OK I'll start the roll call as Marc and I are really excited about this itinerary

Marc & Arlene GTY
Andrea and Lauri 642
Peggy & Jerry 647
Pam & Jim 648
Sheila & Ken 649
Mark & Cheron 650
Michele & Don 652
Olivia
Susan & Wayne 764

I wanna I wanna....another SPICE girl reporting in! Don & I are in 652. Love the lemur/spice pin.

Please add Mark and Cheron to the Spice list. We are in 650.

Pam and Jim 648. Looks like we will have a great floor like on TAJ

2 more SPICE girls reporting in! Lauri and I will be in 642.

Woo-hoo!!!!

Another Spice girl to add to the list! We're in 649.

Obviously those who chose quickly knew the spot to be. What a block party we will have.

We're in 647 -- glad we're not the only ones on the "odd" side

Glad you're joining us Peggy!!

Here's an article on Cape Town that appears in tomorrow's Washington Post: Cape Town article.

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

Eugene

I sure hope we get the 6th floor with all our friends!

I hope so too. It's shaping up to be quite a nice "neighborhood"!

Joining here now to say add me to the increasing list of Spice Girls! Forgot to add myself, as I'm always hesitant until I am absolutely sure!

I've cruised before with each and everyone of you on the list, and looking forward to being with some whom I've not seen for too long! And I just adore the NAME! oh my, so many new ports for me, it will be a long wait to see them all! haha, I am going to double up with my familial obligations in 2013 to free myself up for 2014 Thanksgiving and Christmas eve family gatherings that are always a big undertaking for the entire extended family on my side.

Absolutely awesome news Olivia!!

Yay! Olivia is joining the SPICE girls!

Im a little slow off the mark, but we are in, too. Susan & Wayne (764). We were in your 'neighborhood' last year on Voyager, up a deck this time. Might have to run downstairs during the Block Party!

I know this is a long way off but let's start thinking of maybe having a group dinner for Thanksgiving. There aren't that many of us and we all know each other so it would be like having family. Just a thought. Maybe they would bring out a whole turkey to the table so we could have the family dining thing as well as any other mains people want.

Pam, fantastic idea.

On one Regent cruise we saw a whole goose brought out to the table. Grandfather, traveling with large family group, carved the goose. I think getting whole turkey served should be easy.

Of course, we might need many turkeys!

If you request a whole turkey (or more than one) order it before the cruise so it can be available. It's been done before, a group of 10 had one for Thanksgiving on the Discovery Cruise and another had one in the Amazon in 2012. A real turkey is so much better than their standard turkey roll ups.

Wonderful Idea Pam. Please can we join in too? Know we're not American but Ken and I always celebrate your Thanksgiving with turkey and all the trimmings.

A fantastic idea Pam. We had Thanksgiving dinner with Ngaire and Ken and Tom and Mona last year so maybe we can start another biannual tradition!

Good idea. We were on Regent last Thanksgiving and one group had a fabulous looking turkey with all the trimmings. It looked like there were two tables of 6 or 8 who were served. We were really jealous

Great idea, Pam!

That sounds like a great idea. We would love to be part of the celebration.

What a fun idea for you all. I would definitely recommend pre-ordering the turkey. On the Discovery Collection in 2008, Crystal and I had the opportunity to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with Captain McNeill, the ship hostese and 3 other couples. All 10 of us ordered the turkey (not all Americans at the table) and it was delicious. In 2010 on DINGO, we again celebrated Thanksgivingon the Navigator to a disappointing rolled turkey.

Good. We will make room for all who want to join. Love the idea of a family style dinner without having to do the cooking. This year it was a 24lbs turkey next year someone else will do it. Now on to Christmas.

Please count me in on the wonderful turkey feast!

Definitely sounds like a great idea. I'd like to join too!

For those looking for a great bargain, Cat H guarantee now show as available on Regent website.

Anyone new to add to roll call?

I am now the proud owner of a ten year Indian Visa!

Lauri, how long did it take? We haven't even started, and we leave in three months for Narwhal; do we have enough time?

Marc

lol, I didn't even read the stuff that we need an Indian visa. I think I have every visa required in most parts of the world. Now I have to do this one?????????? I usually just pay extra and expedite. Makes me nervous not to have my passport. I'll be looking into this tomorrow.

I dropped my application off at the Houston Travisa location on April 15 and it was ready today. If you consider mail both ways it should only add a few more days.

I still need India visa, any others can be obtained when we get there, is my understanding.

Last time I needed another visa for Brazil I used visa service that Regent uses but forgot the name - it went very fast and smoothly. I asked Susan W to email me what the service is but haven't heard from her yet.

If we apply soon should not need expedite fee.

Marc, we got an India Visa a year or so ago. We used ABriggs in Houston and it took a little over a week to get it there and back by mail. Just be sure you dot all the i's and cross all the t's--apparently they're very picky.

We have used CIBT with good results. I believe that is the service most cruise lines utilize. Hope that helps, Ted

THANK YOU, That's it!

I was pleased with the service.

Ugh, just when I thought I was done messing around with my passport I realize that I have very few blank pages left. So off it goes to have pages added...

one more excurison cleared. 4 to go.

Got a lot of shore excursions clearances to day on different trips. Hopefully everyone will clear for all their excursions.

One for me also; three to go.

TURKEYS on Thanksgiving.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I checked with Regent and they will not do a turkey to be carved at the table on a special order. Logistically this would be a nightmare and it was probably done once (when Peggy saw it) and then it started everyone wanting it so it is no longer done.

Well that's just unAmerican.

I'm not crazy about turkey, I'll probably celebrate with REAL American meat!

Roast Beef - NO Feathers!

I totally understand that. THey cannot do it for every table.
Their Thanksgiving menu is always wonderful anyway.

Yay, my passport is back with 48 extra pages. Turnaround was just over a week door to door.
Now I have so many pages that my passport barely closes.

Ted, if you get this, check your PM's

YES, glad to join if I can have something other than turkey. IF NOT I'll "bite the turkey" and still make up the "Dirty Dozen."

Ted, I've never liked their rolled turley slice, so that's a good night to go to Prime & for some real meat.

The last couple times we've been on Regent for Thanksgiving they had real turkey, not turkey roll, but they had plenty of other things on the menu in Compass Rose also.

I have been on for Thanksgiving twice or 3 times before, and ever remember anything resembling turkey roll.....I hate that stuff. And I will even tolerate McNuggets if I am on the move.

Everyone can choose what they wish! Some of my favorite La Veranda lunches are when the carving station has baked ham or turkey.

Whittling down excursions. Wait listed 5 now down to 2.

Does anyone know who we use as reference in India for our visa applications? I am just getting around to visa applications and it is a bear.

Marc

Marc, I used CIBT with good result with Rio visas and will use them for India. Regent uses CIBT also:


customerservice@cibtvisas.com

Marc, Regent uses CIBT , I used them for Rio visa with good result.


customerservicec@cibtvisas.com

It didn't appear to take first time! Thus you have it twice!

Marc, I think you use Regent Seven Seas cruises as a sponsor, but we should get some detailed instructions from Jennifer in Ngaire's office before long. Just FYI, I read on the Points Pro blog that India now issues visas through Cox & King (www.ckgs.us). The total cost on their website is $80, but don't know how that compares with other visa processors. The blog also said that India will be going to a visa on entry system this fall -- don't know how that will affect us, but since it doesn't take long to get the visa, I think I'll wait a while to apply and see what transpires.

Peggy, that is great news that we may be able to wait for India visa upon entry! That will no doubt be less expensive and hassle!

I'm crossing my fingers and and toes BUT NOT my eyes!!

Marc, here's the information I used last year and what Lauri used to get her India visa a couple of months ago:

The references are:

In India:

Ventours
116, Dalmal Tower, 211
Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021
Phone Number 22040910

I used Travisa and the turn around time was around a week. I used the info Andrea posted above. The application was a bit of a pain but the Travisa website walks you through it. The five and ten year visa are the same cost so I opted for the ten year one, why not?
Just make sure you have enough consecutive blank visa pages. Some countries can be real sticklers about that (especially South Africa which is our last stop).

Thanks for all the feedback!!! Given the fast turnaround time, and the changeover last week of Indian Visa processing service, I am going to wait until we get back from Narwhal in early September to get visa; should be plenty of time.

Again, thanks for the info!

Thanks, Andrea, I had forgotten the info on the sponsor.

Did everyone survive making final payment?!

We'll see after I pay the credit card bill

I did not like having to make final payment 150 days in advance. As H guarantees are still available, I thought about canceling and rebooking later; after all, I would still probably end up with the same excursions anyway.

I've survived making final payment but my yellow fever vaccine is making my arm hurt.

"Do no harm:" Hippocrates

A sore arm beats yellow fever any day.

Touche!

Well rats, it looks like we'll just miss the change in India Visas--they change to electronic visas on arrival in December:

http://livefromalounge.boardingarea...arance-to-40-countries-by-december-2014/

Peggy, will these electronic visas be free? If so, seems like we should only bother with six month visa since it is cheaper.

I'm sure it won't be free, just a whole lot less hassle. It sounds like you'll be able to apply and pay for a visa online and they'll validate it on arrival. But since we arrive in November, we still have to go through the old process. If I get any more information, I'll let you know. I'm assuming that for those who have five or ten year visas, they'll still be good after the new system is put in place, but who knows.

Is there consensus getting India visa on you own or a visa service and what was the result - good, bad or ugly?

Very spicey!!!

Very cute! Four months and counting.....

Completely frustrated doing India visa. Seem to make a mistake each time. Hopefully it is right. Sending off to visa co. Don't be dumb like we were and not get a 10 year visa. Thought we would never be back and here it is a year later and we are. We were very "penny wise and pound foolish"

India application was MUCH WORSE than a VERY HOT July at Ft Dix, NJ, sweltering through "basic training!"


And I paid Regent to " take care of it" - what a fool!

Interested why you say this, Ted, if you went through Regent. I have to get on this, and in the past have always gone through Zierer. I have to get a new passport with extra pages first, and then get the visa. Hoping to find one-stop service.

What have been your problems as you say you are handling through the cruise line?

Preliminary cruise information we received said we need visas in Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique; are those needed in advance or do we get on the ship?

Only two months to go!

I believe that India is the only Visa you need to get in advance. The others Regent will obtain for you and charge to your on board account if you didn't get them in advance.

Lauri, thanks!

One more question, is yellow fever vaccination mandatory? It says in one of the emails we have received but I thought we had previously discussed and found out it was not required.

Yes, it is my understanding Marc that you need the Yellow Fever shot OR a letter from a doctor stating your health prevents you from taking it. I also vaguely remember it not being mandatory but now it is mandatory. Rules are always changing. Now if you fly to South Africa via Dakar you have to have it even if they do not open the plane doors!!

As far as I can tell the Yellow Fever vaccine is required. I got mine at Walgreens, it wasn't terribly expensive but wow, did it hurt! Gave me a pretty nasty red, swollen, painful welt on my arm for about a week.
At least I won't get yellow fever though.

Lauri, I saw my doctor today and asked about the yellow fever vaccine. She said only one doctor in Huntsville does them and it is $100 to see him and $130 for the shot. The Health Department doesn't do them anymore. Did you really just go to Walgreens? Did you have to have a prescription (knowing that you have easy access!!) I am wondering if it would be worth it to get it done somewhere else easier and less expensive since I am going to be traveling to a couple of other states before the trip. Anyone else look into this yet?

We had Yellow Fever shot when we went to Kenya many years ago. The only pain was the price! No side effects, fortunately.

Yes, I really just went to walgreens, no prescription needed. The CDC has a search function on their website that will tell you who the licensed vaccine providers are. The cost at the walgreens near me was around $130.

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellow-fever-vaccination-clinics/search

Mrs Marc: Norman D Ervin M.D. 101 Bob Wallace, Suite B. 256-533-2303. gave me a Yellow Contraindication to Vaccination (yellow international certificate Card) because of my age and chronic illness! Charged for the visit but not the shot!

When my son had to get his yellow fever shot for a trip to Ghana, he went to the visiting nurses association here in tulsa. They give all the vaccines for wherever you are going, plus they check the malaria prophylaxis recommendations and supply that or any other meds (Cipro for instance). Don't know where else they are located, but in tulsa, they are the place to go for travel meds.

Rachel, that is nice to know. Several years ago when I needed YF shot, I found the health department no longer does them, so I had to go to Passport Health as referred. I can't remember how expensive it was at the time, but no small price.

Once, PPH strongly recommended one shot that was not required, and she paid for it. She pressed it later, and when she made her case that it wasn't required, they refunded.

These vaccines confuse me. Some years ago, living in another city, I took same daughter to the ER for an intestinal problem, which for a 4th child, is unusual, the doctor did some blood tests, and came and told me she had Hepatitis, omg, it took me 5 minutes until I realized she just was vaccinated by her school for Hep.

There are several types of hepatitis. Some have vaccines (A and B). Hepatitis just means inflammation of the liver, not all are due to viruses.

Doc Dancing in 'Bama!

Yesterday, are passports sporting their brand new visas showed up and today we got the "docs" from Regent!

Don't understand the iPad case part of it (seems small) but they are here. Now, I only have to figure out what happened to my shore excursions; doesn't seem consistent with what I (tried to) booked.

I hope I'll be dancing soon!

The whole shore excursion thing has been a total mess. Let's hope the actual excursions are better.

We got our docs several days ago. Didn't check the excursions, maybe I should....

I'm dancing!

email today confirming ALL my tours and also one that was waitlisted: "Coco Island Snorkeling Adventure" Dec. 7. Hope it's not too adventurist!

Tours mostly 2.5 to 4.5 hours with a couple 5.5 hours! I don't like to be too long away from Mother Ship..

Happy Dancing everyone. Have a great trip.

Just found out today I can't have the yellow fever vaccine. I am curious as to how many are getting a waiver letter versus getting the shot? Looking at the itinerary, the only place we are ever in danger is during the safari to Tsavo East; easy enough to wear long sleeves and lots of repellant for one day.

Got to have one or the other or they may not let you sail. I was in South America with a client who decided the risk of yellow fever was really zero and thought they would not do anything about it once she was there.

She boarded the ship and she had a choice. Take the shot immediately or disembark. The ship had a few shots on board for an emergency like this but if they did not have them she would have been disembarked for sure. She was furious but honestly they made it clear it was mandatory.

Another client in the last few months lost his yellow official booklet with the yellow fever shot recorded. He got a letter from the clinic stating he had the shot. In fact all kinds of official documentation. This was all denied he had to have the shot again and get his little official yellow booklet.

Logic often has no place in these rules but they are requirements.

Another issue like this is that passports actually expire 6 months before the expiration date printed on the passport. I assume this to ensure if anything happens to a person while overseas they will still have a valid passport for six month to re-enter the country.

However so many people do not understand that rule and try fighting the date of expiration on the passport is valid. It happens with great regularity that people refuse to get a new passport as their passport clearly shows an expiration date of XXXX and therefore they can use it. Of course eventually they figure it all out but it causes so much confusion.

There should be a statement somewhere in the passport that covers this issue that people can read and understand.

Excellent advice Ngaire. Here's a CDC link discussing Yellow Fever vaccine waivers. ( Yellow Fever Waivers ) It sounds more involved than simply getting a medical waiver letter from a GP or Internist.

Bureaucracies! The BANE of civilization.

Now that is really important information!!

Dave, this was what I was afraid of. My doctor probably doesn't have the yellow fever stamp but the infectious disease doctor that has the stamp doesn't know my medical records. It looks like i am going to need to have my doctor fax records to the second doctor and I am going to need to go in and pay him a $100 for the stamped letter and counseling.

I think I will call Regent tomorrow to find out exactly what "they" need to let me on the ship.

edited to add:

I just saw on WHO website that once in a lifetime is enough; no need for booster after ten years. Since i was vaccinated in 1983, and I still have the original booklet, i might be in the clear.

I will call Regent tomorrow to confirm.

I just have to remember keep that Yellow Fever certificate with my Passport. I had to completely renew my passport lately, not enough pages. So now that I have it back, I am going to expedite and pay extra to get the Indian visa safely on time.

One question on the application, about local contact I'm going to look back for here on this thread. I think that question was asked before, early in the thread.

Ventours
116, Dalamal Tower
200 Nariman Point
Mumbai (Bombay) 400 021, India
Tel: 22040910 & 2285 5793
Email: rsscops@rssc.com

haha, Mark, I just went through this entire thread to find that! I should have known you would come up with it. Reading all this makes me nervous!

My husband and I are on Azamara quest and have several overlaps with you Spicers! We overnight in Mumbai from nov 26 until 930 pm on the 27th. We are in Cochin from November 30 overnight until 1030 pm on dec 1 and we are in Male from 7 am until 8 pm on dec 3. Hope to run into some of you somewhere, wear your pins so I will know its you!
----------------------
Helen

I've NEVER been good on the small print - no patience for it! Only ONE of my failings.

We will Helen….I am hoping to finally meet you!

Another detail on Yellow Fever Issues

South Africa’s new yellow fever law extends to travelers flying to South Africa via yellow fever designated countries, even if they do not deplane. This could be a particular nuisance for travelers from the United States, whose flight itineraries often include refueling stops in Accra, Ghana or Dakar, Senegal; many passengers are often unaware of these refueling stops, because they are not required to change seats, and both legs of the itinerary have the same flight number. The new provision also includes rare instances when a plane makes an unscheduled landing in a yellow fever designated country, so it may be a good idea for travelers to go ahead and obtain a yellow fever vaccination prior to travel, if only to guard against any potential flight difficulties. In addition, all travelers must carry their original yellow fever vaccination cards; immigration inspectors generally do not accept letters, scans, copies, etc. as valid documents. Yellow fever vaccinations are no longer administered at South African ports of entry for the purpose of entering the country. The policy requires travelers to obtain a yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days prior to arrival in South Africa

I called Regent today. Even though WHO now says once is enough, Regent said that the vaccination had to be within last ten years (probably because one or more of the countries still has this archaic rule). As for physician letter, Regent said it could be from my regular doctor and did not have to be on the ICVP as CDC indicated on the link posted by Dave. I sure hope i get to board.

I had never heard the ONCE IS ENOUGH before. Things I have read have said a booster shot every 10 years.

If that was what Regent said they will let you board for sure. HOWEVER I am going to check that detail again as often misinformation can happen when you call and get a representative. If we get that cleared then you should be fine. The different criteria may depend on the countries you visit and the likelihood of you contracting yellow fever and I think that the chance on a cruise ship is very small.

Ngaire, maybe I wasn't clear. Regent said that you need the shot within last ten years. As for the lifetime, that was a WHO decision last year.

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/news-announcements/yellow-fever-vaccine-booster

Yes I understood but it was the first time I had heard anything other than every 10 years. I read the article and it seems no matter what WHO thinks the countries still require the once every 10 years program and CDC recommends that also. Be nice if they would all come around to the same conclusion WHO did.

Key Points
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced that booster doses of yellow fever vaccine are no longer necessary. However, CDC has not changed the recommendation that US travelers receive booster doses of yellow fever vaccine every 10 years if traveling to an area with risk of exposure to yellow fever virus. Furthermore, the International Health Regulations (IHR) have not changed, and booster doses are still needed if yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into a particular country.

We had the shot at Walgreens, quick and painless and no reaction of any kind whatsoever. I know that is not the same for everyone but for both us a piece of cake and now we are good for another ten years. Still amazes me that Walgreens does that shot. Just walk in and get it done. SO easy. Last time we had to drive about an hour north to just find a health clinic that would do it.

I instigated a follow up with Regent operations to confirm that a note from your regular doctor will suffice. It is not really what "Regent" requires but the requirement of the countries you will be visiting. Those are the guidelines Regent follow.

My sweet husband got me some UAE dirhams from our bank so I don't have to worry about finding an ATM or exchanging money when I get to Dubai late at night.

Three weeks until I leave, I can't wait! Everyone keep your fingers crossed that Lufthansa's pilots don't pull another strike and mess up my travel plans.

Or, that Air France pilots go back out on strike.

Arlene got shots in both arms today; I think we are ready to leave. Oh year; we have to pack. BTW, we end up in London for three days after Spice; we will be the only ones onboard with winter jackets, gloves, and ear muffs. :)

I made my first attempt at getting things organized for packing. I have no idea how to pack for a trip this long. Get ready for lots of black clothes repeated over and over at dinner...

Just three weeks to go!!!

Lauri well, I don't have one of those SH/DH persons, (and best I don't for their sakes) so I will have to find an ATM when I arrive at 11:05 pm. . Eagerly anticipating this nice long cruise with so many I know well, and others I hope to know better. So many new ports!

Anxiety will be relieved when that Indian visa and my renewed passport are back into my hands. The passport is now in the DC Indian embassy/consulate since October 30, and will be there only 7 business days, so I'm confident I am okay. Still........

Were you the witch on Halloween?


(I went as the Grumpy Old Man - gave the urchins apples.)

haha, Ted, was that post directed at ME? Please don't put a hex on my Visa!

Every time I get on this thread, I run into the kitchen, and check to make sure my yellow fever shot card, and my copy of my new passport is out there inside my old passport that is still not expired, but has little round holes in it..

Of course NOT!


Hope your documents are all in order.


Just because you're not paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you!

Just got word from UPS that I have a delivery tomorrow from CIBT visas, and only then will my admitted paranoia on this matter be eased!

So much better when you have your passport back in your own hands!

Yay -- now you can start packing for the trip

Whew, it's here!

WHAT A RELIEF!!!

"SEA" ya all in a couple of long weeks!