We had chosen this cruise for the itinerary and sights to see, and had planned and looked forward to it for three years, but as we were about to begin our cruise in Valparaiso we were denied entrance to the ship because we had no Brazilian visas ! After the initial shock, we found that there were many others , 30 or more, in the same situation. No help was offered, other than being told we had two choices: go home or catch the ship in Punta Arenas (4th day,) IF we could get our Brazilian visas in time. Many were told that their luggage COULD NOT be retrieved to be given back to them.
After the ship had left with many of the people's luggage already on board, including breathing machines, and Chemo medications, a bus was found to deliver some folks to Santiago by 11 PM. My husband and I had already paid $200.00 to go back to Santiago.
19 of us stayed in a hotel and decided to go to the Brazilian Consulate the next morning, where we explained our situation and were told that if we would do the leg work and accomplish each step individually and in person we MIGHT get the visas in time to fly to meet the ship.
Not as nice as other Grand Suites we have had. No special feeling about it.