cccole

Wow, these photos are great. Can't wait for our January cruise. Also, thank you for giving me info re flowers and fruits. I'm happy I can bring them onboard and will definitely not bring anything food or plant related off the ship. Thank you again for letting us cruise with you, Cherie

Love, love, love silk long underwear!!!! Great suggestion to use it as sleepwear also. A question for those of you who have been on the cruise re "dressy". Recently Btimmer posted a photo of "dressy" night on the current Grand Cruise and he was in a long sleeve, collared shirt. I assume this is not unusual for SA and Antarctica but of course, there may be a huge range of "dressy" attire? Also, 2 dressy nights per week? That seems like a bit much but I'm sure no one will notice that I wear the same thing more than once. Cherie

There are 3 blogs of the current South America and Antarctica Grand Voyage, Btimmers, WriteronDeck, and Jeff Farshman (amazingvoyages2.blogspot.com). Btimmers and Writer on Deck also post on cc. Their photos and reviews of ports are fabulous. They will be visiting some of the same ports that the 21 day Oosterdam cruises visit. I am enjoying them. Cherie

We are on the January 7, 2024 cruise, and so looking forward to it. We researched cruises, like Viking, that have zodiacs and other craft to put into the water. We decided that we wanted to see more of South America on this trip. There was also a comment re ships that put passengers into small craft in an area will stay there for a long time because there is more than one excursion.. HAL ships do not launch small craft and it is easier to move and see more spots. After our first trip in January we may do a more up close and personal trip but we'll see. Also, weather seemed to really effect small craft being put into the water. As has been said, the Drake Passage can be a lake or hold onto your hats. We're really looking forward to the January 7th cruise and know that we just need to accept what Mother Nature sends us. Hope you'll join the cruise. Cherie

What an incredible cruise. I am enjoying your blog and your cc posts. We will be boarding the Oosterdam in San Antonio on January 7 for a 21 day cruise. I have a question about bringing flowers and/or fruit on board. I love fresh flowers and travel with a Modgy vase. If you have info about bringing flowers on board in ports I would appreciate it. Cherie

I am so happy that you will be taking us along on your cruise. The Grand Africa is definitely a cruise we have looked at. Hopefully you will find food to your liking. I think that many passengers do not eat a lot of processed food and the options may amaze you. Have a great cruise. Looking forward to your posts, Cherie

Mussels, mussels, mussels. Yum, I would be in heaven. Enjoy. Cherie

I'm so jealous, but also happy for anyone being able to see the Aurora Borealis. Still a bucket list for us, even after traveling to Tromso, Norway last December. Hope you see "the lights." Cherie

A thong to most Americans would refer to a type of bathing suit or under garment. When I was growing up thongs were flip flops. I have not heard the word thongs used for flip flops in decades. Good choice. Cherie

That's awesome. I hope you will let us know next summer if you have the same flights and itinerary that you have now booked. That would be great. Cherie Apparently it is also important for you to verify with the airline that the tickets have been ticketed, with an airline ticket number.

You might also look at www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds. I know that when we were dealing with foreign airlines landing and taking off from U.S. airports there was no problem getting a refund. And, domestic airlines have been great. You might be interested in the last subject. It refers to refunds from airlines, travel agents, and on line agencies. That's one of the reasons we deal directly with an airline. Hope the OP will make the choice that is comfortable for them. JMO. Cherie

Actually schedule changes include delays and cancellations. We have been fortunate with domestic and international airlines when they reschedule us to another flight and it is more than 4 hours they are great about refunding. It is not always the first option they want you to take. First option is a credit, but you can request a refund. I think that you and I are going to have to disagree about the benefits of Flight Ease vs booking direct with an airline. All I know is that we no longer book with a 3rd party and prefer to deal directly with an airline. Different strokes for different folks, as they say. JMO. Cherie

You can take a look at www.transportation.gov/airconsumer. We have had several flights delayed or cancelled, both international and domestic, in the last few years and we have always been given the opportunity of a refund or change of flights. Well, a refund is not always the first approach from all airlines but they will do it if asked. And, we have no special status with an airline. Recently we have had notices from Jet Blue letting us know of possible delays or cancellations so we can cancel or change flights. We used to use 3rd party reservation sites in addition to booking direct with airlines. Now we only deal with the airlines directly, it's much easier to resolve a problem before or during your travels if you do not have to go thru a 3rd party. You have to make the decision that you are comfortable with. JMO. Cherie

What about getting a veranda cabin and an inside cabin close by as suggested by CCMP? This could be more economical than two veranda cabins and everyone can enjoy the balcony. JMO. Cherie

That wedge salad and filet and lobster tail look amazing!! I will order that on our January cruise. So last night, before the photos, I would have ordered shrimp cocktail, petit filet, and creme brulee, and red wine please. Safe travels home and thank you again for including us on your cruise. Cherie

Yes, the price is 250 Sterling or credit card upon arrival for the tour. The reviews on Trip Advisor are good. Cherie

You have such a great attitude. If I thought I booked a warm Mexico cruise and was now on a Pacific Coastal in November I would have been nonlinear, and on my way back to the future cruise desk. Regardless I'll be following and enjoying our game!! Cherie

This tour looks amazing. A bit more expensive than the ones that go to Volunteer Point. Has anyone had experience with this tour company? Adrian, the owner, responds quickly to emails. Being able to see rockhoppers in addition to Kings and others would definitely be a plus, and less 4x4s. Cherie

I hope they have a brunch on our January cruise! I would like a signature bloody mary, Kodiak steak and egg skillet, and triple berry Alaskan tart, please. Cherie

If they will let you order two small plates instead of a large plate, I would love the Canaletto salad, Langoustine tomato soup, Affogato, and red wine please. I'm going to be so sad when "our" cruise ends and our game ends! Thanks for including us. Cherie

I love the new menu because some of the previous specials are on the menu everyday. And, also looking forward to the rotating specials. Hope this new menu will be available in January on the Oosterdam. Cherie

I didn't think we were having dinner tonight. After a fabulous lunch I would like beets and the ricotta raspberry tart and red wine, please. Sorry the weather was not better. Cherie

What a great menu. I'll have the prawn bruschetta, Pinnacle burger, coconut trifle, and red wine, please. Glacier Bay is one of my most favorite memories of our cruise to Alaska. When you have a chance...I am thinking of doing lunch in the Pinnacle on one of our scenic cruising days in Antarctica on the Oosterdam. But, only if it is easy to get a table by a window. Any thoughts? Thank you again for this fun game and letting us cruise with you. Cherie

Salmon and Hot Fudge Sundae. Hope you had a nice port day in Juneau. Cherie

This is soooooo fun. Potage Solferino, Sole Flamande, Cherry Crisp, and red wine. Just love this game. Cherie