3.5 rating based on 1 rating Boarded the Emerald Princess in Buenos Aires, fascinating city and did a city tour visiting the Recoleta Cemetary which was absolutely fascinating, lots of mausoleums, and saw the tomb of Evita Peron and the Duarte family. Visited the colorful Boca district of Buenos Aires. My recommendation would be to arrive into the city a couple of days prior to have time to explore the City.
Next stop was Montevideo, Uruguay, it lies on the southernmost point on the Rio de la Plata's northern shore situated between Brazil and Argentina. One can visit the Plaza Independencia, this central plaza divides the Old Town and newer downtown with historical buildings, trendy shops and cafes. The port is within a 2 block walking distance to the Port Market and with various vendors selling clothing, crafts, food and souveniers. Another spot to visit would be Punta del Este a famouse seaside resort with wonderful beaches.
Puerto Madryn, Argentina was the next port of call, its a small coastal city and is known as Argentinaès second largest fishing port and a home to beauti8ful beaches filled with summer homes, and is home to a variety of sea life, & spectacular vistas. We toured Estancia San Guillermo which is a typical family owned Patagonia Ranch, offering sheep shearing demonstration, and great refreshments.
Next day was a relaxing sea day, the weather was great and able to be on deck and using the pools and hot tubs, movies under the stars, exercise classes, and of course spa treatments. Had a great acupuncture treatment.
Next stop was Stanley, Falkland Islands and I think that was the highlight of my trip. The Falkland Islands is British, nice to hear some English spoken. We anchored in the outer harbour, and arrived at 7:00am and departed at 6:00pm. I was able to take an excursion to at Rockhopper Penguin colony, fascinating trip, 1 hour from Stanley but Range Rovers over very tough landscape, bogs, rock, uphill and downhill. Not good if you have back issues, but what an experience. They dropped us off and we were able to spend about 1 hour, it was windy and cool, however, there was a small trailer with washroom facilities and were able to get tea, coffee and biscuits. After we came back to Stanley went to had a fish & chip lunch at one of the Islands Pubs. Several gift shops available. There are no natural trees on the island, and lots of sheep, still the odd land mine from the Arentina/Falkland Island war.
We then cruised on to Cape Horn, cloudy skies and a few rough seas, but when we arrived at Cape Horn, the weather cleared and we were able to sail around the Horn. On the eastern side there is a research outpost and lighthouse which is constantly manned. Sailing around the tip was fascinating and we were able to see both sides. Cape Horn is the most southerly point of the South American continent and marks the border between the South Atlantic and the South Pacific Ocean. Due to some strong winds the Captain did receive permission from the Chilean authorities to pass through the Mar Del Sur Channel to the north and on to Ushuaia.
We arrived in Ushuaia about 7:00am. Booked an excursion to the End of the World and Tierra del Fuego, and was able to wander around the city. Able to find a café with complimentary internet to connect with friends and family back home. The Emerald Princess departed about 4:00pm and proceeded down "Glacier Alley" in the Beagle Channel, and later on arrived in Chilean waters.
Next stop was Punta Arenas, Chilie, another cloudy day with occasional rain. No excursions booked and were able to walk into town, found a lovely seafood restaurant, had some of the best fresh fish,
