cashmeremypuppydog

Definitively, contact him ASAP and he will understand if the pandemic changes your plans.

Say hi to him from us (even if we talk on WhatsApp twice a week).

The Canadians!

On 1/15/2022 at 1:54 PM, Mrs f. said:

We have read about Dewa and We were hoping to use Dewa's expertise for our 2 days in Bali next December.....who know if our ship will even get there. I guess once I know Australia  (our starting point) is reopened, I will contact  him.

You will love him!

I hope people will start travelling soon as many people working in tourism are being affected drastically. No work= no $$ for so many people… It is so heartbreaking.

The Canadians!😎

Hello IWantToLiveOverTheSea,

Thank you for updating your adventure. We are glad you enjoyed Dewa. We are in touch with him and his family all the time over WhatsApp. It is a very difficult time for tourism in Bali! 😪

We keep in touch also with our friends in Uganda and Tanzania and it is alarming what is going on as no one is travelling and they can not make a living. It is a sad situation!

We are glad you enjoyed your trip.

Thank you again for your update as it is a breath of fresh air during this cold January.

The Canadians!😎 

Hello IWantToLive OverTheSea,

I know someone from my city moved to Bali in July.  They had to stay a while in Jakarta before being able to fly to Bali.  After their arrival in Bali, Dewa picked them up.  Then, everything shut down!  Why don't you email Dewa?  He will be the perfect person to update you.  

Email: dgrock1140 at yahoo dot com

The Canadians!😇😎

1 minute ago, iancal said:

Thanks, but we typically prefer to deal direct with the supplier.  And any other arrangements for that matter.  Worked a treat  for our SA safari and subsequent two week rental car touring.

Enjoy your planning!

1 hour ago, iancal said:

cashmere......two months in Kenya and Tanzania is at the top of our bucket list for an extended winter trip when this covid business is over.  I have been using this time to research safaris and beach locations!   Might not be until 2022 but it is at the top of the to do list!  

Iancal,

Do not forget trekking  gorillas 🦍  in Uganda.  You can do this only in 2 countries: Uganda & Rwanda.  A gorilla (Rafiki) was killed during Covid and the killed was found guilty & received a sentence of 11 years in jail.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/30/africa/rafiki-silverback-gorilla-killer-jail-trnd/index.html

DH and I have helped Jeff (guide/driver in Uganda) and Ivan (guide/driver in Uganda) during Covid as there is no work at all!  Some might say we are having a hard time in Canada and USA but once you see the poverty in these 2 countries, you understand how fortunate we are to have been born on this side of the ocean...  Please, read this post I posted on Tripadvisor Uganda

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g293840-i9254-k13366623-DRIVERS_in_Uganda_Tanzania_Dream_team_And_AFFORDABLE-Uganda.html

Again, if you need help with your itinerary, email me at chantalanddennis at hotmail dot com

I am 50 y.o. but my husband is 72 y.o.  We travelled with another couple from USA both around DH’s age (we met on HAL Japan cruises).  We had no problem at all but it is better to go sooner than later as it is tiring being in a Landcruiser for 10 hours/day (you bounce around quite a bit as there is no paved road in the Serengeti).  I want to go back this winter to volunteer but I will decide in Nov (DH might not come because of Covid but time will tell).  Lots can happen between now and then.

Enjoy your planning! 🦍🐒🦁🐆🦓🦏🦒🐘

The Canadians!😎

Hello all,

You are absolutely right, I forgot to mention longer stay at port of calls.  On the Prinsendam (Aug 2016), we stayed overnight in Dublin and left the next day at 5pm.  Two full days in Dublin was a treat.  If we had it our way, every port of calls would have a stay of minimum 1 night so this way, nobody feels rushed.

For you out there that might want to experience Tanzania & Uganda, I posted a few months ago on this topic (best port to do a safari).  That might give you some idea for one of your future trip...

My first post is #33

Enjoy!  If anyone would like more info on Uganda & Tanzania, let me know.

The Canadians!😎

Where would you like to see HAL go?   (I voted “Other” & I am 50 y.o.)

-Reposition themselves as leader of great itineraries with several new ports of call (example: B2B of 14-night around Africa (in depth discovery of Africa) and at least14-night around The Philippines). I feel Norwegian is really kicking HAL derrière with new itineraries at a great quality/price.

-Entertainment: Escape room —  Scavenger hunt — Great Rock & Roll shows

-New ships: keep the wraparound Promenade deck & teak chairs.  My understanding is that the new ships do not!  What a mistake.  It will totally change the vibe of HAL.  Keep the ships on the SMALLER side (we cruised B2B inside room on the Prinsendam in Sept 2016 and LOVED it).

-Keep great quality/price

Our first cruise was in 2008 on the Queen Mary II (10-night South Caribbean from Ft Lauderdale).  We did not cruise for 4 years as we did not think any cruise could exceed the joy we had on our 1st cruise.  Then, in 2012, we tried HAL (7-night Caribbean).   We just told ourselves, “Let’s not compare & let’s have a good time.”.  Well at the end, we knew HAL was the perfect fit for us.  The gracious customer service made the difference for us as it was not as stuffy as Cunard (we have not cruised with Cunard since as they have way too many sea days in their itineraries).

I have to say our #1 priority is itineraries.  We never have done a 7-day cruise since 2012.  We were impressed with HAL’s itineraries and being able to add two 14-nights with minimal sea days.  We don’t cruise to be pampered but to be transported from one port of call to another one.  We are so busy during the days of exploring, that after dining for 2-hour with different cruisers, we rarely attend any entertainment.  We have to say, HAL entertainment does not warrant our time as we rather relax in our room to be energized for the next day (except The Jersey boys on the Maasdam Oct-Nov 2018 in French Polynesia as they were great)!

We have cruised Celebrity and loved their entertainment.  We would almost attend every show.  Everything was perfect with Celebrity EXCEPT the itineraries.  They lack big time on itineraries and being able to do B2B so we cruised only twice with them.  Plus, we feel it is not as good value as HAL.

We have cruised Norwegian once from Auckland (just because HAL did not have any cruise starting in Auckland) and we were hesitant as we had heard bad stories.  However, we have to say we were happily surprised.  The entertainment was more superior than HAL.  We would cruise Norwegian again if itineraries fit what we want to see (example: their South Africa cruise)

I know we are “weird” as we rather book an inside room so we can travel twice as long.  For example, our last cruise was in Japan April-May 2019.  We did 17-day pre-cruise to be able to discover some cities in depth: 3-nights in Osaka (we experienced Sumo wrestling during a 2-week competition), 5-nights in Kyoto (OUTSTANDING), 2-nights in Hiroshima and 6-nights in Tokyo.  Then boarded in Yokohama for B2B2B ending in Vancouver.  It was our first repositioning and it will surely be our last as it is just not us: 6-7 sea days in a row= boring.

Again, we are all about itinerary!  So I can not see us cruising with HAL on too many cruises if they do not become as adventurous as before!

Basically, keep it simple: great value, great itineraries, smaller ships and improve entertainment (nothing crazy but more active).

The Canadians!😎

On 6/13/2020 at 10:09 AM, deus said:

cashmeremypuppydog!!  Thank you for all your information!!  Did you write a blog that you can share? I saw your post on the Feb 2/21 Cpt to Singapore Oceania roll call to read your posts here!!  Thank you for doing that!  I am going to write you as I have so many questions.  

 

Lauren

Looking forward to hearing from you Lauren!

The Canadians!😎

6 hours ago, cashmeremypuppydog said:

I just want to be happy!  I wish you have the best safari ever!

The Canadians!😎

I meant “I just want you to be happy!😎

These are the photos of the cheetahs & all the vehicles.  There were a lot of happy customers taking photos...  The drivers/guides are  not selfish and share all info with other drivers. 

Plus, all our photos were taken with iPhone11.  We could not believe how great they turned out.  Papa, you will get so close to the animals that you don't need a super duper camera...  

The Canadians!😎

On 6/10/2020 at 11:22 AM, 4774Papa said:

We made a deposit last year, so we aren't switching to another company.  Our accommodations are the top choice of three.  In other words, we picked the best lodging available.

I just want to be happy!  I wish you have the best safari ever!

The Canadians!😎

On 6/8/2020 at 9:13 AM, John Bull said:

Papa. .............. I can't comment on your itinerary, only to say that the safari operators know where and when is best to see the wildlife. Much of your itinerary is different to ours / the Canadians', and that's down to your different time of the year - which is also the reason for the move-able tented camps.

The main exception is in the crater at Ngorongoro - the animals in the crater don't migrate.

 

 

One particular occasion was a sighting of a cheetah family near the shore of the lake in Ndutu. Mother was an exhibitionist, posing proudly with her cubs - "look at ME". The drivers all know their stuff, they formed a semi-circle rather than a full circle so that folk could get photos without a backdrop of landcruisers..    

JB  

 

 

 

Hello JB,

You are right about Papa’s itinerary...   The tour operators and drivers/guides know what they are doing and will deliver.  Papa’s itinerary look great.

When were you in Ndutu with the cheetahs experience as we experienced the same.  We were there around Feb 5 or 6.  I will post a photo when I have a chance.  We are currently entertaining friends from Calgary...

The Canadians!😎

On 6/9/2020 at 6:31 AM, 4774Papa said:

Our safari is $4500 per person.  The optional tour of the Masai village is $60.  

Have you made a payment yet?  If not, contact me at chantalanddennis at hotmail dot com

I have not researched your accommodation but we were mid-Luxury.  I don’t want to write to much here... 

The Canadians!😎

I could go on and on...

13 hours ago, 4774Papa said:

Thanks for the great information on your safari experience.    We aren't doing a month in Africa, just an 8 day safari in Kenya and Tanzania.  Each to their own, but that is plenty for us.

We are visiting many of the places you indicated  as well as John Bull in Tanzania.  Also, some days in Kenya.  We are excited about it, had to postpone it from July 2020 until July 2021.

Hello 4774Papa,

Could you post your itinerary?  I always love to see itineraries...  I am sure your safari will be as exquisite as ours...  We do not travel outside Canada from June to Sept as it is the best time of the year to be in Canada.  Georgia is much hotter than Canada in July so it is a good time for you to travel.  If everyone would travel at the same time, it would not be good!

Enjoy your safari to the fullest.  Enjoy the photo.

The Canadians!😎

13 hours ago, John Bull said:

Hi, Colonials ,

 

Sounds very much like our safari, also back in February - from Arusha to Tangire, Serengeti, Ndutu, Ngorongoro, Manyara,

Totally brilliant. 

So much wildlife - including multiple lion sightings right alongside our jeep (and tree-climbing lions in Serengeti, Ndutu and Manyara), all of the Big Five, literally thousands of wildebeest (in the early days of the calving), and so much more. We tailor-made a mix of budget bungalows, tented encampments in the middle of nowhere, and one excellent lodge in Ndutu. Weather was fine, but it had rained a lot in the days before - we got stuck a couple of times & other jeeps pulled us out, and we did the honours for another that got stuck.

Did you see the stranded landcruiser in the muddy head of the lake at Ndutu? One day a couple of jeeps were unsiccessfully trying to pull it out. Next day a tractor tried & failed. I wonder if it's still there.

 

Having self-driven Kruger NP in a car, I'd reckoned we could self-drive Serengeti in a Land Cruiser. But information on geography and accommodation was scant on the 'web, and there were insurance excess issues with rented land-cruisers, plus much higher park fees for non-Tanzanians, so we booked an organised safari. Having done much the same safari, you can understand why I was so very very pleased that I'd chickened out of self-drive !!!! .

We too booked with a local safari operator. We chose Lion King Adventures, and the arrangements, safari, driver, accommodation & everything else was faultless.

Like everywhere in Tanzania, payment by card is subject to a 5% fee. So we paid a deposit by credit card (thereby committing the card issuer to liability for the entire cost) and paid the balance by bank transfer.

We fixed our own flights UK to Kilimanjaro, Arusha to Zanzibar (5 days beachfront resort in Nungwi & 2 days in the heart of old-town Stonetown), then Zanzibar back to UK - just as Covid had started in UK (phew).

btw - what did you think of Zanzibar's magnificent airport 

 

So glad that we'd already driven Kruger. It was our first safari, and we loved it. But after Tanzania it would have been comparatively very bland and park-like.

 

JB 

Hello JB,

We had the exact same itinerary. I feel I would help someone with their itinerary, i would advise not to sleep in Arusha but to go straight to Tarangire National Park.  We stayed only 1 night outside the park and our accommodation ‘Sangaiwe Tented Lodge’ was out of this world!  Instead, I would advise 2 nights...  Tarangire was very special, great place for first spotting of the wildlife.  However, we were all disappointed with Manyara.  The reviews were so outstanding and our visit was way below average...  However, Tarangire was outstanding!

i could go and on but words do not explain what you see and experience in Ndutu.  That was by far our favourite.  Ngorongoro was great but you have to stay on the road so little chance of being stuck and less freedom as you have to stay on the dirt road.

In Ndutu, we stayed in a ‘Tented Lodge’ they moved every 3 months.  We could not believe it as we had a king size bed, a writing desk, a sofa... (you see the picture) in our room.  The moves take 1 month each time!  This is crazy.  This is why Safaris are expensive...

When we first arrived in the Serengeti, we saw a few Lanbcruisers off road (not allowed apparently).   Our driver talked to another driver  (in his language) and got very excited.  He explained we were going to see something very rare...  We drove off the road and he was a bit nervous as he said it was not allowed.  As we were trying to find “the surprise”, we found a baby antelope (sorry I forgot the exact type of antelope) that had been born a few minutes ago.  It was so small, still “gluey”.  Jeff explained the mother had left the child alone so our “surprise” would not come after it...  The mom was no where to be seen but I am sure she was watching us.  After drive around in the middle of “no where”, we finally found our surprise: 2 wild African dogs.  Jeff said it was quite rare to see them in Tanzania.

Enjoy the photo!

The Canadians!😎

Hello from Canada,

We just came back in Feb 2020 from our first trip to Africa: Uganda (15 nights), Tanzania (8 nights) and Zanzibar (11 nights). It was just outstanding. We really enjoyed the 2 boat Safaris in Uganda, trekking chimpanzees and gorillas also in Uganda and the outstanding safari in Tanzania. Tanzania had obviously much much more wildlife but both countries were brilliant. We will cherish FOREVER our first 2 safaris (Feb is an awesome time to visit Ndudu (Serengeti Tanzania) as it is calving season: a million wildebeest give birth to 8000 babies every day, and as these newborns take their first steps, they’re targeted by lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena).  We don’t think we will ever have a better trip in the future!  We barely EVER saw any other Landcruiser.

I just want to start by explaining how I created our trip to Uganda & Tanzania. I read Lonely Planet Uganda and Lonely Planet Tanzania. I made the itinerary myself and found 2 small companies I read about in Lonely Planet.

We had the choice between: budget, mid-luxury or luxury. We selected mid-luxury and we had all our meal included. Creating our own itinerary went very smoothly and was painless.  Buying directly from a company in Tanzania made us save thousands of dollars over buying from a travel agent in Canada or a specialized safari company in Canada. If I would do it again, I would spend longer on our safari in Tanzania and only 7 nights in Zanzibar.

Your driver/guide will certainly make or break your safari.  I explain myself.

The moment we met our driver/guide in Tanzania, Jeff, we loved him. He was personable, funny, full of stories and easy to be around. During a safari, you get to know your driver as you are with him up to 12-hour per day. He astonished us with his PASSION. Jeff acted as it was his first safari (but he has been doing Safaris for 10 years) by having relentless curiosity, energy and passion. I should not forget to mention Jeff is an excellent driver as some of the road conditions were questionable (very muddy and/or no roads in the middle of “nowhere”). On a few occasions, we did not think we could get unstuck! But Jeff used his unbelievable skills to get us out. Believe me, we were not the only one stuck as we were in the middle of the wild Serengeti.

We never imagined we would see SO MUCH wildlife and be SO CLOSE to the animals. Our experience with Jeff was beyond perfect, magical & overwhelming. Our accommodations were UNBELIEVABLE, the food was great and I just wish we could have stayed extra nights.

Personally, if we go back to Tanzania, Jeff will definitely be our driver. We love him like a son.  But I am hesitant to go back in Oct (to see another area of Tanzania as animals migrate!) as it would be more busy (busy season) so more Landcruisers all over...

Now, South Africa/Botswana.  I am currently reading, planning, researching for winter 2021.  Should I bother with a 2nd safari?  Kruger is a no with their paved roads.  It would be laughable after doing rugged Ndutu where we were surrounded my thousands of wildebeest and zebra in the wild.  DH and I can not believe places we drove...

Botswana is an option but as we want to go in Jan, it is the rainy season.  Plus, it is extremely expensive as it is exclusive.  We don’t need exclusive but this is Botswana.  My goal with our 2nd time in Africa would be to experience many boat Safaris as seriously, the game drive in Tanzania can not be beaten and boat Safaris are special!

Time will tell if a cruise with Oceania in Africa will be added to the land experience.  A minimum of 7 days is needed to see most attractions in Cape Town.  Then, we would fly to Victoria Falls and cross the border to Botswana.  We would then do everything last minute so the cost would be greatly reduced.

Just my two cents worth.  If you can, do a pre cruise safari as it is VERY tiring.  Then, relax on the cruise ship.

If anyone wants to book directly with our driver in Tanzania, please, email us chantalanddennis at hotmail dot com

The Canadians!😎

I am with you, it is very upsetting.  This is our story:

-On Feb 25, I booked our first Princess cruise to Alaska for August.  Stupid me, I paid the whole amount even if I could have paid only a down payment (I learned and will never do this again!)

-I cancelled our Princess cruise on March 17

-On April 9, I filled a dispute with our credit card company (through Bank of Montreal).  BMO explained: 1-) once BMO start my dispute (an employee looking at the documents I had just filled), BMO will apply a conditional credit back to my  account of the amount paid to Princess on Feb 25   2-) I would not be able to transfer this credit to my bank account   3-) From the day I would receive the credit, Princess would have 45 days to “defend” themselves.    So the credit could be conditional for 45 days...

-On May 3, I emailed BMO inquiring about my dispute

-On May 5, I saw a credit for the amount paid on Feb 25 on BMO credit card statement and it was called ‘Dispute Princess’.   I decided to call BMO to make sure it was a conditional credit.  I was told it was conditional and that Princess had 45 days to reply to the dispute.  BUT, for the 1st time, I was told I could transfer the money to my bank account (they call it a cash advance even if you have a credit on your account!) but if the dispute would not go my way, I would be responsible to reimburse BMO + interest for cash advance.

-I transferred the credit from BMO credit card to BMO bank account.  I then transferred all monies to another bank.  I am lucky, BMO is not my primary bank account.  

-My credit card can deal with Princess!  The cost of our cruise was charged to our credit card within 24 hrs on Feb 25 but once you cancel, you have to wait 60-90 days to receive your money back.  Do they think we are stupid?  

Do not hesitate and dispute your charge ASAP.

The Canadians!😎

This is our story:

 

-On Feb 25, I booked our first Princess cruise to Alaska for August.  Stupid me, I paid the whole amount even if I could have paid only a down payment (I learned and will never do this again!)

-I cancelled our Princess cruise on March 17

-On April 9, I filled a dispute with our credit card company (through Bank of Montreal).  BMO explained: 1-) once BMO start my dispute (an employee looking at the documents I had just filled), BMO will apply a conditional credit back to my  account of the amount paid to Princess on Feb 25   2-) I would not be able to transfer this credit to my bank account   3-) From the day I would receive the credit, Princess would have 45 days to “defend” themselves.    So the credit could be conditional for 45 days...

-On May 3, I emailed BMO inquiring about my dispute

-On May 5, I saw a credit for the amount paid on Feb 25 on BMO credit card statement and it was called ‘Dispute Princess’.   I decided to call BMO to make sure it was a conditional credit.  I was told it was conditional and that Princess had 45 days to reply to the dispute.  BUT, for the 1st time, I was told I could transfer the money to my bank account (they call it a cash advance even if you have a credit on your account!) but if the dispute would not go my way, I would be responsible to reimburse BMO + interest for cash advance.

-I transferred the credit from BMO credit card to BMO bank account.  I then transferred all monies to another bank.  I am lucky, BMO is not my primary bank account.  

-My credit card can deal with Princess!  The cost of our cruise was charged to our credit card within 24 hrs on Feb 25 but once you cancel, you have to wait 60-90 days to receive your money back.  Do they think we are stupid?  

 

Do not hesitate and dispute your charge ASAP.

The Canadians!😎

 

5 minutes ago, NantahalaCruiser said:

Wrong, San Diego if more than twice the distance than going to Ft. Lauderdale.

This was posted 1 hour ago by Copper 10-8

1 minute ago, viajante74 said:

Yeah, lots of speculation on this thread. I am ON the Zaandam. There will be NO transfer of passengers to the Rotterdam. The Rotterdam is delivering medical supplies (masks, testing kits, etc) and much needed medical staff. 

That is all.

I am VERY glad to hear that.  I really sympathize with you and I am glad The Zandaam is getting medical supplies.  

She/he just sent me 2 photos of the Zandaam getting very close to the Rotterdam.20200326_180738.heic

VICTORIA -- The federal government has temporarily barred all cruise ships and ferries that carry more than 500 people, including crew, from docking in Canada until July to protect against the growing COVID-19 pandemic.

In a public address Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that "cruise season is suspended until July."

Transport Minister Marc Garneau says that the government will re-examine the ban after June 30.

https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/cruise-ships-over-500-people-banned-in-b-c-until-july-1.4851940

The Canadians!😎

ZANZIBAR TAXI DRIVER with photos

Hello all,

We just came back from a fantastic trip to Uganda and Tanzania.  This trip included ZANZIBAR.  I would love to share with you a taxi driver that was excellent:

We used him (Abdul) on 3 different occasions.  The first occasion was on a spice tour with another couple (Literacy Lady on CC).  His van is new with plenty of room, he speaks really good English and he is also very interesting.

The second time, Abdul drove my husband & I from Nungwi (located on the north side of the island) to Jambiani (east side of the island) and the drive took 1.5 hours.  The third occasion was from Jambiani to the airport (1 hour 20 min).  Abdul was always on time which was very important to us.

The drives did not seem long as we talked about life in Zanzibar…

So if you are visiting Zanzibar on a cruise or independently, this taxi/tour guide was excellent.

Contact: ABDUL ALI  

email:  abdulswamadali54@gmail DOT com

+255 773 672451 or +255 679 406496 or +255 629 065118

P.S.  When cruises are in port, he is in high demand.

The Canadians!😎