Tranquility Base

Correct. There is a 35 day single segment to Cape Town next April. Often that could be split with a segment changeover in Mumbai, but that particular one doesn't go there. So, most of the longer single segments would appear to be not much longer than around 25 days, with only a few over 30.

It would be interesting to know how many of those voyages were only a single segment and wouldn't be able to be booked, in part, as shorter segments. My guess would be few. I am on a 32 day single segment cruise later this year. But that was a relatively short notice itinerary published only 12 months ahead of departure due to Red Sea disruption. Are there many single segment cruises longer than 20-25 days ?

Great; thanks for the info.

For the benefit of those reading who are new to the tender process, this portion of the OP's post is worthwhile mentioning. Those with tours booked through the ship are not necessarily the first to be tendered from the ship. Priority ....yes, but not necessarily first. It often depends of various timings and the willingness of yourselves to be fully ready at the start of the process.

If you hear of any transport details from those who travelled independently to / from Honfleur, I would appreciate the info. Thanks.

Thanks. Any thoughts on taking the M27 / A27 ?

Two questions please. 1. For Singapore; are you talking about the Singapore online arrival card, which needs to be submitted within 3 days prior to arrival.....or an actual visa ? 2. You mentioned needing a visa, otherwise boarding will be denied. Are you talking about Indonesia or Singapore, as your post is not clear. Thanks.

Will that also mean you can go to a grocery store and the price displayed for an item will be the price paid at checkout ?

@Yaya_in_Oz I see from your photos of the farewell you had Malcolm from South Africa onboard. I think he is Customer Services Manager or similar. He is a good guy, and fun to talk with. Especially last year with the Rugby World Cup on. I'll catch up with you on Diamond as I have a couple of port logistic questions. Thanks again for the posts.

That's a shame. I have always worn a manual setting watch ashore, and will continue to do so. Dual time showing both local and GMT. Also, if back onboard time is critical, I check it with crew before leaving the dock. Also, I often check local time with the tour guide when they give critical 'back to the bus' timings. Thanks for the useful info you are posting. Appreciated.

Five ships in Katakolon ! ......that would have been madness ashore. As the only ship in port when we were there last year we had a pleasant day generally taking it easy at the waterfront restaurants 5 minutes from the ship. It's a pretty port town.

On Riviera last year the normal berths were occupied and we docked on the other side of the harbour at Boilers Wharf. Independents had to take an organised ferry shuttle each way across the harbour. It didn't affect us much as we had an all day ship's tour to Gozo Island. Buses picked us up from the ship, but returned us to the normal terminal for the ferry ride back across to the ship. Of course the great sail in and back out were unaffected.

Yes, our boarding there last year at about 12:30 was also easy peasy. Of course it does help that ours was a hop on hop off type of Mediterranean segment with many of those onboard having just a normal port day. PS: I think your cruise is the first one after the ship sailed from Dubai via Cape Town ? If you hear any details about that how that transit was it would be great to hear.

NZ. In USD terms about USD 58. The three other airlines I regularly use for oversea travel use a similar systems as the US airlines. I do not, however, book long haul flights based on loyalty schemes...I book based on service, schedule, reputation and cost.

Air New Zealand. Obviously one's FF balance is not in the 10s or 100s of thousands. It takes a different amount of spend required to gain a far smaller number of points. Each single point has more purchasing power than your system, but they are harder to get. Similar principle but amounts and numbers differ. One big advantage.....if the seat is available to purchase for cash, and you have the points, that seat is for sale using points. It also allows part points part cash for the purchase if required.

I haven't been to Santorini with Oceania but only on 2,000 pax ships or a ferry. In my experience local boats are used for transport to shore which carry more than a ship's tender does. Also, those with ship's tours go to the ferry port and independents go to the port with the cable car. I have not experienced delays in getting ashore independently. I haven't taken the cable car, but have caught the local boat from the port to Oia, which included a bus ride later in the day to Thira.

One airline (non US), maybe there are others, have a system where one of their FF points equals one dollar. Therefore, if a flight is showing for sale for $1,500 cash it is also payable with 1,500 points. I like that system as it does not differentiate between when you can book a seat, only how you choose to pay.

Thanks to both @arizonaperson and @Hlitner Yes, I was was reasonably sure that transfers were not applicable on earlier days but still just wanted to ask. Airport is NRT (HND not desirable for our timings), so decided to stay with the NRT option. Will just plan on the NRT Express or the NRT Limo Bus to Yokohama.

I was quoted a price for transfers from Airport (90 mins away) to the port area. I have booked our own flights and was told that was OK. However, I forgot to confirm that this would only be applicable for the day of cruise departure. We are flying in 3 days prior to departure. Is it correct to think that Princess organised transfers are not applicable for arrival prior to the cruise departure day ?

Thanks for the posts @Yaya_in_Oz I note on your patter for Riga that it stated original passports needed to be carried ashore. Where these checked leaving or rejoining the ship ? Have there been any other ports so far where mandatory carriage of passports is required ?

Thanks. If cruising between two countries of which neither has starlink, would it work whilst in international waters; assuming satellites within range ?

Agreed. When I was there wandering the Old Town I visited Basilica de Sant Francesc. Very interesting; plus when I was there I was the only person visiting for most of the time.

Messina, take a tour. We have done: Mt Etna & winery; Taormina; Godfather Villages. Messina, DIY walk up to two churches on the hill, Cathedral and astronomical clock (full sequence only at noon), Cannoli worth a taste.

Indoor smoking bans.....it's great to be in Countries / States / Cities where their legislators have enacted such laws in ALL indoor venues

Churchills on the Coral Princess on an Australian based World Cruise is a wonderful spot. Large comfy chairs, windows with a sea view over the promenade deck, next to Crooners for a drink order, and of course non-smoking. Very popular.