Voyager segment from Hong Kong to Capetown

[propinquity]

My husband and I were intrigued by the 2010 World segment from Hong Kong to Capetown. We've never been with Regent, but from other posts, it seems wonderful. Wondering whether a lot of the excursions are ambitious since many seem to require a trip of 2-3 hours drive before reaching the destination. We are in good shape, but wondered whether it is preferable to visit the countries on separate tours. I guess I'm conflicted as I want to see the sights and enjoy the ship too. I'm told I could get an H guarantee, but am concerned about vibration based on various posts. I was told by Regent that the problem was fixed when it was recently in drydock. Love to hear from more experienced pax.

 

Thanks

[Wendy The Wanderer]

... I'm told I could get an H guarantee, but am concerned about vibration based on various posts. I was told by Regent that the problem was fixed when it was recently in drydock. Love to hear from more experienced pax.

 

Thanks

 

What? They told you they fixed the vibration problem on Voyager at the drydock? I would be very suspicious of this statement without independent confirmation. I might try an H guarantee on Voyager, but I doubt it, not with the vibration problem. But perhaps it's a small gamble, since it's a small isk.

 

On the subject of destinations on land versus a cruise, I love the ship and being on it. It becomes the destination. It can also be a way of spending time in an interesting place before or after the cruise. But most of the port destinations in between will be pretty transitory, just a taste of the destination--yes, they might spend overnight so you can get to Beijing or Saigon, for example. But if I wanted to see China, I would start or end in Hong Kong, for example. Or do a land trip to multiple destinations. Just my opinion.

[PaulaJK]

Land touring vs. sea/port visits is really a personal choice. We have done both over the years and enjoyed both, but in different ways. There is something comforting about unpacking once ...as well as 'returning home' to your ship. We are familiar with the ports in the first half of this cruise. It is true that Hanoi is about 3 hrs drive away. It is also true that if you do a land based trip to Vietnam that you will have to spend some time in transit. In this itinerary there is enough time in Saigon to enjoy both a trip to the Mekong Delta and some city sights......and there is an overnight in Bangkok which certainly will provide a good 'taste' of the city.

Perhaps someone who is familiar with the ports in the second portin of the cruise might add comments.

[jhp]

It IS a long drive to some of these ports, I am doing most of it (HKG to Singapore) next month, so know full well. Some of us have chosen to get off the ship in Bangkok for a couple of nights in a hotel with three days with private guide who will pick us up at the ship. For Hanoi, 2 times driving 3 hours into the city is too much with the 3 hour drive, and I have opted for one long 12 hour excursion.

 

After this, will have been to almost all those ports except for Maldives and Seychelles, but friends last year loved both. If you really want to have a grand adventure, get off the ship in South Africa (Richards Bay) and spend a couple of nights at a Safari lodge, NOT through Regent, way too expensive that way, and pick up the ship in Cape Town. It will require a flight to Johannesburg, and on to the camp, so yes, need a bit of energy for this.

[PaulaJK]

We had done this [partial] itinerary prior to Regent's new excursions included program. We chose a pvt guide....still 3 hours..but we had a delightful lunch and got to see what we desired. On that trip the ship stayed overnight in the port for Hanoi and some pax chose to stay in a Hanoi Hotel that night. I do agree that bringing some flexibility and creativity to the itineray schedule may serve you well if it fulfills your desires.

 

We'd love to do a safari adventure. Where did you go from Richards Bay? And how long a period of time is needed?

[jhp]

My visits to Africa for Safari's have always been land based, but friends have done this as a part of Regent's WC, (independently arranged at far less cost through our TA) perhaps petlover can chime in here to explain. I believe you get off in Richard's Bay, fly to JNB, and meet the small plane that goes to the camps, as I have done on land trips. Meet up with the ship again in CPT, which will require a 2 hour flight from JNB. It is not easy to do it this way, but she has done it twice.

[PaulaJK]

Thank you for your response.

[petlover]

When we were on the 2007 World Cruise we got off the ship in Cape Town and flew to JBurg on SA Air and from there short Federal Air charter to Mateya safari camp for a safari. We rejoined the ship in Richard's Bay. I personally can't imagine going to South Africa and not going on a safari. It is the best experience ever (We've done both land safari's and safari's from the Voyager). It is very easy to leave from the ship and sure makes for light packing.

 

On our 2007 WC, the safari was all set up for about 18 of us by my fabulous TA who specializes in both Regent cruises as well as African safari's. Some went to Mateya and others went to Madikwe camp (there are many First Class safari camps). We had an escort who met us in Cape Town and everything went very smooth without a hitch.

 

I'm guessing Regent will also offer a safari for a few nights? I remember at the time we were able to do ours for 1/2 the price of what Regent was charging. This may all be different now but something you could look into.

 

I highly recommend going on a safari...it is such a memorable experience!!

[PaulaJK]

Marcie,

 

This year Regent is offering several one day safari options, with and without additional fees. In Richards Bay there are several offerings, some

combined w. zulu culture presentations or meals. I realize that this will not be the same as staying in a game lodge, but it may be a good way to sample a safari or at least a game drive. Were we to try & embrace a

'real' safari we would need to leave the ship in RB, would have only 3 days/nights...before returning to the ship in CPT. Would this be rushed?

[petlover]

PaulaJK, We did some of the day safari's as well on the 2007 WC. It isn't the same. I would definitely opt to go to a game camp for 2 or 3 nights. You won't be rushed...better a short time than no time at all. The Federal Air flights from JBurg are quite short, just need small carry on. I don't think you would regret it.

[cruisingmike51]

My husband and I were intrigued by the 2010 World segment from Hong Kong to Capetown. We've never been with Regent, but from other posts, it seems wonderful. Wondering whether a lot of the excursions are ambitious since many seem to require a trip of 2-3 hours drive before reaching the destination. We are in good shape, but wondered whether it is preferable to visit the countries on separate tours. I guess I'm conflicted as I want to see the sights and enjoy the ship too. I'm told I could get an H guarantee, but am concerned about vibration based on various posts. I was told by Regent that the problem was fixed when it was recently in drydock. Love to hear from more experienced pax.

 

Thanks

We travel to Africa often and will actually be on this cruise. I would leave the ship in Durban and rejoin in Cape Town. Contact an agent who specializes in Safaris. A good source for this is Travel & Leisures A list of agents in the October issue ( already posted online). You should not miss the opportunity. Make sure you still eave yourself at least 2 days in Cape Town

[sevenseassailor]

Cruisingmike51,

Thanks for the hint. I had booked Maasai Mara excursion in Mombasa when they came out of Sept 15th and it was listed as free when I "checked out" after booking all my 67 excursions. Then 10 days later got call from TA saying Regent made a mistake and now it would cost me $1499 if i wanted to keep it. Regent is so screwed up now. Does not proof excursions before publishing and then taking 10 days to find mistake. I will take your advice and book independent safari. Will you be doing safari? We have never been to Africa and will probably never go back so have to do safari.

[sevenseassailor]

Marcie,

Did you book the "free" Maasai Mara safari out of Mombasa? We did on Sept 15th and 10 days later our TA called and said Regent made a little mistake. Now that excursion will cost $1499pp. Some little mistake. Apparently no one proofs excursions before opened for booking and then takes 10 days for them to find little mistake. Guess we will take cruisinmike's suggestion and book our own safari thru TA. WC is getting off with bad taste in my mouth about Regent.

Rick

[PaulaJK]

Re: Massai Mara. We also read this tour as an offered free excursion. I have read the notes below. In checking the web site, I can no longer even find this MM tour, even for a fee. It does not appear under the usual port excusrions...........nor under the land [special] excursion section. Where are you now finding a description of this tour. We also are caught in this situation. Of course we'll be contacting our TA also.

 

I also note that the tour to Amboseli is now sold out...meaning by choosing the erroneously listed MM tour, we lost this opportunity.

[sevenseassailor]

Re: Massai Mara. We also read this tour as an offered free excursion. I have read the notes below. In checking the web site, I can no longer even find this MM tour, even for a fee. It does not appear under the usual port excusrions...........nor under the land [special] excursion section. Where are you now finding a description of this tour. We also are caught in this situation. Of course we'll be contacting our TA also.

 

I also note that the tour to Amboseli is now sold out...meaning by choosing the erroneously listed MM tour, we lost this opportunity.

 

In packet that our TA gave us from Regent last week with all WC info, ie, visa info, China visa forms, immunization requirements, there was small booklet with all the special (read expensive) excursions listed and described. Yes check with your TA as she should have this and if not needs to get it from Regent. The Maasai Mara excursion (same as was on free list with minor wording changes) is listed for $1499pp. Some of these excursions are over $6000pp! It is called "Bookable Adventures Ashore". Says these tours are not included in "regular tour program". We all need to find our own safari (2 or 3 days) and book together. Tired of Regent already.

Rick

[PaulaJK]

Well, you don't receive that booklet if you are not on the full WC. So I still can't find a description on their web site. There is the 7K pp trip but...........

 

Regent made a significant error on this one. There are, of course, many merchants who sell the item for the listed price even if it has been mis-marked [by them]. I am not even suggesting this but I do feel that Regent should open up an additional tour of Amboseli if you booked the MM when it was listed as free. They have the list of who chose it as they removed MM from your booked excursion list ........without even the courtesy of adding a notation of explanation! Unfortunately this reminds me of all of the mixed messages and changes experienced on our last Regent cruise [the 'damn pod' cruise].

[mariners]

There is an excursion called Maasai Mara for the Day on the Mumbai to Cape Town segment this November. There are also the Safari to Tsavo East, Shimba Hills for the Day, and Bombolulu and Haller Nature Park. Perhaps Regent is still finallizing tours for your cruise.

[sevenseassailor]

There is an excursion called Maasai Mara for the Day on the Mumbai to Cape Town segment this November. There are also the Safari to Tsavo East, Shimba Hills for the Day, and Bombolulu and Haller Nature Park. Perhaps Regent is still finallizing tours for your cruise.

 

Yes Maasia Mara is now offered at $1499 pp NOT free.

Rick

[mariners]

It is not free on the November sailing either. Given the cost of safaris and tours, I am not surprised that Regent has a surcharge. The Maasai Mara includes an 18 passenger, private charter aircraft as well as game drives and a lunch. That being said, I find the $6,000.00/p.p cost of the Adventures Ashore to be excessive - much like the cost they charge to book a hotel through them. A good agent can help you reduce that cost substantially.

[NCCruzQueen]

Please don't book Bombolulu and Haller Nature Park thinking it is a safari. It is a fairly short bus ride from the pier to a park with animals and nothing like a safari. It was a fine excursion to see animals. Bombolulu is a facility for handicapped people with a setting of bush life huts and shelters.

 

I was on the Navigator last fall and booked a three night safari (half of cost of Regent's safaris) through my TA from Richards Bay-Johannesburg-Madikwe Hills-Johannesburg-Cape Town. It was a fabulous experience and I recommend it to anyone who wants a real safari experience.

[Travelcat2]

Getting back to the vibration issue. We were on the Voyager 2 weeks ago and still felt the vibration (calm seas) when entering La Veranda. The Voyager is our favorite ship - however, I would definitely not book an aft suite.

 

Also, we did land travel for 20 years -- nothing beats cruising. However, if you could get off the ship and rejoin it later -- it's probably a great idea!