Port Power

I wonder if it depends on the airline? Once S/S had ticketed my Qantas flights, I could log into “manage my booking” to change seats and also request an upgrade using points.

The link to Silversea’s website shows the testing requirement under Silversea’s own health measures. If you have had three vaccinations, Japan does not require testing to fly into Japan. This part from the Silversea website: OR guests can perform a self-test at home where they must take a photograph of the negative result with a time stamp. clearly states that a photograph of your home test nets give result with a time stamp is entirely sufficient. A proctored test is not required.

I suggest you don’t start over analysing this information and making up “what if” scenarios. On a cruise last month, the roll calls were going overboard with panic for months, but testing was very easy at a local chemist in the end. Do an antigen test before you leave home if you want to, and pack a few test kits to take away with you. Do the test 48 hours prior to boarding, whether at the airport or a hotel, and take a photo of the result. Put the test on a newspaper with that day’s date showing if you want to be absolutely sure. Simple.

Yes.

On most ships the accessible cabins are not available for anyone to book until close to departure date. Those needing an accessible cabin therefore ring to book. That is the right way in my opinion.

At least you don’t have to go chasing around for a pharmacy. You can use your own antigen test at home (airport or in your hotel) and photograph. Test yourself 48 hours prior to embarkation. That is, board on Wednesday, test on Monday. The exact number of hours isn’t critical.

Electronic visas for Australia and New Zealand can easily be done on line. They cost very little. But if S/S include them without fee, for for it.

Expedition leaders are excellent in showing the correct way to get in and out of zodiacs, and are there to assist, using the monkey grip. Ask to use both arms if that balances you better. In some situations we would sit on the side of the zodiacs and swivel, then slide along the side. I have seen pretty unfit travellers manage it, so you should do well. Age is irrelevant.

It worked! I haven’t done much of Africa, nor Greenway or I eland yet. China: who knows?

Interesting that Tahiti and Easter Island are not included, unless Easter Island comes under Chile. However, I don’t know how to import my map. Only the script transferred here.

Australia does this too. I’ve not registered on the past, but perhaps I should for the world cruise. I do leave the itinerary with my son, with both the cruise company contact as well as my excellent TA.

I think it’s a marvellous idea! I’m going to steal it when I go on my 2025 World Cruise. Now, where to find a map?

The “blue dollar” is the discounted cash rate for paying with US$. I won’t go into the political reasons behind it, but it is a form of income protection. Edit: You will receive change in pesos.

That’s something I always used to do! I had forgotten because of the pause in cruising. Thank you for the link. I remember pulling pages from a spare calendar for the same purpose. I also received two fabulous magnetic bull clips on my mose recent cruise to replace those lost.

I have just booked an apartment in Fort Lauderdale for six days in mid-December between cruises, before flying to Santiago for the Silver Wind Antarctic cruise. The average temperatures then are around 26-27C. Not quite warm enough for swimming, but beautiful temperatures for exploring.

I happened to have re-read information about one of my upcoming S/S cruises. It states that gratuities for tour guides and bus drivers (not just the ship’s crew) are included in the all-inclusive fare.

Did you actually order “omelette, toast and hash browns” or just expect the accompaniments to be included? You may have ordered this breakfast on other occasions. I ask as I would have to return the meal if the latter two items were included.

Yes, please do write a Galapagos blog. Your observations will be of great interest.

You should be out and about in the sun often enough each day (20 minutes) not to need your vitamin D. I still like to take calcium daily, so will pay more and buy a small bottle for travel. Remember you can refill it.

I know an American couple on the Princess around the world cruise. He kept telling people they were going to Antarctica. Of course it was only a "sail-by", but he tried to imply that they were going to touch land. Naughty. However, he is a wonderful photographer and they were sure to see whales passing by after reading of Anna's many sightings. I am really looking forward to my Dec/Jan cruise now, having been reassured about so many aspects of the experience.

Your wonderful descriptions remind me to take my binoculars everywhere with me, even to dinner! I can imagine jumping up between bites for a better look at the whales.

OMG ! The food presentation is just glorious! I’ll have to enjoy the meal vicariously as I will never get there myself. Thanks for the show. Enjoy the rest of your trip.

Very interesting and informative, Anna. I will be there in 12 months’ time, so your blog is really helpful. I like your writing style, too.

That will be because it was Sunday. They should still man the desk on cruise ship days no matter if Sunday or a public holiday, but like the muni card itself, PTV is not visitor friendly. There is still the self service machine at the tram stop.

Note “thongs” plural, worn on the feet, not a “thong”, singular, as in underwear.