LB_NJ

It does look like there will be 6 ships at Ketchican when the QE will be there. Busy little port.

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I booked a shore excursion and the credit card company flagged it as an international transaction out of England (we live in the US). Is this expected? Is there any way to change it so the transaction looks like it is from the US as far as the credit card company is concerned?

It also depends on when. Is it spring break?

Any idea why a tender is needed in Ketchikan?

Thanks to all. However, it seems like I will have to wait until I am aboard and see what the options really are and look at the menus.

In context I would read it as extremely crowded when the doors opened.

Now I am a little bit confused. I know that in Kings Court they used to offer country specific dining options however I was looking at the Cunard website about the Lido's optional dining option and it said in part: "Each night at the Lido introduces a fresh selection of dishes inspired by British and European favorites and executed with hallmark Cunard flair. Indulge in a sharing dish for two with your choice of family-style sides (one per person is usually the perfect amount) or choose your favorites from a tempting menu of appetizers, entrees, and desserts." It sounds like they changed how things work.

This isn't the only cruise line that was slow on the trigger. I was on a Celebrity ship that rearranged its schedule to dock in Bermuda.

You might be happier on another cruise line. You might want an upscale cruise line like Viking or similar. Maybe Oceania which says attire should be country club casual. With Cunard it sounds like you may be trying to be a square peg in a round hole. BTW, I would not call it lazy. You just value something different in a cruise.

As part of my booking on QE I am offered either 2 meals at "Dinner at the Lido" or 1 meal at "Steakhouse at the Verandah." We can't book until onboard. We are in regular Britannia. Any thoughts? Is one choice better value, quality of food, etc.

I have never used it however there is White Star Luggage Service that may make sense.

COVID-19: Cruise ship travel requirements – Travel.gc.ca Shore excursions in Canada during the cruise there is no arrival testing for passengers entering Canada for shore excursions you may be asked to show your ArriveCAN receipt from your initial embarkation you won’t have to resubmit ArriveCAN if you aren’t fully vaccinated due to medical reasons, you’re allowed to join a shore excursion. You must have proof of a valid medical contraindication and a valid ArriveCAN submission. if you aren’t fully vaccinated due to a sincerely-held religious belief, you aren’t allowed to disembark the ship in Canada except in a medical emergency.

I think it depends on which page. On Travel to Canada: Requirements for COVID-19 vaccinated travellers there is nothing about testing be required if arriving by cruise.

It is really the value you place on basic internet access and the drinks since gratuities are pretty much a given cost of cruising.

Thankyou. I like the suggestion of the suit on the plane, at least wearing the jacket which is the bulkiest part to pack. Nice creative solution. I have done the land portion in Alaska so I have an idea what to take for the land portion.

The sit-down dining room is a much better choice than the buffet. If you are cruising on the QM2 you should really bring a dark suit. Cunard has a tradition of formality. For example, afternoon teas and ballroom dancing. Not sure if it is still offered however, they used to have fencing lessons. FYI, the passengers on the QM2 tend to skew older. Personally, I love the QM2 however it is not for everyone. Also, I have not sailed Cunard post COVID so not sure how service and food quality has fared. Pre-COVID I thought service was good in Britannia and the food was OK for dinner. I haven't sailed Princess but from what I have heard the food is better. I have sailed obstructed balcony. If you go for balcony, I would spend the few extra dollars for an unobstructed view versus obstructed on your honeymoon. The one caveat is that a balcony may really not be worth it in November. Due to the cold, you might rarely use it. If it were the summer, I would say absolutely yes get a balcony.

Just got this from the CA web site for vaccinated travelers: Pre-entry testing is not required Pre-entry tests are not required for fully vaccinated travellers entering Canada by land, air or water. You must still use ArriveCAN within 72 hours before your arrival to Canada. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children under the age of 12 are not required to provide a valid pre-entry test result, if they are accompanying a fully vaccinated adult. Children who are less than 5 years old are not required to test, regardless of their vaccination status.

Celebrity is offering both tours and we are trying to decide between the two. Any thoughts?

Was the adventure interesting even if it was tiring?

I would also like to hear about the St. Kitts Rainforest Adventure from anyone who has been on it.

I filled it out on my laptop. You don't need the app. No one ever asked for the printout so not sure how it actually gets used.

I really don't want to start a dress code war. If I sail out of NYC I am happy to pack a tux for formal nights and a jacket for other nights. I don't mind using a little extra room in my car (we can drive to the port) for a suit bag and actually enjoy dressing up for dinner on occasion. However, I have booked a 10-day Alaska cruise next year out of Vancouver on QE and really don't want to use valuable luggage space for jackets or a tux. Nice slacks, collared shirts and tie are not a significant problem. Am I going to be in trouble on formal nights in the MDR (we really don't like the buffet for dinner)? Do I have any options?

Off the top of my head I am not sure what the penalty schedule is however, wouldn't it have saved money to cancel and rebook.

Was on Summit a couple of months ago and no problem.