betonic

I’m also interested 

My husband and I just booked our first cruise to Greece in August.  We have cruised a lot but this is our first Silverseas booking.  We are in our late 40’s.  In past cruises we always pay for the extra cost restaurants and bring aboard our own wine and pay whatever fees are required.  I have normally enjoyed planning our port days independently but during Covid times we feel this is the time to try a more inclusive cruise experience.  Any tips you all can offer will be appreciated.

Saludos from Mexico

We sailed 22 nights on the Maasdam in December and really enjoyed it. We liked the smaller size and lack of crowds. Our balcony cabin was comfortable, we had no A/C or plumbing problems.

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I almost exclusively book private or DIY. I enjoy researching, know exactly what I want and don’t want a large group tour. I often use the roll call to put together small groups.

On our last cruise we joined several tours planned by someone else on our roll call and were disappointed. One tour there was not sufficient seating/shade for everyone to enjoy the day and the other guide never arrived. From now on I’ll do my own thing, even if it costs more. I know what questions to ask for our needs.

One of the most important parts of our travel is trying the local food. Booking private allows me to research and work with our guide to choose a great restaurant or even organize stops for local street food.

We never shop for trinkets and if we do buy something it’s always from a local and something we will really use at home.

I have never even come close to missing a ship, I plan accordingly and don’t worry at all.

On the other hand, my mother is in her 70’s and only books cruise tours. For her it’s easier, she likes a half day tour and doesn’t mind going on a bus.

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My agent called and there was only one SB cabin available. We regularly take upsell opportunities so set guidelines with the agent so she doesn’t waste time calling us before calling HAL. In this case my agent sent me a quick email because she knew I wouldn’t like the location right next to the elevator.

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Thanks for your comments. We’re going to wait and see if the price comes down because we’re really happy with the SS we’re assigned and didn’t love the SB location.

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How much more would you pay for an SB (neptune) vs an SS? Westerdam

We are happy with the SS but would like to try a Neptune, just not sure if it’s $100 more per day for the cabin.

What do you think?

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We’ve done it in Moorea and also in Bora Bora. We did OWB at the Four Seasons in Bora Bora for around $1000 a night, $5000 is crazy!!! We’re going to overnight at a hotel in Beijing on our next cruise too.

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We have taken our laundry off the ship in many ports and never been asked to go through customs. I prefer to wash my own clothes since some require special care.

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We are in Juneau Oct 2 which is pretty late in the season. Our stop is from 1-11pm. We are 4 active people age 45-55. We have been to Alaska before and don’t want to do the normal things. Anybody suggest a great private tour? Not interested in a large group.

We’re also looking for the best dinner experience in Juneau.

Thanks in advance

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Most of the “tours” listed on TripAdvisor have no or limited reviews. Also no contact information. One should not assume that everyone asking for advice has not researched elsewhere.

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I found the same but I’m looking for a tour or guide that someone else has used.

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HAL added this stop after we booked and I can’t find much. Anyone have any ideas about a day in Sasebo? HAL doesn’t even have any tours.

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Would you please share the contact for your guide in Shimizu.

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Thanks Betonic. They look thorough but pricey. I especially liked their description of photo requirements. I had not seen need for dark, collared shirt on other sites. I think we will go with GenVisa. Saw some good reviews. It is slow but we do have the time.

I didn’t have the time. I travel almost weekly so can’t be without my passport. Tim had me send a picture taken from my iphone and he fixed it to meet the visa standards.

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I used passportworld. They have an office in Miami, Coral Gables. I found Tim very easy to work with.

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I had a great transfer and tour with Fabrizio from allarounditaly.net. I have toured with him since my son was 3 years old and he always finds a way to keep him entertained.

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http://www.romeboutiqueapartments.com/en/home-en/

Highly recommended! I just stayed this week and loved it. The location is convenient, shopping and restaurants near by. Maritza is a pleasure to work with. Tell her Nicole sent you.

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We just left Busan and heading in, we had zero expectations. Three days before the port I booked a tour, and having cruised a lot, I was STUNNED that this city actually was once of the best excursions I have ever been on. We had a private van, and avoided the herds. We went to the oldest mountain temple in Busan with gorgeous views. We hiked along the coast to the wide sandy beach in the city. We went out to a far island via van to beautiful cliffs and a see-through walking bridge (like in Jasper, Grand Canyon). We went to this hill side old village that reminded me of Santorilli (sp?). It was newly renovated for tourists and it was amazing to walk the narrow valleys and take part in all of the photo-ops. We then went to the fish market, and the international market for shopping. It was one after another show stopping stops. Probably my favourite port so far in Asia. Quite the surprise! Message me if you want further details etc.

Will you please give me contact info for the tour operator.

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Internet was decent on Maasdam in December but expensive since you buy the service by the minute.

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Thank you all. I have contacted the companies messaged and 2 of them are committed our day with hunting/fishing tours. One of the flight tours is operating but they say it’s too late to see the bears so it would basically just a flight to see views.

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We are on the Westerdam in October and both tour operators that I’ve contacted are either finished for the season or booked. Seems like it might be too late to make taking a flight tour worth it in terms of seeing bears. Anyway have a really great day in Kodiak? Please share what you did.

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While on the Maasdam a few months ago we tried to buy FCC for another couple who we regularly travel with and were told no. We were allowed to book and pay for a future cruise at the discounted deposit for them. Basically, it seems like it’s ok if you actually book a cruise but you can’t just leave the FCC to book later.

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We are on a transpacific cruise in the fall and have Juneau, Glacier Bay and Kodiak as well as inside passage. What is the most complete private tour for our day in Juneau considering the times??

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Will you give me the information for the guide you used in Beijing please.

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