Just heard from Susan W today; final payment is due!! Maybe I shouldn't have put a smiley face on this post. :D

Finally getting close; I guess this time we are going to actually make it to Antarctica.

I'm working on my final payment, Marc, as I'll be out of town next week. Your smiley face is warranted.... I'm getting excited: reading up and working on a gear shopping list and packing list.

also talked to Susan. Looking forward to the trip now that we have the North Pole to compare it too.

Frankly, I am still shocked at the price of this trip.
That being said, I read how some ships are no longer able to do the voyage due to changes in the ships that are allowed...it seems that it has to do with the type of fuel used.
So, with a firm reality check, I can on see the cost of this trip going up quickly.
Time to bite the bullet & freeze the cost!

And with all that, I cannot wait to see you all & take this trip! (neither can Andi)

Doug

Doug, supply and demand, I suppose. And no more "heavy fuel" ships allowed in the area due to environmental concerns. For sure, you are one lucky couple to be making this trip. It was $$$ even in the years when Regent chartered the Explorer II (now Minerva), a much less luxurious vessel than the Prince Albert, or whatever it is called now. I absolutely loved it, in spite of heaving (there's just no better word!) for a couple of days. If I had a deep pocket, I'd be right on the roll call again.

All that being said, I'm so glad I will get to experience it with you all over again due to Andi's great generosity in posting from aboard! You two are real troopers with a sense of adventure and roll with the punches. I was thoroughly entertained on your last cruise without spending a penny! But I doubt a river cruise on the Volga is in my future!

Doug, I wholeheartedly agree about the cost of the cruise, but this looks like the best time to go, so I'm in. I'm going with the idea that this is an adventure cruise, not like any I've been on before. It will most likely have fewer luxuries than I am accustomed but places and animals I've never encountered in their natural environment. We will have the experience and expertise of all the naturalists, captain, staff and crew. Plus this is a 17 night cruise. As I look at some of the Regent cruises, they are charging $12,999 for their 18 night Dubai to Barcelona. Yes, I know there's includes airfare and hotel, but... We're going to Antarctica!!!

As I've been reading up, I am finding there are extra charges for entry into EZE and Ushuaia. Read below or see link .

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Argentina: Passport required. Visa not required for business/tourist stay of up to 90 days. U.S citizens are required to pay an entry fee / reciprocity in the amount of $140. The entry fee will be collected at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and is payable in pesos, US dollars, credit card and travelers checks. For complete details with regard to the entry fee, visit migraciones.gov.ar/

All Airports - International: $29 (if it is not already included in your ticket). Check with your Travel Representative to see if the Argentinean Departure Tax is included in your ticket price.
El Calafate - Domestic: $18
Trelew - Domestic: $6.05
Ushuaia - Domestic: $25 We need to see if this is included in our ticket.

Antarctica was our most expensive trip per diem but it was worth EVERY PENNY!


I very briefly considered the sail-by ships with NO landings and dismissed that idea quickly.

If we were going to Antarctica we wanted to actually step on the continent or we would have had REGRETS!

(In addition to the cost the next biggest problem was pronouncing and spelling USHUAIA correctly!)

I guarantee you'll have a GREAT experience - there are things more important than money.

I just found out that Terry Breen has a book on Antarctica. Found it on Amazon . A Kindle version is available, also.

Ted, I agree that stepping on the continent will be very important. Thanks for your comments. HI to Cathy!! :hello1:

Actually, the Silversea price (for a basic cabin) is much less expensive than other specialty suppliers such as Lindblad or Quark, and we're going to get a more lux experience than on either of those lines.

Yes, it's expensive, but the experience was so great the first time I'm going again. Plus, we're going to S. Georgia. As Ngaire would say, pretty much no reason to go to Antarctica and not go to S. Georgia.

Beth, thanks for the information on the fees. I don't think I knew about the reciprocity tax into EZE. I'm flying into AEP from Iguazu Falls so I may luck out and miss that one.

Does everyone know when they are arriving in Buenos Aires? I'll be there starting on the 7th. Planning a quick trip over to Colonia, Uruguay on the 9th.

Andrea, I found this quote on the US State Dept Argentina website: Currently, the fee is only charged at Ezeiza and Jorge Newbery airports.

How lucky to visit Uquazu Falls! It's on my list.

Thanks Beth - AEP is Jorge Newbery. I'll make sure to have extra dinero!!

I think we are arriving 5 days early. Don't know whether it makes sense to stay put or do something else like you are doing Andrea? Now that Russia is done we can focus.

What date do you arrive Andi? My trip over to Colonia is just a day trip on Monday the 9th. I have a transfer to the hydrofoil & an English speaking guide for my day in Colonia. It is a photographer's paradise! You & Doug are welcome to come along if you'd like.

I'm in NY now becoming blonde so haven't our logistics but will check. Thanks!

Having been on the Prince Albert a little over a year ago, I think you will be surprised at what a great experience it will be. Yes the cabins are small but comfortable and you won't have that much stuff. The dining room was nice and the food was good. The staff are delightful and the naturalist were superb. Nice room up top for cards and viewing. Good wine. Certainly not roughing it. Looking forward to this trip. We are only two nights in BA. Have been several times before. One of our favorite South American Cities. Great sightseeing.

Andrea:

Colonia looks interesting. Let's talk!

Doug on Andi's log-in.

Hi Doug! I'll send Andi an email later tonight and we can discuss.

In case anyone else is wondering about Colonia, here's a link to my friend's website (her name is also Andi). She traveled there earlier this year and her photos were what inspired me to go. Her trip to Easter Island is also what inspired me to go there too!

My Beautiful Adventures

Andrea,

We don't get in until the 11th so unfortunatly we can't do this though I sure wish we could! Marc said to tell you and Andi that we are staying at the Hilton in BA and since you will both be there so many days before us, he thinks you two should find a great restaurant for us all (any in the group who wants to be included) to have a great "Argentinian Beef" dinner the night before the cruise. What do you think?

dupe sorry

Sounds good. We now have to make all the land arrangements. We are currently at Hilton 2 nights and Hyatt 3 but this could change,

One of the best restaurants in BA is El Mirasol. They have 2 locations, one in Recoletta and one in Puerto Madero. Puerto Madero is a nicer setting and newer restaurant.
In Ushuaia an excellent restaurant is La Estancia on the main street.
Jim

Arlene, that sounds like a great idea! I will do some research and find something delicious - thanks for the suggestions Jim.

Pam, Thanks for your comments. As a past Silversea pax, I know the ship will be top notch as an expedition ship. Ngaire told me that it will remind me of my favorite Song of Flower. I look forward to getting back to that intimate feel I miss so much from the Song.

Not sure about not packing much. How do you do it for 17 nights??? With all the Antarctic gear on my list to buy, I'm thinking I'll have loads of stuff packed in my suitcase. :eek: :ohmy: :eek:

Beth, you will now be jealous...my Russia trip provided some interesting shopping to augment my possum attire. I now have two Russian fox hats and a pair of mink mittins. Now that will go nicely with the penguin poop.

On the less fashionista side, can I use ski pants or do I need to get the waterproof pants that cover jeans?

Oh no, Andi..... possum, mink, fox and penguin poop!!! Can't wait to see it all.

I'm pretty sure you need the waterproof pants for the zodiac landings.

I'm arriving in BA on the 10th and hanging with Andrea. An Argentinian beef feast sounds delicious!

you guys are going to have SO much fun

Terrific Andrea! We will leave ourselves in your very capable hands!

Jim Thanks too for the suggestions. I love all the LCT knoweledge!

:lct:

Hi all!

I just gave the ok to charge the final payment.
But I am wondering about travel insurance,,,,,,,
Given the cost of this trip, it is expensive.

What are you all doing?

Doug

Doug we have insured 80% of our trips - never needed it but darn would have made me nervous wreck not having it plus we both had/have health issues - roll of the dice?? I am not gambler so we paid :( :( :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :mad: :mad:

Doug, we insured for about 75% of cost. I was leaning towards insuring for half; Arlene for the entire amount; so we compromised. Hotels and air on points/miles so didn't include any cost for them. Make sure your dates of travel on insurance are inclusive of any pre/post.

Marc:
Thanks for your help!

the difference is huge between pre-existing conditions and,no pre-existing conditions for the cancellation policies.
We have no pre-existing stuff, so that choice is clear.

But the diff between a 'normal' insurance policy & the cancellation policy is in 4 figures.

I understand the 'peace of mind' stuff, but is just seems like a lot of money for very little.

We have always taken the insurance...maybe it is time to self-insure?

Don't know. Comments welcome. This is a difficult choice. But I have a few days to make it.

Doug

Doug - I didn't insure twice. One of those I had to cancel and the other I needed to leave half way though the cruise. Call it Betty's bad luck. Every time I insure nothing happens and I am grateful for that. Now I always insure and at my age it is not cheap. ZODIAC is over 4 figures, but it's better than losing 5. I know you will make the decision that is right for you and Andi.

I think it was Woody Allen on insurance:

"You're covered for everything - except what you have."

Doug, I hope you've looked at www.insuremytrip.com, they usually have the best rates for insurance there and you can compare various policies. I have the same luck as Betty -- we didn't get insurance for one lousy trip and of course ended up having to cancel it. We always get the insurance now but usually only insure 75% or so. And the older you get, the more expensive it gets, but we figure it's just part of the cost of the trip.

Peggy, I always compared prices on insuremytrip but have found that Ngaire has "special pricing" with CSA freestyle which is significantly cheaper than online and also includes preexisting. Now, i just contact B&K and a quote (or multiple quotes) just show up in my inbox from CSA. Then, all I have to do is click the buy button.

Easy.

Thanks, that hasn't been the case in the past, but I'll check it out from now on.

The idea of insuring a % of the trip is a new idea to me.
I shall ask Susan to get me quotes on less than the full cost of the trip and see how they come out.
I'm trying to rack my feeble brain to come up with situations that would force us to cancel.
Since we have no pre-existing conditions, I can rule out a flare up of anything. Really, I can only see a horrible medical surprise concerning one of us or our daughter, and she has a husband to look out for her. If I had the awful medical surprise, Andi would still go & send me daily blogs.
Weather delays seem to be covered. Besides, we are going many days early. A day or two late won't cause us to miss the sailing.

So, as I see it, we are paying an additional 4-5% on top of the cost of the trip to protect ourselves from the financial loss of the trip due to being hit by a bus or finding out that one of us has an illness that cannot wait a month for treatment.

Am I missing anything here? You all have given such good advice & suggestions in the past.
I await the collected wisdom of this group.

Doug

I think I agree with you Doug. I might have been hard pressed to insure if we'd both been healthy. I will admit I never understood all the pre-existing vs non clauses so went with the pre-existing as it made me feel safe. We have more kids and grandkids so worried about having to cancel if they had misfortune. And we'd say to each other before any trip - DON'T trip and break a hip, get in car accident, etc. I think that CSA freestyle with B&K sounds great. Not sure that was an option (good pricing) for all of our insured trips since 2003 - it's not cheap to insure!!! Good luck with your decision. Oh, by the way, Andi plans to take me if you cannot go and we'll send you daily blogs ;) ;) :hug: :hug:

BUT DOUG CANNOT TAKE YOU IF I DON'T GO!