GeezerCouple

It started when one of our meds did indeed arrive at the hospital outpatient pharmacy in a little ziplock with their proper little Rx sticker label on it. "Ah ha!!!" We both thought as we looked at it, and also thought of all the stupid wasted space in our carryons... We had already occasionally asking our regular neighborhood CVS pharmacist for separate *smaller* properly labeled Rx bottles of meds that came in JUMBO bottles for 90 days times too many *big* capsules a day, etc., for a shorter trip. We gave them a couple of weeks notice to minimize the inconvenience. After we say that ziplock handed to us, we went out a purchased a package of some very small ziplocks. And I asked said friendly neighborhood pharmacist if they could print duplicates of regular stick-on labels for meds X, Y, Z, etc. in perhaps 2 or 3 weeks, explaining that we were traveling and the bottles take up so much room. No one ever blinked. We picked them up about a week in advance, just in case there was a snafu. Then, at home, we stuck the little labels on appropriate sized ziplocks, and then portioned out the needed number of pills, plus a week or so, for each med. We just gently pressed extra air out before sealing. [For many years, I had been doing something similar when chopping carrots or onions or small pieces of uncooked bacon, to freeze, so that in future cooking, I could grab however much - or little - I wanted. So this type of packaging was long a "thing" for us anyway. Then, I just wrote the date in Magic Marker. 😉 ] But I now wonder if we just asked our pharmacist "Could you perhaps dispense those in these little plastic bags and put your regular label on it?" if that would have worked. I think it's easier for them to just print out duplicate labels, but... who knows...?? GC

I would *NOT* rely upon the individual (or collective) knowledge of CCers in terms of what each country's drug restrictions/rules/laws/etc., are. Even IF there were perfect initial comprehension and then memory (!?), things could easily change. The "drug environment" in general keeps changing, from "what's available" to what each individual country requires. Just because meds are indeed in "properly labeled pharmacy packaging" does *not* mean it is legal in that quantity, or even at all, in each country. The best way is to learn from each country's *own* website what their own rules/restrictions/etc., are. This might involve an email query or perhaps emailed permission or such. With email these days, it's so easy to "do it right". In some cases, if there are restrictions that are difficult given one's specific medical needs, one could ask for special permission, or ask "how to handle" the situation. As others have discussed, these rules/laws and the associated border controls are not typically looking for "Grandpa who forgot to label his cholesterol medication", etc. However, IF there is some general national/regional drug problem, the oversight might be more strict. And there's always the chance that some border agent had a bad breakfast and is just looking for some arguing... Better safe than sorry, and *especially* in "some" countries! GC

I hope you mean "If we had Rx narcotics or meds CONTROLLED in the country we are entering,,," and not "banned"...!? And occasionally, there might be OTC meds in one's home country that are controlled or even completely banned in another country. If it is *banned*, we do not bring it along, full stop. (In certain countries, there can be severe penalties IF the border agents notice and wish to continue the inspection/procedure.😱) When there are any controls at all, we always go through the process of getting the proper approvals, etc. That's quick these days, usually less than 24 hour turnaround with email and uploaded docs. Yes, this has always seems odd. Nowadays, IF the agents were to get especially "curious", with the internet, they could probably quickly find what the med "really is". (Some fakes aren't all that well done, so that would be a tell even if the markings supposedly matched.) Nevertheless, with this type of issue, we don't care to take risks, and there is no need to do so. All of our controlled substances (and some that aren't controlled at all here in the USA) were easily approved, albeit a few times with an extra agency involved. It was still *very* fast. GC

LOTS of discussion on this, including several at Disabled Cruising section of CC: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2915441-medication-airport-security-cruise-security-checks/page/3/#comment-64950437 And a few posts below yours just now, this one: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2915441-medication-airport-security-cruise-security-checks/page/3/#comment-64950437 You'll find at least two schools of *strong* thought! (Our opinion is not to take risks when crossing international borders, and with only a bit of effort to make the reusable mini ziploks with proper Rx labels, it's not a burden at all.) GC

Does your HAL ship go *into* Milford Sound? When we took a HAL cruise Auckland to Sydney (Noordam), our ship went into the sound (it's actually a fjord). It was indeed incredible. I actually didn't believe what they were telling us about the top heights on either side of us, so I checked online. Yup, astonishingly high! I'm not sure what else an excursion would include, but it's an amazing area. And it would probably be a breathtaking drive, at least part of the way. 🙂 We loved every minute of our trip, including some special activities on our own for a few days afterwards in Sydney. GC

DISKO BAY!? What wonderful news! Because of Covid, we haven't been paying enough attention to some of the newer routes. Last time I checked carefully, a while ago, in terms of "cruises" going that far north, it seemed to be local passenger ferry service, but not like the "ferries" that Hurtigruten has along the Norwegian coast. We did a round trip on the Trollfjord several years ago, and that remains one of our favorite vacations. Nope, the Greenland service we found a few years ago that went as far as Ilulissat and Disko Bay had bunk rooms (8 passengers per bunk room, IIRC) with bathroom down the hall, etc. I think there were one or two private cabins (maybe?). We were actually thinking about doing that anyway if we could get a "private cabin"! That was more our style decades ago, when we were younger, but we really wanted to see the area. And then... and then... Covid... 😡 Thanks so much for mentioning this so prominently! GC

Yes, it was a wonderful suite! We really didn't leave it much. Our goal was to see Alaska, from the ship or from on shore, and wow, did we get amazing views. It was supposed to rain every day. We had sun every day! 🙂 We weren't crazy about the ship, but that may be unfair, because we really didn't bother to go exploring much. We were soooo happy right up front, with all that space and that huge balcony and hot tub... Someone must have had a late cancellation; we booked rather late (we usually book far in advance), and the price was quite a surprise, so we jumped on it. We love forward views anyway, so that suite with that view......! And Alaska.....! Someday again, we hope... GC

Thanks once again. Your photo of Curaçao brought back memories. Such colorful buildings. We were able to go inside that Synagogue, and it was part of a private tour that we had arranged. And thanks again for those wonderful photos! They continue to amaze us! 🙂 GC

Make sure you study the Deck Plans. If you compare the areas by orienting along with the stairs and elevators, you should be able to find cabins or suites that have others on both sides and also above and below. GC

If it's still the same as a couple of years pre-Covid, the "suite" dining room was lovely, a side area with a long length of windows. But the floor/deck plan of the Sun was the *oddest* I've ever seen. We joked that you really could NOT "get there from here". I don't remember what restaurant that was for dinner service. We had the remarkable OS, which had a *huge* balcony across almost half of the same area as the Bridge. And we had that for an Alaska cruise... what scenery. We had most of our meals served in our suite, and sat in front of a wall of windows looking at the snow-capped peaks. We had chosen a very early in the season cruise so we'd have as much of the snow visible as possible. We'll always have fond memories of the Sun because of that suite and that itinerary! 😁 GC

This is NOT something I would recommend doing when crossing international borders, and *especially* with certain international borders! 😱 GC

Do the terms and conditions of your policy include coverage for missed ports? I think a few do that (or used to, pre-Covid; I'm not sure now). But most regular travel insurance doesn't cover that, although they may cover lost costs if you pre-paid a non-refundable tour and that port was cancelled. (Many tour guides will refund if the ship doesn't make it, but one needs to double check that in advance.) Our policies do not cover what you are describing. And we've filed quite a few claims, all of them paid with no problems. BTW, with insurance, it usually isn't "How much compensation should I reasonably ask for?" There are usually documented costs or coverage amounts that would be paid. GC

Back in 1974, my parents decided that they wanted to take "the family" on a cruise. I have no idea why/how they thought of that. It was one of those cheap 3- or 4-night Miami-Bahamas (both Nassau and Freeport), back to Miami. We spent a couple of extra days first to take the little ones to something called Monkey Jungle near Miami (that may have been the highlight of the trip for the two youngest!) and other sightseeing. That was back in the era of ships with spartan metal bunk beds, tiniest bathroom ever, and a small uncomfortable seat. My parents got themselves a cabin with tiny portholes. I LOVED IT. Thought it was amazing! The next year, they invited everyone again, same exact thing. I loved it again! Too many years went by without a good opportunity for a trip like that. Then I went on one that was work related (yes!) in 2002. I'm sure now that the violent sickness I had for several of the 7 days was Noro, but... I still LOVED the cruise! However, I do *not* enjoy traveling solo... As for DH: DH kept refusing to try it, "knew he'd hate it", etc. About 10 years ago, we figured out a way to entice him to have a vacation on a cruise ship for 7 days ("we are getting older, we want to bond with the family, etc."), and he agreed, albeit reluctantly. But he was a very good sport about it. Sailing date arrives, and... we and some family are off! Our avatar is us early in the cruise, lying on our bed, peering over our feet at the same great forward view the Captain had, through a huge wall of windows... By the next day, DH was completely hooked! 🎉 😁🥂 We've sinced had some amazing cruises in several different areas of the globe, and we also continued some wonderful air/land trips. [We are so disappointed that we had to cancel some recent trips due to Covid. 😞 ] Although those first two cruises were *so* different from the luxurious trips we now take, I still have the fondest memories of them! GC

Is that a type of travel insurance!? GC

GONE! That wonderful tub-with-a-view!! There was already a very nice shower-with-a-view as well. That tub was really special. At least we got one nice photo session of me sitting in a cloud of bubbles, with the ocean in the background. We *use* tubs on cruises; that's when I know the phone won't ring, there's nothing waiting to be done around the house, etc. And *that* tub was wonderful! It was a real plus for that suite. A humongous shower? What's the point of that huge space? Did they add a second (or third!? 😉 ) showerhead? It's a real shame. We can understand that tubs can be troublesome for some, getting in and out. But IF there is already a shower, and a NICE shower... what is the problem? (Why pay for those changes, even if tiling/etc., was to be upgraded, why change the plumbing, too? At least on another line where tubs were replaced with showers (also where there was already a separate shower), they kept some suites with that tub! Nice!! GC

And heeeere we go, courtesy of MSN just now: AI Beer: https://www.msn.com/en-us/foodanddrink/foodnews/ai-crafts-new-beer-for-night-shift-brewing/ar-AA186V5p?ocid=weather-verthp-feeds Alas, I'm a red wine drinker. (Or Diet Coke. 😉 ) So I'd be clueless about whether it's "good" beer or not. 🍷 🍷 GC

Difficult to comment without more information about ingredients, but this at least sounds interesting, and there is some thought involved (or so it seems from your description). Assuming there wasn't anything else objectionable (or that would trigger an allergy), I'm intrigued and would try this! The previous combinations above reflect what a friend and I, back in the early 1990s, finally started calling a few "special restaurant menu selections" that simply seemed to include bizarre combinations of things, simply to be "different". Many of them were "different", that was for sure! (I won't give the name we used; I just looked it up, and there is another meaning! I had no idea until just now. I doubt it was used that way several decades ago. I hope...) However, I am self-admittedly old fashioned at times. (And proud of it! 😉 ) GC

😱 I'm a statistician. Looks like someone set a random process loose on the ingredients! GC

Thanks, klfrodo. I had thought that IMT was "following" but couldn't remember why I thought that. Duh on me! The top of that sub-forum page has the list of at least some who follow, and it appears they were following since *very* early. Doesn't that mean that they'd get some sort of notification that someone was posting there? That makes it even more confusing, if they should have been notified when there were questions or comments for them on the section dedicated specifically to them. Worse, I found their incredible lack of responsiveness to be tricky... I initially didn't feel comfortable answering with information about "possible competition", even though it seemed that might be very valuable to the CC member posting/asking a question. Finally, I decided to answer a few of the queries, but usually hesitantly/carefully not to step on IMT's toes. But if they are simply ignoring all of the recent questions posed to them, leaving those CC members with NO information at all... that certainly didn't seem right. I suspect that klfrodo and we feel pretty much the same, and it's mostly disappointment with IMT. There's also considerable confusion. What was the point of the IMT sub-forum? Insurance can be SO valuable! We've had quite a few claims, including some large ones, so we can definitely attest to the fact that travel insurance is not simply wasted money; that "self insuring" would *not* have been better (in our case). *Some* travelers really do collect serious money when the travel insurance is needed. The claims *are* paid (at least by our insurer, in our case) when the forms are filled out properly and receipts are included in the claim submission. GC

Fill out the form. We always do, with all relevant details, but we *include* a statement that it is *not* a life/death problem. We also mention, for one of us, that "cross contamination" is NOT a problem. Avoiding that (cross contamination) makes the prep much more burdensome, so we don't want them needing to do that when it is not necessary. OTOH, if it IS, then we'd specify that, too! The more severe the consequences, the more we would urge someone to double check as we described above. GC

As others have said, there's no *need* to do excursions. But keep in mind that some people who stay on the ship or only head to a nice local beach may have been to that port before. I'd suggest that you Google "<portname> Sightseeing", and see what shows up. There might be something of really special interest to you... or not. If not, then plan to wander around the town or head to a nice beach, etc. Or find a "self-guided" walking tour, etc. But IF there is something local that jumps right out at you, then think seriously of finding a way to see it, and especially if you aren't sure you'll be back to this particular port. It would be a shame later to find out that "X" was right there in that town, or a few miles away, and you didn't know... but would have LOVED to see "it". 😉 There may be something you've always heard about or even really wanted to see, but you might not realize it's "nearby" on one of the ports of call. Also, look at the cruise-sponsored "excursions" and where they go/what they see. Those may include some of the more popular sightseeing. Again, this is only to double check that there isn't something nearby that you'll later wish you had realized and made a point to "go there". Otherwise, make the cruise what *you* want. If not lots of activity, perhaps lots of relaxation. Taking advantage of an almost empty ship... some people love that! No crowding in any of the areas. DO join your Roll Call at least to learn what others on your specific cruise are thinking about doing or arranging privately. Enjoy! GC

Thanks for the update, and we are very glad you got the check! This further confirms that when a vendor is seemingly playing games/making up excuses, a regulatory agency is the place to turn. And some types of companies are more regulated than others. Insurance and investment firms are among those with good regulatory oversight. We learned not to wait "too long" to turn to them. That's one of the reasons they are there, after all. GC

We haven't sailed on HAL since Dec, 2019, but on that wonderful trip to NZ/Australia, DH was very pleased with his GF choices. The breads/rolls were very tasty, and he had no problem with other selections. We recommend that one ALWAYS double check, however, if GF is due to true celiac disease rather than just a preference. So we remind waitstaff when we order and again, when food is presented: "This is the GLUTEN FREE <whatever>, correct?" Better safe than sorry! He had no trouble finding good menu items, and having the advance menu was always useful. GC

That's easier said here than done in real life. Who is "here" on CC? Mostly, people who have experience as cruisers, and some fortunate newbies 🙂 Most cruisers have no idea that CC exists. Many travelers have no idea they might want to ask travel agents about "other costs"... until they get that bill at the end of the cruise or hotel stay and see those other charges! 😱 Sure, that's upsetting. Given that many people often select choices "by cost", I don't know what the solution is, given that advertising a "lower price" or "as low a price as possible" (by omitting some charges) isn't likely to change. The problem is that what are omitted are frequently NON-discretionary charges. To me, *that* is the main problem. You MUST pay it, so why isn't it part of the "cost"? Sure, "ask to remove it"... wrong approach! Why not do the same with electricity costs, water, laundry... oh, wait... laundry services are being cut back; less linens, less cost... When will *that* switch to a "per towel" or "per washcloth" per day charge? Sigh. GC

Welcome to CruiseCritic. It would be very helpful in the future if you would type in regular font. That black highlighting makes it very difficult to read. You may get more readers and thus more answers. GC