Bennyeggs

1 minute ago, Downunder55 said:

Well just heard from some friends that their Whisper early March Singapore to Mumbai cruse has just been cancelled 

Yes it has, not happy here...

5 hours ago, Charli001 said:

Thank you Terry, enjoying your updates so much. I too will be boarding in Mumbai so looking forward to it. Look forward to meeting you.

 

 

Charlie001 Sydney

 

 

 

 

 

 

So glad you have at long last your itinerary sorted. Safe enjoyable travel.

On 2/5/2024 at 9:51 AM, les37b said:

Looks like you are 4 days behind us, so you’re safe - though the ship may catch you up after leaving Bangkok! (Where we disembark.)

 

We originally planned to arrive 3 days early. We had flights all booked too…. Only to find our planned arrival, Bali is closed for the day and no one is allowed outside of their hotel - or you may be rounded up by officials looking for “wrong doers!” The airport is shut too. When I chased this (and it was still live on the airline) the error got corrected. Yup Bali is officially closed on this day of silence (11 March) Ever heard this? Was a complete surprise for me (and Viking! I wonder what the people who have booked a pre cruise extension will feel about being shut away in their room instead of sight seeing!

Nyepi Day is a well known and a very respected religious day in Bail. It's very sad that an international cruise company (Viking, or at least a representative) says they are not aware of the day and its local significance. I guess a great thing about travel is what we learn. Enjoy Bali.

8 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Appreciate the nice best wishes from Spings.  Arrived in India!!  Good that our JFK-Delhi flight arrived an hour early last night.  Pick up and check-in at hotel all went well.  Super nice hotel at the Taj Mahal Delhi!!!  The Taj standards, quality, service are excellent.  Slept well.  Ready to explore Old Delhi and the new parts with our private guide, Parveen.  Pictured was our nice, friendly hotel greeting and check-in.  On top 11th floor, but a hazy, cloudy view this am.  Smog or fog?  Good luck to all for having safe travels.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

The Taj Dehli is the best. My stay highlight was ordering room service for a pot of tea. In they wheeled a trolley, candles, flowers, teapot complete with real tea leaves, warmed milk, proper tea cups etc etc etc. And so resplendent in traditional dress. Try it. 

6 hours ago, Fletcher said:

Have a lovely time @TLCOhio, Terry, I can sense the stress levels falling.  India is . . . . in your face, no avoiding it, quite unlike Ohio.  You just sort of need to surrender to it and take all the wonders and horrors that you see on equal terms.  I'm sure you will tell us all about it. 

Absolutely wonderful advice Fletcher. I've lived in Ohio, Go Buck's and been back many times. Yes surrender to India. Your senses will be awakened. I hope you all manage sometime literally immersed with the locals, say, go to the main train station, go to the locals market, walk along the Esplanade with them. A beautiful place and we will be back in India taking my husband for the first time late March 24. Exciting. 

On 2/3/2024 at 4:32 AM, TLCOhio said:

The Silver Moon is right now rounding the famed Cape of Good Hope with the Silver Spirit shown sailing just ahead in the same direction.  Good progress and it will be fun to follow along in this amazing journey over the next twelve days to Mumbai.  

 

Now, it's back to packing up, going the bank for added cash, etc., as we prepared for our Sunday flights to NYC JFK airport and then the long 15-hour flight to Delhi.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Hi and interesting you mentioned Silver Spirit, we were booked on her upcoming voyage Dubai > Athens via Red Sea March 16.  SS were giving no indication of cancellation so we jumped ship 10 days ago and we're now sailing Singapore to Mumbai to Athens March 3.

Those of you that are showing concern over tours in Mumbai, on past visits I could just stay on Marine Esplanade and absorb the locals, it's a very long road, and oh the sights and sounds, the color and exotic smells, oh the beautiful madness of Mumbai. We can't wait to be back.