ljsanantonio

We did the post cruise tour of Singapore last February and there are good and bad aspects.  They put us up in the Fairmont which was lovely, but there was disparity in room views and availability.  I would try to get in one of the first groups (there were about 7 groups of 25 people each).  The gardens by the bay tour got out of hand for the guide, as most of us wanted to see the attractions on our own rather than getting a history lesson, but DO NOT MISS Gardens by the Bay.  Singapore is very walkable, and we noticed some fellow passengers start tours and then opt to go on their own, which I thought was very smart, such as don't go the boat ride as it is hot and does not offer much shade, and the dinner at the "top restaurant/hotel" was not worth the time spent (transporting and seating 150-200 people).  Actually, all of the provided meals were none too exciting.  Singapore is very walkable and taxis and ubers are plentiful. 

We love to walk and found Fairmont to Marina Bay Sands, which you will want to photograph in the day and night, was doable.  Do NOT miss the Lavo Rooftop Restaurant and Bar--reservations highly suggested and lunch is more available than dinner. 

Absolutely take a taxi to the Bird Park, it was spectular.  And to the traditional Botanical Gardens.  Regent's tour to the Zoo was good but again the guide had trouble keeping the group together.  The city tour enables you to get your bearings, but there are hit an miss items as you would expect.  Some friends loved the tour that gave insight into the city planning and visited a local's apartment home.  If you are the Chinese New Year, Chinatown is very interesting at dusk; our friends loved it so much they took a taxi back to see it after dark but said the traffic was terrible, would not do it again. Nighttime zoo was a disappointment.  Fairmont is right across the street from the Raffles Hotel, which was fun and I got some great souvenirs at the hotel gift shop.  Long Bar has changed with long wait times and very expensive drinks, so we passed.  Not too far from the Fairmont is Chijmes, a renovated church where you will find many restaurants and bars that a lot of fun.

Sorry for the rambling thoughts; but I relived a wonderful time answering your question.

I think the quality of tours will vary with the part of the world.  We were disappointed on most of the ship's tours on our back to back from Auckland to Singapore January and February 2024.  We will set our expectations lower for our Buenos Aires to Rio to Lisbon next year.  I learned:  ships tours sound better than they are;,11.  the description and time will probably change upon embarkation, 2. you will have to bear a tour of the city by bus that is not included in the description (e.g., our Sydney opera house tour of @ 3 hours increased to 5+ hours to include a beach and a long drive through Sydney); 3. we will NOT go on a tour that is more than 5 hours and even then it needs to be something we really want to see (unless we book a private tour on our own).  As far as the tours that are at an extra cost, you can probably find a private tour that is the same price and much more enjoyable than the ships tour, e.g. we went to the Seven Apostles in Australia, and the ships tour advertised as same did not really go there).  Be sure to contact the tour provider directly even if you find it on Tripadvisor or Viator, usually less expensive and the tour provider benefits as well.  

However, book every tour you want in every port as soon as they open up, and you can always cancel (deadline for canceling paid tours normally 6 pm the night prior).  And toward the end of a cruise, many passengers are tired and turn in their tickets as they have had enough bus rides!

Very interested in Scenic! Will be watching to see what their 2026 itineraries hold

In the meantime, we have decided to go to Iguazu Falls on our own.  We are in the process of booking Edson for our trip end of February 2025 as well!  Considering a schedule that is different from most tour schedules:   Arrive IGR noonish and go to the Belmond, perhaps go on the Macuco Safari. Enjoy the Belmond late afternoon and evening.  Next day, start early on the  Argentine side with a Tours By Local guide.  That gives us plenty of time to explore the Brazil side the next day before midafternoon flight. 

As I mentioned, this seems to be different from what most tour providers recommend.  Is there any reason this might not work?  Thanks to all

We are in the process of booking Edson for our trip end of February 2025 as well!  Considering changing up the tour to go from IGR (arrive noonish) to the Belmond on day one, starting early on day two for the  Argentine side.  That gives us day one and day three to explore the Brazil side before midafternoon flight.  This seems to be different from what most tour providers recommend.  Is there any reason this might not work?  Thanks to all

Those pictures are beautiful.  I can't wait. Appreciate your comments re the 7 pm dinner time.  That is so us!  I realize that the culture in South America and Portugal where we will end up calls for later dinner time, but we really struggle with it.

My TA also called the Belmond "Hotel California" 😆

We are actually on the four night package.  BA/Iguazux2/BA, staying in the park at the Belmond.  The three night you reference is at the Gran Melia. I have heard great things about both hotels.  Your note weather delays is an important thought, as I have read about weather issues which may not be uncommon.  If we proceed "on our own" we will use a guide for Iguazu (Tours by Locals).  Fortunately we have a lot of time to decide, and I am so very grateful for all of the input!

8 hours ago, UUNetBill said:

Coincidentally we just returned from the post-cruise trip to Iguazú last month and we were impressed with the entire package.  While you *could* do it on your own, it was worth it to us to have Regent coordinate everything.  We flew out of BA to Iguazú and did the Argentine side on day one, then crossed into Brazil and spent the night in the resort in the park.  Staying in the park was nice as we had unrestricted access to the falls before the park opened to the general public.

 

We then got to visit a Guaraní village and see how the lived - not something I'd have done on my own but definitely interesting.

 

We also only had about 30 people on the trip so that was a plus.

 

For our flight back to BA, we had weather delays and gate changes so it was nice to have our guide keeping everything on track for us.  So yes, we paid more than we would have going on our own, but for us it was worth it.  The guides were great, the resort was great, and we had a, well, great time.  But only you can decide whether it's worth it to you - which do you value more, convenience or flexibility?  I'd say if you like the ability to venture out on your own and speak Spanish passably you'll be fine on your own.  Either way, you'll love the falls - they're amazing...

Thank you to all for the responses!  UUNetBill, we are staying two nights in Argentina.  The Regent preliminary time table shows returning to the hotel each night at 7:30 pm and dinner at 8:30.  This can certainly change but I am apprehensive that everything with even a small group takes much longer.  Was there flexibility at all on your Regent tour? Much obliged!

On 3/18/2024 at 6:29 AM, Margarita Jane said:

We flew Saturday with a bit of a scare - suppose to fly SRQ to ATL To GIG, but as we were leaving for the airport, I got a text that the SRQ to ATL was delayed meaning we would miss our connection in ATL. Fortunately got the flight changed to TPA to ATL and despite horrendous traffic, made it just as the TPA to ATL flight was boarding. Whew! 
 

We visited Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf on Sunday and have a full day of touring today.

 

Have to agree Iguazu is not to be missed - we saw the falls in 2020 - JUST before COVID. Almost did not get back to USA as everything was closing down.

Happy travels! 

Love reading this board!  We are booked on the Splendor Buenos Aires to Lisbon in March 2025, including an add on land tour, 2 nights Iguaza Falls.  Trying to decide if we go forward with that Regent tour or book on our own.  Any comments for those who have done either would be greatly appreciated.

Can anybody comment on the quality of Regent's pre and post cruise tours?  Contemplating participation for the Iguaza Falls land program before our cruise from Buenos Aires next March.  We took advantage of the post land program in Singapore this past February.  While the Fairmont was a good location and quality, check in was fairly efficient (for us at least), the no additional cost program included tours we wished we had skipped and the meals were not memorable.  There were seven buses and in excess of 200 participants.  Very tempted to manage Iguaza Falls on our own but I would love to hear what others have experienced.

Don’t get me wrong—the sorbet, frozen yogurt and ice cream is delicious. But I love true gelato even more and was hoping to find some at the gelato bar 😀

I like the “gelato” bar as it has great accompaniments to the ice cream and sorbet they offer. Was disappointed there is no gelato. Seriously—no Italian gelato?😂

Thank you--it was not a regular menu item but one of the special offerings, unfortunately.  I do appreciate you taking the time to post.

We were on the Reykjavik to NYC cruise, really enjoyed the ship, the staff, and the food, including the Marketplace.  Same thoughts on what will it be like when the ship is full, not sure they can handle a full ship? 

We had a special pasta at the Yacht Club dining room, a veal sauce rather like a bolognese.  I wish I had written down the name of the sauce as I would love to find a recipe for it.  I believe they have a similar sauce in the Marketplace, which has a great pasta bar.  And pizza and bread, and desserts, and salad, I could keep going.  If anyone can snag the name of the veal sauce and post it, I would deeply appreciate it.

Another important item--there were no channels to watch US college or pro football, nor venues that showed same.  DH was very disappointed.

Embarkation and disembarkation rather discombobulated.  I would choose the first disembarkation time next time; Explora said the hour + delay was due to immigration.  If you have a same day flight, be sure you have plenty of time for delays in disembarkation.

We saw the Northern Lights--you can of course call guest services to put your name down for a phone call notification for such events that may happen while you are asleep; we missed the Statue of Liberty as the ship arrived an hour earlier than schedule . . .

Can anyone speak to Wi-Fi on board?  Thank you!

Silly question most likely—are wash cloths/flannels as known in the UK included?  We have that not to be the case in even some luxurious settings abroad. Thank you!

Thanks. That is great! I will tuck that away for future travels. 

frankhi—how did your EJ agent save you thousands?  

we booked Sakura and Marble & Co as well.  Just a simple call to EJ, even though I booked through my TA.  Just easier to do it directly with EJ,

On the topic of Indonesia visas, our cruise stops first in Komodo and then in Bali.  I am inclined to get the online visa, anticipating all passengers will be waiting in line to get them day of.  The online visa asks for place of visit, I assume I use the area for Komodo rather than Bali.  Does anyone have experience in this?  Thank you in advance

We will be on board as well. Cruisedig.com shows arrival at 7:00 am in the New York harbor. 

The Reykjavick port has the Explora I in port on August 7, 8, and 9.

and for September 9 and 10. https://www.dokk.is/embed/calendar/5?l=en&w=csyear=2016#2016-9-27

But not sure that really means anything in light of the Kiel/Hamburg info

On 7/7/2023 at 2:24 PM, nrc said:

I have just gotten off the phone with my travel agent, who tells me that Explora I is cancelled, until further notice.  (We were booked on the 8/8-15 Iceland to Denmark trip.)  She is finding out how Explora plans to reimburse passengers.  Details to follow!

Have you heard any more on the August cruises?

Actually our F1 is 1020.  Wish it was 1010 ES!  Thank you for your comment!  I am afraid we may have some noise from deck chairs being positioned in the mornings.

Looking for comments on Explorer's F1 suite 1010.  It is not quite under the pool deck but I am concerned about the noise.  Thanks in advance for any help.

Hmm, we are on the Silver Moon from Barcelona to Lisbon May 30.  It has been sold out for months, and the best excursions are sold out as well.  How do I find out if this is a charter?  Thank you!