Fa-Li

Hi, again, back from our cruise and wanted to give an updated report about the Bungalows. One thing that took me by surprise was they wanted our whole party present to check into the bungalows I had envisioned myself getting off ship early and setting up, then others joining through the morning. Luckily, this was made clear the day before when the ticket was delivered. Secondly, another ship was in port a couple hours ahead of us, so there was no chance to be "first come first serve" but it turned out to not be an issue. My group was only the second one to arrive at

just off 9 nights on Explorer yesterday. It was full and next cruise office was hopping the whole time. I did notice much more focused handwashing when I was in the public bathrooms. And crew was constantly sanitizing hand rails. Washy washy folks were in front of WJ and dining rooms every single time the doors opened. In the airport on the way home, noticed a lot of masks, and lots of hand sanitizing. This might actually be a pretty good time to travel, if people are being more careful than during a normal flu season.

Awesome. Very helpful, thanks all! and @Wine-O , not sure if the glass of wine is your regular sign off or your suggestion for keeping warm, but to be safe I shall have a glass or two before I watch the show!

Last minute packing review, and it occurred to me: am I going to freeze while watching the ice skating show? Like pack jeans and a jacket? Or will a light sweater over a cotton dress be ok? I know everyone has different levels of cold tolerance, so somewhat subjective. I rarely feel the need to wear a sweater on the ship in general though so didn’t think about it while I packed. thanks!

My church has been doing the "no handshake" thing this flu season. Even so, after the greeting, the smell of purell wafts up from every pew, lol. Folks are serious about not spreading germs! OP, it's hard when someone is already anxious to get through to them with reason. Can you offer a back up plan in case there is an unforeseen delay, like someone on call to check on your grandmother? (obviously, there won't be quarantine, but sometimes it helps to address the fear, no matter how unrealistic)

if you don’t want to pack these, a pants hanger works great we bring mini shower puffs to lather up the provided gel soap

Thank you! Headed on ABC cruise next week and going to the bank Monday for my travel denominations. Perfect timing.

good to know! but wait, I was promised cruise food contains no calories???

Down to fewer than 10 days before we cruise, so of course I'm thinking about the FOOD! I heard a podcaster mention the yummy smoothies available at the Vitality Spa on the bigger ships. Does anyone know if something like this can be found on Explorer? We have the Deluxe Drink Package, so I'm looking to get the most out of it, including beyond alcohol. Also, on less healthy note - are there donuts anywhere? Thanks! Fa

We had a fantastic experience with Tailored Tours of St. Petersburg. Timofey is the owner and was our guide and he could not have been more accommodating. He had a driver and a very comfortable van - easy to get in and out of. We did not have any walking issues on this trip, but DD has RA, so we are always paying attention to if an excursion would have been doable if she was having a flare. There was walking on the tour we did, but it was brief and over even ground. A lot of the sights we pulled right up to, got out of the van, and then were picked back up as soon as we had seen it.

Thanks! Putting it on my backwards planner!

well done!

Yes, it's confusing. I paid right around $260 for ours, during a "sale"

I don't eat burgers in "real life" so I do like to get one on vacation. Having said that, I don't think I've had one on a cruise ship (only sailed Royal or Princess) that made me miss it when I was back home. First time on a ship with Johnny Rockets in couple of weeks, so I'll be trying that burger. Ya know, for research.

Thank you, Jim! This is exactly what I was looking for. We will be sure to get up and off the ship . Getting so excited!