Shorex

I agree with Idubs, don't try to force them into being someone they are not. From your description they will be out of their comfort zones. Just have a pleasant first day dinner, chat about the activities that are available and be relaxed. The more relaxed and casual you are, the more relaxed they will become. Let them bond naturally, maybe, just maybe, they will become close friends.

Seabourn provides a packing list: https://www.seabourn.com/en_US/luxury-cruise-destinations/antarctica-experience-packing-list.html That's the list for the expeditions. On board the ship, here's a general packing list and dress code: https://www.seabourn.com/en_US/packing-list.html If you don't want to dress in formal attire for The Restaurant on a "formal" night, there are alternative dining options. Other than that, the Seabourn discussion board is a great resource for asking questions.

https://www.newsmax.com/finance/streettalk/u-s-major-airlines-delay-meals-hotel-rooms/2022/08/31/id/1085398/ Caveat: ...if prompted by issues under the airlines' control

Some useful information is here: https://gotahiti.com/2016/12/money-in-tahiti/ https://tahititourisme.com/en-us/travel-planner/tahiti-currency/ What is interesting is that the French Pacific Franc (XPF or CPF) is fixed against the euro. We will be taking some euros left over from another trip -- however, if a business accepts euros we expect to receive change in CPF. The exchange rate with the euro is constant at 100 CFP = .838 Euros (or 1 Euro = 119.33 CFP.) Of course the exchange rate with other currencies fluctuates.

Starting with #3: "3) Looking at travel insurance, what happens if husband or wife tests positive for COVID? Is only that person's coverage invoked? Or can one actually get the entire price of the cruise and airfare paid by the insurance? (I've never had to deal with travel insurance before)" For all of our many insured cruises, and two were expeditions to Antarctica, the terms and conditions of the insurance would provide coverage if one of the couple became injured or ill pre-cruise and thus canceled the cruise. There was no expectation that the healthy partner would cruise. Covid was treated as any other illness that would preclude travel. Be aware that the insurance usually does not cover 100% of costs incurred. Recommend you visit the travel insurance board on CC: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/499-cruisetravel-insurance/ and that you pay a visit to https://tripinsurancestore.com/ for specific answers to your questions. "2) Are we fools to book at all with a cruise line offering no consideration for Covid risks, while forcing us to be exposed to a greater risk of possible infection via a forced night's stay in Buenos Aries?" No. Prepare for covid risks by purchasing a travel insurance policy that meets your needs and covers other potential risks. The burden is on the traveler to protect their financial interests. "1) Are we fools for paying so much, when we could seemingly go twice for this price in a less elegant ship, and with less-esteemed naturalists? Absolutely everything is included, down to "open bar" and all gratuities, but still... pricey. " No. It's so easy to compare numerous cruise lines that do expeditions to Antarctica. Do the research, put together a spreadsheet, and figure out the best expedition for you. Our first expedition was on the Marco Polo (now defunct), an old ship with a fantastic expedition staff that was led by Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund. Second expedition was on Seabourn, a luxury experience and great in a different way. One thing to note: the expedition leaders from all the cruise lines tend to know each other and support each other. They share info between cruise lines about ice conditions and weather. Antarctica can be the adventure of a lifetime. If you go.

PG may or may not offer this excursion: https://aquasafaribora.com/en/ On two separate cruise stops in Bora Bora (it was so great the first time) we booked this excursion. And we would again!

Have not been on both -- however, the primary difference is that the Paul Gauguin is a luxury cruise ship and the Aranui 5 is half passenger ship, half cargo ship. Recommend you check out the review here on CC: https://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=1234 Click through all 6 headings. Youtube is another great resource. Here are two on the PG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVuoEvFvQ5c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcNXKoRI13U Here's one about the Aranui 5: My opinion is that the PG would be more kid friendly, but either way your family will have a great adventure.

If medical coverage is important, then definitely look at buying your own insurance. An important factor for us is that the medical coverage is primary, not secondary. With secondary coverage you must first submit all medical bills to your insurer at home, wait for a ruling (almost always denied if you received treatment outside of the US), and only then submit to the travel insurance company. It's important to read the fine print of policy, not just the overview.

Thank you!

Question for those on-board now: is the jacket/parka provided by Seabourn enough for an Alaska cruise? Or should we be bringing a cold weather jacket of our own? Thanks for sharing the information.