SH55

We did it last year and it was truly the trip of a lifetime.  We absolutely loved every minute of it.  We didn't get to stop in the Falklands due to weather but I was so happy that our Drake Passage crossing was good and once we arrived in Antarctica we were lucky to have amazing weather.  The weather was so nice on Jan 1st that we were outside with just a sweatshirt and I got a little bit of a sunburn (nothing significant).  It seemed funny because back home that same day it was -30 degrees.  The magnitude of the ice and beauty is indescribable.  I do love Alaska but Antarctica was just a very different landscape and the vast ice is breath taking.  We saw tremendous amounts of wildlife and honestly the adorable penguins leaping out of the water as they swim by is just too cute.  The crew on the Oosterdam was wonderful and honestly we would do this trip again in a heartbeat but we have a couple of other places we want to check off the bucket list first.

You will be fine.  I just did this for my most recent cruise and there were no issues.

I don’t think we can describe our boarding process in BA in any kind of relation to what normal would be. Remember we embarked the day they were doing the World Cup Parade in BA. The city and the port were simply insane.  I suspect that anything that happens in SA will be a welcome blissful experience compared to what we had. LOL 

20 hours ago, MarKandi said:

Does anyone know if there is a ceremonial King Neptune party for northbound sailings?
We have been to 2 equatorial crossings southbound but only 1 northbound but there was no celebration. Common sense says once you become a Shellback, your at the highest level. On our last crossing, it was during the spring equinox on a full moon. It was said we are considered to be a Purple Porpoise. IDK

We’re on the Westerdam sailing from Auckland to Singapore

There is only one category for sailing across the equator and doing such a crossing gives you the honored title of Shellback and puts you in good standing with King Neptune.  Someone was pulling your leg about the purple thing.  Once you are a Shellback and as you cross the equator multiple times you can always give a small offering to King Neptune as you cross, I hear he likes a nice shot of an adult beverage like a good friend you meet in the pub.  If you are sad that subsequent crossings are not including a proper ceremony for those Pollywogs to be properly inducted to the Shellback society and the hilarity that ensues then King Neptune would always approve of a joyous get together and self organized event at a place where adult beverages are served.  All Hail King Neptune!

On our trip right before Covid it was a really fun party.  Plenty of snacks being handed out (although likely changed with Covid) and plenty of drink stands to pick up drinks.  Fun music and a good time was had by all.

Mother Nature can often cause a change in plans and that flooding shown in the YouTube video above certainly shows that the people being safe in a Marriott is the best choice.  I can understand their disappointment but I don't think directing their frustrations at HAL is the right place.  I too have often shaken a fist at Mother Nature but have still appreciated the people around me that were working hard to make the situation better and keeping safety the priority.

Loved that article and video.  Thanks a bunch.  🙂

Going in December and pulling the last details together. We are in a veranda room and wondering if the walls are metal so magnet hooks work or should I bring command hooks?

Now that this year's cruise is booked and approaching, we are already starting to look at next years cruising desires.  I noticed that in 2022 there is a cruise to circumnavigate Australia but it doesn't look like that itinerary is available in late 2023 or early 2024.  Does anyone know if HAL is still coordinating itineraries that far out and I should just hold onto my shorts or if they are just choosing to not do any circumnavigations down under for that season?  

I have sailed with them before.  Their trips are great fun!  As for what not to miss I would say that the various "get togethers" on the ship will help you meet new people.  Some people that I met on my Olivia cruise years ago are still friends today.  The excursions are similar to other cruises so pick the things that you would enjoy.  I recommend that you enjoy the open dining with maybe one night of something special but honestly the best part of the cruise was the experience with incredible diverse people.

I'm just checking in to see if anyone else is planning on enjoying the holiday's getting some sun and having some fun?  This will be our first Panama Canal transit and we are celebrating our 15 year anniversary.  Would love to meet up with any others that are going and share some adult beverages and some good fun laughs.