AusMum

we aren't booking any tours independently when we are on the cruise, but we have had to book in advance for a couple of excursions we are doing along our drive - I think we have booked ones where you only pay on the day, so cancellation (on their part) will be disappointment versus not getting our $$ back (I hope). We have only got one port for Greenland. At the time of booking we had three, and we have no idea why they got cancelled. The pay off is we are going further north up the east coast, so we are happy with that.

You have me worried now. We have booked excursions etc for our upcoming trip around Iceland, before we go on The Endeavour. I never entertained the idea that the prices could increase so much between now and then (the ones we have booked privately).

Did you realise Bicton Baths are thermally heated? also a beautiful view, but a place we take for granted. https://swimmingholeheaven.com/wa-warmpools.htm

If it was 'natural' it might have more appeal, but it is man-made. I have a heated pool and a spa in my back garden, and am only moments away from deserted beaches, so not expecting it to be as much as a novelty as it might be to others. I would rather spend my time seeing natural water falls etc

I have been on cruises where it was so bad I ended up having to stay in my cabin beause the no-smoking rules were ignored I'm not expecting that on SS though

It's difficult to judge others, as I am off to Iceland as well. I do believe doing our research has helped us to make better choices like giving places like The Blue Lagoon a miss. I've just finished a travel and tourism course to become a travel consultant, and we had an entire unit on sustainability that encouraged us to think about over tourism, its impact, and some alternatives

I was recently on a Virgin cruise and loved The Band/Bracelet we were given.

I have been to the Seychelles in December - it was hot and sticky

True, but whenever I have mentioned on other sites that I am allergic to tobacco smoke I often get a "too bad".

Was just reading this today, as we are off to Iceland in August. Am glad The Endeavour only has 200 passengers - these 2,500 passenger cruise ships must be tough for such small communities https://www.icelandreview.com/news/seydisfjordur-cruise-ship-traffic-has-locals-asking-for-assistance/

this is disturbing https://www.icelandreview.com/news/seydisfjordur-cruise-ship-traffic-has-locals-asking-for-assistance/

We are doing the Ring Road and have booked a whale watching trip from Husavik

It will never happen in Australia because our quarantine rules are very strict, but I often wonder where dogs will fit into the future of all kinds of travel. Dogs are being treated as family members more and more - gone are the days where you just shove Fido outside. I'm leaving my two boys back in Australia for 6 weeks, so it is breaking my heart. We usually try to travel around with them to 'dog friendly' places in our caravan.

We didn't know anything about SS when we booked - we just liked the itinerary it was offering for Greenland. We saw photos of people looking like they were excited about going on an adventure. My experience on here is that people try to dictate what people should/shouldn't wear. A friend has recently returned from an Endeavour cruise and said "I saw no bling, no ties and no jackets". So, I guess there is a big difference between expedition cruises and classic cruises.

If I have the opportunity to see the northern lights (on land) in Iceland, what lense would you suggest?

I am taking an OM-5 to Iceland and Greenland in September. I like that it is more water/rain resistant than some other cameras. I currently have the following lenses 9 - 18 14 - 150 75 - 300 I want to take pics of scenery in Iceland (possibly some wildlife), and HOPEFULLY the Northern Lights. Greenland is where I really hope to see polar bears etc I will be on an expedition ship for 16 nights and going up the east coast of Greenland. Do I have the right equipment? thinking I need to invest in a tripod as well.

I am off to Iceland and Greenland in August/September and have just started researching binoculars. I currently have an OM System OM-5 with various lenses. My biggest is a 75-300. The Greenland cruise is 16 nights on an expedition ship, so I imagine there will be a lot of time to look for wildlife. I would love a sensible recommendation. I didn't take binoculars to Alaska and really wished I had them in Denali.

sounds perfect 🙂. thanks!

They probably aren't including the whale sharks because it's so expensive, but they do start to arrive around March (some friends from Denmark were lucky enough to dive with them in early March this year). I have done the glass bottom boat a few times, and it seems strange you need to waitlist already. It's quite an inexpensive tour, if you book as a member of the public. It seems crazy that it is already 'booked out' b ut it might be because the tour company hasn't opened for bookings yet. https://www.glassbottomboat.com.au/ Turquoise Bay is one of my most favourite beaches in the world. You don't even have to be a strong swimmer to enjoy it. Turquoise Bay is famous for drift snorkelling. Most people just lean over a swimming noodle and let the current take them out and then back in. You can see fish swimming around your feet etc because the reef there is protected as part of the national park. https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/site/turquoise-bay How long do they give you in Exmouth? you could consider hiring a car and driving yourself to the boat ramp, and then to the National Park and Turquoise Bay.

I have a question about The Grill. I have read mixed information. From my understanding lunch is pretty muh wraps, burgers and hot dogs. Does this then change to cooking your own meat on hot rocks at night tiime? Just finishing my reservations 🙂

what time of year are you there? are you hoping to do one of the whale shark tours? it's one of my favourite places

If you need any info on Western Australia just inbox me - I am from there and pretty passionate about it

I'm really excited about getting mine 🙂

when is your cruise?

We are doing something similar to this in August before our September Greenland cruise