bobcan

Depending on the time of year and the itinerary Canadian Dollars may be appreciated. On East Coast Canada Cruises and cruises out of Vancouver crew when they get a chance shop ashore for clothes and snacks and would use Canadian funds rather than the hassle of converting US funds in stores. Also in the past I have given newer crew members loonies and twonies which they use as souvenir gifts to the young ones in the family at home.

Not knowing the itineraries of the various cruises I will not comment specifically on any of them, but I suggest that whichever one you eventually choose, make sure you do one that includes the overnight in Reykjavik. This gives you the opportunity to take in much of what there is to offer in the area and without the pressure of having to return to the ship in time for sailing you can arrange your own tour with a local company in smaller groups and cheaper than the cruise line offerings.

We were on a bus tour in the UK several years ago and the guide informed all passengers that the bus would be leaving to continue to our next stop at 10:25 and would not wait for stragglers. At 10:30 the bus left minus 2 people, at our next stop 2 more, then 2 more at the next. Guaranteed at our last stop everyone was back on the bus with 10 minutes to spare.

We just did Alaska a few weeks ago and used Hal for our airfare and transfer from the ship to Anchorage Airport. We booked the Pan Pacific hotel through our travel agent at a much better price than the cruise line. As far as transportation from the airport if you are able to walk a few blocks with your luggage the Skytrain is a good option to downtown, cheaper and faster than buses and taxis.