DCThunder

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, over 80 percent of all $100 bills in circulation are held OUTSIDE the USA. In 1980, the figure was 30 percent. No figures on how many of those came from cruise ship tips...😁

When I was in Argentina in early 2023,(before Milei was elected), they wanted dollars as well, new bills, much preferred.

Using USD to purchase goods and services on the black market is a time-honored tradition in Communist countries.

Unless you're touring in western Europe (Euro zone), Canada, or Oz/NZ, I bet the tour guide would rather have USD than the local currency. Getting access to cash USD is a major perk for tour guides/bus drivers in most developing countries.

I just cut copied and pasted the numbers from the emails with the gift card purchase confirmations. Then just type in the 4 digit pin. Ctrl-C/Ctrl-V is your friend! 😀

I just used it yesterday to pay for a portion of an upcoming cruise, so it was still there as of 5/23.

People treat the magic TAs like gamblers treat their bookies. No names. Just, "I got a guy who handles my action"...😁

Maybe that's because it was an American who invented escalators. The first one was installed at Coney Island in 1896.

I stand corrected.

According to the State Department website, the cost of a new, adult passport is $165 valid for 10 years. That's $16.50/year. A renewal costs $130 ($13/year). A child passport is $135, valid for 10 years or until the kid is 16. As stated above, if you can't afford that, why are you cruising?

There is no downside to having a valid passport. The scare stories of last summer about how long the processing of the application takes are long gone, so just get the passport.

I ran into the exact same thing last week in looking to book a 35-day cruise in 2026. Cabins I really wanted weren't available for the 35-day itinerary, but miraculously were available for the 17-day, then 18-day B2Bs. My CVP took care of getting me booked into the cabin I wanted. Two booking numbers, so two sets of SH OBC.

Or by filling out a paper form that's available on the ship and put in a drop box in the furutre cruise area. Some people prefer the old skool way.

Maybe they try to get the grandkids to do an internet withdrawal for the cruise. A crazy idea, I know, but just a thought.😁

Future Cruise Deposits are only sold on the ships.

Couldn't they also tell the credit card company the card had been "compromised" and have a new one issued with a new number/CVV code.

There ain't no "this is the one" out there, but good luck and vaya con Dios in your search.

Wait until you get into the pros and cons of roof prism vs. porro prism and the magnification/field of view combinations. Are 10x42 "better" than 8x42? What about coated vs. not coated lenses? Nikon vs. Swarovski vs. Bushnell vs. no-name brands? It's a rabbit hole that can consume hours and be very confusing. If you have a sporting goods store or a place like Cabela's near you, pay them a visit and try out a few pairs and see what you like and what you want to pay.

There are many websites devoted to binoculars. Reviews for the "best" in different price ranges, how to use articles, and all sorts of information. Probably many YouTube videos too, although I haven't really searched for them. You can get really cheap "travel" binocs on Amazon and multi-thousand-dollar binocs designed for serious birders, hunters, and shooters. As JimmyV says above, you use them without glasses. Do some research and I'm sure you can find a pair that suits your needs and meets your budget.

Me too. They wash up very nice, and are close to 15 years old.

My brother leaves on Friday to get to Sitka for a 7-day Lindblad/Nat Geo Expedition cruise ending in Juneau. He's flying from Nashville to Seattle, then Seattle to Sitka with a stop in Ketchikan.

I rank the perks as follows: 50% off internet packages > Elite Lounge snacks > priority water shuttle >>> free laundry >>>> tea in the cabin >>>>>> 10% off in shops...

Maybe they'll bring the sled dog puppies aboard!🐕

An Executive Chef on one of the ships said in an enrichment talk that health regulations required all fish brought on board to be frozen. No fresh fish could be served. This may or not be true, but it's what I remember being told.