written by Bob Latham on 12/04/2009
Good Points
Pre cruise extension in Patagonia, an extension bought in by Swan Hellenic, not organised by them, this was excellent.
Bad Points
The cruise, landings at Elephant Island, one at South Georgia and one at Tristan Da Cunha were pulled days before we left home. We actually made two landings out of seven. Reason for not landing at Tristan Da Cunha was given as too rough, Tristan Da Cunha website states that weather conditions were ideal, which they were. The truth is that Minerva did not have the speed to fulfil the itinerary and the itinerary was never capable of being performed, Swan Hellenic are clearly in breach of contract. Have they said sorry or compensated people, of course not.
General Comments
A cruise from Ushuaia (Argentina) to Cape Town via, Half Moon Island, Deception Island, Elephant Island, South Georgia (2 landings on separate days) and Tristan Da Cunha Group (2 landings on separate days). Making landings at all of the above places. The voyage planning was a complete disaster and I would advise people not to travel with Swan Hellenic under any circumstances, unless, of couse, they want to be disappointed.