pavementends

1. Time, tide, and ships wait for no one. 2. CDG is on my list of the most unpleasant and difficult airports and is to be avoided if humanly possible. 3. Not really surprising they don't speak English because it's France. They have a different word for everything. 4. Staying IN Venice will cost more. But then it IS Venice and you might want to experience it. Although expect crowds, maybe lots of crowds. The connection by water to and from the airport can be time-consuming.

I would expect no problem getting ginger ale or tomato juice. Dr. Pepper is perhaps not the most common beverage. Personally the only non-alchoholic thing I ask for is fizzy water. It mixes well with the single-malt scotch.

You should not limit your investigation to only the major cruise lines with names you recognize, especially if price is an issue. Boots-on cruises to the Antarctic are going to be pricey but there are more budget-friendly alternatives. Used to be there were companies that represented several smaller operators. The one I used to use is now out of business but you should be able to find others with a search on the web. Typically they represent a range of price levels and help you understand the differences. I do not think I am allowed to link directly. I CAN mention names of ships that I know are lower in price. MV Ushuaia, M/V Plancius will get you started and if you do a google search you may turn up a link to companies that represent them. By the way, I am NOT recommending particular ships as I haven't been on them.

The question is not whether Berlin is worth visiting (it most certainly is) but whether a long car ride and a short walk is worth the trouble. Personally I dislike sitting for a long time, particularly in uncomfortable places like bus seats or back seats in cars. So I would look carefully at other options. After all, someone who is taking cruises is unlikely to make this (his, her, its) only visit to Germany. By the way, if you DO take a short visit to Berlin you will probably need a guide to find one of the few remaining bits of the Berlin wall. THAT particular part of history has mostly disappeared.

True, but it may not be really cold. We are talking about the summer season down there. On a trip to the Arctic, I found it cool but not really cold and that was closer to the pole than OP will go in Antarctica. Having said that, ski or goretex climbing pants help enormously in keeping warm. For packing at least, for my cruise (not Silversea) a suggested packing list was provided.

I've done several ferry trips in this area although no cruise (yet). The Baltic Sea has lots of small islands, great scenery, and sometimes dramatic weather. If the ship docks anywhere near the ferry terminals, it will be a short walk to town in Helsinki, Tallinn, Mariehamn and Copenhagen. I think Stockholm center is close also. Actually I've been in Mariehamn and I don't remember much of a town. Should be good walks there however. I have always enjoyed visiting Helsinki. Plenty to do near the port and other interesting things are a bus or tram ride away. Warenmunde seems to offer excursions to Berlin, but Berlin is a considerable distance away. I would do something closer.

Cruises attract people with enough money, which usually means...not very young. And not in the peak of physical condition. On an arctic cruise some years ago, there were passengers in the 70s or a bit more, who participated fully in the landings. You are unlikely to have trouble if you have reasonable balance and agility. Regular hiking over rough ground, tennis, etc. would be an indication of general fitness and agility. Not necessary, but helpful.

Interesting that the exact same question over at the Regent forum provoked a number of thoughtful responses.

When I was working jeans with a tweed sports coat (and no tie!) was perfect (and common) attire. However I went out and bought a pair of black slacks to wear on formal nights. I can wear a sports coat onto the plane and I will bring a tie that I might even wear. Minimal extra cost and minimal extra weight. I'll leave the tux for the penguins (if any).

Door-to-door without flights is NOT equivalent to Port-to-Port. Refunds on PtP are very different. Apparently Silversea feels that more flexibility with refunds is worth a bunch of money, because the difference in price is a lot greater than the reasonable cost of air fare. I think PtP is only offered on cruises (or cabin classes) that are undersold. Think of it as similar to a discount inflexible airline fare. No flexibility, lower cost, and not always available.

Interesting. I had just booked my second cruise with Silversea as a Port to Port. It seems to me that a Port to Port offering prominently displayed is usually a (comparative) bargain. That suggests that bookings are not very strong on those particular cruises. Now I can't ask for the P to P prepaid on my original booking according to the rules. But. The price has INCREASED slightly from what I booked. And on my trip the prepaid discount is not 20% but 10%. So I wouldn't be likely to rebook even if I could. P to P works for me because I want to arrange my own air (call me controlling) and I am only concerned about cancellation for reasons of illness. And that I can cover with ordinary travel insurance.

That makes sense although it is unforgivably slack on the part of Expedia. I think I saw a similar notation for one or two other hotels in the same area so I wondered whether there was some sort of special event in that area. In any case I have reservations elsewhere. It does appear to be a fine hotel.

So I was trying to book a hotel on the way to an Antarctic trip. On Expedia, one I was interested had a notation "This property can only accept bookings for essential travel or stays. You may be asked to provide evidence of this on arrival. For more information, check local advisories before you book." I mean, what's up with that? What local advisories?? What evidence??? So I gave this one a pass, because I don't want to show up at the hotel and be told I don't have a good enough reason to stay there. I went elsewhere where...the only question is whether my money is good. Any ideas what is going on here? (Wyndham Dazzler Recoleta)