MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Islands’ tours are top three in South America

Tourism Coordinator Samantha Marsh of Falklands Port and Shore Excursion Agents Sulivan Shipping Ltd

Three Falkland Islands tours achieved the top ratings out of all South American excursions taken by Princess Cruise Line passengers during the 2010/11 season, confirmed Tourism Coordinator Samantha Marsh of Falklands Port and Shore Excursion Agents Sulivan Shipping Ltd.

According to statistics issued by Princess Cruises the Bluff Cove Penguin Rookery Tour, Rockhopper Penguin Colony Tour (at the Murrell Farm) and the North Pond Penguin Tour all achieved a rating of 7, the highest rating possible to achieve.

Speaking to Mercopress, Miss Marsh said, Bluff Cove Lagoon was also the most sold shore excursion during the past season: “Most probably due to the scenic penguin rookery and fantastic cafe and museum. The Stanley Highlights Tour was the second most popular tour of the season, ideal for those who didn’t wish to go out to Camp and wanting to shop.”

Port and Shore Excursion Agents, the Falkland Islands Company, had an equally satisfying season, Penguin Travel Manager, Sue Buckett, “Working with our trusted partners to arrange tours, we found Bluff Cove Lagoon the most popular tour, followed by the Stanley tours. Other penguin tours were popular, such as Volunteer Point. The vintage double-decker bus was also very popular.”

Both agents claimed there was very little negative feedback, and all of the visitors onboard the Seabourn Odyssey were “100% happy” with the tours provided, said Ms Buckett.

Approximately 40,525 people visited the Falklands this season, which were fewer than last season when 48,420 people visited. There were a grand total of 70 calls to the Falklands this season (including ships that visited more than once). There were only three cancellations due to bad weather (Veendam, Insignia & Seven Seas Mariner) and approximately 32 cruise ships visited in total.
Last season approximately 37 cruise ships visited the Falklands and there were 13 cancellations.

There was one stranding this season, on Wednesday February 2, 2011 (The Kapitan Khlebnikov).

Most common complaints were about rainy weather and a lack of taxis. Miss Marsh said in fact there were more complaints from local residents than visitors and this was due to the large number of people in Stanley on February 2 when Crystal Symphony, Star Princess and the Infinity, offloaded nearly 6000 passengers.

By Jess McPhee  - Sealed PR -Stanley