shecritic

Thank you for the detailed clarification. I appreciate your expertise on this matter, and I apologize for any inaccuracies in my previous responses. It's evident that the customs and immigration procedures for cruise ships in Japan can indeed be quite complex and can vary significantly from port to port. 

For cruises that start and end in Japan, the customs and immigration procedures are usually completed before passengers board the ship. This means that once you're on the ship, you won't typically encounter customs checks at each Japanese port. This is similar to how embarkation and disembarkation work for flights, where you clear customs and immigration at the airport before departing.

On 8/11/2023 at 3:50 PM, Nemanoxer said:

Hi fellow cruisers.

 

Can anyone comment on how easy or not easy it is to get from a cruise ship in Singapore cruise port to downtown?

 

Thank you for any constructive input.

It's easy and convenient. The Singapore Cruise Centre is a major cruise terminal located at HarbourFront, and the Marina Bay Cruise Centre is another terminal option. 

On 6/23/2023 at 2:12 AM, patty1955 said:

I booked a hotel that I really like (J8 Hotel) and they have a 24 hour reception. The email from my booking site said "This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in. Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival." I've seen a number of reviews that mention late night check-in but I can't get a confirmation that they allow it from the hotel. I've emailed and FB  them.

The fact that they have 24-hour reception indicates that they are likely equipped to accommodate late-night arrivals. Anyway, I understand you want to confirm this. How about you call the hotel directly? Do they have a number provided on their website?

Notifying your bank about your travel plans helps them monitor your account for any suspicious activity and ensures that your card isn't flagged for potential fraud when used in a foreign country.

Both parks are exciting for adults. I'll give you ideas of what can you expect in each park:

Everland has thrilling rides, themed zones, seasonal events, and Safari World
Lotte World has indoor attractions (a great option regardless of the weather conditions), has an outdoor Magic Island, and features various live shows and parades.
 
Now the choice depends on your preferences. 🙂 Found this article that might help you more to decide https://diapersonaplane.com/everland-vs-lotte-world/

Anyway, do you have any other destinations in mind? Getting a tour guide might be beneficial for you. I've read an article about the pros and cons of hiring a tour guide in South Korea. Might as well you interested to read https://gowithguide.com/blog/hiring-a-guide-in-south-korea-pros-and-cons-5288

Either way, hope you enjoy your travel.

On 7/29/2023 at 1:07 PM, bobontheblue said:

Thanks to everyone who offered up some great ideas, and solutions. However taking everything into consideration , have decided to cancel this particular voyage and put it back into the bucket list. There will be a day when all the stars align and all is good. 

Thank you all. 

It's completely understandable to prioritize a smooth and stress-free travel experience. When the time is right, and circumstances are more favorable, you can embark on your cruise adventure with confidence and excitement.

On 7/24/2023 at 7:13 AM, dennyngo2004 said:

Hi,

Thank you for the info.  Can we pay with US dollars?  

 

It is best you have some Korean Won on hand for your expenses during your visit to Jeju Island.

Yes, taxis are available on the island and you should be able to find them near the cruise port. 

To get to Cheonjeyeon Falls from the cruise port, you can take a taxi directly to the falls. The taxi driver should be familiar with the location and can drop you off there. Similarly, after you visit Cheonjeyeon Falls, you can easily find a taxi in the area to take you back to the cruise port.

Ishigaki is perfect for walking around during your few hours ashore. Must-see places within walking distance include Miyara Dunchi (samurai residence), Yaeyama Museum, Euglena Mall (shopping street), and Ishigaki Public Market for local food. 

Klook is a nice tool for booking hotels and attractions. Super easy and much cheaper than booking to the direct site. I've used this tool for all of my travels. I've never experienced a problem using the tool, either.