TxPepper

Was the shuttle bus at Livorno a princess shuttle for 5 euros per person? And does this shuttle take you into the centre of Livorno?

The shuttle is independent of Princess services...but if you want to leave the port you have to take the port-sponsored shuttle. However, with that said, it was worth the price and it takes you to a central square. This is a round-trip price and unlimited in use if I remember correctly. [Ask me about the Constanta, Romania port huttle...grrrrrr.]

At the central square you can then catch a bus to Pisa which was 12Euro per person roundtrip (which is what we did)...or to Florence (don't know the price)...or catch another bus to the train station. Or just walk around.

There was a one-time shuttle bus that left at a specific time from the ship/port that would take one directly to the train station but I don't remember what the fee was for that. I think this was particularly targeted to those who were going to Florence.

Caveat: Trains, planes, and other forms of mass transit are notorious for going on strike at a drop of a hat in Italy...and France...and England. So if there is not an option to take a taxi or bus back to the ship, then I would give extra consideration to taking a ship sponsored cruise for those distances that are more than one-hour away.

Nice pic!

This is from earlier this year: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Nokia-Lumia-930-wins-our-blind-camera-comparison-followed-by-Galaxy-Note-4-HTC-One-M9-ends-up-last_id67659. :D

When I get back home, I'll try and post one of my pics.

We use Microsoft Surface tablets... they have USB ports and instead of a digital camera use a smart phone that takes high quality photos.... like Lumia

I second Schoolinmy3's tech recs of the Surface tablet and Lumia smartphone. I use a Lumia 925 and have people comment ALL the time how much better my pics are than the ones shot with an iPhone or Android. During our NZ cruise, one passenger got so engrossed watching me take pics, he forgot to take his own pictures. :D

And having a Surface with a type-cover and Bluetooth mouse, it would almost be like having your home computer with you.

Check them out!

Just keep in mind that "taxes, fees and port expenses" are mandatory fees paid by Princess to the government and ports. It is not money that the cruise line keeps and makes a profit on.

+100 :D

~*~

To add to the conversation about tenders, even though Princess might use tenders provided by The Port or related companies on occasion, this may be a requirement imposed upon Princess in order to make that port of call. Of all the tender ports we've gone into, I think Belize was the only one where we did not use Princess tenders. As a side note: There is the advantage in using a ports' tenders as the ship does not have to spend the time to put their own boats in and out of the water. As far as cost, I'm sure Princess and others have done the math.

With regard to shuttles used in port, I consider us very fortunate when the city/port provides complimentary shuttle service from the dock. Alternatively, next best is having the option to walk (free) or ride (small fee). But because the Grand-Class ships are so large, often times they have to dock at the commercial ports forcing the usage of shuttles rather than docking "in-town" which would allow walking. Very few times we have had to pay for a shuttle...so it's all good in my book.

I'm sure, Ports/Cities negotiate different terms with cruise companies. Depending on how smart the towns' powers-that-be are....provide complimentary shuttles, lower port fees, etc. and in return you get a nice revenue stream for the city. On the flip side, the cruise company might need to acquiesce a bit because the port is needed to fill gaps/times/distance/very desirable/no other option...and the city knows this and has leverage in the negotiations.

Carnival, et al, are smart...they weigh it all out. In the balance, happy cruisers = money for the cruise company.

In the case of the Emerald, a hand-full of passengers (out of +/- 3000 passengers) not happy with paying a shuttle fee in one port out of ten on my current itinerary (not including embarkation/disembarkation)...is minor in the grand scheme of things. Have one less glass of wine or cocktail in a 14-day trip and it's paid for. :D

We have booked a tour with Patrick Watts to Volunteer Point in Stanley & still trying to book with Pira tours for Ushuai but can't get a response, despite several emails!.

I used Patrick Watts to Volunteer Point, Port Stanley and had a great experience. The off-roading in 4-wheel drive vehicles were great fun and added to the experience. If you have a bad back though, this type of trip may be a bit problematic as it can be very, very bumpy and jarring. The snack they serve is marginal (sandwich...not sure of the filling, chips...wasn't wild about the flavor, juice box...wish it had been a bottle of water, and a candy bar...or was it fruit? hmmm) but if you're hungry...it's better than nothing. :p. I would use his organization again.

It rained beyond buckets and was very windy and cold on our trip (January 2014) With that said, I wish I would have had rain pants, but if you have at least a thigh-length rain coat, it should serve the purpose. I was warm enough up top (light down jacket, pullover micro-fleece, light wool sweater, t-shirt and a too-short rain jacket), jeans and wool socks with waterproof trekking shoes finished my outfit. It was so windy, umbrellas were useless.

One of the ladies of our group wore socks with Keen sandals. She was trying to pack light. :D

There will be poo, lots of it by February. And poo smell. :D

Please feel free to email if you have any questions. Have fun!!!!

Thanks. I need to try this link from my laptop, when I try to look at in my iPad it shows Trip Advisor site for a few seconds and then it disappears. But thanks for the link. It is weird how for some things, CC has a wealth of information, and for other TA is better.

RSL,

Here is the direct link gleaned from the TA link: http://traveltothepoles.wix.com/home

There are many more ships and companies going to Antarctica. Check out this link:

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i12337-k7979316-Trip_research_website-Antarctic_Adventures.html

RSL,

MaryAnn suggested an excellent link. A few things need to be updated but overall, it is great.

To make the spreadsheet easier to read (as the chart tended to run off of the page unless viewing on a regular notebook/computer screen) I copy and pasted the "ship list" into a document and then manipulated the info to suit my purposes. As a result, I wound up selecting Quark Ocean Endeavor, Crossing the Circle in 2016.

Since "crossing the circle" is a primary interest for me, I found this link/list to be helpful: http://www.polarcruises.com/antarctica/destinations/crossing-antarctic-circle

I think the vast majority (if not all) of the major expedition companies allow you to book direct. Unless you have a very knowledgeable Artic/Antarctic-specialized travel agent, it may be best to book directly. After my research, selection and commitment, I then turned the reservation over to my travel agent for various reasons. :D

Have fun with the planning!

I think MS Fram is due for some refurbishment in the spring, when the 2015 Antarctic season is over (but I can't find again where I read this info, so not 100% sure). I don't think you can go wrong with any of these choices anyway (OK, not helping! ;) ).

Sarnia, digitl....

A phone call to Hurtigruten told me that the Fram is not scheduled for a refurb anytime soon. The reason is, "...it was just launched in 2007." Whaaat?!?

*drumroll please* I've just committed to the Quark Ocean Endeavor. Hopefully I made the right choice. :eek: :confused: :D Next job....get Mr. TxPepper enthused about this adventure. He wasn't so wild about going to Mongolia but he wound up enjoying the trip. To hear him talk about it, one would think it was his idea to go. lol Hopefully he will think the same about Antarctica.

In closing: Yellow really is not my color. :D

Okay, or not...since I have seven days to make a decision...

I've narrowed my choices down to two:

Hurtigruten Fram, 14 Day, Polar Circle Expedition

Quark Ocean Endeavor, 14 Day, Crossing the Circle

~ They both depart about the same time.

~ Price per day works out to basically the same.

~ Both have crossing The Circle as the main goal.

+ points to Quark as the Endeavor is being refurbished so the 2015/2016 season will be on an updated ship.

- points to Hurtigruten for no refurbishment since its launch in 2007.

Anyone care to weight in? :D

Thanks in advance!!!

PPerth and Digitl.....

Nothing wrong with being goal oriented right?! :D

Before starting my research/planning, I was blissfully unaware of having the goal of going to/below the Antarctic Circle. I was happy to settle for a stepping on to the peninsula. Now that I know the AC can be accomplished with favorable conditions, etc. etc., it's now in my sights.

During our SA cruise, the Captain kept saying, "If conditions are right....". We heard that over and over. So I'm used to hearing that mantra.

Call it...expect the worst, hope for the best. ;)

Quarks fleet are listed here

http://www.quarkexpeditions.com/en/antarctic/expeditions/antarctic-explorer/ship-information

really good spreadsheet comparing all companies and ships here

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g1-i12337-k7979316-Trip_research_website-Antarctic_Adventures.html

PPerth....thank you so much for those helpful links. The spreadsheet gave me a nice bit of info in pretty concise manner. It put the Quark Sea Adventurer on my radar screen.

So now, I've decided the following:

1. The Antarctic Circle is square on my radar screen and number one priority. All ashore for this girl....just cruising-by won't cut it. :D Weather and conditions permitting of course.

2. Prefer mid-luxury level....or above...goes without saying. ;)

....and will need to go from South America.

Everyone....thank you for your replies regarding foot gear!

I've just made myself crazy....in a good sort of way I guess. I've just thrown another cruise line into the mix for consideration.

Mr. TxPepper and I just finished a cruise (this month) from Rio to Valparaíso +Falklands so that itch is scratched but it only further reinforced my desire to go to Antarctica (after having cruised through the Glacier Alley/Chilean fjords.)

So it's down to HV Fram, A&K/Le Boreal, and Quark (ship not yet determined but looking at the Expedition)...not necessarily in that order. NatGeo/Lindblad is in the mix...sort of. Briefly considered Silver Sea...but just too many people but it does cover parts of Chile that we didn't see earlier...and it seems to be a good value plus the obvious luxury component. Time to start a spreadsheet? :eek:

Smaller passenger count is preferred. I do like my creature comforts but this takes a lesser position on the priorities. Mr. TxPepper eats to live, I'm the foodie of the family....I win in this coin toss...so food counts. Not big drinkers so not an issue if wine/beer not included. Not too picky as to exact itinerary as long as we land (or have the potential as I know we are at the mercy of nature).

I guess it comes down to whose parka color I look best in. :D

Just popping in to say hello and to ask a question....

Thank you for posting a very lively and informative discussion.

I am totally committed to tick Antarctica off my to-do list in 2015/2016. With that said, in addition to figuring out a ship....my next HUGE question is....what foot gear is recommended? I thought this would be a good thread to post the question as it seems that most of you have done this cruise multiple times.

I read on another thread that "muck boots" were rentable onboard the HV Fram. Any thoughts about these? Do other ships offer something similar when it comes to cold-weather gear?

Thanks in advance!!!

Princess Cruise Ships MAITRES D'HOTEL date last reported/due on ship (As of Feb 6)

Caribbean Princess - Mario Propato (Feb 15, 2014, Mar 15, 2014)

Coral Princess - Daniele Saredi (March 4 2014); Silvio Zampieri (Just received email for 3/15 cruise indicating he is MD)

Crown Princess - Ignaz io D'Augustino (Jan, Feb 15, Mar 6, 2014)

Dawn Princess - Giuseppe Franchina (Feb 5, 2014); Jean Paul Misiu (Mar 3, Mar 7, 2014)

Diamond Princess - Jose Florencio (April 26, 2014)

Emerald Princess - Generoso Mazzone (1/24/14) to March 09, 2014; Jose De Amaral Florencio (Mar 19, 2014)

Golden Princess - Neville Saldanha (Feb 15, 2014, Mar 1, 2014)

Grand Princess - Angelo Balbiani (Feb 18, Mar 15, 2014)

Island Princess - Rui Pereira (Mar 2, Mar 17, 2014)

Ocean Princess - Luigi Pascale (Feb 9, 2014); Carlos Serrano Da Rosa (Mar 17, 2014)

Pacific Princess - Beppe Castino (Feb 25, Mar 12, 2014)

Regal Princess - Coming Soon (May 2014)

Royal Princess - Fabio Marcotti (Feb 23, Mar 9, 2014)

Ruby Princess - Nicola Furlan (Feb 1, Mar 1, Mar 15, 2014)

Sapphire Princess - Silvio Zampieri (Jan 9, 2014); Francisco Patricio (Mar 1, 2014)

Sea Princess - Bruno Bogazzi (Feb 16, 2014; Mar 13, 2014)

Star Princess - Federico Arcos Cantos (Feb 18, Mar 5, 2014)

Sun Princess - Jacques Ghennai (Feb 2); Generoso Mazzone (Mar 20, 2014-Sept 2014)