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If this is the itinerary I think it is awesome. I still like the 2020 itinerary the best but would consider this one. Cherie

Thank you Renova, I'm going to ask our library to try to locate a copy for me. And tennisbeforewine... thank you again and again for letting us cruise with you. I'll also be cheering for the 49ers tomorrow. Cherie

Thank you both. Interesting, I was looking at cabins that are wide, not deep. Cherie

You have been enjoying my second favorite place on earth, French Polynesia. I never give up my CFP, if I keep some I am hopeful of returning. We were in Raiatea several years ago when we hired a captain and catamaran for a 7 day adventure. Like you, I was looking forward to baguettes. Unfortunately there was no flour so...no baguettes. I loved the long "mail boxes" that were for baguette delivery not mail. Our captain stopped on Tahaa for his wife to deliver baguettes to us. Just loving your trip and thank you for bringing us along. Cherie p.s. several WC's ago you were reading a book that I think was about a young woman coming from France to Tahiti. I cannot remember or find the name of the book. Can you help?

Great condensed version of your review of the ship. We have a booking in December and I will be soooooo disappointed if things have not changed. Will definitely follow Osterdam reviews before our final payment. Thank you for letting us cruise with you. Your posts and photos have been fabulous. Thank you, Cherie

When choosing a cabin is there a benefit to port or starboard cabins? Thank you, Cherie

Your post #75 is my favorite post so far. From a whiskey after a disappointment to the celebration of a landing. Loving all of your posts and looking at Viking for our Antarctic adventure. Thank you so much, Cherie

Do you know people who actually ask ALL of these questions? Once our bags are taken out the front door we are on vacation. We have done the best we can to plan for a great trip but...things happen. Things that are important to us are not important to others. If someone wants to know who the officers are, what the dailies are, what the menus are...it's not important to me...but it may be important to them. Everyone travels and plans their travels with their own comfort level. Personally, there are things important to me when planning a cruise that you might find offensive, etc., etc., etc...like cabin location, ports, dining venues and reservations, and excursions. You have to be flexible but if something is going to be a problem you can try to sort it out before you leave your front door. JMO Cherie

CDNPolar, Thank you for such a detailed explanation. The good news is that, weather permitting, all guests have one landing per day and possible boat cruise. Only the exceptional activities are included in the lottery, if I understand. I was afraid that most activities were lottery controlled. Watching the beautiful scenery while cruising this area would be amazing. Thank you again for the post and reminding us of needing to be extremely flexible. Cherie

Really great review. I'm wondering what do those who do not win the lottery do? Do those with a more expensive cabin get preference in the lottery? I might be a bit cranky if I was on a cruise to Antarctica and was unable to experience the adventures I am hoping for. I'm flexible when traveling but this is a trip when flexibility does not always allow for substitutions. The food is not the big deal for me, because I would not be planning or cooking, but the activities are really important. If you don't win the lottery do you have other fabulous options? Again, great review. Cherie

Don, thank you for those links. A fun way to calculate distances. hbtraveler, thank you for the info on the 13/15 day cruises. I agree that 15 is better than 13 in hopes of making landings. We just need to decide on the month now. Heidi13 - the number of miles seems enormous but when I'm not driving and it is scenic I will look forward to it. Thank you to everyone, Cherie

Thank you so much. Because of comments similar to Northern Aurora I have decided to look at smaller ships for Antarctica. We are seriously looking at dates for Viking. It really seems like a smaller ship is important if wanting a true Antarctica experience. Thank you for all of the very informative posts. We'll save the Eclipse for another cruise!! Cherie

Thank you Don, I did look at the map and it seemed like a huge distance to do South Georgia. I appreciate your detailed info which supports my first impression. I think we will stick with Antarctica for our first trip and really like the Viking itineraries. Now just deciding on 13 or 15 days and which month might be best. I know that there are no guarantees for weather. Thank you to everyone for the responses. Cherie

Thank you. South Georgia Island does not seem to be included in the 13 and 15 day itineraries. I have not seen an 18 day trip but will research. Thank you, Cherie

I am currently looking at both of these itineraries. I always think more days is better but the map is a bit confusing. Any comments on these two itineraries? Thank you, Cherie

Great posts. the penguins...are you saying that the cost per day on an expedition cruise is probably lower than Celebrity or Princess because it would be less days? I'm looking at all options now including an expedition cruise. It seems like it would be perfect to combine an expedition cruise with a main line cruise back to the U.S. Thank you to everyone who is contributing!!! Cherie

the penguins, Thank you so much for this response. Definitely need to do more research. Also happy to hear how much you enjoy the Eclipse. Cherie

Well your experience is also leaving me with questions about what I can/should expect from a fully paid for cruise where I pay in advance for things important to us. Hope your next adventure is fabulous! Cherie

I am happy to hear you had a good family cruise. We have cruised HAL and Celebrity and are now deciding between these two lines for a January 2024 cruise. REALLY disappointed in your treatment by HAL, and unfortunately there have been a few red flags lately. I'm sure there are on Celebrity also. I would really be non linear if the cabin, cabana, dining table, I pay to reserve was given to someone they think "more important." There are professionals who are hired by hospitality companies, which includes cruise lines, to train them on how to avoid and/or handle these situations. HAL dropped the ball. HIA seems like it would have been a no brainer for HAL. Yikes...what were they thinking? Food and beverage costs them almost nothing. It's the first thing a hotel will do when there is a problem. The only reason I know this is because I have family who work in hospitality. If HAL had chosen this route I'm not sure I would be responding. They offered nothing. Oh, yes they did, they returned the money payed in advance to reserve a particular cabana, and a dinner at the Pinnacle. Really HAL? What were you thinking? Thank you for posting this and I'm really happy you had a great cruise with your family. Cherie

Bringing this back to life but...we are considering an Eclipse January or February 2024 Antarctica cruise with the current Celebrity special. I know that up close and personal cruises are wonderful but would Celebrity cruisers recommend the Eclipse and an Antarctic cruise? I like the itinerary and the price is nice. We have been on Celebrity to Alaska and loved it but not on the Eclipse. Thank you, Cherie

What if you had paid for the gallon of milk? If you have a large grocery store hold something for you usually you have to pay for it to be held. I think the big difference is OP chose and paid for a particular cabana, and then someone more important came along and HAL caved. JMO.

I've contacted a PC for info. Thank you. Usually I have time to do the research myself. Cherie

Thank you both for your replies. Interesting that the price is less without the $1 deposit promotion. Again, thank you, Cherie

I was trying to see if cruises that include Antartica are included in the $1 deposit. Was having a bit of difficulty navigating the website. Cherie

Would like to know if your settlement came after the repayment to Medicare. I don't need details but assume that your settlement with HAl was after the repayment to Medicare as you had previously posted. Thank you so much for posting which is helping others. I wish you many years of happy cruising, Cherie