tupper10

I apologize to all of my fellow cruisers for the Florida governor's statements.  Luckily he is not the one who makes the final decision. 

I want to know why our federal government is not assisting Broward County in dealing with all of the cruise ships coming in with people who are sick and need to go home, whether they are crew or passengers. We have loads of empty hotels that can be used to quarantine everyone for 14 days.  Yes we are having a surge here so let us bring in more resources to address this, not leave people stranded on ships at sea w/o adequate care.  

Please if you are a US citizen write to your Senator and Congress person so this nightmare can be over for the staff and crew of these ships.  Here is a link to do this.  

https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials

I am very glad that the ships are going to be allowed to pass through the Panama Canal and make their way to a US port.  I live in  South FL and it is getting to be a total mess  here with all of the Covid-19 cases. We are now doubling our #'s and many cities and counties in South Florida are under lock down with people only allowed to leave their homes for basic necessities. Our hospitals are getting full of Covid-19 patients.  If I were  this cruise, I would want to be in a  place where I could be assured of medical care if I needed it, and I could safely quarantine.  At this time I am not sure that Ft Lauderdale or anywhere in South FL is that place.  Here is the latest information for South Florida.https://www.sun-sentinel.com/coronavirus/fl-ne-florida-coronavirus-palm-beach-testing-20200327-crpjllcg2jcwncvytpa3ttji6a-story.html

3 hours ago, GeezerCouple said:

 

<snip> with apologies to your lovely photos, but this thread will become 11 miles long if quoted photos within quotes continue 

 

Sorry I wasn't clear.  I meant could *YOU* personally get a real feel for some sort of size/majesty from the deck?

And regardless, did you "have that sensation" several times while cruising in the area those few days?

Do you get somewhat "up close and personal" to *any* serious icebergs?  I assume they can tell with sonar/radar/whatever how big the underwater portions of the icebergs are so there is no untoward event, etc.

 

It's probably impossible for us to get a sense of it without "being there" !

 

Thanks again.

I *am* looking at Antarctic cruises now, though DH may not know we may be about to make some sort of refundable deposit for way in the future!

 

It looks like HAL is the way to go for a "once ever" trip.

 

GC

 

 

 

 

If you can there are still some aft cabins available on the January 30th sailing on deck 7 - with cabins above and below - which is the price of a Veranda cabin.  Some of the aft cabins are suites and we didn't feel we needed the upgrade. You get a bit more noise but it gives you the best view if you get one in the middle.  It is very windy down south - the issue  isn't the cold - it is the wind - so it will be nice to come in from up on the deck to our room and still be able to run outside on our verandah and see 'both sides'.  BTW no need for heavy winter coats - the trick is layers and start with long underwear - hats, gloves, and neck warmers essential, with wind breaker type jacket.  If you book this cruise let me know would love to meet fellow cruisers.

Interesting we just had to make the same choice.  Celebrity was out because it doesn't really spend enough time sailing in Antarctica - if you look at the times/dates it is there you only get a few hours total. The choice was between Princess for the 16 days and the one we looked at for 2021 for 20 days with HAL.  We have been to Antarctica (expedition ship) and this time we wanted to see it again as well as see the glaciers etc in Chile.  Princess essentially doesn't go there so for the price differential and seeing the glaciers we chose HAL.  We have not been on either cruise line but selected it solely based on the itinerary.  We also got an aft cabin - we have done this in Alaska and you don't have to run from side to side you get the entire view point from your rear facing balcony.  . 

We just booked this cruise going from BA to Santiago.  I don't think it really matters which way you go - we did it based on the room choice since we wanted an aft cabin in a decent location and there were none left on the prior sailing.  We also wanted to see a bit of Patagonia vs just Antarctica since we did the expedition cruise with Silverseas.    I do agree though with the previous poster - if you can afford it do the excursion  cruise with the zodiacs.    It is well worth it and you will not be sorry you did it.

Go near the Tulip restaurant for 10.00 per person you can get a chaise and use the bathrooms at Tulip. They also have an outdoor shower and changing room. It is by a small motel but you won't see that sign. The bus stop is essentially right by Tulip which is near the Amsterdam Manor but a less crowded beach. If you get there early enough you can get some shade if there are palapas still available. Otherwise in the back there are some trees but be careful there is lots of broken glass so it is better to be closer to the water.

On these ships if you can get a quiet aft cabin go for it - you can see everything and not worry about which side you are on.

I am in Aruba right now and going to Eagle Beach every day. We do not go by the large hotels or condos and there is plenty of beach and shade that is free. All beaches are public beaches in Aruba even in front of the largest hotels. If you see the umbrellas very close together those are the hotel ones if you go to the beach across from the restaurant they are free and as I said you can rent a chaise.

There are plenty available for your use -and they are free on Eagle Beach. I am also very fair skinned and spend the day moving my chair around in the shade. That is why I love Aruba and Eagle Beach. I do suggest you get to the beach as early as you can. The nice man at the Tulip ( name of restaurant by the hotel you will see this sign from the road) will bring your chairs to where you are sitting. Just look for him by the stacked chaises. If he is not there he is usually by his car in the parking lot. Re: the drinks you can certainly bring your own drinks and food to the beach. I have not seen any servers from Tulip on the beach but they have a nice bar and outdoor tables. Palm Beach is very crowded and noisy with the umbrellas and people right next to each other - everyone is different so I don't know what you are looking for. We like peace and quiet so we prefer Eagle Beach.

I don't know about bringing drinks to the beach. I know there is a bar and restaurant there just keep in mind it is closed on Tuesdays though the chaise rentals are always available.

MVC where Tulip is a great spot on Eagle Beach - it is 10.00 to rent a chaise per person and use the bathrooms and outdoor showers there. Sorry I can't help you with what bus to take but it is a beautiful quiet beach so I would go there vs. Palm Beach. You can also just bring a couple of towels etc since all beaches in Aruba are open to the public. You don't have to pay unless you want a chaise.