ljsanantonio

Very interested in Scenic! Will be watching to see what their 2026 itineraries hold

In the meantime, we have decided to go to Iguazu Falls on our own.  We are in the process of booking Edson for our trip end of February 2025 as well!  Considering a schedule that is different from most tour schedules:   Arrive IGR noonish and go to the Belmond, perhaps go on the Macuco Safari. Enjoy the Belmond late afternoon and evening.  Next day, start early on the  Argentine side with a Tours By Local guide.  That gives us plenty of time to explore the Brazil side the next day before midafternoon flight. 

As I mentioned, this seems to be different from what most tour providers recommend.  Is there any reason this might not work?  Thanks to all

We are in the process of booking Edson for our trip end of February 2025 as well!  Considering changing up the tour to go from IGR (arrive noonish) to the Belmond on day one, starting early on day two for the  Argentine side.  That gives us day one and day three to explore the Brazil side before midafternoon flight.  This seems to be different from what most tour providers recommend.  Is there any reason this might not work?  Thanks to all

Those pictures are beautiful.  I can't wait. Appreciate your comments re the 7 pm dinner time.  That is so us!  I realize that the culture in South America and Portugal where we will end up calls for later dinner time, but we really struggle with it.

My TA also called the Belmond "Hotel California" 😆

We are actually on the four night package.  BA/Iguazux2/BA, staying in the park at the Belmond.  The three night you reference is at the Gran Melia. I have heard great things about both hotels.  Your note weather delays is an important thought, as I have read about weather issues which may not be uncommon.  If we proceed "on our own" we will use a guide for Iguazu (Tours by Locals).  Fortunately we have a lot of time to decide, and I am so very grateful for all of the input!

8 hours ago, UUNetBill said:

Coincidentally we just returned from the post-cruise trip to Iguazú last month and we were impressed with the entire package.  While you *could* do it on your own, it was worth it to us to have Regent coordinate everything.  We flew out of BA to Iguazú and did the Argentine side on day one, then crossed into Brazil and spent the night in the resort in the park.  Staying in the park was nice as we had unrestricted access to the falls before the park opened to the general public.

 

We then got to visit a Guaraní village and see how the lived - not something I'd have done on my own but definitely interesting.

 

We also only had about 30 people on the trip so that was a plus.

 

For our flight back to BA, we had weather delays and gate changes so it was nice to have our guide keeping everything on track for us.  So yes, we paid more than we would have going on our own, but for us it was worth it.  The guides were great, the resort was great, and we had a, well, great time.  But only you can decide whether it's worth it to you - which do you value more, convenience or flexibility?  I'd say if you like the ability to venture out on your own and speak Spanish passably you'll be fine on your own.  Either way, you'll love the falls - they're amazing...

Thank you to all for the responses!  UUNetBill, we are staying two nights in Argentina.  The Regent preliminary time table shows returning to the hotel each night at 7:30 pm and dinner at 8:30.  This can certainly change but I am apprehensive that everything with even a small group takes much longer.  Was there flexibility at all on your Regent tour? Much obliged!

On 3/18/2024 at 6:29 AM, Margarita Jane said:

We flew Saturday with a bit of a scare - suppose to fly SRQ to ATL To GIG, but as we were leaving for the airport, I got a text that the SRQ to ATL was delayed meaning we would miss our connection in ATL. Fortunately got the flight changed to TPA to ATL and despite horrendous traffic, made it just as the TPA to ATL flight was boarding. Whew! 
 

We visited Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf on Sunday and have a full day of touring today.

 

Have to agree Iguazu is not to be missed - we saw the falls in 2020 - JUST before COVID. Almost did not get back to USA as everything was closing down.

Happy travels! 

Love reading this board!  We are booked on the Splendor Buenos Aires to Lisbon in March 2025, including an add on land tour, 2 nights Iguaza Falls.  Trying to decide if we go forward with that Regent tour or book on our own.  Any comments for those who have done either would be greatly appreciated.

Can anybody comment on the quality of Regent's pre and post cruise tours?  Contemplating participation for the Iguaza Falls land program before our cruise from Buenos Aires next March.  We took advantage of the post land program in Singapore this past February.  While the Fairmont was a good location and quality, check in was fairly efficient (for us at least), the no additional cost program included tours we wished we had skipped and the meals were not memorable.  There were seven buses and in excess of 200 participants.  Very tempted to manage Iguaza Falls on our own but I would love to hear what others have experienced.

Don’t get me wrong—the sorbet, frozen yogurt and ice cream is delicious. But I love true gelato even more and was hoping to find some at the gelato bar 😀

I like the “gelato” bar as it has great accompaniments to the ice cream and sorbet they offer. Was disappointed there is no gelato. Seriously—no Italian gelato?😂

Thank you--it was not a regular menu item but one of the special offerings, unfortunately.  I do appreciate you taking the time to post.

We were on the Reykjavik to NYC cruise, really enjoyed the ship, the staff, and the food, including the Marketplace.  Same thoughts on what will it be like when the ship is full, not sure they can handle a full ship? 

We had a special pasta at the Yacht Club dining room, a veal sauce rather like a bolognese.  I wish I had written down the name of the sauce as I would love to find a recipe for it.  I believe they have a similar sauce in the Marketplace, which has a great pasta bar.  And pizza and bread, and desserts, and salad, I could keep going.  If anyone can snag the name of the veal sauce and post it, I would deeply appreciate it.

Another important item--there were no channels to watch US college or pro football, nor venues that showed same.  DH was very disappointed.

Embarkation and disembarkation rather discombobulated.  I would choose the first disembarkation time next time; Explora said the hour + delay was due to immigration.  If you have a same day flight, be sure you have plenty of time for delays in disembarkation.

We saw the Northern Lights--you can of course call guest services to put your name down for a phone call notification for such events that may happen while you are asleep; we missed the Statue of Liberty as the ship arrived an hour earlier than schedule . . .

Can anyone speak to Wi-Fi on board?  Thank you!

Silly question most likely—are wash cloths/flannels as known in the UK included?  We have that not to be the case in even some luxurious settings abroad. Thank you!

Thanks. That is great! I will tuck that away for future travels. 

frankhi—how did your EJ agent save you thousands?  

we booked Sakura and Marble & Co as well.  Just a simple call to EJ, even though I booked through my TA.  Just easier to do it directly with EJ,

On the topic of Indonesia visas, our cruise stops first in Komodo and then in Bali.  I am inclined to get the online visa, anticipating all passengers will be waiting in line to get them day of.  The online visa asks for place of visit, I assume I use the area for Komodo rather than Bali.  Does anyone have experience in this?  Thank you in advance

We will be on board as well. Cruisedig.com shows arrival at 7:00 am in the New York harbor. 

The Reykjavick port has the Explora I in port on August 7, 8, and 9.

and for September 9 and 10. https://www.dokk.is/embed/calendar/5?l=en&w=csyear=2016#2016-9-27

But not sure that really means anything in light of the Kiel/Hamburg info

On 7/7/2023 at 2:24 PM, nrc said:

I have just gotten off the phone with my travel agent, who tells me that Explora I is cancelled, until further notice.  (We were booked on the 8/8-15 Iceland to Denmark trip.)  She is finding out how Explora plans to reimburse passengers.  Details to follow!

Have you heard any more on the August cruises?

Actually our F1 is 1020.  Wish it was 1010 ES!  Thank you for your comment!  I am afraid we may have some noise from deck chairs being positioned in the mornings.

Looking for comments on Explorer's F1 suite 1010.  It is not quite under the pool deck but I am concerned about the noise.  Thanks in advance for any help.

Hmm, we are on the Silver Moon from Barcelona to Lisbon May 30.  It has been sold out for months, and the best excursions are sold out as well.  How do I find out if this is a charter?  Thank you!

I cannot log in but after trying, I can someone else's booking.

what do you mean by deviation "sticky"?