Una
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
One more question (hopefully my last ?).

Are there any recommendations as to currencies and how much... given that there's only a day at each end in Chile, it's difficult to figure out how much would be needed.

Thanks, Una

SueBurbidge
(Member)
Hi,

I'm interested to know how many have upgraded their flight. I'm still in economy - hope I'm not the only one.

Una
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
'SueBurbidge' wrote:

Hi,

I'm interested to know how many have upgraded their flight. I'm still in economy - hope I'm not the only one.

Hi Sue

I'm so glad to see your post, as I was also worried that I'd be the only one of the group in economy. I had considered upgrading but it was just too expensive!

Only 4 weeks to go ?

Rgds

Una

Bee9010
(Member)
Hello Sue

You're not the only one, I'm in economy too, glad I won't be on my own! I though I'd rather use the money for any other little extras.

Bee

SueBurbidge
(Member)
Hi Una and Bee,

Thanks for your replies. Pleased to see that you are both in economy as well. Like you, I decided the upgrade money would go a long way towards another holiday. Look forward to meeting you both. Are you flying from Heathrow?

Have either of you done a holiday like this before? I've done Australia, New Zealand and Thailand with Just You and thoroughly enjoyed them but I've never been on a cruise so hope I like it!!!! I'm unsure of what to pack. I was planning on casual clothes during the day with maybe some smart casual for the evening meals. Do either of you know if it will be cool or warm on the boat - don't want to over pack with warm things but don't want to be cold either. Any info or advice gratefully received.

Sue

Jellifer
(Member)
'SueBurbidge' wrote:

Hi Una and Bee,

Thanks for your replies. Pleased to see that you are both in economy as well. Like you, I decided the upgrade money would go a long way towards another holiday. Look forward to meeting you both. Are you flying from Heathrow?

Have either of you done a holiday like this before? I've done Australia, New Zealand and Thailand with Just You and thoroughly enjoyed them but I've never been on a cruise so hope I like it!!!! I'm unsure of what to pack. I was planning on casual clothes during the day with maybe some smart casual for the evening meals. Do either of you know if it will be cool or warm on the boat - don't want to over pack with warm things but don't want to be cold either. Any info or advice gratefully received.

Sue

Hi Sue,

I was on a similar trip last Christmas - you are in for a treat! It was quite warm on the ship and very casual. I had taken far too many winter clothes and not enough lighter pieces but there was a self service laundry on our ship so I was able to do some washing. In terms of dressing up for evening meals, we didn’t always get time but there wasn’t a wide selection from super casual (joggers, jeans etc) to smart casual. I took a couple of dressy tops and a Christmas jumper. 

Feel free to shout if you have any further questions and have a wonderful time!

Bee9010
(Member)
Hello Sue

I have cruised several times, and visited NZ, but none of those was with Just You - I have only visited European destinations with JY. I love cruising, and life on board, but I think this one will be different from those I've done before - this is more an expedition than a cruise!

If you go to the Hurtigruten website, you can download the MS Raold Amundsen handbook, which gives all sorts of info and tips. You're not expected to dress up for dinner - things are more informal and casual wear seems fine. Other ships I've travelled on have had comfortable well-controlled temperatures inside, so that shouldn't be a problem on this new ship, although of course we'll have to wrap up to go out on deck!

All the clothing advice is 'take layers' - for outdoor wear I have base layer sets (thin wool tops and long-johns), a couple of fleeces, waterproof gloves with liners, warm hat and neck funnel, waterproof trousers that go over other trousers. The fleeces and wool tops are ok on their own for indoor wear. And a warm down jacket of course! I think the jacket that Hurtigruten provides is wind/waterproof but not that warm.

For evenings I have slightly smarter trousers and a couple of tops, all lightweight material and casual. I'm taking one skirt for Christmas Day. Hopefully these versatile layerable clothes will make my suitcase a bit lighter than it usually is when I go on holiday!

Do have a look at the Hurtigruten handbook, I found it really helpful and interesting.

Looking forward to meeting you and Una at Heathrow.

Bee

SueBurbidge
(Member)
Thanks for the advice Jellifer and Bee - much appreciated.

I'll have a look at the Hurtigruten site as suggested.

Looking forward to the trip - but a little apprehensive.

Una
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Great advice Jellifer and Bee about being warm on the ship. To be honest, I'm not going to worry about dressing up in the evenings - comfy is my motto. I think my normal winter wear will do for inside the ship, and will add thermal layers/windproof/waterproof for when we go on land, or walking on deck. I have just bought a more dressy sweater for Christmas Day - now to decide on what to wear with it - new jeans or dressy trousers. Can't believe it's only 3 weeks away - I'd better order my currency for Chile (for incidentals on the 1st day). And I got 2 new spare camera batteries as well.

Some advice I received from a friend's sister who went to Antarctica  a few years ago. If the cold affects your kidneys, buy heat patches to wear when going on land. Buy silica bags (like those you get with leather handbags) and put with your camera in a plastic bag in your backpack to help against it misting up.

Rgds

Una

Una
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
Question - will there be an opportunity at the airport or the 1st day in Santiago to get some currency? Just tried to order Chilean Peso in my bank, and they don't do it! It will only be a small amount to pay for lunch/coffee (I'm presuming there will be time for some grub when seeinf Santiago) etc on the 1st day, I'm slow to use my cards when abroad, especially when there's some unrest in the area..

Rgds

Una

Una
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
'Vickie' wrote:

Hi Una,

A jacket is not supplied for this trip, so we'd recommend you bring a bring a warm down jacket and the best waterproof you have.

We are closely monitoring the situation in Santiago and hopefully this will be resolved before the departure date. If not, we will put contingency plans in place and all customers will be contacted directly in good time to advise of any changes.

Many thanks,

Vickie

Hi. Any update on whether the unrest will cause any changes to plans. Saw a post from a trip in November where curfews and blockades caused timings to change. 

Thanks

Una

Vickie
(Member)
Hi Una,

Yes, the airport will have money exchange desks – please advise your Tour Manager that you wish to exchange some money and I’m sure they will allow a few minutes for customers to do this.

Many thanks,

Vickie

PennyA
(Member)
Vickie

Can you double check regards the windproof/waterproof jacket?

I've bought a warm padded jacket that is only shower proof. I would need to purchase a waterproof coat too.

This trip on the Hurtigruten website shows coats are provided.??!!

Thankyou

Penny

Vickie
(Member)
Hi Penny,

A waterproof jacket is provided, so you don't need to worry about that. We do recommend people bring their own warm, thicker jacket too - which you already have so looks like you're sorted! 🙂

Many thanks,

Vickie

SueBurbidge
(Member)
Hi Una,

I have £80 worth of Chilean Peso - it was the least I could get. Doubt if I will need that much so happy to let you have some if you have not managed to get any.

See you at Heathrow on Thursday.

Sue

Una
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
'SueBurbidge' wrote:

Hi Una,

I have £80 worth of Chilean Peso - it was the least I could get. Doubt if I will need that much so happy to let you have some if you have not managed to get any.

See you at Heathrow on Thursday.

Sue

That is so kind of you Sue, thank you very much.

I can't believe it's only 3 days to go !!!  I've packed in my head - better put it all in a suitcase now 

Looking forward to meeting everyone, especially those I've already "spoken to" here on the forum.

Rgds

Una

Sarah W - TM
(Member)
Dear Antarctic Adventurers,

I've just posted in the "Share your travel tips" section with some info about clothing and what to take.

Hopefully this will answer most of your questions.

Wishing you a wonderful time.

Happy Travelling, Sarah