Reva loves cruising! I love the ports and finding adventure! This blog is about how to build adventure around and between cruises!

For those of you who read my previous blog on building an around the word trip, this blog is about the three weeks we have between getting off a ship in Barcelona, Spain and boarding another one in Singapore, and it will be an adventure! For those of you who don’t know what I am talking about or have forgotten, here is a quick recap.

On 8 March 2025, we will board the Celebrity Apex in Ft Lauderdale Florida and sail across the Atlantic to Barcelona, arriving on 21 March. On 13 April, we will board the RCL Anthem of the Seas in Singapore and sail on her around the Pacific rim, getting off on 9 May in Seattle, WA. The complete cost of all these cruises in Balcony Cabins was $7,292.24 ($1,600 cheaper than when first posted) or about $91 per day per person total. Additionally, there is an additional $1,475 on onboard credit available, which will be enough to cover the tips.

So, this is what we are doing, if you care to join in ….or just follow our travels. Again, we are doing this the most economical way possible, without sacrificing any of the experience and doing it with style….Vincent style!

Adventure 1: African Safari in Kenya. (A yellow Fever Vaccination is recommended for travel to Kenya. Proof of vaccination may be required by other countries you enter after your travel to Kenya. Don’t get stuck! Check the CDC website for details.)

When we get off the ship in Barcelona, we will immediately go to the airport and Board an overnight flight stopping in Qatar and arriving in Nairobi, Kenya at 7:30 in the morning on 22 March. (Unfortunately, going east, like we are, we will lose 21 hours before we reach western coast of the US. We will gain a full day in the pacific, when we cross the International Date Line, but that doesn’t prevent multiple overnight flights. We are limiting them, but we have to deal with them….like we have many times before.)

When we arrive in Nairobi, we will be met at the airport by a representative from Alpha Dean Tours and Safaris, who we selected for this portion of the trip. They are a supplier for Viator which is a company owned by Tripadvisor, which we have used multiple times. I chose to negotiate directly with them to customize our safari instead of just booking it directly on Viator. The per person price on Viator was $1,040 per person for a six night/seven day safari including transportation, lodging, park entrance fees (very expensive), and daily game drives. The company reviews were limited but the overall rating was 4.8 out of 5. The $1,040 per person price included budget lodging with stays in tented camps in two of the national parks. These “tented camps” look really cool and were rated very well but we wanted to consider something a little better. Jemimah, our tour consultant with Alpha Dean, provided us a listing of all of the lodging options; Budget, Midrange and Luxury. We reviewed each of the options and although all of the options were good, the Luxury option was too tempting even though it almost doubled the tour cost. We will be staying in three of the Sopa lodges (https://www.sopalodges.com/) Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Ambseli and the Sarova Woodlands Hotel in Nakuru. These lodges are also utilized by many of the bigger safari companies charging much more.

After we are picked up at the Nairobi Airport, we will be driven to the Nairobi Giraffe Center and then to the Carrefour grocery store (wine stop) and then to our hotel, Hilton Doubletree. The airport pick-up and driver for the day is $150 total, which is separate from the Safari cost. Below is the Safari itinerary.

DAY 1: NAIROBI – MASAI MARA
Pick up from the hotel and transfer to the office for finalization and later depart for the Masai Mara Game Reserve, via the viewpoint of the Great Rift Valley and Narok town for lunch. On arrival proceed for an evening game drive, tracking various animal species and birds with your driver/guide. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Meals & drinks: Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included) Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

DAY 2: MASAI MARA FULL DAY
After breakfast proceed on a full day of game viewing within the reserve. The landscape here is scenic savannah grassland on rolling hills. The reserve is the best park for game in Kenya as it has an extensive road and track network which allows for close-range viewing and photography. Break for your picnic lunch at the hippo pool, looking out for hippos and crocodiles. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

DAY 3: MASAI MARA – LAKE NAIVASHA
After breakfast, depart the Mara region for Lake Naivasha with lunch en route arriving late afternoon with an optional of boat ride at an extra cost. Or visit the crescent island, Dinner, and overnight at the hotel. Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

DAY 4: LAKE NAIVASHA – LAKE NAKURU
Breakfast tour the Hell’s Gate National Park, the park has attractions like the Olkaria and Hobley’s, two extinct volcanoes, and the obsidian forms from the cool molten lava. Within Hell’s Gate is the Hells Gate Gorge, lined with red cliffs which contains two volcanic plugs, Fisher’s Tower and Central Tower which is a smaller gorge that extends to the south and of which a path descends into hot springs. Depart for Lake Nakuru arriving in the evening drop at the Hotel Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

DAY 5: LAKE NAKURU – AMBOSELI
After breakfast proceed on a game drive in Lake Nakuru Park, Lake Nakuru is referred to as the pink lake for thousands of pink flamingos and other bird life- it’s a bird-watcher paradise. It has a surprising
number of animals, it is a rhino sanctuary and the “Big Five except the elephant can be seen here. The park contains a sanctuary for the conservation of the white rhino while species like Cape buffalo and water-buck can be seen near the shoreline. Drive to Amboseli National Park. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

DAY 6: AMBOSELI FULL DAY
A day of game drives in this park which contains swamp grounds in which elephants and hippos bathe in abundance. A variety of plains game, antelopes, and birds can also be seen, and Mt. Kilimanjaro’s peak too if weather conditions permit. We will cater for picnic lunch, Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Meals & drinks: All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

DAY 7: AMBOSELI – NAIROBI
After breakfast check out at the camp and if weather permits you will see the view of Mount Kilimanjaro, later depart Amboseli Park for Nairobi with a Picnic lunch served en-route arriving in Nairobi late afternoon you will be dropped at the airport for your flight.

NOT INCLUDED: Personal Insurance, Items of personal use, Alcoholic Soft drinks, Visit the cultural visit to Maasai village 20 USD per person, Balloon Hot air safari in Maasai Mara 450 USD per person, Hotel accommodation in Nairobi before & after the safari, Tipping

One additional upgrade was from a seven passenger safari van to a seven passenger land rover/jeep which was quoted at $30 per day, per person. We thought the upgrade for the luxury accommodations (and food) was worth it, but not the transportation. The cost for this safari, as proposed, is $1,700 per person, not including the airport transfer the first day. The deposit is 10% of the total cost and there is a five percent charge for using a credit card.

After the Safari (29 March), we will be dropped off at the airport for the next leg of our adventure and will be flying Emirates Airlines to Dubai, one of our favorite cities.

July 17, 2024 Update: Remember to be flexible!

In reviewing vaccination requirements, we learned that a Yellow Fever vaccination is required to enter India within 6 days of visiting area where yellow fever transmission is possible. That includes Kenya! I have been vaccinated but Reva has not. No big deal…we thought! Turns out the Yellow Fever vaccination comes with significant risks which increase significantly with age! Additionally, the region of Kenya we are visiting has almost zero risk of Yellow Fever. So, instead of spending just 3 days in Dubai, we will extend our visit for 3 additional days. We were able to cut our India tour from 7 days to 4 days and still see the major highlights. The India tour costs were reduced by $390 but we incurred flight change fees of $245. Fortunately, we like Dubai and we can get rooms at a Hilton Garden Inn for $65/night. So, the cost of making this adjustment is minimal. This was the first major change…..I expect more. Its always a good lesson to keep a good attitude and always be flexible!

Adventure 2: Fun in Dubai

We will spend 3 nights in Dubai to visit Expo City, Ride the Dubai Eye and visit Ferrari World to ride the Formula Rossa, world’s fastest roller coaster….maybe.

We were scheduled to attend the World Expo back in 2022. We even had tickets and airfare booked. However, a bad strain of Covid 19 was racing around the world and we opted to forgo the risk and decided to go to Mexico instead. After the World Expo ended, the attractions and the City built to host the Expo has continued as an entertainment venue. Since, we have a few days before we head to India, it seemed like a good time to head back and see what we missed. There are 10 venues available to explore in this City of the future.

Next up, will be the Dubai Eye. Last time we were here this was under construction. It is the largest Ferris Wheel in the world. Standing at 820 feet high, it is 270 feet taller that the High Roller in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, this ride closed in 2022 shortly after it opened. However, rumors are that it will reopen later this year.

Finally, we plan to visit Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi which is about an hour away by car. This amusement park contains the current fastest roller coaster in the world. At 149 mph, this several minute ride looks awesome! Unfortunately, it shut down unexpectedly back in January and no date for reopening (or reason why it shut down) has been given.

Of course, my motto is “Semper Gumby” or “Always Flexible”, so if we can’t do these rides, we will find something else. This great city has so much to see in it, the options are almost endless. (Maybe we will go check out a camel race or revisit the “Burj”

On 1 April, we will fly from Dubai to Delphi, India on Emirates.

Adventure 3: Golden Triangle of India

During the Covid 19 nightmare, we had a tour booked with Gate 1 Travel to visit India’s “Golden Triangle” which includes the Taj Mahal. In researching options for this leg of the journey, including just doing it on our own, I stumbled across www.tourradar.com. This is a platform very similar to Viator but based worldwide. On it I found a tour operator, Swastik India Journeys, which was very highly rated and offered a fully guided luxury tour which included a leopard safari opportunity. (Might as well keep this safari thing going.) The have a 10 person tour leaving everyday, so I could fit this in our schedule easily. This tour includes airport transfers, six nights in luxury hotels, transportation and tours. It does not include entrance fees, food beyond breakfast, tips or personal items. This 7 night tour was $508 per person. With insurance, the total was around $1,100 for two! A pretty good deal from our standpoint. Below are the details. This is easily bookable on the tourradar site.

Day 1: Delhi Arrival

Your driver in an air-conditioned car will pick you up from the airport. After pick up, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Delhi. Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 2:Delhi Sightseeing & Agra

Your private driver in an air-conditioned car will pick you up from your hotel. Meet your private tour guide and begin your sightseeing tour of Delhi. You will start out with a visit to the Jama Mosque. When you reach the mosque, explore the interior with your guide.

Next, visit Raj Ghat, the place where the father of the nation Mahatama Gandhi was cremated. After that, Visit Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Qutub Minar is an excellent example of Afghan architecture constructed with marble and red sandstone. After that, stop at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Humayun’s Tomb. Following your time there, visit India Gate, a memorial built in 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers.

Day 3: Agra Sightseeing

Today enjoy Sunrise view of fascinating Taj Mahal, a symbol of love. Your guide in Agra will meet you at the Taj Mahal and will show you around the monument. Take time to admire one of the most majestic and beautiful buildings in the world. Next visit Agra Fort, one of the finest Mughal forts in India. Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, is a massive red sandstone fort on the bank of Yamuna River. Your guide will explain the history of Agra Fort. Next, visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, a tomb which has a special place in the chronicles of both history as well as architecture. Itmad-ud-Daulah is actually a mausoleum that overlooks the Yamuna River. Admire the very first tomb in India that was made entirely out of Marble. Next, visit Mehtab Bagh, which is a series of 11 parks on the Yamuna’s east bank.


Day 4:Agra – Jaipur via Fatehpur Sirki and Abhaneri Stepwell

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Jaipur. En-route, visit Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri Stepwell. Afterward, continue on your journey and when you arrive in Jaipur check-in at your hotel. You may then enjoy your evening in Jaipur at your leisure

Day 5:Jaipur

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your private tour guide and start your sightseeing of Jaipur by visiting the Amber Fort. Enjoy the experience of Jeep Ride back to and from the top of the hill where the fort is situated. In addition, your guide will explain to you the rich history of Amber Fort. Next, visit the City Palace in the heart of Jaipur, which is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Enjoy the fine collection of textiles, costumes and armor at the City Palace. Next, visit Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds. This building was constructed so the royal women could watch the royal processions without being seen. Finally, view the stargazing observatory of Jantar Mantar, built by the renowned astronomer, Maharaja Jai Singh.

Day 6:Leopard Safari – Delhi Drop

Today enjoy morning Leopard Safari in Jhalana. Jhalana is gaining popularity for it’s Leopard sighting in its natural habitat. Apart from Leopard, Jhalana has other attractions such as Striped Hyna, Desert Fox, Golden Jackal, Chital, Indian Palm Civets, etc.;This is also a must-visit location for bird watchers, birds include Indian Pitta, Dusky Eagle, Owl, Spotted Owlet etc. After safari, you’ll be driven back to your hotel in Jaipur. After breakfast you’ll be driven back to Delhi where you’ll be dropped at your hotel.

Day 7:Delhi Departure

Today on time transfer to the airport to board a flight for your onward journey

For us, our flight on 7 April, will take us on to Beijing China via Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific, arriving 8 April.

Adventure 4: Beijing and the Great Wall of China

I have always wanted to see the Great Wall and last year, we had a tour booked with a fly-by-night Travel Agency, UTO Vacations out of Canada. It was a deal too good to be true and it was. I had to fight to get our money back….and we did…but that is another story.

In this case, I wanted to avoid the China Visa (very expensive) and I really only wanted to see the wall. Reva on the other hand, likes pandas…. (keep the safari mood alive) so we will also do the zoo. China does offer a 144 hour visa-free transit policy if you can meet very specific requirements. The main one is that you enter the country from one country and depart to different country. So, you can’t fly from the US and back to the US. But you could fly from the US and then fly to Thailand, which was supposed to be our tour last year. In this case, we will enter China from India via Hong Kong and depart directly to Singapore. Which in theory, meets all the requirements.

China, again in theory, appears very easy, the hotels are inexpensive and modern, there are tons of tours available on Viator and Tourradar. So we are winging this one a little. We have booked a new Hilton Home2 Suites in Beijing for about $80/night for three nights and will book the tours closer to the date.

Adventure 5: Back to Singapore and our cruise.

On 11 April, we will depart Beijing on Singapore airlines on a direct flight to Singapore. Singapore is a city I love and have visited twice. We have two free nights booked a the Hilton located in the main shopping district and a short taxi ride to the Cruise terminal, where on 13 April, we Board the Anthem of the Seas and sail for 27 days until we arrive in Seattle. I suppose while in Singapore we will do the Night Safari at the zoo….its been done before…..but what the heck, it is a safari!

Airfare:

For the trip we have booked the following flights all prices are for two tickets:

March 21 (arriving 22 March): Qatar airlines Barcelona, Spain to Nairobi, Kenya: $119.40 (Tax only – AA FF miles)

March 29: Nairobi to Dubai (Free layover with Emirates)

April 1: Emirates airlines Dubai to New Delphi: $879.30

April 7: Cathay Pacific airlines: New Delphi to Beijing China: $203.40 (Tax Only – transferred 40,000 Capital one points)

April 11: Singapore airlines: Beijing to Singapore: $582.73

Total Airfare costs: $1,784.83 (It’s important to note that I didn’t pick the cheapest flights….I selected the best flights at the lowest costs.)

Hotels:

21 March: Night on board plane

22 March: Nairobi Hilton Doubletree Hurlingham: $125.05

23 – 28 March: Safari Lodges

29 – 31 March: Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Muraqabat: $200.14

1- 6 April: Golden Triangle Tour Hotels

7 April: Night on board plane

8 – 11 April: Home2 Suites Beijing Shunyi: $240.41

11-13 April: Hilton Singapore Orchard: Complementary CC and Hilton Points

Total hotel costs (outside of tours): $565.60

There will be some additional costs such as entrance fees and China tours along with food expenses (and wine costs:) but this represents the bulk of the two month trip:

Cruises: $7,292.24

Airfare: $1,784.83

Kenya Safari: $3,550

India Tour :$1,102.29

Hotels: $565.60

Total: $12,294.96 for the 62 day complete trip. This breaks down to $115 per person per day. (The safari was expensive!) Unfortunately, the cruise from Singapore to Tokyo is currently sold out, so you can’t book this complete trip right now. But this is an example of how once in a lifetime adventures can be created. I hope this gives you some ideas!