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9 minutes ago, txflood33 said:

 

I don't recommend using the local phone service in International ports unless you have an international plan. It is very possible to find local coffee shops or restaurants that offer free wifi near ports and one could download books there at no charge...sans the cost of the book.

Sorry to disagree, but from the Amazon website:  3G and 4G Kindle e-readers come with Wi-Fi and built-in Free 3G or 4G wireless connectivity with coverage in more than 100 countries and territories.

I was able to download via local phone service multiple times while in various ports on a world cruise and never incurred a single charge for phone delivery.  Now that I think about it, I have never encountered a delivery fee while downloading content to a Kindle (since July 2008).

The following have been my experience.  When on the ship and at sea, if you pay for an internet account, you can hook up to it and download.  If in port, you can download through local phone service at no charge.  Have had no problem taking 4 models of Kindle (including Oasis) through airport scanners.  Have had no problem charging Kindle using only an adaptor (no converter) in Great Britain, France, Austria, South Africa, and Australia.  Hope this helps.

Just a thought.  If you bring a hard sided carry on, you could maybe set it on its side with a bath towel on top for padding.

7 hours ago, beachbum53 said:

Rather than try to find something with an "ugly" print, look for a tropical/Hawaiian shirt with colors so bright you have to wear sunglasses to look at it. I have one that fits that description. It has parrots on it, and the colors are very vivid red, orange and yellow. It makes your eyes hurt just to look at it.

The nice people at alohaland.com might be able to help.  They've got some pretty eye-watering basics and might be able to incorporate photos for that personal touch.

FWIW, using the search engine of a large online TA, and based on the OP's comment that the cruise in question is r/t from NYC, I found the following for Feb. 2019 to Feb. 2020:

Norwegian Dawn makes one run to the ABC's, but does not call at Port Canaveral.  

Carnival Sunrise makes one Panama Canal Partial Transit run, but does not call at Port Canaveral.

Couldn't find any r/t's that call at either Recife or Rio de Janeiro.

Looks like the no's are likely to be correct.

Please pardon the second posting on this thread, but for those concerned with obtaining absentee ballots while traveling, according to http://www.overseasvotefoundation.org, the only state that does not provide absentee ballots on line and/or via e-mail is Alabama. The website is a gold mine of information between which and a visit to your local Registrar of Voters (or the appropriate functionary in your district) should enable the vast majority to cast a ballot come November. Please do so. It's important.

You might also check to see if your state will e-mail a ballot to you. The ship could then print it out and you could proceed from there. We were in a similar situation several years ago when on an extended European trip and our state, CT, was able to accommodate our request.

Just a few thoughts for those who prefer less ice.

Store your choice of gin in the refrigerator next to the tonic.

Think smaller individual servings. Old Fashioned glass vs Collins.

Chill the glass either a) by storing in the refrigerator or freezer or b) with ice and cold water. If a), the heavier bottomed the glass, the better. If b), something more lightweight, like a Riedel O, chills more quickly.

But no matter your pleasure, cheers!

Since retiring in 2013, we've made round trips to Europe 3 times as suggested above: repositioning cruise one way, the QM2 the other. We would stay in Europe a little longer (typically 2 months), but it's a great way to travel.

So on to a few comments on logistics:

Finding a repositioning cruise in/out of New York is not impossible, but choice will be extremely restricted. In/out of a Florida port is much more flexible. Two non-fly alternatives for NY to/from FL are Amtrak and renting a car. Choices on Amtrak are seat (they recline but it's a long 24 hour + ride), roomette (2 seat compartment changes into bunks - upper bunker needs to be somewhat nimble, and on the thinner side helps), and room (pricey and sell out fast). Driving up the East Coast takes longer and is more expensive, but you can set your own pace and have a nice time.

Once in Europe, train travel is wonderful. First or business class is usually worth the not too high price. Do a search on 'European train travel 61' (include the number) and you will find an amazing web site that will tell you everything you could want to know and more about traveling throughout Europe.

When traveling by train in Europe, anticipate that porters may not be available to help get bags on/off trains, so pack accordingly. And watch the locals - it may be necessary to insert your ticket in a reader and have it checked before you get on the train. Leave a little extra time when taking the Eurostar between Paris/London (and remember the hour time difference between the two). You are required to go through immigration (passport check) and put your bags through a metal detector. Most other trains are check your ticket, find your car, and hop on.

The QM2 is much dressier than most other lines. To take full advantage of the ship, gentlemen need to have jacket (tie optional but lots opt) for informal nights and tux or dark suit for formal nights. Ladies dress accordingly. There are no casual nights. To avoid schlepping a bag of formal wear around Europe, we arrange for a service, like Luggage Mule, to pick up the bag at our first stop and deliver it to our last one. You need to clear this with your last stop as I don't believe Luggage Mule will hold your bag, the end accommodation must.

Assuming your parents want to spend roughly two weeks in Europe and don't want to moving every few nights, our recommendation would be to combine a repositioning cruise in/out of Barcelona and the QM2 for the other leg. There's non-stop train service between Barcelona and Paris and the Eurostar between Paris and London. This minimizes trains and changing trains and are three wonderful stops. Southampton (QM2's port) is far enough from London that, while do-able by train, is much more easily accomplished by car service. We've had great service from Smiths for Airports.

Rome and Venice are also great, just a little more work. Rome, about an hour from the port of Civitavecchia, requires a cab ride to the local train station or a car service. Venice would require some combination of water transport and/or nice man with a cart and/or schlepping through town to get to your hotel, and a similar process to get to the train station. Venice and/or Rome require a change of train in Milan or Turin (and possibly a change in train station) to get to Paris.

Good luck with planning and we hope your parents have an awesome time. You really are great kids.

Or texting? or on phone or, or, or

 

 

Which state had 200 traffic deaths 'this year?

Unfortunately, the answer is likely not state but states. Assuming an even distribution of auto related deaths throughout the year, 200 ytd deaths translates to roughly 670 deaths annually. Based on figures from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety for 2016, and even assuming a 10% decrease in auto deaths (wildly optimistic IMO), the following states should currently be in excess of 200 auto related deaths for 2018: Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. If we ignore the 10% decrease, add Mississippi and Oklahoma.

Interesting discussion. One of HAL's competitors, who shall remain nameless, is in the process of building a new ship designed to accommodate those who enjoy open balcony doors. The Infinite Verandas will have a folding glass wall separating the cabin and the veranda that folds away at the touch of a button. The exterior veranda wall can be kept closed or the top portion lowered to present a standard balcony experience. I'll be curious to hear reports on how well they manage the engineering challenges presented in this thread - AC efficiency and the wind tunnel effect when the hallway door is opened. I would guess it's easier to take steps to overcome these challenges in a new build than in a retrofit.

A further update.

 

20% off tickets Radio City Rockettes with discount code QUEEN. Unfortunately, as per the linked website, discount for code QUEEN is only available on/after 10 December 2017. QM2 sails 8 December 2017.

 

My apologies, the QUEEN discount is indeed available on 8 December 2017. I was looking at the wrong month.

A further update.

Just received the information from Cunard. Among offers for how to enjoy the extended stay in NYC:

20% off tickets Radio City Rockettes with discount code QUEEN. Unfortunately, as per the linked website, discount for code QUEEN is only available on/after 10 December 2017. QM2 sails 8 December 2017.

Savings on tickets (quantity not defined) for Phantom of the Opera. Unfortunately, saving cannot be determined without creating sign on account with linked website.

Assuming our most recent E/B crossing (12 August 2017) was typical, guests will presumably be missing either the Welcome Aboard Show in the Royal Court Theatre (7:45 pm) or a film in Illuminations (6:30 pm and/or 9:00 pm) to accommodate the Premiere. Other shipboard limitations remain to be seen. In addition, unless they are willing to stay up until after midnight, guests will miss the spectacle of sailing out of NYC.

It must also be noted that the sweepstakes for tickets to the Premiere is available to all comers, not just those sailing.

Request to Host Hattie: As we prefer to lurk, would it be possible for you to post this information on the appropriate roll calls? Thank you.

The Two Virtual Bikes that were in the gym on QM2 disappeared on last refit which in my opinion is a shame. I think the Gym on the QE and QV are far superior to that of QM2.

My apologies if this is a different piece of equipment, but was on the 12 August 2017 QM2 crossing and while using the lateral elliptical units was faced by at least 2 or 3 bicycle-like units.

And I'd like to add the observation that, if you're adding enough sherry or cognac to change the color of your bisque, it's time to cut to the chase, stop cooking, and fetch a glass.:cool:

A bit of advice. As soon as you board, let the front desk know about your lost luggage. They may be able to help reunite you with your bags. The same thing happened to us back in 2006 on an Amsterdam cruise of the Baltic due to a one day baggage handlers' strike. We made the mistake of telling the shore side staff and our room steward only. The latter arranged for us to receive free same day laundry so our one change of clothes purchased in Copenhagen was being washed while we wore the other. Those who had told the ship's front desk staff received their bags on day 3. We noticed this and asked for the same assistance and received our bags on day 6.

Another vote for Sel de Mer. We were on the K'dam transatlantic last fall and ate there 5 times. We like French style food and were quite pleased with the quality and execution. Also loved the quiet ambience and the attentive but not intrusive service. And, to be fair, if you become a semi-regular at just about any restaurant, the staff will have a better chance to learn what you like and be better able to please you.

Another vote here for using a rental car, if convenient to pick up where you are. DH and I live outside of New Haven and have used same for both air and cruise travel in/out of NYC. The drill would probably look as follows. Depending on flight time, pick up rental the night before or the morning of flight. Load up and drive to JFK. Follow signs to car rental return/long term parking - they're right next to one another. You will then use the free Airtrain to travel to your terminal for your flight. It's an elevated train with escalator & elevator platform access. The car rental return will be located at the train station or a short free shuttle ride away. On your return, agencies near the Red Hook Termnal are Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget. We've been satisfied with Enterprise. None is easily walkable. Shuttle service has proven spotty, taking a cab for us has been easier/quicker. You may have to wait in line for a cab and will probably have to wait in line at the agency, but once done, just load up and you are on your way.

Good luck and have fun doing whatever you decide works best.

POA1 beat me to it. Back to lurking.:cool:

That's where I was confused with Del Rio's comments and your first post. They said the design was a "departure" from "typically closed decks," but the last 3 ships they built not only have a promenade, but also a Waterfront with restaurants, bars and seating areas with couches. This area on Escape was one of the nicest outdoor promenades I've ever seen on a ship. Yes, I think HAL could learn a lot from NCL in this particular area.

 

This matches our experience on the Breakaway r/t to the Bahamas from NYC. As you can see, nobody is out there! Admittedly we left in Nov., but by the first afternoon the weather was gorgeous and still few people took advantage of the space. A large number of the bars and specialty restaurants had direct access to outside service areas, but... Any evening, want a drink? You had to go in and get it yourself. Want to have dinner outside? Had to beg for such a seat because the servers didn't want to have to monitor/serve the space. Just my opinion, of course, but beautifully designed space totally wasted.

Am on the RTW. Had my hair cut on 1/27. Price was $33.00 plus 18% service charge of $5.94 for a total of$38.94. Had no problem making an appointment a few days in advance.

Hope this helps.

Balcony, if you do decide to take a test run with Oceania, it might help to know that they have 2 different classes of ship. The Insignia, along with the Regatta, Nautica, and Sirena are smaller and referred to as Regatta Class. Passenger capacity is 684. At approx. twice the gross tonnage, the Oceania Class includes the Marina and the Riviera with passenger capacity of 1,258.

You might also want to take a look at the Oceania Insignia's world cruise leaving in January of 2017. Smaller ship, no formal nights, not a lot of entertainment - sounds like it could be a good fit.

FWIW, the CT DMV thinks this requirement won't come into play until 2017. With a 6 year renewal cycle, they began offering "Real ID" licenses in 2011 and plan on finishing up by the end of 2016. These are not Enhanced Driver's Licenses good for travel within North America, but do meet the minimum requirements for ID necessary to enter federal facilities and to permit air travel. I was allowed to wear my glasses when obtaining one.