Shorex

Thanks much!

Is it possible to pre-order distilled water for a CPAP machine, or should we just request it (along with an extension cord) onboard? Thanks for any help in this area.

To expand a bit on janetcbl's answer: usually once you are through immigration, the process is relatively simple and easy. Follow the signage to the baggage claim area reserved for international arrivals, grab a cart if needed, load your bags (perhaps after a short wait for them to tumble down to the carousel). Get into the line to be (hopefully) waved through customs. Follow the signage to the drop off belt for on-going bags, follow the signage to go through security line, and find your gate. You should have a couple of hours to spare.

That being said, there can be annoying delays -- multiple international flights arriving at the same time creating long lines at immigration, long lines at security, etc. Personally we think 4.5 hours at JFK creates just the right safety margin for international to domestic connections, even with global entry and TSA pre-check.

Have a look at Windstar -- https://www.windstarcruises.com/

and here:

and https://www.windstarcruises.com/beyond-ordinary/

Sample their shore excursions here:

https://www.windstarcruises.com/voyage-plan/shore-excursions/

They combine adventure and luxury - and each ship has a water sports platform. We have a couple of "go-to" cruise lines and Windstar will always be part of our sailing life.

And they have the best sailaway music ever:

To put the condition of the SXM airport in perspective, it was named "Caribbean Airport of the Year" in 2016. 

https://www.sxmairport.com/news-20160418-SXM-Named-Caribbean-Airport-of-the-Year-2016.php

More photos of SXM (posted by Winair) in 2016, focusing on the departure hall, shops, and the executive lounge.

https://morepremium.com/review-winair-st-maarten-st-barths/

Then, in September 2017, the island was devastated by hurricane Irma. The airport was heavily damaged.  https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2017/09/07/hurricane-irma-may-have-destroyed-one-worlds-most-famous-airports/640943001/

Rebuilding and restoring the airport is taking years, but a recent $50 million loan to the airport authority means restoration should be finished by the end of 2022. So don't give up entirely on flying to St Maarten.

If this "revised" "revised" "revised again"  policy is true, I am so DONE with Celebrity.

And....the answer is always available on the Southwest website:

https://www.southwest.com/air/flight-schedules/

I suggest Southwest customers bookmark the link.

If oral arguments are today, then the judge's decision will definitely not be revealed today. However, astute observers can get clues from the questions framed by the judge. For the curious here's the  complaint (a legal term) filed by Florida:

http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/TDGT-BZVLFJ/$file/Fla+v+HHS+and+CDC+complaint.pdf

Here's the motion for a preliminary injunction:

https://www.law360.com/articles/1378097/attachments/0

Very interesting reading - of course the feds have filed counter arguments. That's the way it goes.

I plan to get a window seat flying into St Maarten - this is a photo of the approach - and yes, it really does look this:

I've always taken a box of disinfectant wipes in carry-on. Planes are filthy - swiping the armrests and tray tables will eliminate some of the bacteria. Don't expect the wipes to kill any viruses though.

I've mentioned this one recently: Ephesus in the evening for a classical string quartet concert.

32 minutes ago, LHT28 said:

free  self serve laundry rooms  if that is important to you

Free printing in the computer room

More  smoking areas  for those that like to smoke

 

To clarify the smoking policy: (edited to ocean vessels only)
Connoisseur Club Crystal Serenity, Crystal Symphony
VIP Casino on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony (during play, upon request)
Decks 10, 9 and 8 Aft on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity
Deck 11, aft Crystal Serenity
Seahorse pool area, port side only
Promenade Deck, port side only 

Basically, it's a few areas outside, the Connoisseur Club and the VIP casino. Personally I've never been bothered by the smoke and neither have our friends who are particularly smoke sensitive. If that's a deal breaker, c'est la vie.

1 hour ago, LHT28 said:

 I saw a post that said Crystal was offering bargain prices for the Caribbean  maybe check them out  if you find a good deal

Most drinks included

https://www.crystalcruises.com/

Absolutely! We are thinking of booking one for November. On the "Find a Voyage" tab search for cruises in October, November or December of this year and choose the Serenity. Crystal is "all-inclusive." Before the quibble begins, no cruise line includes literally everything. However, you will not pay gratuities, for most alcoholic beverages (yes, you will pay for JW Blue or Opus One, etc.,  but you won't pay for Talisker or Botanist for example), specialty dining in the Nobu restaurant and the Italian restaurant, specialty coffees, unlimited wifi, 24 hour room service and there's probably more.

If you've ever thought of trying a luxury line, this is the time to do it.

One more thought: every cruise line has its proponents and its detractors. Filter through the noise and find what's right for you.

Bon voyage!

In addition to previous suggestions, I'd recommend adding Windstar to the mix.

https://www.windstarcruises.com/

Explore the website and get a feel for the personality of the cruise line. Actually that's good advice for every line that you are considering.

Some highlights:

Voted 2019 best small ship cruise line

Partners with James Beard foundation for cuisine

Ships have a sports platform that lowers in back for water sports in safe harbors

In some ports you can accompany the chef to local markets for dinner shopping

The bridge is open -- stop in to chat with the Captain and bridge officers about the charts and technology

and more...

We have sailed on multiple lines -- and Windstar is one of our top favorites.

This again? The crew loves money, and would never make a sour face at getting a silly $2. They know how to fake a happy smile. Whatever floats your boat.

Cruises are wonderful. However, you do only get to visit the coast (and as far inland as a day trip on bus excursion can get you.) Tauck is the best of available land tours of the British Isles to see what you'll never see from a traditional cruise ship. For more independent travel, trains and ferries. Have a look at The Man in Seat Sixty-One to get a sense of the extensive train service in the U.K.  (and the rest of the world)  (And yes, ferries from Northern Ireland to Scotland. Google is your friend.) Or combine trains with a tour here and there, like Rabbie's Tours of UK and Europe. Which reminds me, doing a Rabbie's Whisky tour of Scotland is still on the bucket list.

Delta long haul flights from Asia to the US  (and vice versa) in a 777 are pretty much fungible. You are a metal tube, in your designated class of service with the accompanying amenities. The major difference between originating in Japan or originating in Hong Kong (as we will soon) is that one will have some Japanese speaking flight attendants and meal options and the other will have Chinese speaking flight attendants and meal options.

Go to youtube and search for "Delta business class 777" and get exacting detail about  your upcoming flight in business class.  Start here:

Depends on your priorities. In the Med your child will experience some of the great ports that feature the early history, culture, and cuisine that developed into western civilization. That cruise could possibly stimulate a lifelong curiosity and joy for travel, not just tourism. OTOH, you can focus on sitting around a crowded pool deck.

Four classes of service: main, comfort, premium select, and Delta One suites on a 777. 12 hours 30 minutes. What specifically do you want to know?

Sure. No problem. Viking. No kids allowed. Itineraries around the world. Awards for best this and that.

https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/why-viking/viking-difference/main.html

And I select for you the itinerary of Ancient Adriatic Treasures.

https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/cruise-destinations/western-mediterranean/ancient-adriatic-treasures/index.html

Call your favorite travel agent and book'em. You're welcome.

There are several examples of cruise lines offering an excursion that involves leaving the ship in one port and rejoining the ship in another, albeit in the same country. An overnight safari in South Africa is one example, a flight to Agra for the Taj Mahal is another. Who knows and understands the intricacies of cabotage laws in Japan? Doubt anyone here would qualify. Ferries in the US (Alaska), Norway and other countries let you leave the ferry and pick it up again in a different port. Personally, I wouldn't be concerned, but it's not my cruise.

Totally personal choice. For domestic travel, I choose to use my real ID drivers license and leave the passport at home. Others choose differently. It matters not to me what others do.

Well, ships that cruise the world instead of repeating the same old, same old itineraries have the more uncommon port stops. Next summer Regent is doing the North Cape, but going over the top of the cape onward to Russia for stops in Murmansk, Archangel, and the Solovetsky Islands. That's pretty cool. Thinking about it. In 2020 we'll be stopping in Manila (doing a Corregidor excursion), and Saipan (hopping a brief flight over to Tinian, 5 miles away). In 2021 our stops include St Helena (Napoleon's last port), Ascension Island, and Namibia and Senegal. Mostly expedition ships port at South Georgia/South Sandwich Islands. Definitely on the wish list. The more remote ports are mostly visited by smaller ships. To send 2,000+ tourists tramping over St Helena would be a travesty. Check out Crystal and Silversea also, they have some great itineraries. Ocean-wide Expeditions is our go-to for penguins and polar bears (obviously, not on the same trip.)

There are private passport expediting services. Personally, I would skip the middleman and use the closest available state department agency.