wyocruiser

A deadly strain of bird flu has been found on mainland Antarctica for the first time, according to scientists, raising concerns over the risk of mass mortality of the continent’s huge colonies of penguins and other animals found nowhere else on Earth. Researchers on Feb. 24 confirmed the presence of the H5 subtype of avian influenza in two dead seabirds, called skuas, near an Argentine base and scientific research station located on the Antarctic Peninsula, according to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). “This discovery demonstrates for the first time that the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has reached Antarctica, despite the distance and natural barriers that separate it from other continents,” officials said Sunday.

There is a launderette on the Endeavour. It’s on the same floor as the mudroom (maybe deck 3). I can’t remember how many machines (4-6 of each). The machines are free. There are also a couple ironing boards and a soap dispenser.

The Endeavour didn’t have that machine last fall (which looks great). However, they have devised a system that cleans your boots as you return, and the expedition team examines the bottoms of your boots and removes any unwelcome contaminants. (No fingernails required.)

Last fall, on The Endeavour, we were given a “dry bag” which was excellent for camera equipment.

When SS canceled the January 26 cruise, they did reimburse me for my Saudi visa.

A lot of this depends on the cruiseline and the part of the world in which you're traveling. The vast majority of time, I book my own air. I like to choose my own schedule and my own airline. The cruise companies have contracts with certain airlines, and their schedules can be less than desirable. I usually fly in at least a day before the cruise, and I prefer to book my own hotel. The people on Cruisecritic can be super helpful with hotel recommendations. Often, I just take a taxi to the ship. Depending on which country I’m in, I may stay at a hotel at or near the airport and then take the cruiseline’s airport transfer on the day of the cruise. Please feel free to ask me any questions! I’m happy to help😊

You may have noticed that I was in Japan last year. If you only have a day or two in Tokyo, you do not want to stay in Yokohama. All of your time will be taken up by transportation. You may still be able to see the cherry blossoms in Tokyo, and that experience will easily consume an entire day.

Actually, the Antarctica cruise is the first time I let a cruiseline book a hotel for me, and I only did it this time because it was included as part of an expedition cruise.

When I took an SS cruise to Antarctica, the pre-cruise hotel was supposed to be the Mandarin Oriental. Less than a month before the cruise, SS switched the hotel to the W in Santiago, Chile. There was no comparison between the two hotels. How do I know this? Because the post-cruise hotel was the Mandarin Oriental, and it was so much nicer than the W.

When I took this flight last fall, they did not weigh or measure any of the hand luggage. Everyone I’ve spoken with had the same experience.

This is an update for passengers who were on the canceled January 26 cruise. Today, I received my refund. It included the amount I had paid for insurance through SS.

Looking at the website, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is what happens.

I was on the January 26 cruise from Dubai to Mumbai. I emailed Guest Relations, and they said they would reimburse me for the Saudi Arabia visa ($130 for United States).

Shouldn’t SS take care of any accommodation required after the cruise was supposed to start???

Also, I wanted to mention that SS did reimburse me for the cost of my Saudi Arabia visa. Do telegrams still exist????