ilv4cruising

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.

I would love to find a TA in Canada like that. So far my experience with the TA's I found was frustrating (still had to do all the research etc and just told them what to do). Glad you found a good one.

Feel free to ask as many questions as you like. One thing I will add is, while the Thermal is very therapeutic not all pools are the same. For us we didn't like the Thermal Pool on the Koningsdam (Pinnacle class ships). We haven't been on the 2 other "new" Pinnacle ships so can't speak to them. We have done the Vista class and the Signature class and they provided a similar experience and enjoyed all of them. Sadly (at least for us) the metal beds on the Koningsdam didn't exist and they basically had seats only. We didn't think it provided the same relaxation and relief. Plus the area for the heated beds seemed to provide a pathway for people so wasn't quiet. Not very "spa like". I know others like the Koningsdam therapy pool but for us it didn't work. The one thing that takes a bit of practice is getting on the metal bed. The best way I found is to turn your back to it, sit on it and then scoot back until you can stretch out 🙂 . If you can get the area by the wall it provides some additional leverage. You also might have to hold onto one of the bars while lying just to stop yourself from floating away. It is worth it though 🙂 . Last thought. If you enter and it is empty and the jets aren't going go to the entrance to the pool (where the stairs are). There will be 2 large buttons. Press them and the jets will start up again. They do operate on a timer so sometimes need to be restarted. One button is for the pool jets, the other is for the 2 "umbrella" style jets that are really great for your neck.

Also remember you can go as often as you want. I met one lady once that had some issues going on that would go in the morning and late afternoon 🙂

Hi thermal suite "newbies" 🙂 . We (hubby and me) usually always book the Thermal Suite for our cruises if it is available so I will try to help out and answer any questions. When you buy it you will get it added to your room card. When you get to the spa you check in at the desk and they will give you the spa key that gives you access to the Thermal Pool and the Heated Beds (2 different rooms, same key). In addition they will ask you if you want a locker. In the womens locker you will find a spa robe, sandals (they are plastic and sanitized after each use). The change room has individual rooms if you want to change into your swimsuit there. They also have showers and washrooms. I can't speak for the mens change room as my husband wears his swim trunks and a t-shirt and doesn't use the change room. You have a couple of options depending on your preference. You can wear your swimsuit (probably with a cover up) to the spa. I wear mine to the spa with a light "dress" that I use as a cover up. However, I still use the lockers as I like to get the robe and put my "stuff" (e.g. clothes to change into) into it and lock it up. The Thermal Pool suite area also has showers, so I usually shower there (instead of dripping on my way from the locker room to the Pool area. NOTE: you don't need to use the lockers or change room if you don't want to. My husband usually goes directly to the Thermal Pool area (after checking in). Grabs a few towels and a lounger (they have them in the pool area as well). Takes off his t-shirt and uses the showers in the pool room. After he is done he will relax for a bit on the lounger (and dry off) then make his way back to the cabin to relax. They tell you to only spend about 20 minutes in the Pool as it is a therapy pool. Both of us find that is about the right amount of time. After the pool I towel off (towels are in available in the area), put on my robe and make my way to the heated beds. If there is a bed available I will grab a couple of additional towels and lay it on the bed and then use my robe as a "blanket". Really nice and warm and snuggly. Very, very relaxing. If there isn't a bed available I will go and sit in the steam room for a bit. They ask you to be respectful of others and only stay on the beds for about 20 minutes. Since most people respect that a bed usually becomes available quickly. Then I make my way back to the change room and change out of my bathing suit (if it is still damp). Our "tradition" is to usually do this late in the afternoon. So I usually shower back in my cabin and then get ready for dinner. It is a therapy pool. My husband suffers from chronic back pain and some nerve issues in his legs. He tries to use it daily (unless we are totally busy at a port). In our opinion it is better value than a 1 hour massage 🙂 I hope this answers peoples questions. Let me know if there is anything else you want to know.

Thank you everyone for the information. We will look into taxis or HAL transfers. We decided to stay overnight and leave the next day so we are stressed over any potential delays (would be a horrible way to end a nice trip 🙂 ). Thanks,

Hi everyone, I'm doing some flight planning on our cruise that will end in Rotterdam. Most of the best flights I can find to get home (Toronto, Canada) leave from Amsterdam. We have never cruised into Rotterdam. What is the best way to get from Rotterdam to Amsterdam airport. NOTE: needs to be "easy" as my husband has some back issues so we don't want a lot of "challenges". Thanks in advance

When is your cruise? If you don't mind posting an update on what happens when you get your pass that would be appreciated. Thanks,