AroundWithMAPTravels

Anyone else joining us next week?

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Yes. Epicenter less than 10 miles from me. Initial “boom “ was unnerving, followed by about 20 seconds of house rattling County sent out “yes that was an earthquake, please stop calling 911” message thankfully everything seems to be fine . we were just in Bergen in February (have been there before as well). One day was warm (by winter standards) and many restaurants and bars opened up their outdoor dining (yes in Feb). They were also having the annual seafood festival This year the fishing industry is trying to promote bycatch as a sustainable food . Also, the fogbow was interesting

We end in Nashville, and have been there. We love hanging out and wandering there. And of course Eating! Last time we were there did a “tasting “ walk. Yum. Also got to the Ryman very early on what was our Anniversary… instead of the customary tourist photo onstage I asked if my husband could sing onstage. Since there was nobody else to be seen, wish granted. Great anniversary memory! If you do know any “local “ haunts we may be interested. Have been to several studios and museum. Off the beaten path stuff sounds awesome.

…with maybe a quick trip to lido afterwards fir a “spoonful” of bread pudding (for science)?🤪

Down to less than a month before our trip. (Sigh…. Still a MONTH?) thanks to everyone who answered here, it’s been a huge help. if anyone has any other random Sea Cloud thoughts, feel free to share!

Seems like every week there is a new, more “incentivized “ offer I received this todsy as well Last week was 7% at 365 days. My scheduled trip is not until June 2025. Maybe by then the OBC offer will be 50%😁

That depends on your point of view (literally). Viking upgraded us from DV to PV (both on deck 6) on our recent Northern Lights trip. The extra room was nice, although even with the all of the extra heavy “woolies” needed for winter trip still found that we did not use much of the extra storage space. We did not use the pressing service, although we knew it was available. We loved the cabin and its location (a bit more aft from our original cabin). However, the extra overhang from the flare for Deck 7 obstructed our view “up”. Since NL trips involve looking “up”, we were a bit disappointed…. And would have rathered our original cabin, which was not affected by the flare. As I told my TA, overall was very thankful for the upgrade (this was our 11th Viking trip, and first time we ever got upgraded), for us it it not worth paying the extra $ for the PV, and will stick with our DV choice going forward.YMMV

New to HX, some random questions (have July Iceland/Greenland expedition scheduled) (note, not new to expedition cruising, have traveled with at least 3 others). 1. I see that there is no “baggage handling” included… does this mean that you just go to port with your bags, and both you and your bags get screened, after which you just roll/carry your bags to cabin? 2. Normal embarkation time in Reykjavik? Is there a buffet lunch on embarkation day? 3. how are items labeled on menus/buffet regarding gluten free, vegetarian, etc? Also in Lindstrom restaurant? 4. Disembarking in Reykjavik, Assuming that we will need to disembark by around 0900, with flight not until 1700… are there excursions offered onboard for disembarkation day that include a tour plus drop off at Keflavik to “pass the time”? I have found some 3rd party excursions that include blue lagoon and transfer to Keflavik, but given the current situation with volcano and last minute closures, do not want to caught with last minute cancellation and have to scramble to find another way to airport. What options have people found ? 5. Overall impressions on how included excursions are handled? If/ When options like kayak are offered, how are they handled (nothing listed for our itinerary, so I am assuming that like other expedition trips, they are not “scheduled “ as such, and will only be announced based on itinerary? Included in cost or extra - if so, approximate cost)? 6. Things that HX does best😄 (for those of you that have done expeditions with others)?

Since we are on topic of dry skin remedies: My doctor recommended taking Evening Primrose Oil gelcaps. Helps to moisturize and soften from within. I only need it in winter when the air gets really dry, but it does help the itchiness and bumps.

Paul Wyman is definitely worth going to listen to😄 hope you all have a great voyage

If you just go to counter and ask, they can have some ready in about 10 minutes. Or, if you know that you are going to want some at lunch or dinner just let them know at prior meal and they will make them ahead , saving that 10 minute wait. (In my experience on Venus, two times they had some ready-had mentioned at prior meal; one time had the 10 minute wait-I chose other items instead that day) i too am not celiac, but am wheat intolerant , so I have not had issues with the noodles here (would love to see this added to original ships….3 times on Star, no noodles 🥲) same story with gluten free pizza ask and it may appear. (although this does take more advanced notice, definitely needs to be made ahead; they keep dough frozen once made). And as mentioned, if celiac-ask, ask,ask!

Recently on Venus (after 3 Star voyages, no Asian corner)…. My husband got breakfast there many times, as well as lunch and/or dinner. they will also make, with some advance notice, rice noodles fir the Dan Dan. I cannot eat wheat pasta, so this was awesome! I, too, visited several times! the other lunch and dinner offerings varied, but were always yummy! it was a real “addition “😄

All look yummy! Were there any that anyone saw listed as gluten free?

I’ve gotta know… I am a Melanie too, and also Magic McNaughty… what day of the month is your birthday? (The day you joined Cc had me intrigued, as that day is my birthday)… 😁