jjs217

I so much want to go on a Crystal cruise again. But, I was underwhelmed with the cruises that are available for the times that I'm available for 2025. I guess I will try again in 2026.

I don't know if they have Aquavit on board, but if they do, the bar is open...............

That's the wonderful thing - Seabourn doesn't make you do it.

Hahaha - I love a man with a sense of humor!

As I mentioned on another thread on this board, for us, it is worth going back. We were on the Venture Holiday Cruise in Dec 22 that had quite a few unusual problems and we were unable to get to the South Georgia Islands as scheduled. That is the main reason we are going back. Because the other cruise got all jumbled up, Seabourn did offer us, what I believe, to be a good deal to go back. The funny thing with the polar plunge - before we even left for the cruise, my husband was pooh-poohing it, and saying how ridiculous and why would anybody want to do that, blah, blah. Then even when we were on the ship, I would ask him, "Are you sure you don't want to......." and his response was the same. "No". Well we got back from a zodiac cruise one day and they had already started the plunges, and my husband saw how much fun everyone was having (Seabourn offering pre-plunge shots of Jaegermeister and post plunge spiked hot chocolate was helping with the atmosphere - if you know what I mean.) He said, "Oh, I've got to do this." I'm standing there gob-smacked and didn't even think of joining him. You can do a double plunge with your loved one. They take pictures too, so it's a nice keepsake.

You will have a wonderful time (and I was on the crazy, messed up Holiday Venture Cruise in Dec 22 - but that is a long story.) In fact, it is not a once in a life time adventure - as we are going back this coming January. I will never forget crossing the Drake and then seeing the white continent for the first time on a beautiful, but cold, late afternoon sunny day, and whales jumping and everything sparkling, and a cocktail in my hand - ahhhhh - I can't wait to go back.

It is one of the highlights of an Antarctica sailing, and they will try to schedule one. The seas have to be right, but they know this is something people really want to do. I was surprised how many of the crew participated - even the Captain and the ship's doctor. On our cruise, I believe they said 78 people took part. My husband did it on the Dec22/Jan23 cruise. We are going back in Jan24 and we will both be doing it then. I'm actually looking forward to it. I felt so left out last time because it created a special camaraderie amongst those who took the plunge.

While one group is ashore, the other group just does what one does on a cruise - be lazy, eat, read, watch lectures on the TV, nap - that kind of thing. I enjoyed both the zodiac tours and the landings. My husband and I are hikers, so we really enjoyed walking/hiking once on shore. They have naturalists posted all along the hiking route (you are not free to go off where ever you please, you must stay within posted routes) which usually ends at a large nesting colony. I never really felt short changed when going ashore, and was ready to return to the ship (and I'm used to hiking) - and have some Irish Coffee or spiked hot chocolate. It can be tiring trudging through snow, and dealing with all the bundled layers of clothing, etc. The zodiac tours were great because then you got up close and personal with whales, seals, ice bergs, and swimming penguins. It was a nice change from going ashore. I wouldn't skip either one, and it is usually one or the other. Once you are on board all of this will make more sense - it's just important to go to the briefings - they are usually very entertaining, and informative. I wouldn't skip those either.

When we were on the Venture in Antarctica, we were assigned 1 of 6 colors, with 2 - 3 landings per day. It is good to attend the evening briefings because they will let you know the time, approximately, that your color will be called the next day. The colors are rotated each day so that the same color isn't called at 7AM each day. You are asked to return to the zodiacs by a certain time, so other people can go ashore. After the first landing, the zodiacs are continually going back and forth bringing in passengers and taking passengers back to the ship. We found the time allotted ashore was plenty. One day my husband took a guided long hike, but they were accounted for and it didn't cause any problems. Also, they will fill up a zodiac going ashore with the next color group if there is room. I would advise hanging out in the expedition lounge with all your gear when they call the color group prior to yours. That way you can get on if there is room. Some people do not want to go ashore, and if I remember correctly, they usually had one that just toodled around. That would probably be up to the expedition leader and if there is an available zodiac. Sometimes, the seas would get too rough and they would have to stop zodiacs or ask those ashore to return to the ship. If a color group got shut out, for whatever reason, they would be the first to go the next day. I never remember anyone being disappointed that they didn't get ashore. The only complaints I heard was getting shut out of sub and kayak tours (they are VERY concerned safety and those are much more likely to be cancelled.)

One other thing I failed to mention - in the restaurant, tell the maitre d' you would like to join a table.

Since Venture and Pursuit are so small, it is easy to meet people and get to know them well. In no time at all people will invite you to sit with them at dinner. The best place to meet people is in the Bow Lounge (we called it the Blounge for short.) People who like to take pictures hang out there because it is an easy access to the large open bow. Also, a lot of the crew and naturalists hang out there as well. It was a great source of information and scuttlebutt. Be sure and attend the evening briefings. Several times the people we sat next to and started a discussion with asked us to dine with them.

Yes - the logistics of 3 nights would make it easier on Seabourn.

We had caviar and champagne on the Venture, Christmas morning, on the fantail, with Santa Claus AND it was snowing. I don't even like caviar, but ate it that particular morning with some very cold bubbly and it was wonderful wonderful wonderful. What a morning! Also, we saw people ordering caviar in the dining room all the time.

I too would like to see something different from the TKG. I can always get a steak in the dining room. Since people have so many ideas, perhaps a revolving specialty restaurant. Asian - then Indian - then Italian - then French, etc. etc. Perhaps one reservation per week (pre-booked), and then you can pick what cuisine you like.

Funny!

How do you feel about a dead dog over plastic ducks?

Interesting. Yes, indeed - always seek medical advice.

I don't believe the Amazon has malaria. You certainly do not want to take Malaria medication unless strongly recommended.

Oh - you are right. It is Bucees. My husband and I were driving cross country through Texas, and that was my only experience. I saw the buck teeth and just thought it was Buckees.

Do you mean Buckees? YES - so cool!

Personally, I find truck stops fascinating, and I "dress" every night for dinner while cruising.

Those shore excursion prices are terrible - and we prefer to take ship sponsored excursions on the off chance of a private tour not making it back on time. While in Indonesia, we were late by 2 hours, twice, due to traffic. We were very happy the ship "had" to wait for us.

I've never been on any cruise where I received a port fee refund. Although, the cruise line is usually pretty good about trying to make lemonade out of a lemon experience.

Can you book a table for two?

I believe the theory is: keep it cool for those who run "hot". One can always add more layers, one can only take off so many layers.