fdnycruiser

I give up!  Yesterday Capetown to Doha ( March 9th) on the Spirit was showing waitlisted. Today it’s showing that it can be booked. Called SS, but got the standard answer everyone else got . Also showing Booking on the Dawn from Singapore to Capetown available. 

I looked into this further. After Doha the Spirit was supposed to leave for Athens which is now also listed as waitlisted. After that it was Athens to Lisbon I believe, also waitlisted. However as I’ve got 2 free tickets on Qatar  to Capetown I was able to get a 7 day hold on the Dawn for March 11th, Capetown to Southampton which are 2 legs of the World Cruise. Of course I’ll wait for SS to cancel the Spirit and get my ducks in a row in the meantime.

Just saw that it’s listed as waitlisted. Could mean it’s doomed 

Still curious as to the plans for the Spirit. We’re booked on a March 7th cruise from Capetown to Qatar. They’re supposed to start cruises out of Capetown in January. I’m thinking maybe the open period in December is to move it to Capetown the long way. Then again, perhaps I’m thinking too much . Wait and see 

Glad that you had such a nice experience. Yes, we’re traveling in the coveted Q suites, and looking forward too it. I’ll save my appetite for the lounge .

We’re going from Capetown to Doha in March on SS. We used our Amex points to book business class tickets on Qatar Airways from Miami to Capetown,and the return from Doha to Miami for 300,00 points and tax of about $400 for both. Collecting points and miles is the way to go if you enjoy business class. Plenty of tools to help you use them too. I’ll be using my Amex to make final payment next month for our November Oceania cruise.

Ronrick, looks like your the mileage King on this board.

Definitely well done !  Enjoyed your voyage descriptions, photos,and your sense of humor.

Good objective review on both lines. We’ve sailed over 100 days on both with pros and cons with both. However, we prefer the newer SS Moon & Dawn with the variety of different dining choices. We were on the SS Nova last fall. Beautiful ship, but at 750 passengers, no longer small ship cruising.

Not sure how long you’ll be in Seward, but renting a car may be an option for you. Ny wife and I did it a few years back, and really saw a lot. I believe Avis was right at the port entrance.

She left in November was on the Nova before the TA. 

The Jubilee was announced long ago, and they’ve been preparing for it. We were there in April, and a lot of infrastructure work on roads is being done in anticipation. However, it still will be extra crowded. A lot of pilgrimages for the Jubilee. You’re correct, plan accordingly.

Gary, I can’t believe that people would actually give you heat over your letter. I think it was well thought out with good suggestions. 

I don’t know about Hank’s wife, but mine doesn’t drink 

Hank, if you ever solve the mystery, let us know. In the meantime, I hope your wife is doing fine. I know from my wife it isn’t a pleasant experience.

Never hurts to try 

My wife always gets the swollen ankles as you have described. The doctor on Silversea last November said it’s from the excess salt used in meal preparation. However, we were on the crossing with you on the Vista last month. For the first time,she didn’t get the swollen ankles.  Your guess is as good as mine if the food preparation is the culprit.

16 hours ago, EJL2023 said:

Will be doing the same! We also were able to use the prior offer..

You might want to hold the horses on that. I got the same offer on my Amex Platinum. However, under terms and conditions it says for NEW reservations booked between May 8 th and July 7th. I was all set to pay off my current booking too.

On 4/29/2024 at 12:56 PM, TRLD said:

Funny thing is it appears that you have the same number of new cruisers as was on the FP trip and that cruise had some complaining about lounge hogs.

 

In my opinion the lounges were taken but occupied 90% of the time so not very much hogging just lots of lobsters.

 

I suspect the difference between the cruises is not migration, but instead the demographics of where the cruisers are from.  On the FP cruise a lot of Canadians and a lot of Americans from northern states. Basically people getting away from winter and wanting to spend time (a lot of time) in the sun. Couple that with a far number of Europeans and sun loving Australians  End result very heavily occupied Lounges.

 

A Mexican cruise appeals to Californians because they do not have to fly, who to a large degree get all of the sun they want at home. 

 

Suspect the difference is more the location where the cruisers are from and not line migration.

 

 I tend to agree with your theory. We live full time in Florida ,10 minutes from the beach,and have our own pool. As such, at home we can be sitting by the ocean or poolside anytime. We’re just as happy to sit out on the Veranda rather than jockey for a lounger.

I was going to recommend the same marazal. Have always used George’s Taxi. 

Enjoy the last remaining hours on this beautiful ship. We got off in Rome,and it feels like a lifetime ago. After 5 weeks you must have quite a routine by now.

Fletcher, thank you for taking the time for posting the details of your amazing cruise and experiences. Well thought out, informative and some great pictures. Particularly like your details of the culture etc, of where you’re visiting. Thank you !

Good thinking. I Always keep one by my bedside when traveling. 

We did an Amazon cruise a few years ago on Regent. The CD told everyone on the first day that they’ll either love it or hate it. I liked it ( not loved) my wife wasn’t keen on it at all. I thought that it was an amazing region, and was glad that we went. Now the tributaries they tell me is the real Amazon adventure. I’ll leave that for others 

We haven’t stayed in that particular suite, but we stayed i. 1115 & 1129 and loved it up there. It was like being on a private ship. The location by the Observation bar was great,as was the deck seating area outside.

Just wondering what the opinions of Colonel Wes are on this. Although, I don’t read every thread, I haven’t seen him on here for awhile. Anyone know where he is, or how he’s doing.