My Wife and I were very privaleged to see an unusual event on our Antarctic Trip, due to no fault of the two vessels involved one passenger's luggage was found to be on the wrong vessel. To put this right is not easy in this location. The Master of the Corinthian felt that a transfer would be possible at one location. When the day arrived Icebergs were everywhere. This proved to be advantageous as it was very windy, see the video to see the real conditions, and the Corinthian was moved very skilfully into the lee of one Iceberg where the water was much smoother, our own vessel had to hold her position to enable the Zodiac to collect the case. To my Wife and I and other passengers it presented an unusual opportunity to be able to see how big Icebergs can be as the vessel showed how big the iceberg was and this one was on the large size!!! I am sure that the passenger was relieved too to be reunited with his case!! I understand that Icebergs can be much bigger, one I believe was half the size of Belgium. The shots below are a series taken from the other vessel.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.