We discussed with friends of ours the possibility of an Antarctic cruise. They suddenly came back saying they had booked a cruise with another company.
We started to look at their pricing structure but had kept Ponant as a possibility for quite a while. Ponant then hosted an information day and we decided then and there to take the plunge and book. All in all Ponant's pricing was as good as the other company with a few more inclusions and more "luxury".
Instead of just flying to Argentina for the cruise we decided to make a trip of it and spend some time in Patagonia. We had been to Argentina (Buenos Aires and Igazu Falls) before but the southern part of this vast country had some serious appeal for walking and photography.
Cleverly designed and more spacious then expected.
Ushuaia is not a very exciting port city. Visited a few of the museums and took a tour of the Tierra Del Fuego National Park.
Stayed at the Arakur Hotel, a large concrete structure, a bit soulless, and a bit out of town. They however provide a free shuttle to downtown.
Best thing: found a great crab restaurant called El Viejo Marino. Superb! Make a booking to be certain to eat there.