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bapaleg

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    Panama Canal and excursions

    in Panama Canal

    Posted

    On 6/27/2023 at 5:54 AM, zelker said:

     

    We've only sailed once on Viking (Panama Canal) and were by the front elevators which was a smooth ride.  Curious how much vibration and/or movement you felt in 4106 - if any - as we may end up in that rear area (but on Deck 5) later this year.  Thx.

     Can you tell me about Panama Canal and excursions. We are doing it later this year. Thx

    Egypt: Why Tops for 2023?

    in Africa & Middle East

    Posted

    On 4/1/2023 at 2:01 PM, TLCOhio said:

    From the London/UK Times this past week, they had this headline: “Egypt is currently one of the cheapest places to visit” with these highlights: “Although it has long been a good value destination, a massive currency devaluation in recent months, coupled with prices becoming more competitive due to a reduction in Chinese, Russian, Ukrainian and American tourists, has turned Egypt into the bargain of the season — provided you avoid big international brands and all-inclusive packages that have already fixed prices.  Travel independently, eat, drink and shop locally, and you’ll not only be putting cash directly into the pockets of locals and making your own adventure, you’ll save a packet too. Most activities are priced in euros and dollars so are unaffected by currency changes.”

     

    Here is another detail shared from their story: "The imminent opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, slated for later this year, will shift Cairo’s centre of gravity for visitors out to the Giza plateau, also home to the Pyramids. The capital is a maelstrom of traffic, so retreating to Giza in the evening is a good plan, especially since the metro takes just six minutes. In the historic centre of Cairo, there’s everything from fragrant spices to stained-glass lamps in the famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar, where the traders are disarmingly well versed in rhyming slang."

     

    Full story at:

    https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/egypt-has-never-been-cheaper-here-are-the-deals-to-book-now-50cz88d25

     

    THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

     

    Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 242,593 views.

    https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

     

    Alaska Tour Questions

    in Alaska

    Posted

    On 6/16/2021 at 9:17 PM, alohayall said:

    For so many, a cruise to Alaska is a once in a lifetime trip - with all the unique excursions.  
     

    It does really depend on what you want to do, though, on your adventure. After 4 cruises to AK, I don’t have the same urge to do as much in each place.

     

    Some thoughts:

     

    Juneau - Mendenhall Glacier is an easy to visit destination, very peaceful.  Makes beautiful photos.  Several short hiking trails around.  I’ve seen boating on the lake below it.  As a state capital, it is a small town.  That city tour better be interesting, because it’s not obviously a place to spend a lot of time.  Yes, whale watching is probably the #1 thing for tourists - done in combination with the glacier.  (I will probably do that combo this September.  It’s not just the whales, it’s the setting / environment.  I’ve also gone whale watching in Hawaii 2 trips and Provincetown MA. I’d love to see them in Dominican Republic.  Use that as a reference to my view on whale watching.)

     

    Ketchikan - Yawn as a town (this is a theme).  Pretty little totem park, fun, fast flowing creek near the old brothel area.  Some big tourist stores.  Cannery by the water.  Nice long jetty to walk to your ship.  Best thing in town - Bald Eagles.  Free viewing near the cannery.  Lumberjack Show is hokey for one visit.  I’ve not done totem excursions - saw them in the park.  Did a flight into/ over the Tongass Forrest - beautiful, with a landing on a glacier-fed lake.  Had fun in a self-drive Zodiac boat tour.  
     

    Skagway - don’t blink or you will miss it.  Maybe 800 people live here.  It was a jumping off point for the Yukon Gold Rush.  If you like history, find an excursion that covers this.  Yes, the expensive heli tours are here.  We booked one the day we were there after taking a train ride up and down a mountain.  Great fun.  Second heli tour of my life.  Sister did hike, bike, float trip.  AK is great outdoors.  This is a cute town with some fun architecture along its wooden sidewalks.  There’s a pub at the end of the street with decent food.  Fudge stores.  A building whose outside is decorated with antlers.  

     

    Icy Strait Point - is on my schedule for this September.  First visit.  Looking forward to riding the ZipRider - longest one in the world, almost a quarter mile down 1300 feet elevation change.  People whale and bear watch, too.  
     

    Hubbard Glacier - well, you don’t leave the boat for this. It is beautiful to most people (I would be one of them).  Bring out the camera and binoculars,  spend a bunch of time on deck.  Dress warmly. It will probably be cold. As will most of the week, indoors or out, including dinner.
     

    Your travel agency has offered you a schedule fit for 80 year olds; no offense to active 80 year olds or you or if that’s what interests you.

     

    You can just walk around the town and then enjoy the ship you paid to be on; if you need relaxation, you will have a lot of space to yourself.

     

    This is not intended to be mean.  When you look back at this trip, what do want to recall that could give you good memories? Plan those accordingly.  
     

    City tours here are not like visiting Europe. No beautiful old buildings or artwork.  (There is a whale mural by Wyland on the side of a building in Anchorage).

     

    ... we drove into Canada from Skagway.  Beautiful, at times almost other-worldly.  But I am not sure Canada is letting us in.  And car rentals are very expensive or hard to find right now in most places, thanks to the virus.
     

    I hope your cruise sails and you have the great experience doing what makes YOU TWO happy experiencing Alaska.  (and that you can afford).

     

    I love cruises to Alaska!

    What tour company are you using in Juneau that combines both tours

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