Fin del Mundo …. and beyond

8 November 2022 – Buenos Aires to Ushuaia and embarkation

And so the day finally arrived – flight to Ushuaia. The last leg of travel before we board the MS Roald Amundsen for our 14 day trip.

Breakfast was a hurried affair before we boarded the bus to the airport.

We weren’t sure what to expect of the flight (logistics wise), but we got our boarding passes (I think) before we got onto the bus and beyond a relatively ‘low drama’ security check we were at the gate waiting to board. Waterbottles and other stuff that is normally frowned upon, depending on the official’s current mood, passed through without so much as the blink of an eye.

The flight was uneventful, bar some people not having their Embarkation forms completed and ready for collection, despite clear instructions the day before.

The last few minutes had breathtaking scenes over snow-capped mountains and beautiful glacier valleys. My high school Geography teacher came to mind… the difference between valleys carved by Glaciers – U shaped and valleys carved by rivers – V shaped.

Cute small little airport – waiting for the luggage – giggling about the few pieces that were marked “extra heavy” – how’s that for ‘luggage-shaming’ on a flight with very specific weight restrictions?

Luggage delivered to the lines of other Hurtigruten destined items we boarded our designated busses for a quick drive through the ‘main road’ of town. Then we joined the line of other busses parked just outside the port. Yes – where the daytrip tour operator offices are and the infamous Fin del Mundo sign.

We received our welcome packs with our cruise cards, lanyards and boat group patches. Much excitement to find out where you were assigned and if you know anyone else in your group. I was the only Weddell Seal amoungst our impromtu gang and definately wanted to remain a Weddell seal. Some group re-assignment requests were on the cards elsewhere.

We had about 50 minutes ‘free time’ before we had to meet at the bus. After some pictures at “The Sign” I headed out in search of a frigde magnet as I did not know what shopping opportunies would be available upon return. A quick stop at the Information Centre resulted in a “Stamped” Ushuaia End of the World ‘certificate’, but no souvenirs on offer.

I got directions to a shop one block up in the main street and dashed there to at least get a magnet.

Magnet in hand,I was ready to start the adventure…  Back to the bus!

And off we went… onto the pier. Nothing really prepares you for the moment you see the MS Roald Amundsen up close. The culmination of months of planning, medical forms to agnonise and specualte about, the Covid Test that stands between you and the white continent…. and now it is real!