Now that we have booked Kangaroo, we decided we need to book excursions; however, there were a couple of anomalies.

First, on Thursday Island, there is only one tour to choose. Then, it is sold out.

What gives? How could there be only one choice and then it be sold out four months in advance?

Second, on Sandakan, not only are two of the excursions additional charges (when "like" excursions are free at different ports) but all four excursions are sold out? Again, what is the story?

Has anyone been able to book a tour at Thursday Island or Sandakan?

Marc, don't worry about being waitlisted for an excursion, the waitlist always clears, usually within a short time after you do your booking. I think what happens is that they start out with one or two buses and then add as demand requires. I've never heard of anyone being denied a tour. I had the same question about Sandakan, but wonder if they're trying to "limit" some of the tours there because the infrastructure probably isn't that great. We signed up for one of the free tours there and we're waitlisted. If we decide we want to do one of the paid tours, we'll sign up onboard so we can use onboard credit. Again, have never been denied a paid tour--even at the last minute.

As you may know, Sandakan was substituted for Lawi Lawi for some reason. That is why it is one of the last to have any information about excursions. I talked to Regent last week when I noticed that the excursions were finally posted but sold out. I was told that it was probably not true that they were sold out; it was because they had just been loaded. I wait listed us on the Wildlife Extravaganza, expecting to be cleared when things got straightened out. I'm not sure they prices are meaningful either, since almost all the excursions on this cruise have really been "free."

The situation with Thursday Island is different, I think. We've been booked for that excursion for some time. It may be sold out because it was the only one offered. I would think a call to Regent would clarify matters.

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Eugene

I was on Thursday Island many years ago. There wasn't any tours, we just tendered in and walked the main town.Perhaps its larger now. All I can remember is going to a really great bar(reminded me of the old west saloon)and having great Aussie beer.

When we asked the captain why we stoped here, his reply was so you can say you were on of the few people in the world to visit here.

Thursday Island is tiny! It was interesting in how small it really is and cannot even imagine living there. We did enjoy walking the one main street and talking to the locals. There is some history here from the second world war. This was a base for Australian and American troops and the Australians were concerned aobut a Japanese invasion so this was the first line of defense. THis is one of those far out places that some will complain about "why did we stop here" World War ll buffs will love visiting and others will just enjoy seeing a place like this that is like stepping back in time. There were no tours offered at all when we were there.