Becky2010

But it’s a party after dinner? I can manage black and white but I just don’t have a white dress or white pants. I actually tried to buy some but I hated them and I don’t want to spend money on something I’m never going to wear again!

I can’t imagine getting my husband to any sort of dance event, so hopefully I’m safe! 😂 Have a great rest of your trip!

@3ric or anyone who has been on this trip - just wondering about the "white party"? In the pre-cruise info it says we should pack "white or black and white outfit". Is there an event that everyone is supposed to wear all white to, and if so, will it be odd if I'm not wearing all-white? I don't have that, and would have to buy it before we depart in a week! Sort of stupid question, but just wondering — thanks!

Thanks so much for all of this! I have been reading that snorkeling at the Blue hole is not too spectacular, and we’ve actually been snorkeling in other parts of Belize that were, so I would believe that half moon Caye is better! I don’t have ankle shoes but I have hiking shoes that I hope will be fine! I’m glad to hear you’re having a wonderful trip and hope you enjoy the remainder!

Hi - just wondering what the situation is now that you're onboard? Are the excursions included? Also I was wondering if we need to bring a white outfit? (I don't have one!)

Yay @3ric! Thanks so much for posting! I hope your trip has been fantastic so far! Would love to hear anything about it!

I was just looking at the Ponant Kimberly cruises in July (Darwin to Broome) and they do stop at Ashmore reef! " In Ashmore Reef, the opportunity to enjoy a zodiac cruise to view the abundant birdlife and marine life as well as swimming and snorkelling in the clear tropical waters."

I had been looking into the same thing. Apparently the only place for snorkeling is the Ashmore Reef and not many itineraries include it. https://kimberleytravelandcruise.com.au/can-you-swim-on-a-kimberley-cruise/

That’s the trip we’ll be on! Also super excited!

We went to the travel clinic and got a few vaccinations. They also recommended taking Malaria meds because the Bay Islands are listed as a risk area. https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/country_table/h.html

I spoke to the very nice Ponant rep today, and she said that she couldn't see any excursions on her end of the website, and that since it was an expedition, it should all be included. So who knows! I'm just counting down the days....😀

I also thought they would be the hot weather equivalent! I have found the Ponant rep to be really helpful so tomorrow I can reach out and ask about these things and see what they say! I really hope that there will be space for whoever wants to do things. It's one of the reasons that all-included expedition travels are appealing to us. I don't want to go on a trip and be "shut out" of something. Just would seem like a bummer!

We were told that Scuba was extra and snorkeling was included - but I do understand that snorkeling at the Blue Hole is a big deal, and maybe best done with a local company. But was not expecting that!

This is what it says under expedition cruises so maybe that’s why there are several additional charges for a few excursions.

@3ric I saw your post and checked the ponant app and now I do see excursions listed, but no charges? Edited to add: I do see charges! And yes - we were also told that expeditions didn’t have charges for excursions so maybe it’s an error? And now I see charges for the Blue Hole snorkeling

How was your trip!?

They ask you to bring your own mask and snorkel, and they will supply the rest! But I have a prescription mask so I always travel with mine. Here’s what it says in the travel docs: “Mask and snorkel: for health reasons due to Covid-19, we strongly recommend that you come on board with your own mask and snorkel. As an exception, you will be able to borrow them in accordance with sanitary conditions.”

@3ric We are also carrying on, so I would be greatly appreciative if you let us know what you actually end up needing! Our Ponant app says 23 days to go, and I'm very excited!

I have some light walking shoes and Teva water sandals which we bought to the Galapagos and I was planning on packing those. But I am also afraid I'm not going to be looking too elegant on this trip! 😂 We carry on our luggage, and between the dive mask and the extra shoes, I'm not sure how much room we will have.

Did you arrange tour with Ponant? @Charmar78? We realize since we won't board until late afternoon we will have a free day in Belize.

I just got mine! It's pretty silly, but it's a really nice little pouch with nice luggage tags and it makes us even more excited for the trip! If you have a chance, I hope you'll let us know how your trip is!

We have booked trip for December, but while I got a confirmation letter, I haven't received any additional information. What sort of information did you receive and was it via email? Thanks!

😬 I am very new to cruising, but it does seem like there are so many different ways to lower the price of things! Good luck!

🤞🏼

When I started looking at this cruise, I was emailing with a Ponant Rep who was actually in Europe. She held the cabin for me, and I send her a screenshot of our Marriott Bonvoy gold elite “digital cards” from the Bonvoy apps in our phones. She applied the discount to the quote she had given me. Then when I was ready to book, she actually transferred the booking to Ponant US and then I booked it through my travel agent (so that I received an additional discount). The booking created a Ponant account number for me, and when I went ahead and set up the account on the Ponant website using that number it also showed that I was at an Admiral level. Btw if only I had the Bonvoy status they wouldn’t have taken the discount off of my husband’s rate, but he also has the same status since he has his own authorized user card. And for anyone reading this who has an Am Ex Platinum but hasn’t set up their status on Bonvoy - it’s very easy! You log into your Amex account online, and go to the benefits tab. Then go to Marriott Bonvoy and enter your account number there (and set up a Bonvoy account first if you haven’t already). Then it takes about 24-48 hours for your status on Bonvoy to show up! Hope that’s helpful! 🤓