Blondilu

I've sailed solo once and the only problem I had is that if I actually wanted to be alone I basically had to "hide" from all the people I met who wanted to adopt me. LOL. Seriously, I met many wonderful people and could either spend time alone or be with my new friends. It was great. Best tip: Ask people if it's OK to sit with them during shows or entertainment. They may say no, or they may say yes and you don't hit it off. But. You just might meet someone to hang out with. My least favorite time is eating alone at a table in a room full of happy, laughing couples and groups. Made me feel wierd. Only happened once or twice though. As I said, I got "adopted" and invited to meals by any number of folks.

Wonderful and touching moments that I can in no way top. But, here goes.

On my first cruise I was solo and nervous. I ended up sitting alone because no one else assigned to my table in the MDR showed up and I sat there for a bit feeling kind of stupid being at an 8 top all alone. Then a nearby couple sent the waiter over to invite me to their table. I thought that was very sweet.

On my first Alaskan cruise watching Orcas from my balcony. Watching my Mom watch the glaciers on what would turn out to be her last big trip.

On my second Alaskan cruise I got drenched in Ketchikan. Walking back to the ship which was berthed about 100 miles down the dock, I kept hearing music coming from somewhere. Distant and ethereal through rain and mist. Turned out to be someone playing the bagpipes on the deck of our ship. I know I have a very active imagination, but that just struck me as being something out of book or a movie. Almost magical.

I think I have read everything there is on the Internet regarding packing. What to bring, how to pack it, capsule wardrobes, mix and match, 2 weeks with 9 items of clothing in 1 carry-on, etc. None of it ever worked for me unit I stopped worrying about what anyone else does or doesn't do.

Much of the stuff I've read does help, especially not carrying so many shoes. But, I now bring what I want and what I think I need. BUT, it all has to go (whether rolled, folded or packed flat) in the bag I'm willing to haul around. Period. If it doesn't fit I re-arrange, re-think and leave stuff out until it all works.

So in answer to your question, 29 inches is way too big for me to handle by myself (I am a woman, 61 years old). And the only time I ever had over weight fees I was using 29 inch bag. I've found that my 24 inch (or is it 25 inch?) bag is just about perfect. Fits everything I need and I can then put any stray "wants" or "almost forgots" as well as valuables in my carry-on.

John Bull: You couldn't be more correct about reading up a bit on place before you visit. Or at least take the time to learn something about it while you're there.

The Little Big Horn site is a good example. I've been there twice. The first time I paid little attention and came away with the same pre-conceived notions I arrived with. The second time I took the time to watch the interpretive film and also had a lengthy conversation with one of the docents. I learned so much and as a result, enjoyed the visit so much more.

The truth is that there often "is little to see" at the places we go visit. But if you take the time to understand the place and the people "little" becomes so much more.

Another quick example: so many here have encouraged me to spend more than 4 days in London if I can (as well as the surrounding areas). But, I know a woman from the UK who told me 3 days in London is more than enough for her and she has no idea why anyone would spend any time there.

All this info is just so marvelous, thank you all. I now have such a better idea of what we can and can't do time wise.

I am seriously thinking about adding another day. Or heck, a whole month! Just as soon as I win the lottery. LOL.

Wow, that is more info than I hoped for! Thank you so much. I have a much clearer idea now and we can plan our stay accordingly. Even though it's next year I'm so excited!! Thanks again and thanks for the website. I will make good use of it.

I am doing some preliminary research for a pre-cruise stay in London next summer. Our current thought is to do 4 days. We want to see the usual, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, St. Paul's, The Tower of London and Westminster Abbey and maybe Churchill's War Room. I thought we might take 1 day to go out to Windsor Castle. Today I was checking different things out and found an all day trip to Stonehenge, Avebury and Glastonbury that looks very interesting.

The question is: Can the sites in London itself be done in 2 days or is 3 more reasonable? What I was thinking was Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and vicinity on 1 day, St. Paul's and The Tower on another day, then Windsor on the 3rd leaving the 4th for the Stonehenge trip. Is that pushing it to the point of not being able to enjoy each of the London sites? Or are we looking at changing our plan from 4 to 5 days? Or dropping something off the list?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

My experience: I've never gotten sick on a cruise ship. Airplanes, yes. The last time I was sick, which was a couple of years ago, I had Norovirus-like symptoms and still have no idea where it came from. I hadn't been anywhere except work and no one there was sick. Maybe the grocery store? That certainly is a possibility.

Is it worth it? IMO, yes, it's worth the risk. Life is risky no matter what you do or where you go and illnesses are everywhere. The benefits of traveling far outweigh the risks. But, I hardly ever get sick so what do I know?

Thanks all for the replies. Yes, I DO like to save money when possible so will keep checking and will call Princess as soon as I see any kind of offers that would potentially benefit me. My cruise is a year away so hope they don't get tired of me calling.:o

How many times can you call Princess and have your fare lowered after you've seen the price reduced on the website or in a mailed advertisement? Will they let you do it only once? Or can you call every time you see a fare reduction? Is it even smart to keep calling or should I wait til just before final payment. My cruise is a year away and final payment is due next May.

I'm not new to cruising, but ashamed to say I've never bothered to look before if my fare was reduced. It's just this cruise is longer and way more expensive than the others I've done. I would like to get a deal if I can.

I wasn't planning on taking my next cruise until the summer of 2015. Then my co-worker started blabbing about how her son is taking her on a cruise in a couple of months. I am so jealous and antsy to go, I want to go NOW! But, I'm saving for that next trip and can't really afford it right now, or so I thought.

I checked the Princess website and found a 4 day, for pretty cheap. I booked an inside for my Sis and I and have planned a few days on either end for some sight-seeing. All for a price I can do. Yay!!!

The question is: is there a big difference in the shorter cruises? Besides being shorter, I mean. Do you feel rushed? Is the staff as friendly and helpful? How's the entertainment? Is there more of a party atmosphere? I'm assuming 1 formal night. I'm going anyway, but would like a little insight as to what we can expect. I've never been on anything shorter than 7 days and I like 10 the best. Thanks in advance for any comments or advice. Oh yeah, the cruise is out of LA with a stop in Ensenada and a stop in San Diego.

I agree that taking the same seats is great, but how many won't remember which seats were there's? This is, to me, a time when you need to do what the situation calls for. Full bus, busy tour, can't remember where you seat was or it's taken? Get on, find a seat and sit down. If you want a certain seat, get there early, or leave something to mark it as yours.

On the last tour I took, the bus was only half full (or was it half empty?). We had plenty of time and lots of room. Everyone could pretty much sit where they wanted. And we got to know each other a little bit so we remembered better where we were seated. It was almost like a private tour.

Either way it somehow all works out if you're flexible and ready to "go with the flow".

I just got back from the Sapphire on the 29th. We stayed in P239 and, like others, found this to be a very convenient location. You could walk right out and be at the elelvators, or just a little further would take you right to the lower level of the Atrium. However, I can't say it was quiet. We didn't hear anyone in the adjacent cabins. We didn't hear people in the hallway or above or below us. We did hear toilets flush. Lots of toilets. At least, I think it was toilets, it seemed like there was a a lot of them so maybe it was something else. There was another noise, like a large metal cart rolling back and forth across a metal floor. I started wondering if we were above the ship's laundry area. No way to tell. It stopped later in the evenings so it never kept us awake, but we heard it everyday.