ilv4cruising

@rloke Did you happen to get a link from Atlas with the pictures of our trip taken by the Expedition leaders? I never got one but contacted Atlas and they just sent it. Just wanted to let you know.

Wow. For a fairly new line it seems to have lots of issues. Glad the rest of the trip home was good.

It was great thanks. I hope your trip home was good

We were on your cruise as well. In fact we are 2 rows behind you on the plane :). Love your pictures;. Hope all is well.

Thanks for everyone responding. That is great news and I appreciate it and the other tips.

Hi, Thanks for the info. Will also do a search. Yes my deposit is refundable and our final payment is close so that is why I'm asking :). I appreciate the info.

Hi all, Has bought the HAL insurance and had to claim the "cancel for any reason" (CFAR)? We have a cruise scheduled for May with the final payment due soon. Although we really want to take this trip, there are some "unknowns" going on for us that might prevent us from going. Since the cruise and deposit was done early in 2022 I can't get CFAR insurance for our trip other than buying it from HAL. Has anyone had to claim this and, if so, did you have any issues? Thanks,

Hi folks, I hope this is the correct forum to post this in. We are considering booking Longyearbyen Roundtrip cruise for next year. Our interests would be Polar Bears, Whales, Walrus and Seals and other wildlife. Has anyone done a similar cruise)? Just looking for information on what to expect for doing this type of cruise in August and if it worth the cost. Thanks,

I agree with your comment on a "good TA" however, in my experience (so far) I usually have a better understanding than they do on my destination. Trying to find one that only does cruises to Antarctica hasn't been that easy, I have tried. However, it might be a Canada thing. I will admit I grew up with a mother who was an amazing TA (she had a huge dedicated following) so I have high expectations 🙂 .

That is great info. Thank you

Great information. Thanks.

Thanks for the search tips. We booked on the Traveller (at the time I didn't realize it was their new ship). There are 7 cruises before ours so hopefully that will give them time to fix any "kinks" they might have on board. I'm glad the previous reviews had positive experiences on board.

Heartfelttraveler - Yes, sadly, I know I was late to the game. We decided to take advantage of the Atlas bogo sale 🙂 All - thank you for your great suggestions. I did finally find us some flights using a combination of Aeroplan points and cash. Worked out 🙂

Hi, Thank you for the information. Prior to my mom's passing she was a travel agent (all my life) so I'm good with doing all of trip prep 🙂 . I haven't been able to find another forum for Atlas though. Too bad you can't share it. I find the one on Cruise Critic isn't very active. It is good to know that you would sail with them again. That is positive for the ship at least.

Hi, We are about to book an Antarctica cruise with Atlas Ocean Voyages for January as they have an amazing deal going on right now with the 2nd guest being free. I'm interested in hearing from anyone who has sailed with them on their thoughts on this line. Thanks

We are also considering booking for the Antarctic. Having trouble finding any recent reviews. Any thoughts on this line? thanks,

HI Don, Yes Google Flights was my first stop as well. The cheapest seem to be AeroMexico or Copa and I don't have any experience with either and online reviews aren't great (but then again, all airlines seem to be struggling). Might be time to phone a TA (although I currently don't have one 😞 ) Thanks

Hi. I took a look at the prices (once I factor in the cost of the flight to Miami) were about the same. Who did you fly with? Thanks,

Also a great suggestion. Have you flown with AeroMexico before? The current reviews online aren't great (but then again, all airlines seem to be struggling). Thanks,

Hi, I took a look at Panama City and that is an option. However, I've never flown with Copa. The current reviews online aren't great (but then again, all airlines seem to be struggling). Have you flown with them before? Any experience? Thanks

I’m hoping for some help please. We are doing a booking today for Antarctica (we hope). We live in Toronto Canada and just looked at the prices for flights from Toronto to Buenos Aires. Unfortunately since my husband has had 2 spinal fusions we can’t fly economy, even premium is iffy if it is a long flight. Our preference would be direct in business class but just looked at the cost and it is outrageous. Im looking for options on how we might fly with one stop Any advice on options for a layover location that I might be able to use to a) break up our flight and b) make it more affordable? thanks

I'm not sure you can check that online (although I've never looked for it either 🙂 ). Who did you call to mention it? Was it Ship Services? If not, that is who I would phone. Also, as a fyi, my husband lives with chronic back and leg pain. He finds the mattresses a little too hard for him so we always pre-arrange HAL to add the foam topper to the bed. Sometimes they forget but the cabin crew will always do it quickly for us (or if we are in a Neptune suite the concierge will quickly arrange it for us) . So if you or your mom find the bed uncomfortable remember that as an option 🙂 .

Hi, You should be getting a flower arrangement in the suite. Unless there is something really special for your mom I'm not sure I would order more flowers (but that is me 🙂 ). I know another poster said they weren't impressed with the chocolate dipped strawberries. I'm a huge strawberry person. Sometimes they aren't as fresh so that can make a difference. My understanding is July can be strawberry season in Vancouver and August for Alaska. So I would assume (or hope) that the ship will have fresh ones. For me a glass of sparkling wine (or champagne) with some chocolate dipped strawberries would be lovely. NOTE: if you do order them and aren't impressed, I would go to the concierge and let them know how disappointed you were with them and wished you had ordered something else. In the past they would usually do something special for you.

I should have asked you where are you going on this trip? I believe the suites also have umbrellas and binoculars (if memory serves 🙂 )

We have done a few Neptune Suites in the past (always to celebrate a specific milestone). Other than a much larger cabin and balcony here are some additional perks: NOTE: our experience in the Neptune is based on pre-Covid times. We have no idea if anything has changed so hopefully someone will respond who has done the Neptune recently. Neptune Lounge - you can get different coffees (including cappuccino's), teas and in the morning a continental breakfast and in the afternoon a "mini-tea" with cookies, sandwiches and various pastries. NOTE: if you know early enough you can also arrange for a nice assortment to be brought to your suite in the afternoon to enjoy. Neptune Lounge can also be a great place to mingle with fellow passengers without the crowds. Neptune Lounge concierge - These are wonderful and always extremely helpful people. You can have them make your dining reservations, book ship excursions, make spa appointments, get cash etc. Also, if you have any issues with something on your cruise bring it to the attention of the concierge as soon as possible. They can be miracle workers. If they aren't working there is a special phone line for them as well. There is usually a special Officer and Captain cocktail reception for Neptune Suite passengers If you want to make a reservation for a future cruise, the onboard agent usually has some special times set up in the Lounge for Suite passengers I hope you enjoy the suite and it is a great treat. Your mom should love it.