[Rhodes22-list] Off Topic - Questions about foreign travel

[Slim]

Robert,

No one begs our indulgence to talk politics or anything else for that
matter.  Why would you beg our indulgence to talk about a sailing adventure?
Sounds cool to me but for that price, they should be able to answer all
questions themselves.  Have you asked them these questions?  Also, some
sailing cruises let you participate as crew to some extent, per your own
request and individual ability.  They might even let you take the helm.  How
fun!  Please keep us posted.  No back channel necessary.

Slim


On 1/16/07 5:14 PM, "Robert Skinner" <robert at squirrelhaven.com> wrote:

> Folks - I beg your indulgence -- and advice.
> 
> Please consider this a hail, requesting replies back channel
> directly to me at
>            mailto:robert at squirrelhaven.com
> unless, of course, you think this topic and your reply is of
> general interest to the list.
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> I have a chance to take a National Geographic Explorations
> two week cruise from Rome to Venice via Sicily, around the
> boot and then up along the Dalmatian coast (Greece,
> Montenegro, Bosnia) on a big sailing ship:
> 
> Tonnage: 5,000 (22 tons per passenger!)
> Length: 439 feet 
> Beam: 54 feet 
> Draft: 18.5 feet 
> Sail area: 56,000 Square feet
> Mast height: 197 feet
> Number of Crew: 106
> Passenger capacity: 227
> Masts: 5 Masts, 42 Sails
> 
> When all is said and done, it looks as if some $15,000 may
> change hands for air fare and accommodations.  As this is a
> bit more than pocket change, and I have no experience with
> cruises like this (Uncle Sam didn't provide this kind of
> travel), I'd appreciate advice from more seasoned travelers.
> 
> *  Is vacation insurance (at about 10% of the total package)
>  a good idea, and if so, have you any recommendations?
> 
> *  What is a reasonable minimum of clothing and gear to pack?
>  Formal attire?
> 
> *  What is a reasonable figure for daily "walking around
>  money", including tips, etc.?
> 
> *  What are the "gotchas" that a novice like myself would be
>  likely to trip on?
> 
> Thanks for any comments you care to contribute.