CruisingAlong4Now

2 hours ago, uneamie said:

While I can agree with some of what you say because we all see things differently (thus our very divided country USA), that said, "the soup is too hot"??? this is one for the books in my opinion. 

People sue (and are very rewarded) for their coffee being too hot.  So why not soup?

Late to the party, but Crystal has a small single supplement for double rooms booked as a single.   It's not available on all cruises, but, for a luxury line, it's worth it.

Might be useful for other travelers or for your next cruise!

Just want to add a comment that Medicare in the US will usually pay for a rollator if medically necessary.

Just now, nelblu said:

I personally believe that the 3% is much higher.  Human nature.

I believe in human inertia.  

14 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

News to me most pre pay tips. I've never prepaid in 20 years. How do you know most prepaid? If you say you are a big ta I might consider this as a fact, or just heresy. Who knows these facts? 

My understanding is that while wage income is taxed in the crews' home countries, there are some countries that do not tax gratuities.

I cannot post a reference to this, but I was told this many years ago.

Some of the all-inclusive luxury lines run sales that make them cost competitive to some higher priced mass market lines.

IMHO, people who have an expectation (or fear) of boredom usually are bored.

On 10/27/2023 at 1:07 PM, canadianbear said:

I’m glad to hear he’s doing better & of course our health comes first.   
 

I just find insurance very frustrating.  We try to always buy the right coverage but have never had to file a large claim and that’s when you need it the most. 
 

I find that insurance is like a suitcase.  Whatever I used for my last trip, just doesn't seem to work for my next trip!

Balconies don't generally interest me.  But then again, I don't cruise the Caribbean where they might be more enjoyable.

I'm more interested in the food, the level of service, and the feeling of quiet luxury. 

19 minutes ago, Z'Loth said:

In checking Kayak, July 21st is flagged as a "Red" date for airline pricing, and it appears that some of the one-stop flights are cheaper than the non-stops. Still, sticker shock. 

 

Doesn't AA have an agreement with British Airways for points and such? 

 

Yes- and they code share

On 10/11/2023 at 6:22 PM, florisdekort said:

100% agree. We’ll judge for ourselves on our 20 October cruise, but from everything I’m reading on here, I bucket Explora with Azamara, Oceania and Viking, not with Crystal, Regent, Silversea and Seabourn. It’s virtually impossible to offer a truly luxury experience to 900 guests. Crystal is bringing its passender count down, and Seabourn is - in my opinion - noticeably delivering a better experience on their new 250 passenger ships than their 650 passenger ships. 

Seabourn's "little sisters" were true luxury at about 200 passengers.

Luggage Forward has an excellent reputation.  I've used them several times and it was relaxing not having to deal with checked bags.

Check out this current thread.

...

1 hour ago, gerelmx said:

After my cruise in 2024, the return home is flying LHR to DFW on July 21,

330 days before, on August 25, I quoted the one way ticket for 2 passengers. The cost was $6,213, today it costs $11,661.

Are they crazy or have brain surgery, what's wrong with them? The plane has too many seats available.

I just ran the flight.  On AA, nonstop flight AA79, the main cabin Flexible Fare from LHR to DFW on July 21, 2024 is $2670.   Seems totally in line with other long-haul transatlantic fares.

Anyone in Acapulco now?

Heard things are very bad now.

Luggage Forward was well worth the cost.  It was so nice to travel with only a small carryon for our pre-cruise vacation.

I would advise however, to follow their instructions precisely with regards to what can and cannot be packed.

On 10/2/2023 at 10:24 AM, VentureMan_2000 said:

This is the coverage I aim for.  Here are the coverage declarations for my next two cruises.  Both, about $14 a day.

I like high medical and emergency evacuation coverage in my policy.  I'm not much concerned about trip coverage... I can handle that loss if needed.  Medical is another story.

 

Someone who really understands the purpose of insurance.  Kudos to Mr. VentureMan!

Thanks for the replies.  Sadly, this cruise is not for me. 

I am not looking for an expedition.  I'm looking for a cruise.  I associate "expedition" with less traveled and less "first world" experiences.  

I was just looking for an easy cruise that circumnavigated the Isles.

I'm looking at the 14-Day Lands of the Celts cruise around Great Britain. Boarding (at Greenwich) and all the ports say "TENDER BY ZODIAC".  

I'm surprised to find a Great Britain cruise is an Expedition voyage.  

Am I reading this correctly?

Hope hubby is doing well.  

You certainly got the "Paris unknown to most tourists" tour.

No one needs insurance until they need insurance.  Too many people focus on recovering the cost of the cruise, which is a sunk, known, and limited expense.  They really need to look at the unknown and unlimited expense of medical and evac costs.

I flew non-stop Narita to JFK.  13 hrs. Wonderful flight.  I'm glad I didn't break the journey.

My first trip to Australia, I flew JFK-LAX, LAX-SYD.  2-3 hr connection time. Arrived in SYD more tired and headache-y than on any other trip. 

Next trip to Australia, I flew JFK-SFO, SFO-SYD. I overnighted in SFO and felt a little better than my first trip, but still not great.

If I had my choice, I would push for a non-stop

Watch this video review fo the non-stop flight: 

Crystal cruise line offers double cabins to solo travelers at a significant discount to usual solo fare. 

Crystal Cruises | Offer Details

Can't say that I'm interested in any of the people from school.  We were friends many years ago. 

If I were interested, I'd have arranged seeing those people.

Are school reunions a thing?

Check your airline.  When travelling intra-Europe, I had my carry on bag weighed!

2023 Carry-on Luggage Size Chart for 64 Airlines [Dimensions] (upgradedpoints.com)