Greg4502

Captains’ Circle loyalty desk is where it takes me every time. Will that be our muster station? No. The muster stations are in dining areas, lounges/bars, the theater. On ships I have been on before, I know where the station is for my cabin. I pass by there on the way to the cabin and check in, if they are open. Then up to the room to unpack, while the video is playing. On the back of the door, will show you where your station will be.

As a retired avid backpacker, I have been though many boots during that time. I now wear the Merrell MOAB’s on excursions from the ship and hiking. I have found them to be the most comfortable out of the box. No matter what boots you choose, make sure you get them a few weeks prior to needing them. Break them in. Wear them around the house, out shopping, etc. If you are going to wearing them for an extended period, have some wide band aids on hand to cover the hot spot. They will probably show on the heel first. If you are going to be on a long hike, you will probably have a small backpack. Small backpack good for carrying extra water, snacks or lunch, small first aid kit. Also, a small spray bottle, like the trial size of hair spray of rubbing alcohol and an extra pair of socks. When you sit to take your rest stop, take those boots off, take your socks off and spray your feet with the alcohol. Let them dry, put the fresh socks on. I would clip the socks that I took off, to the outside of my pack to dry out, until the next stop. Your feet will thank you.

I have been doing so much cruising, I had to down size my RV.

The bus ride from Vancouver to Seattle is 3 hours long.

Ditto on the deck above the Lido deck. Also, unless they have changed it into an arcade. Starboard side, midship next to Crooners there is a smoking lounge.

The following items will not be allowed on board without a valid lawful reason: All firearms including non-firing weapons. An exception to this rule is law enforcement agents acting in an official capacity and certified armed security guards acting in an official capacity (with full permission of the ship’s Master). All imitation or replica weapons including de-commissioned weapons, those not capable of being fired and realistic imitation/toy weapons. Air/Pellet guns or any other variety of projectile firing weapon.

Elevator from 10 to nineteen. As you are looking at the elevators, the one on the far left will take you up to 19.

I have been to a few glaciers and through the canal a few times. Viewing the glaciers, it can get chilly. Now if you get too cold and go inside there goes your rail spot. Same goes with the canal. Sitting up above the bridge. You are out in the sun and if it hot, so are you. I prefer to move around the ship. You see more. Especially if you are shooting pictures. You will see different viewing aspects. Yes, the ships do rotate at the glaciers. The next time you are in the canal or at a glacier, move around. You would be surprised how many good viewing areas there are. Like an outside promenade deck on at canal cruise. You can see the canal up close. How the mules work and a lot of time this area is not crowded at all.

A cruise or two ago we had 3 helicopter evac's. The loud noise was probably the stabilizer being adjusted to make the ship more stable. For the evac. all of the deck furniture was cleared and tied down on deck 16, so they don't blow around from the down draft. There were three decks below that area and certain cabins that passengers were evacuated from. This time period was about 30 min prior and after the helicopter lifted the patient. We were told this in case the helicopter crashed on the deck.

See this post:

I have someone house sitting, plus I have my security team on duty.

I was told they are lights that can be turned on in emergencies. WiFi Repeaters are in the hallways. About 8inch square with a small blue light.

The stabilizers are somewhat noisy in rough seas. It’s the vibration from the stabilizers cutting through the water. More apt to feel on the lower decks. I have been in the IC and the vibration hits and the plates on the tables rattle. Coming up from Ensenada can be a treat also. One run up, I remember when the ship hit a roller, the whole ship would shake. The captain had to slow the ship down to smooth it out. You just never know what the seas will be like. I have seen it smooth as glass, to rock’in and roll’in.

I have seen many different styles of dress on formal night. When it is formal night, the tux goes on, that's just how I roll.

The Salty Dog Gastropub, is the third.

Like it was said. It all depends on the on where the sun will be rising or setting. I have waited many an hour waiting for the right shot. If you are going to be on deck for the occasion. Always have your camera. As if you think Oh, nice sun set and have to run back to your cabin for your camera, by the time you get back, it is gone.

If you are early, you are on time. If you are on time, you are late.

If you have never been through the canal, go with the Coral and the old locks. Much more happening during the transit as you go through the locks.

You just never know what the weather will be like. My last time was a B2B. First run the weather was beautiful, second run not as nice. Many years ago, tendering in Juneau, it was raining pretty good. I commented to the dock worker about. He said " Naw, this is just a sprinkle". .

I did a B2B in April. West to East then back East to West. On the first leg, it was smooth sailing. On the return trip, we had traffic. We had to stop a couple of times and wait, two hours one time until we got underway again. The return trip also took a good 12 hours. Started the journey at sunup and were leaving the canal at sundown.

This is a good one. It occurred on the last cruise I was on. Never seen it before. Some had locked two lounge chairs together with a cable bicycle lock. It was the scuttle butt for that day.

Going on the Ruby, you will be going through the New Locks. It you have never been to the Panama Canal, you may want to look at cruise that go through the Old Locks, much more to see. As for viewing areas. The promenade deck, deck 7 is open. From the you can access the bow of the ship, also the stern area which is an interesting view. On Deck 16 forward you can access the front of the ship, also the side of the ship above the pol deck. They also open the area above the bridge. Deck 19 all the way up aft is a good viewing area. These areas can get crowed. A balcony cabin will give you uncrowed view to the side of the ship. But with so many things to see, walking around to all these areas, you won't miss things.

Been there, done that. Depending on your itinerary, your cabin location, how many days onboard and money for extras. You could very well spend 14K. The last cruise I was on, was 33 days. So, if you do the math.

The weather is a factor with shoes. My shoes choices are just for on the ship, Sketchers. They are very comfortable right out of the box. My off-ship shoes are Merrel low quarter hiking shoes. They are good for all weather and terrain. With any shoe if you are getting them for a cruise, get them a few weeks before you go. Wear them around your house when out and about. You want to get them broken in. It is good to carry some band aids with you when off ship, in case a blister develops.

I have been camping since I was 15 months old. We called camping back there, as most of the places we stayed at, no power, water or sewer. Today, it is Boondocking. When I retired, I gave my self a retirement present of a cruise to the Med. I was hooked on cruising. So, I was going to cruise one year and the next cruise with the RV. Well, it did not work out that way. So now I do both. I have completed many upgrades, over the years and have no plans on buying a newer model. So, I will be rolling this one until the tires fly off. Believe it or not, my rig is 17 years old this year. I will be rolling on a 2-month journey after I get back from my cruise.