these bucket list destinations, consider booking one where Ms. Garland will be employed… her presence and knowledge made our cruise experience much more satisfying.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Similar to comments made under activities, Cruise Director Alejandro had excellent production and headliner shows nightly. Since there were numerous sea days with this itinerary, afternoon matinee programs were also available on many days. Six headliners with two acts each were rotated throughout the cruise and the ships own singers and dancers performed four different shows. Alejandro, himself is a talented entertainer and did “The Liars Club” comedy show with Celia, the naturalist, and the ship’s Captain…. very funny!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Quality service with a smile was evident throughout the ship. Our room steward, John was excellent as was our favorite bartender, Gede in the Constellation Lounge. We rotated dining service staff but quality was consistently high. The Captain was active with passengers throughout the cruise and his leadership and attention to passengers needs seemed to carry over to the crew.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The Infinity is the last of her class to be refurbished (due in 2024), but despite her age she was clean and for the most part well-maintained. Very easy ship to navigate. We throughly enjoyed the Infinity and all that she offered.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
AquaClass cabin measures about 200 sq. ft. Nice balcony on 9th floor. Bathroom comfortable. Met our needs as we slept well each night.
Ship tip
If you’re after shiny, new bells and whistles, you won’t find it on this ship. The Infinity is considered small by today’s cruise ship standards but is comfortable and provides a good cruise experience.
I’m not a big city person, but flew in the day before our cruise. We stayed at the Fierro Hotel on Solar Street. Transfers from the airport and to the port were arranged by the hotel and cost $55 per vehicle. It was a nice boutique hotel in a “safe” part of the city. The rooms were comfortable, and a delicious free breakfast was included. A restaurant is onsite and it too offered good food. I would stay there again.
Another beautiful sunny day, but temperatures were well below freezing with strong winds. We layered up and spent several hours on deck spotting whales and penguins. Antarctica is like Glacier Bay, Alaska on steroids. The naturalists were on deck to assist passengers with wildlife viewing.
We did a cruise of the Beagle Channel and saw sea lions and seabirds. We also toured the National Park which offered some excellent viewing sites. Walked around Ushuaia in our own. Lots of stores and restaurants to visit. Forewarning the weather seemed to change every 30 minutes in this area. We had sun, snow, rain, moderate temperatures, cold temperatures with gusty winds. Layer Up!
Our favorite port of call. Lots of history. We took an excursion to Bluff Cove and saw three types of penguins. Close interaction with all. Unforgettable experience! Must do for anyone visiting the Falkland Islands. Would love to return.
This is a sail around. We had beautiful weather with which to see the lighthouse and monument. We were told that our sunny and clear weather was rare for this area where strong winds and rough seas are the norm.
Disembarkation was easy and on time. We had an evening flight and therefore took a Celebrity excursion which, gave us an extra day in Buenos Aries, handled our luggage, and dropped us off at the airport.
I personally like the options and fresh air balconies afford their occupants. As for sightseeing, their value is only positive if the sights to be viewed are on your room side. If you have winter weather gear and are willing to commit to the open decks then a balcony room is not necessary. We found that viewing from open decks is crowded during the first hour, but passengers quickly get cold and/or lose interest in sightseeing thus opening up many excellent open decks viewing locations. The lower the decks the better the viewing.
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