Christmas 2014 in Bolivia.

[straitman]

I'll start by putting this in the cruise section as that is all we have booked thus far but it may finish elsewhere.

Coming up twenty years ago our eldest daughter spent 12 months in Bolivia as an exchange student. Since then she has not had an opportunity to return and visit her host family so we have finally bitten the bullet and next year Karen, Cameron, Brody (10) and Sienna (4) along with Sue and I are off to Bolivia for Christmas.

It is way too early to book flights yet but we have just booked the first part in that I/we have just booked our second ever cruise. It is on The Golden Princess for 17 nights and departs from Los Angeles and goes to Santiago in December 2014.

Date Port Arrival Departure
3rd Los Angeles (San Pedro) 4:00 PM
4th At Sea
5th Cabo San Lucas 12:00 PM 7:00 PM
6th At Sea
7th At Sea
8th At Sea
9th San Juan del Sur 9:00 AM 7:00 PM
10th Puntarenas CR 7:00 AM 7:00 PM
11th At Sea
12th At Sea
13th At Sea
14th Lima 7:00 AM
15th Lima 6:00 PM
16th Pisco 8:00 AM 5:00 PM
17th At Sea
18th At Sea
19th Coquimbo 7:00 AM 6:00 PM
20th Valparaiso 5:00 AM

We looked around and various sites and found prices to be quite comparable across the board but the big shock was how much of the ship is already booked. We pretty much got what we wanted but only after some serious searching around.

Eventually we decided and booked through Cruise Pilot which is a Virgin Australia partner. Should be a great VA points earner also with 2 points/$ from Amex and 6 points/$ from VA and Platinum FF. I also found that from Princess lines I’ll also get an extra $250 onboard credit as a former ADF member.

When making the booking there were a few minor issues but I have to say that their service recovery was brilliant.

More to come.

 

[drron]

Cruisers are a pretty organised bunch.We just got onto a cruise in October 2015 from the Bahamas via Cuba and the Panama canal to Ecuador.We had to pull a few strings to get aboard.totally sold out now.Waiting list only.

 

[Pushka]

I'm waiting for Princess to release their 2015 Alaskan cruises.

If you have 100 Carnival shares you receive OBC for every cruise. Which includes Princess, P&O, HAL and Cunard. And a couple of others.

Does that OBC also apply to former Police Officers I wonder?

 

[Fifa]

And here I was thinking you were organising a 'Do'

 

[Geegeela]

Don't know if you have noticed but the Roll Call for this cruise has started to warm-up a bit.

However, as can be expecpected, at this stage, still a little tepid.

Cruise Critic Message Board Forums

 

[straitman]

Don't know if you have noticed but the Roll Call for this cruise has started to warm-up a bit.

However, as can be expecpected, at this stage, still a little tepid.

Cruise Critic Message Board Forums

Thanks Geegeela,

Another forum to take up my time is just what I need :!:

I have however registered and will post shortly after I have picked up a little more of the terminology.

 

[Geegeela]

Thanks Geegeela,

Another forum to take up my time is just what I need :!:

I have however registered and will post shortly after I have picked up a little more of the terminology.

I know, I know, I did hesitate a bit before I posted as it is like heroi_.

But after a minute consideration I thought in the long run you would forgive me as in most cases you will find it quite valuable.

If I might be so bold I also suggest you participate in the "meet & greet" when someone gets aroud to organising it.

Anyway with all that aside I am sure you will have a great cruise.

 

[straitman]

An update.

The trip is gradually coming together.

26 Nov MEL-LAX using a Qantas FASA.
26 Nov-2 Dec visit a few people including Mr & Mrs Fredd from FT.
2 Dec Karen, Cam & kids arrive in J on VA reward ticket.
2 Dec overnight on the Hotel Queen Mary.
3 Dec-20 Dec cruise on the Golden Princess as per post #1
21-21 Dec Travel to Santas Cruz Bolivia (probably mainly air)
22 Dec-3 Jan approx in Bolivia at places various.
4 Jan fly to LA.
5 Jan-20 Jan tour western US in a mobile home.
20 Jan Karen, Cam and kids fly home VA on a PE reward ticket.
21 Jan we (Sue & I) fly to Boston area for a couple of days to catch up with several people.
26 Jan we fly to Paris.
29 Jan fly CDG-HEL-LHR (Finnair J) and LHR-DUB-MEL (Qantas F) on an AA F reward.
31 Jan back to reality.

 

[drron]

Yes Cruise Critic is addictive.
I have been conscripted to organise the meet and greet for our June 2015 cruise.
Just what I needed.

 

[straitman]

Yes Cruise Critic is addictive.
I have been conscripted to organise the meet and greet for our June 2015 cruise.
Just what I needed.

Don't be bashful. We all know you love it :!:

 

[Geegeela]

Well, Bill, I am sure you and the family will have a great time on the Golden.

In future you will not have to travel so far to hop on her.

Princess Cruises plans biggest Australia season | Cruise News UK

 

[straitman]

Well, Bill, I am sure you and the family will have a great time on the Golden.

In future you will not have to travel so far to hop on her.

Princess Cruises plans biggest Australia season | Cruise News UK

Thanks for the link.