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I couldn't agree more with the other posters. Would go so far as to say we prefer transatlantics. Soooo relaxing, so peaceful. Do what you like when you like. Highly recommended.

Keith, we have sailed on the Cloud, the Wind and the Shadow. Had read on these boards that some people didn't care for the Spirit. We sailed her transatlantic last April. Loved her, thought she was a beautiful ship. Am sure you will enjoy.

....and so will I !

Lincslady, we did Athens to Mumbai last year and I had the same fears as you about going in and out of Petra. Yes, it is quite a walk. My hubby is fitter than me so he walked. Another lady and I shared a 'horse and carriage' both down and back up. It cost around $20 US each for the return trip. They give you a wee ticket with a time on it and they pick you up then and take you back up. It saves a great deal of walking but you should be aware that it is a bumpy ride. There are lots of cobbles and the wheels really bump over them. I'm glad we did it though.

It can be either.

The short answer is no, they don't.

Delightful, thank you so much. We've been on the Odyssey and the Quest and earlier today, booked our first Sojourn trip. Your video has whetted our appetite.

OctoberKat, we did the same trip as Ron and duct tape. We didn't take either Barbadian dollars or reals. You'll find that US dollars are accepted everywhere. Just watch you don't get your change in the local currency though.

There was a very interesting programme on UK TV this evening about the railway system in Cuba.

Are these onions in your pic, Ron?

Weather improving, Ron?

Silly me, that was a Silversea cruise.

If you want to do it, sign up as soon as you board. We went to the fish market in Busan, South Korea, with David Bilsland. Fascinating, but not for the squeamish.

Hope you enjoyed it, J and J.

Do it. We've done it several times. Have never had rough weather. Mild choppiness but never anything unpleasant. You will have time to completely relax, enjoy the sea days and soak up the wonderful Seabourn ambiance.

For me it was Athens to Mumbai with three wonderful days in Mumbai afterwards. A different world which we loved.

Can't help you with transfer information but I can tell you that Manaus is a much bigger city than you ever imagined so give yourself plenty of time. Do try to see the Opera House before you leave.

Keep it coming, Ron, am enjoying your posts immensely.

Thanks for the info. It seems the Quest will be the first to have the new signature Thomas Keller restaurant in the spring of 2016.

Enjoying your reports, guys, keep it up. Am also following Ron on the Australian Frequent Flyer blog. Vicarious trips are almost as good as real ones!

I've been hoping you'd post a link to your last five weeks of travel, Ron. Thnx.

Sailed transatlantic Ft Lauderdale to Lisbon in April this year. First time on the Spirit. Thought it was a beautiful ship. Lovely decor. Suites kept pristine. Carpeting throughout the ship very clean. The chairs is the main bar looked virtually new. I had a good look round our balcony into every corner and the paintwork was immaculate. Didn't see anything onboard that wasn't up to scratch.

Just disembarked the Spirit on Saturday. Boutiques quiet. They had a fashion show of their merchandise in the Panorama Lounge which was lovely, but not a single price was quoted. I doubt if it did much to improve sales.

We were fortunate enough to be an Ecole des Chefs cruise from Tokyo to Shanghai. There are more cookery demonstrations (fun), wine tastings, martini making classes, knife skills classes, appetiser cooking classes etc than on a regular cruise. As far as I recall there may have been a charge to taste the top wines, but otherwise all of this was included. Some are hands-on, others are just watching. All are worth attending. For me the best bit was accompanying the chef (we were lucky to have David Bilsland) to the fish market in Busan, S Korea. A fascinating trip but not for the squeamish! Sign up for everything. You will really enjoy it.

Well done, Terry, enjoyed all your posts. Thank you for sharing such a great trip.