[Annie]

Thanks that’s really helpful. I’ll look into those suggestions and report back.

[Annie]

If you want Buenos Aires, look at Iberia. You can still use your 241 and if you fly to Madrid on a different booking you’ll save a lot.

[Annie]

Our GP wouldn’t deal with the assessment for us so we used the paid service that HX advised. It was a very long medical questionnaire and an online face to face with doctor, mine was based in Argentina.
I can’t advise on what might cause a problem but they are basically trying to ensure that they aren’t going to have to turn the ship around. 2 days sailing from any medical help other than the onboard doctor. As previously described, an HX ship was turned around last year.
If you don’t pass the medical assessment then they will refund everything you’ve paid. Of course your flights wouldn’t be covered if booked separately.

[Annie]

With HX getting on and off the zodiacs was exactly as Colin describes so it’s clearly standard protocol. We had a few in their eighties on our trip and they all managed the zodiacs fine even if they didn’t all do the trekking.
It’s so worth it. Whatever your hesitations give it a go and it will remain with you like no other trip ever could.

[Annie]

I’m now in Madrid heading home. I would suggest that going with a cruise line where you never get off the ship would be a mistake. Our most magical experiences were ashore or on the zodiacs. Some of the walking was tricky and although poles are provided I think you may struggle. If you can get into the zodiacs then do it. You will see thousands of penguins very close to the landing sites and don’t necessarily have to do the hiking. Getting into and out of the zodiacs wasn’t tricky and there are lots of crew to help. Do have a look at HX it may not be as expensive as you think.

[Annie]

Our trip was 5 full days in Antarctica with at least one landing per day plus zodiac trips, kayaking, snow shoeing and even camping. Some of the landings required quite strenuous hikes up icy paths but most people were able to manage. Lots of guest scientists on board and the opportunity exists to join them on the science boats. We did need to stop occasionally to recover sound recorders etc which was really interesting. The resident experts are amazing and have added so much to our journey. I really recommend HX . Our ship is hybrid powered and there’s a huge environmental focus. We are round 300 passengers and the crew join is in the evenings in the bar which has been such fun. The kitchen staff have a band which we all really enjoyed.
The polar plunge was rather cold but I did it and I have the certificate to prove it.
Just about at the end of the Drake Passage now and about to enter the Beagle channel.
We thought this would be a once in a lifetime trip but we now feel sure we will be back at some point. It’s really not possible to describe it other than to say it’s truly breathtaking, the scenery, the wildlife, just the entire experience.
Travel insurance is with Admiral and I confess I didn’t check the cancellation coverage. The ship which returned to Ushuaia was the Nansen. Several people on our sailing were on the one where the guy had a cardiac arrest . The doctor got him back and the ship went back to port after a day in the Drake Passage. He survived ! The ship then did a short sailing to the Falklands. All the people on that sailing were given either 125% refund or another trip and many people on our sailing took the new sailing option and were very happy with that.
We have booked whilst on board with HC for the Galapagos next summer. I will never go on a large ship cruise again.

[Annie]

We saw 3 humpback whales this morning from the zodiac and then kayaked amongst the penguins and seals.
Polar plunge this afternoon !

[Annie]

Glad you enjoyed it Colin. I am more and more mesmerised with every hour that I’m here.

[Annie]

I can’t begin to describe Antarctica. It’s simply breathtaking. This mornings kayaking was cancelled due to wind but we were able to go out in the zodiacs . Saw thousands of Gentoo, Adeli and Chinstrap penguins. Swimming around the boat and jumping on and off the icebergs. Many had chicks. I keep expecting David Attenborough to appear. Our first landing will be this afternoon. I have to keep pinching myself.

[Annie]

I took sea sickness meds for the first time ever. I’m not normally sea sick but figured the Drake Passage might be the time to take such a precaution. I wasn’t seasick but incredibly woozy and light headed. Wont be trying them again.

[Annie]

Coming to the end of two days crossing the Drake passage. The time is filled with talks from the expedition crew, resident and guest scientists. We are learning a lot. Just attended a great lecture on penguins where the French and Germans were baffled at the first 4 slides about chocolate biscuits.

[Annie]

Food is good, so far. Yes allergens are all marked and there was a gluten free section at breakfast.

[Annie]

I’ll post some new notes in a new thread ( Antarctica ) as we go for those that are interested.

[Annie]

Thank you all for the tips. Special thanks to @JDB as just back from the Rojo Tango which was outstanding!
Off to Ushuaia in the morning then onto Antarctica, quite literally living my dream.

[Annie]

Currently in Uruguay, heading to Bariloche tomorrow then Buenos Aires, Ushuaia then Antarctica.
Gibraltar for a weekend, a week in Devon with the grandchildren and 3 weeks in Australia. 3 weeks left to book and it’s not enough. Seriously thinking of retiring .

[Annie]

We stayed at Home Hotel With during Easter this year. Very pleasant and right on the harbour. Rates were reasonable and included dinner which was a nice surprise.

[Annie]

Thanks but our cruise is from Ushuaia and so will be flying back from there to EZE.

[Annie]

Thank you both.
One final question if I may. Would like a hotel close to EZE for our final night after the cruise. Doesn’t need to be in the city as we will have had time there before. Any suggestions please ?

[Annie]

Does Uber operate from EZE ? Would that be the best way to get into town?

[Annie]

@NorthernLass please do. Time for sound on HpF?

[Annie]

Thank you all.

[Annie]

@JDB Thank you. Will try the Rojo Tango.

[Annie]

Just back from KL, Langkawi and Penang.Used Grab at least twice each day and had no issues at all.
Just ensure to book XL if you have luggage.

[Annie]

KL, Langawki, George Town and Hong Kong next month, BA 241.
Argentina, Uruguay and Antarctica Dec/Jan on Iberia 241 and with HX to Antarctica. Beyond excited .
Also Australia booked on BA 241 in May but having gone with Qatar this year I’m hoping to change the flights to them if I can find availability.

[Annie]

JDB wrote:

@StanTheMan – you seem to have the wrong end of the stick; why on earth would I be in tears? I’m absolutely delighted that the OP got such a generous resolution as they were gracious enough to acknowledge.

BA has offered more than needed, but good on the passenger for recognising that and particularly on going about claiming in a sensible, measured way. It confirms that setting out the problem clearly, calmly with a good level of detail and being patient can work better than trying to jump the queue and rushing off to bother the CEO like Mrs Angry last week.

Mrs Angry here. I still don’t understand why you choose to insult me. It really isn’t necessary and I’m sad that you would choose to do so. I thought HfP was better than that.
As you refused to acknowledge previously, my anger and escalation of the claim were as a result of my complaint being closed with zero communication from BA. I gave sufficient detail in my claim, as you did not see my claim then I really fail to see how you can conclude that I didn’t. Asking for a claim to be reinstated after closing with no resolution is hardly trying to jump the queue.
I would be grateful if you would not refer to me by my username or otherwise going forward.
Maybe I’m too sensitive for this forum but it’s a shame as I’ve really learned a lot and yet I am stepping away from contributing to the forum now . I respectfully request that you do not respond.