Cruising South America
We boarded the Celebrity Infinity cruise ship on March 23rd, eagerly anticipating the rest and relaxation that awaited us. It had felt like we had been constantly running around since our trip to Alaska last summer, where a broken frame rail I-beam in the trailer made significant changes to our life choices.
Even our recent adventure in Bolivia had been a lot of fun and work packed into a short amount of time. The humid heat had worn us down faster than we had expected, so we were ready for a real break.
As we stepped onto the ship, we immediately felt the weight of our responsibilities lift from our shoulders. No more worrying about meals or clean-up, no more work to be done, just the promise of beautiful ocean views, hot tubs, swimming pools, good food, and…pickleball!
Our friendly cabin steward greeted us warmly and showed us to our luxurious balcony room, where we were able to relax and take in the stunning scenery.
Of course, I have to mention the cute little towel animals that our steward made for us. The cruise ship was filled with activities and excursions, but we made sure to prioritize rest and relaxation above all else.
The food on board the Celebrity Infinity was absolutely delicious, with breakfast starting out with smoked salmon, capers, and onions, and lunch offering a variety of Indian and Mediterranean cuisine. Dinner was always a treat, whether we opted for the restaurant and mingled with other guests or enjoyed a private dinner in our room.
What made this cruise particularly fascinating was that we were traversing the Strait of Magellan, a historically significant route that was first explored by Ferdinand Magellan in 1520. The Beagle Channel is also of great importance, having been explored by the HMS Beagle in the 1830s, with none other than Charles Darwin aboard. It was amazing to follow in the footsteps of these explorers and witness the stunning landscapes they encountered, which have remained largely unchanged to this day.
We were also thrilled to be able to sail to Cape Horn, a treacherous and challenging passage that has long captivated adventurers and explorers. And as a bonus, we had the opportunity to explore two new countries, Uruguay and Argentina, each with its own unique culture and beauty. All in all, it was a truly unforgettable experience.
Excursions:
Our Patagonian adventure began with a thrilling horse-riding excursion through the rugged trails of Punta Arenas, Chile. The winding paths led us along the stunning Strait of Magellan, with the refreshing Agua Fresca River providing a calming soundtrack to our journey. The crisp, cool air invigorated our senses and made us feel truly alive.
Next up our journey through Tierra del Fuego National Park was nothing short of spectacular. The breathtaking views of soaring peaks and crystal-clear lakes left us speechless, and we couldn’t help but feel small and insignificant against the towering mountains and vast expanses of wilderness. As we hiked through the park, we were greeted by the local wildlife, including a curious red fox that tried to sneak a bite of our lunch snacks! We were thrilled with the mischievous fox and were glad we had the opportunity to be there.
Interestingly, the world’s most southern post office also is here.
There are several mountain ranges that are visible from the Tierra del Fuego National Park in Argentina, including the Andes Mountains to the west, the Martial Mountains to the east, and the Fuegian Andes to the north. The large river that runs through the park is the Pipo River, which flows into the Beagle Channel.
We could hardly contain our excitement as we arrived at Punta Tombo, home to the adorable penguins in their natural habitat. As we got closer, we were thrilled to see these delightful creatures waddling and sunbathing in front of us. Some of them looked a bit roughed up with their molting process. It was amazing to witness how they put on new feathers that would help them brave the cold waters of the sea they were soon to return to for the winter.
As we watched, we noticed that the penguins were unafraid of the nearby guanaco and paraded around them. The Argentina emu also hung out there by the sea, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. It was truly worth the experience to see these creatures in their natural habitat even though it took a good two hours to get to the Penguin Rookery from our cruise dock.
Evenings were spent indulging in a bowl of ice cream and enjoying the gentle sway of the ship as we drifted off to sleep.
In summary, our Patagonia and Argentina cruise on the Celebrity Infinity was the perfect escape. We were able to relax and recharge while enjoying all the luxurious amenities on the ship.
