With any cruise itinerary, it is always strongly recommended to arrive at least a day before embarkation in case of any flight delays. My cruise itinerary started in Lisbon and I was excited to spend two days there. After a long journey from Montana, I arrived in Lisbon to our hotel where I met my mom and took a much-needed nap. That night, we walked around the city and I had some delicious flower shaped gelato! Very innovative! There were tons of people out enjoying the night, with many street performers and shops to admire.
The next morning, we went on a street art walking tour that I booked online. Street art and graffiti tours are a fun way to learn about the history and art in a city in a more popular, modern and accessible way, so I much prefer that than going to a museum. Street art is like a living museum because it is always evolving. After the street art tour, we went up to the Alfama neighborhood and had a delicious seafood lunch. Since Lisbon is so close to the sea, there are incredible seafood dishes, and many will incorporate curry, which I found interesting as I do not normally associate curried dishes with Portugal.
Then it was time to meet up with the other passengers to take the bus to Portimao and go aboard our home for the week- the Harmony V. We all met in a hotel in Lisbon and then boarded the coach bus to take us to Portimao. On our bus ride, our fabulous cruise director, Isabella, filled us in on how the week would work. The crew warmly welcomed us and after our safety drill, we had welcome cocktails and a lovely dinner. We spent the night in port and got to know the other passengers. We were all so excited to start our adventure!
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.