blacksmith

Our preferred cruise lines are Oceania, Regent, Viking, and Royal Caribbean Allure (when we bring our grandchildren).
I haven’t packed a suit, tie, or more than 3 pairs of shoes in over 10 years. 

1 hour ago, Bellaggio Cruisers said:

Agree with you! Unfortunately, there is no direct flight to Bermuda from Florida. We would need to change in Atlanta or Newark..spending a whole day flying. Otherwise, we would have booked this in a heartbeat. 
🤞that there will be a solution soon and we will be able to sail out of Florida. If this doesn’t happen, we will have to choose the easiest of flights. 
Sheila

Yeah, flights aren’t very appealing. We leave Phoenix at 11:30pm and arrive around noon the following day. Return flight a little better. 
The fact that we will put up with that and a whole lot more speaks volumes.

Just booked Viking Bermuda using my Regent refund.

Not trying to be funny, just feel the need to get on a cruise ship. 

We are booked on the July 13 sailing. Got our flight confirmations today and can’t wait. We have a TA, but on this cruise we’re using Viking Air and Viking excursions. I trust Viking and I’m confident they will handle all the details in an efficient manner. I hope everyone will follow all the protocols and have fun. 

45 minutes ago, EasyGoingGuy said:

It's completely unacceptable for either the government or the private sector to impose upon you the requirement that you show proof of vaccine to just simply be able to participate in normal society," said DeSantis Monday during a news conference.

This is not “normal society “ .

I’m reminded of the famous Abbott and Costello skit “Who’s on First”. 

On 11/3/2020 at 6:33 PM, blacksmith said:

1/05/2021 cruise canceled on 11/02/2020.

Requested refund 11/02/2020.

TA indicated that refund will occur within 60 days.

 

TA also advised that insurance would not be refunded, but could be transferred to a future cruise within 12 months.

Received refund (credit to credit card) 12/23/2020. All but $2000 paid to independent insurance company. 

1/05/2021 cruise canceled on 11/02/2020.

Requested refund 11/02/2020.

TA indicated that refund will occur within 60 days.

TA also advised that insurance would not be refunded, but could be transferred to a future cruise within 12 months.

If you’re looking for ships with retractable roofs, you might consider Viking. All of their ocean ships have them, and Viking is more comparable with O.


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We are booked on Voyager “Cape Town to Rio” January 5, 2020. A post on the roll call for this cruise is claiming that Regent has voluntarily cancelled this cruise, as well as all remaining 2020 cruises.
I have asked for a source. Has anyone else received a travel advisory update?


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Yes, I would expect many refunds under Regent Reassurance if these represent what will be in effect. But let's see what happens...i still don't expect a cruise until April 1.

Our last cruise was San Juan R/T ending March 12, 2021 on Viking. About 10 days out of 22 were on the Amazon with 4 or 5 ports.
We had a blast, but I must say that the Amazon was a little bit of a dud. Even with binoculars we saw very few animals. Mostly birds.
Manaus is as far as cruise ships go. Lots of history there and some decent excursions, but there was a stern warning given regarding danger and crime. Very third world. We did take a boat ride to a native tribe which was fun, but very touristy.
No visa required for Brazil. If you port at Devils Island you are supposed to have the yellow fever vac. (Nobody checked). Ship water is an issue while on the Amazon because it’s too muddy for the ship to produce water (laundromats were closed for a week). Bugs were not near the problem we anticipated.

Glad we did it but wouldn’t do it again.




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My Bad
They only give you the tote as a perk
 
 Oceania Club members may get  a tote & cap on your new milestone level
https://www.oceaniacruises.com/oceania-club-benefits/

When did they start giving away caps?


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Cancelled 4/21 TA a couple months ago, changed to 4/22 Papeete to LA. Just booked 12/21 Danube cruise w/Crystal. 

The only military acronym that comes to mind for me is “snafu”. Wish I didn’t have to put it to use so often.


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I’m not a “foodie”, but I love quality food. You mentioned French food as one of your favorites so at considerable risk I will offer my opinion. IMHO Jacques on Oceania is better than Chartreuse on Regent. Totally subjective.
Having said that, I would choose Regent over any cruise line I have had any experience with.


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Is that not only for certain cat cabins and above (not the "cheap ones")

If you are paying out of pocket for business class upgrade, you may want to consider Regent. They include BC for international flights as well as a few other costs. Sometimes the per diem cost is not that much more.


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Thanks everyone for the South Africa info.
It remains on our bucket list for the future.


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Thanks Army & cwn for all the great info.
I mustered all of my tech skills and took screenshots of your posts. I’ll print them out and put them in our file for later reference. Hopefully not too much later.


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Army,
Debbie Downer has been in our midst for months now so no need for you to be sorry. Thanks for the additional info. Eventually we are determined to make this trip.

Seaknot,
Thanks for the link. In a perfect world BA would let us know in a timely manner that our seats no longer exist in their fleet. Guess we all know that it’s not a perfect world.

Bob


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Blacksmith: 
 
I may have missed something, but do not see reference to a 744 aircraft in BA's fleet.  In any event, if you meant a 747, Row 64 seats (upper Deck) would be just-fine.  Any Row on that Deck is preferable due to being above the normal commotion below.  Also, we usually got the opportunity for a brief chat with the Captain or First Officer who made a point of short visitations with Crew and passengers while on a 'luv break.  Those were the days. . .
 
Bigger point:  given the run-away COVID-19 situation in South Africa (SA), cannot see Regent going forward with any cruises involving that country until, at-least, mid-2021.  What a shame.  One of our favorite parts of SA is in the Port Elizabeth area--about a 1.5 hours' flight from Cape Town.  That has been in conjunction with Safaris to "Camp Figtree", again, about a 1.25 hour Van ride from the Port Elizabeth Airport.   Addo National Elephant Game Preserve is the actual site, with Figtree being perched above on a hillside.  Such great memories. 
 
Hopefully, another return in 2022 or 2023, health (and a vaccine) allowing.   
 
GOARMY!
 
 
 

Another reality accelerated due to current COVID-19 situation.  This concerns British Airways (BA) "retiring" Boeing 747s from its Fleet.  That was due to happen, anyway, sometime in 2020.  Now, a fact.
 
How nice it was to book early--via our Travel Agent--on a BA N/S flight either from SEATAC to Heathrow; or the reverse, while going to/returning from a European-based Regent or Silversea cruise; or before a few days in London before heading to France for a Uniworld river boat cruise. 
 
"Those were the days, my friends . . ."  Sorry for diverting to a Don McLean 1970s lyric.
 
747-400 Aircraft.  Two levels for Business Class seats.  The Main, and the "upper" accessed via a staircase.  Always went for, and acquired via staircase, that upper level.   Specifically Row 62, Seats A-B; or J-K.  Never disappointed.  Quiet, attentive service.
 
Well--we all have time to reflect on the past. That is my contribution. 
 
So-many uncertainties as to realistic expectations to resume either ocean or river cruising in the next 18 months. 
 
Take care, and keep those face masks on, please.
 
GOARMY!
 
 
 
 

What am I doing wrong??? My weight is going in the wrong direction.

We get up, start the bacon frying, put a can of cinnamon rolls in the oven, cut up the fruit, fry a couple of eggs in the leftover bacon grease, and then ready, set, go.

After the dishes are done we look at each other and, at the same time, say “what’s for lunch”.

Next we sit in our recliners watching the news and putting together the grocery list.

Even the dog is fighting the bulge.

Think I’ll do a search on Amazon to see if I can find some self help books to get us back on track.[emoji125]‍♂️


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