Will not be long before 2009 is out. I need to start thinking about what to escort. Would like to know the wish list of LCT before I decide.

One new itinerary we know about is following the world cruise the Voyager be sailing FLL to Reykjavik and then the ship will go across from Reyjavik the to the Faroe Islands and the British Isles. They had this itinerary on the Navigator years ago and I did it then. I cant make the first segment but could do the second part which will be around the end of May.

February 28, 2009
Already have Valapariso to Sydney - Mariner
Confirmed

Late April 09 - I have a small safari group

June - most LCT'ers have done Norway now but I might do it again particularly if Nevlunghaven is in the itinerary.

Late summer.
I am thinking of doing the Baltics - Voyager
I am thinking of a classic Greek Isles. Athens to Istanbul itinerary. Navigator.
Might see if I can combine these and go from one directly to the other.

September: Voyager
They always offer a Dover to Monte Carlo or Barcelona that includes ports of the French Coast and Lisbon, Spain. It transitions the ship from the Baltics to the Med. This is a nice itinerary.

October - Mariner
I know Panda 11 - Osaka to Hong Kong is requested
as is Panda continuation Hong Kong to Singapore. Dont think I can be gone that long but am considering trying to be on for part of both cruises if Regent will let me do that. I love Panda and more than happy to do that again, but also want to do the next segment.

November
Cape Town to Rio again. With safaris before. I do know they will do this on the Voyager.

Any other ideas on your wish list. We need to see the itineraries of course before decisions are made but there are some basic wishes at times, like Baltics, Greek Islands etc.

Ngaire, now that gives us lots to think about! I feel like I no more get set on plans way into next year, and then I have to think about the next one! We do have Polar Bears in early Nov. 2009, right?

Editing to ask if I can find this itinerary anywhere:

following the world cruise the Voyager be sailing FLL to Reykjavik and then the ship will go across from Reyjavik the to the Faroe Islands and the British Isles. They had this itinerary on the Navigator years ago and I did it then. I cant make the first segment but could do the second part which will be around the end of May.

Yes, polar bears escorted by Susan in 2009 in first week of November. As soon as this season is over I will work on getting that booked as you have to book REALLY early to get that prime time.

I know what you mean about planning. However 08 is 72% sold out right now so early planning is essential for the good cabins. If plans change one can always cancel.

No cant show the schedule, but I can tell you what it will be from the prior cruises like this. FLL, NY, Boston, Halifax, Bar Habor, Sydney or L'Anse aux Meadows(Nova Scotia) couple of days at sea Reykavik. About 14 days

Then Reykavik to a couple of stops in Iceland, crossing to the Faroe Islands, then a series of ports in England ending in Dover. About 10 days

I will be excited to meet Susan, but will miss you and Ken for the bears! Last time I went from Iceland, it went to Norway! So have no idea what ports you are talking about for England. Might be nice, since my Joanna is there and loves BK group cruises!

The cruise consultant on Voyager had the 2009 schedule. I didn't get a copy but some of the other LCTers did.

Definately Hong Kong to Singapore for me!!

If it is out on the ships let me see if I can get it and post it on my web. Things do break first on the ships a lot.

Well I know Gil had to cancel Iceland a few years ago and is itching to go there. We've also talked about the Baltics or Greek Islands. Frankly I'll go wherever Gil tells me we're going...well almost anywhere. ;)

So many choices, so little time.
We are a definite for the Polar Bears, looking forward to meeting Susan.
Panda II sounds good but so does the cruise to Iceland, especially with a chance to sail on Voyager again. I remember reading about that itinerary when you went on the Navigator. I liked that it also went to Norway so will be ineterested to see this itinerary. Thanks for giving us fun travel to think about, Ngaire.

Wow, that FLL Reykavik trek sounds great! BTW, L'Anse aux Meadows is actually on the northern tip of Newfoundland, quite a long way from Sydney NS (which is on Cape Breton Island.) So quite a difference--it would be nice if there were stops in both places. I've never been to NFL, would love to, although probably by land.

I'm with Arlene and agree that Baltic or Greek Islands in 2009 would be good.

We've never been to the Med.

Cheers! Ray & Penny

The Nova Scotia/Newfoundland/Iceland/Faroe Islands trip sounds very interesting!

Well the FLL to Dover(B2B?) Then maybe carry on and see my ancestral home in Scotland.
Looks great to me,so all I have to do is sell Ray on it (JJ).

Polar Bears for me. The rest is gravy.

Don't forget the Galapagos and Machu Picchu! This is high on our wish list for 2009 - we would love to do it as a group trip.

Dena

Dena, you took the words right out of my mouth. In fact, I literally just received a response from Ngaire about this. As Ngaire and Linda know, I have been campaigning for a trip to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos for several years. I know that Ngaire doesn't want to personally escort the trip, and now Susan is doing Polar Bears in November (which we may be interested in doing). However, Gail's and my number one priority would be the Galapagos and Machu Picchu. I am sure that if enough of us expressed interest, B&K would put something great together, even if they didn't personally escort it, which Ngaire says isn't an absolute necessity. (I would sure prefer it, though, Linda!) Other interested parties should chime in.

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

Eugene

hmmm 2009 10th wedding anniversary....a safari honeymoon had been my first choice (not that 3 weeks in italy is nothing to sneeze at)...that Capetown to Rio is right around the right date too!

That being said, I do want to go to the Galapagos...

Have a question, and forgot to ask Dionne about it whilst on the PG...apparently the PG will undergo a full refurbish in 2009...wonder how long will she be out of service?

Oooh, Machu Picchu and Galapagos does sound very good. Better now than later. Too many choices!!

Galapagos & Machu Picchu - yes :)

Sorry about L'Anse aux Meadows, so much for my memory banks late at night. It is a neat stop.

Schedules on my web. These are HIGHLY subject to change and there is no pricing yet. They also load fairly slowly so be patient and print them out so you dont have to keep waiting for them to load.

http://www.bkrssc.com/2009_Advance_Itineraries.htm

Is there a "best time" to visit Galapogos and Machu Picchu?

Darn, looks like one can't do both the bears and HK-Singapore? I've been waiting a long time to go to Viet Nam!

I've been lucky enough to see a fair chunk of the world but would love some suggestions as to what else I really shouldn't miss. My cruises (only three) have been from NY to Montreal (had a ball on that one with Suzie and Marilyn), The Baltics (where I met Ray and Penny) and FJORDS. I'm booked Venice/Istanbul/Athens late next year. I've been to Britan and Ireland and a had an Insight whistle-stop tour of Europe,which included Prague and Budapest (fantastic). I haven't seen anything of Spain. Any suggestions will be gratefully received and if they include an 'Ngaire Escorted Cruise' all the better! Lee

Lee, the Dover to Monte Carlo cruise on the Voyager in September looks right up your alley. Lots of Spain, a stop in Lisbon, and Gibralter. I did a similar itinerary in 2004, but it had more ports in France.

That is why I cannot escort the Bears as I am doing Vietnam. Or I would be going back. I put those bears off for about four years and finally decided I had to go. If you prefer Vietnam, the bears come every year and I have 30 on the list for 2009 so I bet a 2010 will be forthcoming as well.

Olivia: Are you talking about 2008 or 2009? I don't know a lot (make that almost zilch) about Spain or Gibralter, but love France and Italy. Pity Regent can't do "Country Roads of France" as I'd love that but the thought of another coach tour leaves me cold.

Pardon my ignorance - but what do I look up to find the itinerary for the bears? Also, where is Valapriso - that might help me guess if the Sydney mentioned is mine. Ta. Lee

I can vouch for the Dover-Monte Carlo or reverse itinerary. We did this last year on Voyager, and loved it. It opens up the possibilities of pre- and post-cruise trips as well.

I'm in for Polar Bears in 2010!!

Now that we're doing Tahiti next year our schedule is wide open for 2009. I would be interested in either the Baltics or the Med - and I think I could convince Jerel to come along too. We had thought about PANDA 2, but not sure if we could get away from work for 3 weeks.

The Voyager Red Sea/Suez Canal in October has attracted our attention.

I have promised my Andrea a trip to London for her 16th birthday in 2009, but that would be Summer or early Fall.

Lee, Valparasio is in Chile. That trip crosses from Chile over the pacific with island stops then to N.Z. and then to Sydney.

There is no where to look up the itinerary for Bears. It will be early November 2009, 5 nights. In 2007 it was $3795 will be a little more by 2009. One night in Winnipeg, 3 nights in Churchill viewing bears (like a safari) then one night in Churchill. It is expensive for 5 nights but the flight from Winnipeg to Churchill is $900 a person. I decided just to post what it was in 2007. Here you go. I will change this a bit though. No sense in that night tundra drive on arrival. It is a waste of time.


Churchill Nature Tours
P.O. Box 429
Erickson, Manitoba
Canada R0J 0P0
Phone: (204) 636-2968
Fax: (204) 636-2257
www.churchillnaturetours.com
mail@churchillnaturetours.com

KEENE POLAR BEAR ADVENTURE
November 3 – 8, 2007


Itinerary Summary
Fully guided from Winnipeg, the tour starts with a welcome dinner and briefing session. The next morning is the flight to Churchill. The group will receive three full days and one night out on the tundra. Each night at Churchill opportunities to see Northern Lights will be offered, if visible. Searching for Northern Lights is a definite component and if lights are active and visible, then we take the group out of town for better views.

November. 3 Arrival into Winnipeg. Welcome dinner. Overnight at the Hilton Suites Hotel.

November. 4 Flight to Churchill in early morning. Arrival into Churchill. Lunch. Optional helicopter tour/dog sledding. Evening tundra tour. Dinner out on the tundra. Overnight Aurora Inn

November. 5 Full day out on tundra vehicle bear watching. B, Picnic L, D Overnight Aurora Inn

November. 6 Full day out on tundra vehicle bear watching. B, Picnic L, D Overnight Aurora Inn

November. 7 Full day out on tundra vehicle bear watching. B, Picnic L, D Depart on evening flight to Winnipeg. Overnight at Hilton Suites Hotel

November. 8 Transfers to airport provided. B

The above tour includes airfare Winnipeg to Churchill return, 4 tundra trips (3 day, 1 night), all accommodation, meals as noted, transfers, baggage handling, fully guided, tour handbook, all gratuities except to leader & driver and 3.5% GST tax for visitors.

Prices from Winnipeg
$3795 USD per person, double occupancy
Single supplement: $500 USD.

Special Features
Optional dog sledding will be available for $100 USD per person. Optional helicopter tours to the polar bear dens will be available as well (prices TBA.) Both activities will take place on November 4th, 2007

Dog sledding $100. USD per person
Helicopter tour to dens TBA

Payment Schedule to Confirm Space.
CREDIT CARDS NOT ACCEPTED. MUST BE A CHECK.
Initial deposit: $500 USD per person
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy
Initial deposit: non-refundable.
61- 89 days before departure are subject to an additional $500 cancellation fee.
Final payment non-refundable 60 days or less.

Group Size
Maximum 20 clients + Churchill Nature Tours staff
Minimum 12 clients for this special pricing

Lodging
Winnipeg: Hilton Suites Hotel
Churchill: Aurora Inn (10 rooms)
All hotel reservations are already confirmed.

Travel Modes
The flight to Churchill will be in a Hawker Siddeley 748 or a Saab 340B. Both are twin engine turbo-props. Exact flight times TBA. Transfers by bus owned by us and thus exclusive use. Tundra travel in 30-passenger tundra vehicles owned by Great White Bear Tours – best equipment available and all confirmed reservations. Optional helicopter flight seeing in a Bell 206 jet ranger, 4 passengers – also under contract to us for preferred usage for tours.

Meals
All meals included, from welcome diner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6 in Winnipeg. Most meals will be at Gypsy’s Bakery. Lunches will be fresh picnics including hot soup. We will ensure a wholesome and varied menu plan, and efficient service for our dinners.

Leadership
Assigned Tour Leader TBA.

Inclusions
All lodgings, meals, transportation/transfers, guides, porterage, taxes (3% visitor rate), and all tips to restaurant and hotel staff. Tips to tour leader and buggy drivers not included.

I think what I might do is the combination of the Greek Islands with the Baltics. There is a direct flight from Istanbul to Copenhagen so the transition would be easy. With the overnight it is no problem catching a 10.00 am plane. Then I can do two great cruises with one trip to Europe. It is the only combination that works.

The date are August 14 - August 21
Athens, Navplion, Santorini, Kusadasi, Rhodes, Mykonos, Istanbul Overnight - debark Istanbul next day.

August 21 - August 28
Copenhagen, Visby, Tallin, St Petersburg (3 days) Helsinki, Stockholm.

Will work on this with Regent and see what I can pull together. I think this will be great - Greek Islands and Baltics in one trip.

Just does not seem worth going all the way to Europe for just 7 days. I remember when I would ONLY go for 7 days.

Ngaire, that sounds like a winner trip. Would there be any way to get the air included IST to CPH? Or, would we all try to book the same flight independently?

Arlene and I haven't had the chance yet to sit down and look at options...hopefully soon.

That is great for you Ngaire! Chance to do 2 group trips in a row!

If we really like the safari '08 then we would be interested in the safari to Rio. I like the 2 trips with the Med/Batics. Been on both and loved them. Mid Aug. is a bad time for us though. We like the Sept/Oct time to travel. It is usually beautiful weather and prices a little less that time of the year.

The flight between is on the web for about $350.

If I move forward with this and have enough people doing both trips I will see about a 5% combination discount and if we can get the flight done by Regent with transfers. That may or may not be possible it all depends as they would not normally have a contract for that. If not we can just book the flight independently.

That Aug. time falls right during both my kids birthdays. :(

Since ideas for 2009 are being posted with lightning speed, would it be possible for you, Ngaire, to post – at least roughly – what a B&K trip to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos would be like even if it weren’t escorted? In the past, you have provided me with some information from Peru Orient-Express, but that seemed to be only for Machu Picchu.

I am concerned that even though a number of people have expressed interest in this type of trip for 2009, without something more solid to think about, everyone will commit to other options.

Thanks.

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

Eugene

we did Machu picchu this past Feb with Lindblad and than timed it to pick up Regent in Lima for a relaxing trip back to FL. This actully was an add on for their Galapagos trip but they let us join the group just for Peru. It was luxery class all the way. There were only 13 of us. The people who did the Galapagos had good thing to say about their part of the trip. So if you time it right you might have your cake and eat it too. Great land and than a great cruise to top it off with. Feb is the rainy season for Machu Picchu. It didn't pour but it did rain some of the time. To us this wasn't all bad. There were far fewer people there and it gave it an atmosphere that made it easier to imagine what it was like orginally.The trail to Machu Picchu is closed at this time so there are not alot of hikers there. Regent did have a precruise trip but we spent over a week in Peru for what the 3 days were with Regent. Same hotels or better and there is so much to see in Peru it warrents at least a week. Need to go soon. The younger people are giving up the ways of their parents. Now you see them in jeans with cell phones at their ears even in remote areas.