mef_57

47 minutes ago, Flyinby said:

We booked 2 nights in Oslo, but really only had one full day (midday arrival and the train to Bergen departs early, about 8:20).  I wished we'd had at least another day there.  If you stay in the central area, there's plenty to fill up a couple of full days at least.  We did book a 2-hour bus/walking tour in advance, and it was well worth it since it took us to areas we'd have a hard time getting to on our own with limited time.

 

So you might want to consider more than two nights unless you really don't see much in Oslo that interests you.  We're going back Next February and I'm booking 3 nights to make up for the places we didn't have time for.  Art galleries, museums, the opera house, library, besides life and the general aura around central Oslo make it really worthwhile if those things are interesting to you.

 

There's a porter service (porterservice.no) that will take your bag(s) from Oslo to Bergen (or back) for a reasonable fee, in case you don't want to deal with your larger luggage for the train or ferry.  Excellent service, they were reliable and reasonable.  The train ride is exceptional... you can get your tickets in advance at vy.no if you know your dates and times.  We did the Oslo-Myrdal-Flam-Myrdal-Bergen route on the train with a night in Flam, rather than the legit "nutshell" tour; it was mid-winter and Flam was pretty quiet.  Very much worthwhile visiting but one night was adequate.

 

We also booked 2 prior nights in Bergen (in Bryggen) and it was a bit better timewise, as the Havila ship doesn't board until late afternoon, so we basically had 2 full days in Bergen.  Again, the central area is best, and there are some 1-2 hour guided walking tours that are really worthwhile and not expensive.  You learn your way around, and some interesting history etc.  There's a funicular railway from the central area, and it's very interesting to walk around on your own and enjoy.  More days would have been OK, but having nearly 2 full days made it not seem so short as Oslo, with its early train departure.

 

You might be able to see some fall color in the fjords...I asked the ranger in geirangerfjord about when that would be, but he wasn't very specific...I suppose it varies like everywhere, but he did suggest maybe October.

 

Have fun on your trip!  I did have some pics from our Feb. 2023 trip at https://pbase.com/roberthouse/norway23, if you want an idea of the scenery you're in for.

Thanks for the further details. I am still not exactly on the dates, but won't sway too much away from the dark nights for better NL chances. Also still deciding on the Flam train inclusion but your plan was becoming my plan.

Thanks for sharing the photos. I am surprised on the lack of snow foe February, but learning I can't compare it to inland Canada.

Thankfully, I do have time flexibility, so we will see what the final plan and dates are.

I tend to pack carry on size only, regardless of trip, but good to know there is an option.

Thanks again.

2 hours ago, grayjay said:

Then you're well prepared to stay on the outside decks for watching the northern lights if they appear!

But in September, similar to Canada, you might have quite sunny and warmer days, too.

I'm not sure if the Norwegian autumn colours will top the Canadian ones which we found quite spectacular!

And the train trip will be a great opportunity and it's a lovely ride in all times of the year ( we did spring, winter and autumn and found all the rides spectacular!)

If possible you should stay a day or two  in Bergen and Oslo both - such beautiful cities to explore even if expensive. And if you are considering the train trip to Bergen: it can be combined with the trip "Norway in a nutshell" - Recommendation!

Have a great trip!

September/October  are supposed to be good times in Norway foe the lights, and will time it with darkest moon phases,so fingers crossed.

I only started to think about this, so will have to look at what to do in the cities and Norway in a Nutshell.

Thanks.

7 hours ago, oakridger said:

 

It is a fantastic train ride, and you will not regret taking it!   My Havila trip is coming up in June and I'll be taking the train from Oslo to Bergen as well.  I have been on that train once before about 19 years ago.

 

~Nancy

Have a great time. I know you are excited about it.

I watched that route on a Great Train Journeys PBS show. I have Swedish roots, but never been to Scandinavia.

4 hours ago, grayjay said:

If you booked a return trip, regular coffee, tea and water are included all day, as is internet service. The meals in the café ( except packaged goods, but for example soups, sandwiches, pizza, hamburgers, buns) are included in the year 2024 for those who booked a return or half-way trip with full board.

It's quite easy to buy some extras like chocolates, sparkling water or soft drinks when going outside at some of the stops.

September is great as you'll have all those lovely fall colors. Enjoy your trip. And one of the good things about Havila is the fact that there a lot of comfortable seats and views through huge windows throughout the ship.

It might also be possible to upgrade to an outside cabin at little cost when on board, depends on how fully the ship is booked.

Thanks for the extra details, and suggestion for an upgrade. That could be more comfortable. Otherwise deck or windows would be great. I am from Ontario, Canada. I will have adequate clothing.

I also thought to take the train from Oslo to Bergen for more chance of Autumn colours.

On 2/20/2024 at 5:07 PM, Flyinby said:

Laundry is free, even the soap is automatically dispensed.  There were no gratuities charged, which I assume hasn't changed since last February.  There was a crew appreciation donation box in a corner, but I don't believe it was ever even mentioned, so strictly voluntary (if you notice the box there at all).  There were no surprise or added-on expenses in our case, so if you stick with what's offered for meals and don't use the cafe, you should avoid that if so inclined.  Water, coffee, and tea comes with meals and also juices or milk with breakfast.

 

With an inside cabin, be sure to turn on your cabin announcements if you're interested in northern lights.  The crew is very good at announcing them any time they're sighted, but you can miss it or sleep through it without the announcements if in your cabin.  A good phone app for northern lights can help too, since you can get advance info as to the likelihood of lights and the cloud cover situation.

Thanks for these details.yes, I will engage the notifications. They are offering a free 7 day trip if you don't see Northern Lights on the 12 day trip...but, it requires the announcement engaged...understandably.

I am scheduling the trip for new moon phase for bast chances, and the app is a good tip. Thanks.

I am looking at a late September, 12 night return cruise for Northern Lights.

For budget (and this is budget....I'll be in the dinkiest inside cabin) I am trying to determine if there are daily gratuities, like mainstream cruise lines. If so, what's the cost?

And is the self serve laundry free?

I know about the drinks packages, and the excursion costs.

It looks like water and some beverages are free with meals.

Any other costs I need to consider I haven't thought about yet?

Thank you.

6 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

This seems to me outrageous and a potentially discriminatory policy.

 

What if they do an analysis of onboard spending and discover that seniors aged 70 and higher spend, on average, 50% less onboard than younger passengers. Does that then allow Celebrity to charge 70+ passengers more? 

 

Or even worse -- say they find that a certain ethnic group spends less on board per cabin?

 

This is a very slippery slope....

 

Yes, it seems quite discrimatory. I haven't been paying much attention in past weeks but I did catch some article that says they are being strongly criticized for this statement. Maybe they will have to retract their plan. However, cruising is so popular at the moment, many ridiculous implemented and increased fees are being accepted, so cruise lines have the current upper hand.

I watch cruise News today YouTube and Celebrity has officially stated they will be charging more than twice double occupancy for solo bookings...to make up for lost revenue generated by a second person.

43 minutes ago, shipgeeks said:

Seeking advice on mending a vintage/antique quilt.  (I know, not cruise fashion, but I believe there are some very capable people here!)

I was given a lovely old quilt top, to which I attached a filler and a back.  Just put it on the bed for the season, but in the dark my finger caught at one of the delicate squares and tore it to shreds. Where do I begin to repair or replace it?  Just find a complementary piece of fabric and hand-stitch it on?  Zigzag all over the spot?

I suspect there will be more flaws as winter goes by, but I don't want to stop using it.  I held it in reserve all the years we had cats.

Thank you!

What you do to repair depends on what you want to do with it in the future. Do you want to maintain it for other generations or use it and love it to death yourself.

Fabric that fragile will continue to fray and shred  in use.

Your choices are as you mentioned, but I prefer the 3 stitch mending stitch to regular zip zag. You may prefer looking for a similar fabric.

I am not a quilt restorer or preservation expert, but have seen some approaches and fixed a 30 year old quilt I made.

I want to mention the importance of quilting on these quilts. My old quilt was made at a time we said quilting 8 inches apart was sufficient. When repairing, I realized that was not close enough. As batting compresses over time, it allows the fabric to shift. That frequent shifting means fibres bend, fray and break. So quilting it 4 inches apart could increase the life of the fabrics.

Another thought is the use of fine wedding veil tulle as an overall cover on the quilt top. It is used in art quilts to keep lots of bits and thread on the surface, and in restoration to stabilize fabrics, but it wouldn't have the same feel on a bed quilt.

There will be YouTube videos to help you prepare new fabric to look a little older. Tea dyes are easy.

I wonder if it catches the bulge when a soft sided bag is overpacked?

Also check what measurements a suitcase manufacturer is using when saying it is carry on compliant. US airline requirements are slightly larger than Canadian allowances. Some even state a 21 inch suitcase, but don't include the wheels or handle.

Take a measuring tape with you when luggage shopping.

1 hour ago, RealNorwegianCruiser said:

Stateroom 10087. If you get it, grab it. 

 

Gigantic balcony.

 

The rest of Spendida is rather "meh", but that balcony is awesome!

Thanks. I can see that location on a few floors. A balcony that size would make salt spray rather irrelevant if you sit by the door (though I see it is by stairs and lifts with all the noise factors.)

I am thinking to book April 2024 repositioning Durban to Rome in a balcony. It is mostly days at sea, so I am wondering if there is too much sea spray and wind to actually use the balcony every day. I recall one cruise that happened (different ship and itinerary), and I have never had this long a cruise before.

If your experience was more positive, what deck were you on?

Thanks.

16 minutes ago, lissie said:

Oh no - not my design!  Its Spencer Ogg's weekend bag - I picked it because it matches Air Canada's personal item dimensions - but  I've gotta say that the video which comes iwth the cabin taught me an awful lot about bag making (I've made garments for ever but this was only my 2nd bag). Escape-Pod Travel Collection. PDF Sewing Pattern & Video Tutorial – SpencerOgg I like  the gusset too - depending on materials it makes it MUCH easier to see inside as it holds itself up when empty. 

 Thanks for the pattern details. I often fly Air Canada, but our new Canadian budget airlines are only cost-saving if you fly with under seat luggage only. I am taking that as a personal challenge to sew something to get the most out of the measurements allowed. I figure I could manage a summer week-long wardrobe in it. I have sewn forever, quilted maybe half the time, and have a few bags under my belt. I now have a semi-industrial Juki sewing machine which makes them a bit easier.

On 2/25/2023 at 3:36 AM, lissie said:

Little bit different - but  its for a cruise - this is sized to  be a personal item on N. America airlines First time using vinyl - it was a bit of a learning curve but I am now thinking what other bags do I need!  

Great job. I have been  deliberating  making an underseat bag to maximize the allowed measurements. I like the side phlanges to help keep shape and things from slipping out. Did you design it as well?

2 hours ago, Sprigs616 said:

 

Yes, their website has a link to the cruises being offered as part of this deal.  The offer is only good for 5 days.   

https://www.cunard.com/en-us/the-cunard-experience/solo-travellers

 

Terms & Conditions (copied from their website):

Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses ranging from $60 to $725 per person are additional and subject to change.

 

*New Single Occupancy Bookings only. Up to additional 25% off the single supplemental fare reducing the supplemental from 175% of the double occupancy fare down to 132% of the double occupancy fare.  Additional discount ranges from 14% to 25% and varies by voyage.  This offer is not combinable with, but not limited to, Past Guest offers, Flash, Interline, Travel Agent rates, recipient only offers, negotiated rates/offers, and travel agency exclusive offers.  This offer is capacity controlled and subject to change. Offer is available to residents of the 50 United States, Canada, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the District of Columbia who are 21 years of age and older. Fares quoted in U.S. Dollars. This offer expires March 5, 2023 Promotion code Z2G.

Thanks; particularly for the link.  I had searched their website first, and tried again just now, and could only find solo travellers by using the Search function.  On my computers (from Canada), it is not a sub title under 'The Experience'. There is a NE US/Canada cruise this Autumn which means I could travel close to home for a change.

On 2/21/2023 at 12:01 PM, niknot said:

I am not sure if this is a bargain, since the rates haven't come out yet but Cunard announced a five day special starting March 1st in honor of "National Plan a Solo Vacation Day."

 

 

 Anyone seen any routes and prices for this today?

1 hour ago, pedirn said:

FYI.   Just left Joanne’s.   This is a discontinued pattern but they had two left.   Grabbed one for $2.71.    👍.   My fabric is not a knit but very soft so may or may not work.   But I liked pattern anyway so grabbed it.   Thanks for suggesting it.

You are welcome.  Glad you were able to get a pattern..and what a good price!  May I encourage you to make a couple of adjustments to have more success with a non stretch fabric?...moreso for the main body than the bodice crossover, I suggest you measure the pattern to ensure there is some ease.  3 inches would be minimum and maybe 5 at hips for flow.  You may also want to cut 1 inch side, front and back seams for final fitting.  Cut cross bodice pieces last.  I know you are not a fan of zippers, but a simple centred zipper up the back would adapt for no stretch to fabric. 

I hope you will let us see the final product.

2 hours ago, redlady62 said:

It is done! Phew! In the hamper to be washed before packing this weekend. Found the Fray Check in my ‘stash’ of stuff (it really has been a while) and applied to all knots and edge of the button holes before carefully sniping them open.  Thank you all for holding my hands while I worked on it ❤️

It looks wonderful. Such a fun print with its own memories. Happy to help support. Buttonholes look great.

4 hours ago, redlady62 said:

Good day everyone ! Slowly getting back to sewing. Retired 8 weeks ago and I might just have more ‘time’. Question about bottom holes (I hate them, but did a trial run with snaps and they didn’t stay in the fabric of the test shirt) Did some practice button holes, the first section looks beautiful, bar tack and then go back up and this is where  the stitches are not uniform. Can you direct me to more information for troubleshooting the issue?  Machine is a Kenmore 12 Stitch - my college graduation gift all those years ago.  👇🏻

 

 

Congratulations on retirement!!!

I still have my 1984 Kenmore Ultra Stitch 12 just for its buttonhole attachment. I will admit, that I rarely use the buttonhole dials on any of my sewing machines as they end up like yours.  YouTube is my go to for help, so get your model (may be on a plate at the back or side of the machine if not right up and centre) and check out YouTube.  Here is my model and shows how to use the attachment. 

Otherwise, check out how to make buttonholes on any Kenmore (or older machine for that matter) as it will have that dial step thing going on. 

The button hole is at least even, so you could just restitch the 'second' long side in normal zigzag mode if you can figure out the width and depth.

Also try a more matching colour of thread on your sample and see if it really shows that much when a button passes through the hole.  It most likely would be prudent to use a product like Fray Check (a liquid stabilizer), apply to the buttonhole including the thread. let it dry and then cut the hole. Maybe use a sharp razor blade, box knife or chisel to make it a clean cut rather than a seam ripper or scissors that seem to put stress on the hole and make it look frayed. If you go the seam ripper or tiny scissor route, put the tip at the bar tack, cut to the middle, then start again from the other bar tack and cut to the middle. Picky, I know but it will stablize the button hole and keep that 'factory made' look.

Alternatively, if it is chiffon, consider something like this where the dress is simple, and it is all about the sleeves and flounces. there are a couple of sleeve variations.. https://somethingdelightful.com/mccalls/m8166. or a simple sheeth dress and make some flowy caplet over it.  I found myself on a Cunard christmas cruise and as I was having foot issues, and decided to wear pants instead of any dresses. I had black crepe wide leg pants, a couple of different fancy tops, and as there were at least 3 theme nights, I made 3 different chiffon capes of different lengths. They can dress up or down something simple to gorgeous (or consider the fabric for a longer long sleeve duster coat and simple black with a signature necklace.

2 minutes ago, PurpleHays said:

@mef_57I might just have to look for that pattern the next time I go to the fabric store! I like it. It's pretty and looks simple.

Isn't it though?  I think it quite pretty, and would pack like a dream. The cross overs in a different colour could be interesting as well.

37 minutes ago, pedirn said:

Advice please.   I purchased this fabric (5 yards) as I loved it.   I think it would make a great formal night dress/gown.   But I am having difficulty finding the right pattern.  Thought some of the more advance sewers might have some suggestions.   But I am not a tiny person.  Need a size 16 through bust but 14/16 through hips/waist.   Also long torso so many dress patterns do not fit if they are for natural waistline.   Any suggestions or help is greatly appreciated.

Not knowing your style or the actual fabric content makes a recommendation a little more difficult.  I can't tell whether it s a chiffon, or stretch fabric?  Either way, I would keep lines simple so that the fabric makes the gown.  With a lot of darts and seams, it can get messy looking. I did a quick look and if this has stretch, consider something like this: https://simplicity.com/new-look/n6717 .

It has some extra style, enhances a nice bust, and skims a long torso (however, there are many videos and sites to help you learn how to length your patterns to fit to the waist.

2 hours ago, travelingman said:

Has anyone ever heard of any Galapagos cruises with solo cabins or single supplement prices?

 

Stan

To be honest, I would never use a ship larger  than 25 people for Galapagos, but you can check the Celebrity sale. Saving money or getting a single birth for Galapagos is often done by arriving at the docks and haggling with ships that need guests.

Alternatively, check the US tour groups that may have no or low si gle supplements. One promo arrived in my mailbox today for 4 of July sales. I don't think I canmidentify them here. 

This may be of interest.... sailings with SS waived. https://cruisefever.net/cruise-line-eliminates-single-supplement-on-over-275-cruises-through-march-2023/?fbclid=IwAR2IHy5lamT0yApToFxWFsBBg9S56HOyuXVz7c6HPBZdAUHYAEDA5Z8pdhY

I haven't found details on Celebrity websiite yet, but may be worth keeping any eye out.

13 minutes ago, DCGuy64 said:

Yes, and as much of a fan of MSC as I am, there's lots of conflicting information out there, even on their own websites. The US is not a Schengen country, so even though what you copied comes from the MSC Canada site, it still implies that non-Schengen country residents aren't allowed until August 31. Which isn't correct, because both the MSC USA website and the MSC representative I spoke with 10 days ago said that US cruisers are allowed on MSC's European sailings starting July 15.

Just be clear, we are not sailing on a US cruise. We are sailing on an MSC cruise in Europe August 28. FYI I'm not blaming you for the conflicting information; this is MSC's fault.

I hope it works out for you, and yes, it doesn't say either way on the US site.  I'll edit my upper response then (darn.  I already missed my window of opportunity - can't edit).  

Personally, my April 2019 was to be my first MSC cruise and after multiple cancellations I guess my MSC experience will just be inconsistent and disappointing customer service. I'll go back to slow land travel now that I am retired.