Catlover54

Terrific itinerary, "spaz" 🙂 It may of course be very hot, but you're probably used to that where you live and know how to tolerate it. I would love that itinerary in the quiet and cooler winter, though I know there would be more rain and storms, but of course SS does not do it (and neither does any other luxury line).

And yet, your leaders (with approval by the subjects) could close the borders back up very quickly with any new health concern twist (monkeypox, anyone?), which would make it a long and expensive and tedious hard-to-get and uncomfortable trip home for some of us. I was on a ship mid-cruise in Australia when the Covid lockdowns hit -- our five-figure round trip airfare, paid in order to justify having a several week trip, was unreimbursable even though we only had 8 days there, because technically we had "enjoyed" the flights, even though we would never have taken them for such a short cruise. Risk/benefit calculations on how-to-get-home-if-there-is-a-new-lockdown, wasted business class travel costs, and tolerance for severe lockdowns by destination governments (to try and achieve "zero Covid") factor into decision making for us, now that it looks like an eternal-Covid-variant environment (and new viruses on the horizon). You have a hauntingly beautiful, stunning country there , and with friendly people (I was fortunate to see it on a full cruise a few years ago on Silversea, and you had, until recently, been on my list for a return, but it's going to take a while to regain my confidence. I am glad you (and Australians) can now move about more, and you locals will probably be packing the cruises in that area. Enjoy while it lasts!

Gentlemen who perspire a lot when it is warm in dining rooms remove their jackets, to avoid excess sweating and the odors of non-gentlemen, which ladies do not like. 🙂 Thank goodness there is no SS rule against removing one's jacket at a table if one is very warm, but I understand the old tradition of not doing so and just sweating it out to be more civilised.

It is just one more thing to keep track of, to make sure the refund happens, and is credited properly (usually yes, in my experience and that of others, sometimes no, and then you have more headache fixing the error if that happens) We like to take some ship excursions (and use our loyalty % discount option on the excursions), even though SB's are not the best priced or the best organized compared with other luxury lines. Having to prepay for them months ahead of time, when you're not sure they'll even run or even if the cruise will run, or that you'll still be using that credit card, is not my favorite part of SB, though it is minor. The other luxury lines do not have this odd prepay system and I prefer to pay closer to time of the event to track things more easily, since I also deal with other lines and do many excursions (we typically cruise not just to sit on the ship, but for the ports). But SB has other good things, (at least they did so far) and SB Square customer service is a highlight: being able to sit down in a civilized manner and be comfortable when dealing with various service issues, instead of standing while someone behind you breathes down your neck at reception on other lines, is wonderful for those of us with muscular problems where prolonged standing is uncomfortable. However, staffing needs to be maintained at the desks, otherwise you land up standing waiting for a desk to open.

" The only water excursions on the lakes that were unaffected were those that involved the Special Operations Boats (fondly referred to by the crew as SOBs). They are a hoot and highly recommended by those of us who were able to book one" I have not done Viking Ocean but am considering an expedition, and am keen to understand. what determines who is and is not able to book SOBs? Is it random lottery, first come first serve, top cost suites get first choice, contingent on who-knows-who who is in charge, reserved for VIPs, or something else? SOBs are of interest to me because you can board before getting into the ocean, e.g., if someone worries about climbing down into a wobbling Zodiak, an SOB alternative (and I think only VIking expedition ships have them) sounds great. Thanks in advance.

What about the Port Williams to Valparaiso leg (before the "South Pacific") -- will that be Explorer again, or still Endeavor? Or does that count as "South Pacific"?

Maybe consider the Endeavour for this coming season in Antarctica? I sailed her last year in Iceland, and she was beautiful.

Note that Viking expedition does not "charge" for the toys, but people in higher cost suites got priority for the excursions, leaving quite a few lower level cabin guests unable to get on many excursions and just having to stay on the ship, *when the ship was near full* (I am getting this second hand, from some of the reviews).

Have tried all day at varying intervals to look at Scenic cruise options for 2023 (USA site) . Nothing comes up, I get a spinning gear, LOL. I have no problem with other cruise websites including some based overseas. I had avoided Scenic cruising in the past due to pre-cruise logistical issues, and this is not encouraging me to give them a try after all.

May I ask who your guide was?

I'm lost. Are you replying in jest? If not and you are serious that you "reported" Highplanesdrifter post or posts, what was the reason for reporting, or telling him to "go find another thread"? This whole thread has been loose, fun financial and other banter vaguely centered around cruise stock price fluctuations. I enjoy it even when it drifts off topic (or maybe even especially when it drifts off topic). I've even learned a few things (or at least things to look up). IMHO, the more the merrier. I don't want Highplanesdrifters going anywhere, and I doubt Terry (indeed, much appreciated) does either.

I think she/he is asking about Odyssey (though posting in the SS forum), this coming September. You had a butler on SB? We did not. I thought there aren't any, but maybe it was in the highest level suite you were in? In the base cabin, on Odyssey, and also in the PH (pre-Covid), no one suggested caviar to us. I found out about its availability a few years later -- on CC! (Thank you CC!).

Do you like caviar? They won't tell you, but you can order caviar (complimentary) every night if you like, e.g., to your suite or elsewhere, or in the restaurants.

DH and I went on a lot of organized luxury hiking trips when we were younger. We had an old duffel we checked which we called the "shoe bag", which contained our sandals, "nice dinner" shoes, and extra walking shoes, easy to find when traveling inn to inn. We were happy that we had *worn* our carefully selected mountain hiking boots onto the plane when we discovered, in Amsterdam, that our "shoe bag" had been stolen before we could get to the carousel. We were also happy we had arrived 2 days early, and it wasn't Sunday, so stores were open. It was easier to shop in one day for dinner dress shoes than for hiking boots with proper fit. If there is time, one can also buy *some* underwear, at least for men, at most airport shops, in a pinch (probably not in the on-board boutique, however). Getting replacement lady's brassieres can be trickier. 😲 We've been doing mix and match suitcases for years because we lost track of how many times one or the other suitcase disappeared or was significantly delayed. Also we have had the air tags since they came out (DH enjoys tracking them).

JP and his wife Chris are quite a bit younger than you and I are (and based on their aggressive day tours, e.g., ability to walk 10 miles or more per day with hills, they are likely a lot healthier :). When I was young and healthy and did casual European non-cruise travel, a carry-on and purse was all I thought I needed. Of course, back then, space in the overhead AND space under your seat was always to be found, and European airlines' allowed carry-ons were bigger, plus planes were not jammed. Right now, if we are forced to get on late or there is gate chaos, even in business class, the overhead space is not uncommonly full of someone's extra stuff, either from business class (people who don't want to check for obvious reasons and don't follow the rules on dimension limits) or from coach pax who drop their stuff on the way to sit in the back. If there is IFE equipment or a bar blocking under-seat space, we can't even count on room to put backpacks under seats for two people (a BA steward got angry when I put my backpack in the overhead, even though I had no roll-aboard and had IFE equipment at my aisle seat so all it could hold is my purse). We also are not very good about "muscling" in lines when there is gate chaos or non-enforcement of boarding priority. -- Some people bring on roll-aboards that are set in the "expand" mode, or duffel bags, which then take up more of the overhead than they should, leaving less space for the timid and/or late and/or rules-abiding. Back then, I did not need my present medications and supplements and special creams and injectables and assorted prn meds (they still take space even when I thin them into just what I need for a cruise plus extras for potential quarantine, especially the liquid rxs). I also need more frequent changes of casual clothing due to getting hot and sweating a lot on warm weather cruises, AND not wanting/having energy to do my own laundry every day, and/or if there is a land trip before or after the cruise, not having access to a washer/dryer or a hotel service that will get clothing back on time. Most importantly, I was not married to an engineer and tech/photography addict DH, with all his cameras, lenses, cables, devices, connectors --and backups :). We learned the hard way too many times that "two is one and one is none", so if something is deemed truly essential to enjoy the trip, we need a back-up (e.g., if I bring hiking boots, I need a pair of back-up walking shoes in case the first pair is either drenched or the sole comes off -- it's happened). Add on the mini personal fans I carry to stay cool on suffocating buses, especially when masked (they of course need a different kind of charging cable), plus the possibility of cold weather requiring bulkier clothing even though you expect warm weather, like Europe in summer, DH and I are happy when we can cram everything into 2 big checked bags, 1 rolling European regulation carry-on, 2 regulation sized and weight back-packs, and my "personal item" cross-body purse. What I *don't* need anymore but needed long ago is books and travel guides, as I can bring kindles or e-guides, or read online, but some stuff still needs printing. I can pass on slippers -- just wear socks or the cruise slipons. 🙂

The base cabins when they were Crystal Endeavor were: Max passengers:2 Staterooms number:90 Cabin size:305 ft2 / 28 m2 Balcony size:50 ft2 / 5 m2 Location (on decks):5, 6, 7, 8 Type (categories):(S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7) Deluxe Suites / balcony staterooms Cabin amenities include: living-dining area (2-seat sofa, large smart HDTV, height-adjustable table with chair) sleeping area with convertible to twins King bed (upholstered headboard, integrated reading lights), large pillows, premium bedding (top-quality Egyptian cotton linens), bedside cabinets with power (220V) and USB outlets writing desk with chair, minibar (refrigerator), electronic safe box (in the closet) wardrobe, outside located closet for storing expedition gear (in the hallway/corridor) 55-inch LG Ultra-thin OLED TV, Nespresso coffee machine full-length mirror, blackout drapery, sheers, “Do Not Disturb” electronic doorbell en-suite bathroom (double-sink vanity, back-lit mirrors, glass-enclosed shower with rain head (overhead) plus handheld showerhead, ETRO-brand bathrobes, slippers, premium bath amenities separate WC (wash basin) 24-hour personal butler service I was on for Iceland last year -- very nice ship , general layout was comparable to SS, SB base cabins and then some. The bathroom (with an elaborate, large shower, no tub) was better. It was significantly more expensive than other lines going around Iceland, but had fantastic F&B. It is unclear what the new de novo SS pricing and F&B will be for Endeavour but I doubt it will be lower than Cloud or Wind expedition. There were some logistical teething issues.

For some (within certain limits, that is not me), having more space *is* the real luxury. To be fair, DiCrowley therefore appropriately should be offered either a partial refund or right to cancel without penalty. I would be more concerned if there were material itinerary changes and F&B downgrades. However, the contracts generally favor the cruise lines (which de facto reserve the right to significantly change so many things -- embarkation and disembarkation ports, itinerary, ships, etc). It is often only good will/customer relations , i.e., fear you won't come back, that prevent them from asserting their rights. It is a gamble, (especially today). We too often have to either assume the risk of major changes, (and keep our fingers crossed) or don't sail.

They will likely shift you to Venture, if you accept. But the consolation is that at least right now, it's not as if you would be making a killing in the markets with the big chunk of money you paid . . . 😲

What will happen with the Explorer?

Sorry about the unclear English. Yes, I have been in connecting rooms, twice, on SB, and sound (child once, plus arguing and then ___ing couple another time) came through more easily, and it was at the door.

It depends on your priorities. On the non-Venture ships, I would not do it because I don't like SB PH suites (the bed area was very claustrophobic and the living room sofa hard like a rock and unusable. I spend most of my time in the suite stretched out on something, so must be on the bed due to the hard sofa, and in a PH I'd be stuck away from the rest of the room ). I also like to be on a lower deck, not a higher one , so I am closer to the sea, so it would take a huge price differential or other bonus to get me high. If you easily get very seasick, you don't want to risk a suite that is very far forward and high.

No one has experience on Venture connecting rooms, it is a new ship. In general, as you suspect, connect rooms are less soundproofed, so there is a risk. But, also in general, people who cruise on expedition ships are a more polite bunch than those who cruise for a party, or stay at a Vegas hotel on the weekday special . So if the neighbors are loud, likely a polite request to be quieter would work. No guarantees, of course.

I am sorry you got sick, (again, so soon, this time with documented Covid). But there is realistically no "ALWAYS" wearing a mask when people eat and drink in restaurants with strangers, often 3x/day, talk there at meals, etc (unless they have perfected a method of eating while masked). The latest versions of Covid are reportedly *very, very infectious* (more infectious than the original, though fortunately less lethal), and the virus didn't get the memo that it isn't supposed to transmit when people are feeding, imbibing, and talking at meals just because that is when the cruise line said it is fine with pax being unmasked. I seem to recall you also had woken the first night of your cruise with a bad sore throat and muscle aches, i.e., a viral syndrome, and had reported you had been very strict about mask-wearing pre-cruise. Then you recovered enough to feel well enough to be up and about (masked but going back to restaurants within 15 hours of symptoms onset, and still felt tired and off for several days). Even if that wasn't Covid with a false negative antigen self-test , the uncomfortable point is that wearing masks except when eating or sunbathing, even if people wear the N95 and K95 type which isn't always the case, provides a false sense of security to too many that they will definitively not get infected with Covid, or for that matter with other viruses that have been the scourge of overseas travel for decades. People get sick when they travel, and old people get sick more often. Many thousands of " always mask wearers" simply still do report they got infected (and I don't think this Board is unique), regardless of percentages or risk reductions if there are any, and thankfully either have no or only mild but unpleasant symptoms (some even have moderate symptoms). But fortunately the vast majority of cruisers still do not visit death's door or even its driveway (we would be hearing more about hospitalized or dying Covid positive cruisers in the news and in medical literature, if that were happening, like we did 2 years ago when no one was vaccinated ) . Travelers today are already a self-screened population, of course (the truly frail and super vulnerable are mostly just staying home, along with those who may not be particularly frail but think they are, and/or those who always have low risk tolerances for other risks). What it boils down to right now, is if we cruise or travel today, even if we engage in a variety of infection control practices, we have to willing to accept the risk of getting a non-lethal virus, be it Covid or something like you apparently had at the beginning or your cruise. Most can handle that, though it is unpleasant. What many (like me, though not necessarily this board) have more issues with is the risk of: 1) getting quarantined -- especially if the quarantine is not always going to be in one's original luxury suite on a luxury line, like Frantic fortunately has. Odds of that happening have diminished, at least for Americans and others where negative screening tests are not required to be able to fly home, and cruise lines have abandoned routine mid-cruise screening of asymptomatic pax (though they continue screening on crew). 2) missing return to work dates (for those still employed in hands-on professions who cannot connect on-line), or other important scheduled activities (for those who are retired but still have busy lives or commitments at home, e.g., animal care or others, chemo appts., etc., this can be significant) IMHO one should consider oneself "lucky" if something adverse does NOT happen, (especially if one is a 'vulnerable' senior) rather than "unlucky" if it does, as getting infected has gotten so common. And don't even get me started on the problem with the airlines, the cancellations, the lost luggage, etc. (which is due to the response to Covid), another major pain. I have done 5 cruises since Covid, and still have not had Covid (symptomatic or otherwise ), but am slowing the pace of booking due to the ongoing headaches caused by the *response* to Covid, rather than fear of being very sick with Covid illness, despite being a senior on immunosuppressive meds. I worry more about falling and getting injured on a cruise (with or without a fracture) than I worry about getting hospitalized with Covid. I am retired, and my kitties have passed, so I am ready for quarantine if it comes, (hopefully on a ship and not in a 3rd world hospital) but am not ready for a rescheduled coach transatalantic in a middle seat 😲) I suspect I am in a minority here when I say I do *not* want extra masking and extra testing for Covid on cruises (be it the butler leaning forwarding into my face to touch my forehead for a temperature or pre-disembarkation testing, fortunately now gone). I look forward to the day when we can choose to travel without the imposed restrictions of the Covid era, *and its consequences* (the airline and service/labor mess which interferes with cruising quality) . But at the rate we are going, I am afraid we will not see that day anytime in the near future.

What are you calling "our second booster"? A fourth shot, or a third, total? And when you say "that's the one that counts now", are you talking about medically (true) , or required *for the cruise line* (I was not aware that any cruise lines or countries now require to be up to date with *four* shots , if Moderna or Pfizer, rather than just 3 shots). If it is 4 shots now for Viking , then I thank you for the update, as I am considering a cruise with DH on it (first Viking cruise) and he has been hesitant to get a 4th shot due to serious problems with the 3rd Moderna a few months (what we call "the first booster" here, i.e., the one after the first 2 shots when the vaccine first came out). Same problem a close friend had.

The cruise is not until 9/2, if I read correctly. I would not want to do an 11:30 flight to U.S. with an 8AM arrival. If you miss the flight (delayed security, traffic, or whatever), SS can just say "oh well, we'll get you home" and then get you on another flight, of course in another seat, or the next day, that just doesn't work for your schedule or health life (or maybe even in coach, if you booked business, and then refund the price difference -- meanwhile suffering through a transatlantic coach seat or a 10 hour layover is not just inconvenient, but unhealthy for some of us as we age). Flights are so tight these days, many cancellations, hard to get rebooked in prime seasons, that unless you are real healthy and really don't care about what flight or what seat you are rebooked in, as long as you get home, it is important. My preference is to be in control of my flights as much as I can be, as I have various vulnerabilities, and am the only one who knows what is acceptable. If a cruise requires surrender of flight control (like to Antarctica recently, where sudden "charters" popped up, e.g., due to the "bubble" requirement, or whatever, I am much less likely to book it.