Middleager

Before the pandemic, we stayed at a PP resort (not cruise stop). We went boat diving with prodive a couple of times. They were ok. The diving was so so, for Caribbean. But it was warm water. My wife stayed at the beach. After the dives, we bought coconuts to drink. They were about US$2/each, not bad.

I'm interested in horseback rides there. Did you get any more info, tour op name/link?

Agree the aeroplan redemption has really devalued in the last couple of years. It's so bad for many AC flights we usually purchase tickets (from AC or others) rather than redeem. The best aeroplan redemption values are with partner airlines that are still on fixed points, especially in Europe, Middle East, and Asia. In Asia, Eva airlines is the best.

I just booked this 2023.11.26 Encore cruise, for inside sail away room. So early this morning it was guaranty room. Later in the day while getting FCCs applied, NCL sent an update, and I got a room assignment. I was trying to book on Monday, 2 days ago. It kept giving a message that my selection is no longer available. But after refreshes and checking this sailing, it kept showing rooms available for insides, and one room in Haven. Anyway, it looks like upgrade bids were being processed, and eventually an inside room was bookable by me. Now there's no Haven room available. This ship is getting full. Come and join the rollcall for this cruise, and the Meet & Greet.

If ship doesn't get delayed too much for disembarkation, no problem. FLL airport is 15min from FLL port.

Sure, cancel if there's concern. What about going to train/bus station, airport, sports venues, concerts, stores, schools, work, restaurants. Are there people near where he lives?

At port no problem. At sea as you get a bit away from shore, you'll lose coverage. Years ago when the phone companies were charging long distance even within Canada (yes that was that time), a friend and her daughter were with us on cruise. While at port, the daughter spends a few chatting with a friend back in Toronto. The girl didn't know there is long distance charge when in east coast. It racked up >$3000 of long distance charges.

I just bid. I bought 2 lottery tickets this evening. I know they are winning tickets. They got to be.

Almonds are more expensive. They have to cut cost again, so it's back to peanuts. Wait for your confirmation email. (Then they'll change it to a piece of cracker)

We're usually in Improved Steerage class. We usually enjoy NCL food, MDR, buffet, or specialty. On the Jade earlier this year, there was Asian food in buffet. I guess we are just glad we don't have to shop, cook, clean. We feel pampered on cruises.

Oh, only 1/3 prior to boarding. Learn something every day. We were Platinum and just reached Sapphire status. For the last cruise we were able to book online for the 2 + 2 dinners online at 120 days out. For our upcoming cruise we also have 2 + 2, but this time after booking 2, NCL wants to charge us. Guess we'll need to call tomorrow to book the next 2, to not be charged.

When you're on a cruise, the CruiseNext desk tries to sell you CN certs. Every second day there'd be a flyer to your room, and/or messages to your online account, and even phone messages. A CN desk manager also told us they wish the CF certs would go away and NCL just sell CNs. It's a selfish reason because if no more CF sold, then people can only buy CNs while onboard. But as long as NCL continues to sell CFs, it'll make sense that when the have double up offers, they allow CF to be combinable with CN -- as they have done in the past. If another CF offer of buy $250 get $500 comes up, I'd be tempted to buy. It's better than the CNs at buy US$125 get $250 (if buying 2 or more).

Last time we had to go to the Brazilian Consulate (near Bloor/Bay subway station) in Toronto. Need to take passport photo (strictly need not be "passport" photo, but easier to make sure it's accepted), pay money, and hand your passport over. Pick up days later. They paste the visa on a page in your passport. There was someone who was born in Italy (as stated in his passport), also applying for visa. The Consulate asked him if he also has Italian passport, he said yes, the Consulate told him visa is exempt for Italians, so he didn't have to apply (for visa with Canadian passport). I don't know if that is still true now, but if it is then those with Italian passports can save.

I hope so. In a previous cruise when they had a double up offer, I was able to apply a CN and a CF cert, toward an inside cabin booking.

I suppose this should also apply to CruiseFirst certs, or combo CN/CF certs.

Should be ok with self-disembarkation. Miami is an important turn-around port and they are used to many ships coming in to offload passengers. There are lots of taxis, ubers, shuttles, etc. to take people to MIA or FLL.

When travelling, we use Line, Signal (more secure than Whatsapp), Facebook Messenger, etc. to make calls. If the signal is strong enough we can make video calls. Depending on where we go, I've used eSIM (Airolo, Maya, etc. for US, Jordan, Israel, Panama, etc.) or bought physical SIM cards (Taiwan, Egypt, Australia, vietnam, Europe, etc.) If the price is similar, I prefer physical SIM card because you get the stronger signal vs eSIM which usually get weaker signals. I have an older Google phone, so when using eSIM I have to choose one provider (eSIM, or original provider in Canada). A friend has a newer phone and can have dual SIM, so uses eSIM for data but also receives text on the original Canadian provider's plan.

Public Mobile now has a Cad$50/month, with 40G of Canada and US data. Freedom Mobile also has a similar plan.

I tell my wife to pack little and wear little. She doesn't listen though.

It doesn't matter where the phone or phone number is from. If you have data/wifi, you can use your uber app to order. If you don't use roaming (at high cost), you can buy eSIM or physical SIM for US. eSIM can be much cheaper.

Reminds me of those grocery store, all you can fit bagel days. Fit as many bagels into a paper bag. So you take a bagel, sit on it to become wafer thin, put in bag, repeat. Instead of 6 bagels, you can put 60 bagels in, for the same price.😛 Just kidding. Haven't done that myself (sit on bagel, etc).

Just to report back. It does work, for making final payment for a cruise, through a TA. The $1000 payment shows up on Amex as to NCL. One day after posting, the $250 credit showed up.

Haifa port is right at the train station, Haifa Merkaz Hashmona (Central) railway station. Well, next to each other.

We have stayed at Hollywood, and Miami hotels. Whatever was cheaper at the time. We have rented car, but that's getting expensive lately. We had uber'ed, and it's not bad, cheaper than taxi. We've used esim (airolo and others), and they've worked well in US. Depending on how many G's of data you like and/or you like calling/texting, and how many days, you can spend less than US$15 for 10 days.

Same with us in Cagney on the Jade in Jan.