highplanesdrifters

What a fascinating report. Thanks! Sounds like Greg got the tide charts in the wrong language. That ghostly Romanesque building, wow. @Fletcher. Off topic, did you ever take that trip on Aranui 5? Asking for a friend.

It's a Blood Sport because the prizes are so big.

Thanks for the shot out. I'm now using your excellent blog to help plan our return to the area in September. 😃 We had some small problems on SS Explorer in regards to communication and excursion planning. Nothing like you have experienced. Except for Heli rides all third party excursions were included, even a flight over the Bungle Bungles. Shame on Seabourn! They are already having trouble filling the ships. We are branching out and exploring other luxury expedition lines. Indonesia - we're looking at 2026, 2025 is already booked for us. 😁 I like the Seabourn Itinary that does north PNG and Raja Ampat. FYI, Ponant has some pretty nice itineraries. And then there is Paspaley by Ponant. Waiting for everyone to drop 2026 plans. Back to your regularly scheduled excellent programming. Good luck in Honaria.

Some people have second and third homes. Others dont want the hassle and choose the sea. 😃 Thanks for the report!

Hmmmm, still a little frothy out there. Speaking of shoes, I keep expecting one to drop. Inflation, a plethora of geopolitical risks, etc., etc, etc, and yet here we are. A parabolic market and all we get is a 5% correction. I would have though the Stimmie money should have worked it's way through the system. Perhaps not. Can the Boomer spending and kid gifting be adding more than I thought? Range trade through the summer and cocktails on the veranda!

I also said no to the rediculous options.

The RomRom was one of my favorites. And so happy you'll get to see the land diving. Ours was a huge event drawing people from all the surrounding islands. YAY is right.

Looks like a beautiful day and lovely place to visit.

Very interesting, thanks. Although I dont think I'd worry about ironing my clothes if I didn't have power. Or even if I did have power.😃

Glad your trip is dishing up some better excursion options. Thanks for the Wakaya tip!

I'm with you. Not just Fevertree but all the Artisanal Tonics that are finally showing up in the U.S. We just had Marula Tonic in South Africa, oh yum. What a G&T that made. Don't think its on anyone's import list. 😪

We will be there next year. Was the skywalk a bust because of the weather, or did that even matter? 😃Thanks. Temple looks awesome.

Was it knowing that "salties" now referred to both crocks and hippos? 😃

I believe the poster said "temporary hold". Not a charge. Very common in the hotel industry.

I wholeheartedly agree! On a recent stop in Namibia we saw dozens of camels saddled and lined up for rides in the desert. Not nearly as majestic as elephants, but same concept. No thanks.

I'm going to go out on a limb a say I speak for all the lurkers and future lurkers. Keep em coming! 😃 Elephant experience looks amazing.

Appreciate your honest and informative assessment of a less than "what was promised/expected expedition. Love your attitude more. My motto - If you're not happy, you're not happy. Keep rolling with the punches and enjoy!

I always check as soon as we board to make sure the OBC is there. Sometimes takes a bit to sort out. The accounting system is just as good as their website.

Hmmmm. Not sure what I think about this. Cashing in at the top? Or.....

Thanks Terry for sharing. Keep em coming.

@UKCruiseJeff You are my personal bread and pizza hero. If the house next to you ever comes up for sale , will you let me know? I'd move in just for the smells.

In all seriousness there are expeditions, and then there are EXPEDITIONS! Sea days, fluff up and wear a nice shirt or blouse, sundress or jacket if you're feeling natty. It's always nice to have one spiffy outfit. The intense days when you're on the last zodiac just clean up and leave the baseball cap and t shirt in the room....please. @DavyWavey70. Fortunately the Orcas deemed me inedible and returned me to the zodiac unharmed after a lovely ride. 😃 @jpalbny the stars will align! Retirement is around the corner, right?

Oh my. All rather disheartening.

On our trip last fall we had arranged a Seabourn private transfer by boat from our hotel the Londra Palace to Marittima. The Seabourn boat never showed. I suspected this might happen and fortunately we had a back up plan. The Londra quickly got us one and we were on our way. Seabourn did reimburse us for the ride. Best of luck. FYI, I recieved some excellent advice from CC intelligentsia on this post.

I would agree it would be a shocker. I often order just apps. Sometimes staff gets directions incorrectly. One needs to politely push back. If that doesn't work Maitre'd time.