Artic Cruises

[decibeldb]

Hi All

 

Looking at an Artic cruise for the summer.

 

I like the look of Silversea for this but I have also come accross another option.

 

This is the MS Expedition owned by a line called Gap Adventures.

 

It is clearly not the same quality as Silversea but the price difference is very large.

 

I could not find any info on this ship or operator on the site.

 

Has anyone been on this ship?

 

thanks

 

db

[Essiesmom]

How far Arctic did you have in mind? In June there are cruises on Grand Princess, Costa Pacifica, Crystal Serenity, Oceania Insignia. In July we add Celebrity Constellation, Fred Olsen Braemar, and Marco Polo. and in August HALs Prinsendam. Try this website for further research:

Carnival Splendor will be leaving San Diego Wed. during daylight hours and will take three days to make the trip under her own power, accompanied by two tugs. During the drydock they will install one diesel generator and two alternators. EM

[decibeldb]

I was looking at the cruises north of Spitzbergen, so quite a way north.

 

I should also have mentioned that I'm based in Europe, which is why I was looking at Norwegian departures.

 

Thanks

[LHT28]

I was looking at the cruises north of Spitzbergen, so quite a way north.

 

I should also have mentioned that I'm based in Europe, which is why I was looking at Norwegian departures.

 

Thanks

We cruised up to the Polar Ice cap on Oceania this summer I think they do the cruise in June this year

 

try some the expedition/adventure ships but they are usually more $$

[Essiesmom]

You might also look at Hapag-Lloyd. AMost of their ships do expedition style.

http://www.hl-cruises.com/redwork/do.php?layoutid=100&node=191441&language=2#

Specifically, try this one from Nome (Alaska) to Reykjavik through the Northwest Passage:

http://www.hl-cruises.com/redwork/do.php?layoutid=110&node=206549&language=2&page=2&jid=2922

[decibeldb]

I think I have narrowed it down to the following

 

Crystal Serenity North Cape Panorama June 13

Into the Midnight Sun July 8

 

Silversea

Prince Albert II Iceland to Longyearbyen June 13

 

Oceania Insignia Lands of Midnight Sun June 23

 

Question

All of my cruises before have been with Seabourn I know that Silversea is nearly as inclusive as Seabourn, but I am not clear about the other 2.

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

thanks

 

db

[Essiesmom]

There are boards here for Crystal, Silversea, Oceania...Up under Cruise Lines A-O and P-Z. Suggest you post your questions there...EM

[kitty9]

Crystal gives you a $1000 on board credit, so that will make the cruise all inclusive because that amount will cover all your on board charges. Oceania is not all inclusive and is not a luxury line like Seabourn/Silversea/Crystal.

[LHT28]

 

Oceania Insignia Lands of Midnight Sun June 23

 

db

I can only speak of Oceania

They are a Premium line not all inclusive though ...they do not included wine, alcohol or shore excursions

 

Small ship less than 700 passengers, entertainment is not their strong suit

Excursions.. you are best to find others to share on the Roll Call

No charge for specialty restaurants, no formal nights, sodas & bottled water included

 

I would check the other forums & cruise line websites & decide what works best for you

 

some of our pictures from this year

http://travel.webshots.com/album/578380757xQcCBv

 

Lyn

[decibeldb]

Given my Champagne, wine and specialty beer consumption on the Odyssey that $1,000 will probably last about 4 days.

 

Ah well that's what credit cards are for.

 

db

[Snuffie]

Hi DB

 

I left you a message on the Crystal STEX thread for you to contact me.

 

We have done Crystal 24x and absolutely love it. You will too! While the cabins are not as large as other ships, the service is incredible and they make you feel great.

 

When you decide on the cruise, don't forget to take out the $1,200 for air which is included in the cost of the cabin. Also, the As You Wish onboard credit of $1,000 per person makes it highly affordable. Be sure to go to the Crystal STEX thread (Share the Experience) to read about how to get additional shipboard credits for having someone "sponsor" you.

 

We are on the June 13th cruise and we can't wait!!!!!!!

 

Pat