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Post by roverpup on Nov 2, 2022 18:00:29 GMT
Well we still are going to NZ but it had to be delayed until October/November of next year.
But Dan suggested that we take a winter break to Jamaica as well, so I just booked 2 weeks at an all inclusive resort in Montego Bay Jamaica. We're leaving February 7th and coming back February 21st.
We'll take lots of books, and do loads of swimming and snorkeling!
The resort is supposed to be very nice (lots of great reviews) and fairly small (only 225 rooms). We're booked into an Oceanview room with butler service.
As for the NZ trip, we've booked a National Geographic tour. They're done with an emphasis on culture and an ecology focus. Two weeks in NZ and then another week in Bora Bora and Moorea Tahiti. More details to come. 🙂
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Post by llminnowpea on Nov 2, 2022 18:03:59 GMT
RP! That sounds wonderful, though it is too bad you have to postpone the NZ trip.
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Post by roverpup on Nov 3, 2022 3:19:27 GMT
Sorry! I'm a tight "packer" so I don't leave any extra space. But I wish I could take you all! ❤
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Post by roverpup on Nov 6, 2022 2:27:58 GMT
Just thought I tell about something nice that company did (in these time where being fair isn't always a business model).
When we booked our NZ/Tahiti trip before covid struck we had put money down as deposits. Then when covid fell over the world we did get some of our deposits back, but some smaller companies keep the deposit on file (or some really smaller companiesdidn't give any $$ back nor did they keep the deposit on file - this was especially true of small local airlines).
Well, when we were rebooking things this year, my agent told me the company that organized the Tahiti portion, told her that they still had our deposit on file and it was slated to "run out" by the end of this year, but the company rep told her they would extend the deposit to next year and so we get a nice break on paying it! Technically they didn't have to extend it so it's good to see a company with a fairness ethic.
We weren't expecting this so it's a lovely surprise!
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Post by MagdaFR on Nov 6, 2022 17:19:12 GMT
I thought of you, roverpup when I saw this tweet.
I know it's not your case. Me (running away):
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Post by roverpup on Nov 6, 2022 18:01:46 GMT
Lol! That's my idea of HELL too!
Dan and I are only interested in VERY small groups if and when we go in a group.
For NZ we are with a company that only books groups of 12 - 16 people max. That's a very doable number.
You get some companionship (when you want it) but much of the time you're on your own.
They usually only schedule one "group" event every two days. We've used this same company for our trips to Japan and India and Nepal. They build in loads of time for you to explore things on your own but are always available when you need help making arrangements.
For the Tahiti part of the trip we're completely on our on (the company will make all the travel arrangements and transfers to and from the airports or resorts).
With all our travels we've never been on a cruise. Not very interested in "floating hotels".
We are slated to spend one night on a boat in NZ. It's a two day/overnight cruise through a national park that's a fjord on the south island. It's a very small boat by the looks of it.
Love the penguins!😄
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Post by roverpup on Aug 30, 2023 19:48:08 GMT
Well, things are shaping up nicely for our trip to NZ and Tahiti.
We have got our foreign money (both NZ and American dollars) to have for cash for tips etc.
In a couple of weeks I'll apply for our electronic non Visa visas to New Zealand. They only take a maximum of 72 hour to get and last for 3 months. It's all done through email.
I have finalized payment for the trip and even arranged transfers by car to and from the airports in NZ.
Now Dan and I are picking out some things we'd like to do in our two free days in Auckland before the tour begins. One thing is a night cruise of the harbour on a sailboat with dinner. It's very small - only 8 people pee trip. So I think I'll have to make reservations. Another is a trip to the aquarium in Auckland. We love aquariums!
The tour company is taking to some sites in and around Auckland, so we don't want to duplicate anything.
The last thing I have to focus on is PACKING!!! I've got some packing cubes so I'll give you an update on whether they actually work or not - first time using them.
And I have to get a new pair of runners soon (to have time for them to be broken in).
Today I got my last eye jab before we leave. The next eye jab is scheduled for a week after we arrive back home.
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Post by ellie on Aug 30, 2023 20:12:05 GMT
Just catching up on this thread. I’m sure you’ll enjoy NZ RP. It’s beautiful with so much to see and do.
As for cruises the experience differs greatly depending on the cruise. I would avoid those on ships like the one pictured above like the plague. Also those where passengers are only there for the booze so to speak and not the destinations. I have been on two short cruises. One was a five day journey from Vancouver to Alaska. We took it before starting our overland trip in Alaska because it was the best way to visit Juneau as it’s hard to get to other than by boat - especially if your time is limited. Have to say I really enjoyed it. And I went in thinking I wouldn’t but I did want to visit Juneau. I found the cruise itself really relaxing. You can totally do your own thing. We avoided the cabaret shows (not our thing) but absolutely loved the “Library.” - a quiet space where you could relax in super comfortable armchairs while reading your book, sipping a coffee or something stronger and looking out to sea hoping to spot a whale. I did once - I think! Also there were a really nice bunch of passengers. You don’t get a lot of “booze cruisers” going to Alaska! The other cruise I’ve been on was from Montreal to Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and ending up in Boston. Took it at the end of an overland Eastern Canada holiday and again really enjoyed it.
So I would not write cruises off. They can be good ways of seeing some places. Just be picky about which places and cruise lines you select.
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Post by jbc12 on Aug 31, 2023 11:51:46 GMT
Ooh getting close now! Very exciting, RP!  |
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Post by roverpup on Sept 8, 2023 0:24:10 GMT
Just did my first dry run for packing today.
I like to test things our and then start whittling down my clothing items well before we go. I was planning on taking 3 bags on this Tripp but I think we'll get by with just a carry-on each. We'll be gone 25 days total but with the addition of a "personal bag" for Dan (an old laptop bag) and my purse, a carry-on bag each is doable.
I might take a folding "extra bag" just in case we pick up more things to bring back.
I still have to get ghe e-visas (that are good for 3 months) but it only takes 72 hours to get approved for them and it is all done by email so I'll do that Monday.
I'm getting excited!!
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