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Silversea Antarctica Challenge

Silver Cloud Cruise Review to Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East)

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 26

Overall rating:

3.1 out of 5
Verified Review
Silver Cloud

12 Night Antarctica Expedition (Punta Arenas Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 08, 2022

Ship: Silver Cloud

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 627

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

What an adventure but what a hassle. Missed out on the 'Polar Plunge", didn't get to explore Antarctica as the itinerary depicted but did see a lot of neat stuff. A 12 day cruise that should have had 4 days at sea actually amounted to 9 days at sea. Would not have gone had I known what was to happen.

Embarkation

2 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
The first night was fine but after testing on the second day over a 1/3 of the crew (60+) were quarantined for Covid for several days adding to the crew that was already quarantined. Sit down dinners were stopped and a limited buffets were instituted for over a week.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5
Lots of OK lectures. During our 12 days we were allowed to go on the Zodiacs 5 times with actually going on land 4 times. Had to return early because of potential storms in the Drake Passage with a promise to be able to have Zodiac Tours in Chilean Fjords - did not happen - said they could not get permission.

Entertainment

No entertainment other than lectures.

Children's Programs

No children aboard.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5
Considering that about 1/3 of the staff was in quarantine they did a good job.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
The room was nice and kept in great condition by Putu & Jenny

Ports of call

Punta Arenas, Chile

2 out of 5

Cruise Drake Passage

3 out of 5

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS

3 out of 5

Antarctic Experience

3 out of 5

Cruise Polar Ice Cap

3 out of 5

Disembarkation

1 out of 5
Had to take a Covid test on the 16th when we entered Chilean water at Puerto Williams. This was unexpected since we had came back early due to the weather. They wouldn't let us get off the ship or take any Zodiac Tours. Was suppose to take a Covid test on the ship prior to disembarkation on the 20th but charged that to taking the test at a hotel in Santiago. Bused from the port to the Punta Arenas airport then flown on a packed jet to Santiago. Had to get luggage, take to hotel, unload and then take Covid test. Mass confusion and then load back up and go back to the airport. One of our group was the first to take test and they evidently misplaced it. The rest of the group had to leave her to get back to the airport and still didn't make it within the 3 hour prior request. They did find her test and she did make it to the airport but what a worry.
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