PinonNoir

A 1er Chablis for $30 is a great deal! However, there is a good chance it will be over the hill at nearly 7 years old. The wine prices overall seem very good.

We arrived in Quito on January 9th, the day the ***** hit the fan. We ended up staying near the airport versus going into Colonial Quito that night. After our Galapagos cruise, we did stay in Colonial Quito for one night, before we headed to Mashpi Lodge. We didn't feel unsafe in any way, but it was a bit surreal to see the military presence in the city. I live-blogged from the trip if you are the least bit curious. Based on our experience, I think you are going to be fine in Quito. We did not stay in Guayaquil, just flew in and out on the same plane, so I can't comment on that city. Chris

If you can add Mashpi Lodge to the front or tail end of your trip, I highly recommend it. It's not cheap, but it was worth every penny and then some! Make sure you request Santiago as your guide...he was incredible! Chris

We just visited the Galapagos last month. We sailed with Quasar, and were quite happy with the experience. The lead Naturalist advised they know the itinerary well in advance, so that they don't go to spots too often or overlap with other guests. Quasar has been very easy to work with. I would just call them (either Paul or Diane will assist you). They have been to the Galapagos several times and know the area well. We did see the blue footed boobie mating dance several times, but I only got a little on video. I also live blogged from the yacht if you are curious (just a hobby, not a business). Let me know if you have any questions! Chris

Just a quick clarification. Kotor is actually in Montenegro, not Croatia. It is indeed beautiful, and the people are super friendly.

Agreed. Our Southampton to Iceland cruise this past July ended up with two back-to-back sea days when they canceled a port, and I frankly didn't know what to do with myself! I travel to see new parts of the world, not hang out in Baristas or walk around the pool 100 times. Nine days of nothing...and you are paying for it. I'd rather stay at my house. At least I have excellent access to Pinot Noir there!

Yep, they have shortened times in port on both of my last two cruises, one this past July, and one just this month. Interesting that they never add time to any port! They do however show up early from time to time (twice on our cruise this month), but for those planning their own excursions, that isn't helpful.

I think the overall number of people who immediately took advantage of the offered FCC freaked them out. They were looking at a nearly empty ship with a full crew, and scrambled to stop the hemorrhaging.

Who would have thought the California Department of Insurance would be so effective!?! BTW, I sent my contact there a glowing "thank you" note and told her to please forward it to her supervisor. I give a lot of grief to government employees, but this incident impressed the hell out of me!

The airfare issue is an important lesson. We have always purchased our own airfare after our first Oceania cruise in 2007. While we purchased our airfare for that cruise, another couple we traveled with used Oceania for airfare and arrived in Venice about 4 hours before the cruise departed. Their departure from Rome was about 5 hours after the cruise arrived, and they were scrambling to get to the airport on time from Citivavecchia. The last thing I want is "bookends of stress" on a cruise!

Agreed. We've been in nearby Boothbay Harbor and there were quite a few businesses closed while that maniac was still at large.

I wanted to give an update on the claim I filed with my credit card regarding the $2000+ I lost on my Faroe Islands tour this past July. The company Visa uses, eclaimsline.com, is run by Allianz Insurance. My initial claim was denied, with eclaimsline stating that the guide I hired was not a common carrier. I appealed based on info from the guide company, and was denied two more times before they stopped communicating with me entirely. Emails to various folks at Allianz insurance went unanswered. I then filed a claim with the California Department of Insurance, who surprisingly were on the case immediately. I sent them all of my info, and they filed a claim for me with Allianz. A few weeks later, a person higher up from Chubb Insurance (I guess they own Allianz?) again denied me, yet they ignored one of the emails I forwarded from Guide to Faroe Islands. When I asked why they ignored that email, the claims agent with the state of California also asked for clarification and indicated it was part of their file. They finally acknowledged that email, stating that Guide to Faroe Islands is indeed a "Common Carrier", and overturned their denial three days ago, and have sent me a check. It took three months of back and forth, but in the end it was worthwhile. Bottom line, don't mess with retired people who have time on their hands.

Can you post the initial offer they made, as well as the retraction? Curious.

Yep, we had a flight at 1155, so it was either relax on the ship, or wait at the airport. Being in Boston, the cruise terminal is literally just 10 minutes from the airport! That was weird!

Good idea! I had a hard time tracking our butler down the morning of.