shops54

Sorry I'm so late getting back to check my post- we were in the "no internet zone" up North in Mn for a week or so. But thank you for your replies!

The ports we are visiting are; Bergen, Flam, Andalsnas, Geiranger, Olden and Stavanger.

What I really hoped to find is some small Rosemaling pieces. It would be the perfect thing for my manicurist from Viet Nam - she loves pretty things and I adore her. I don't make a habit of bringing back things for all my friends because it is my memory - not theirs ( and it seems somehow insulting??) - unless I see the perfect thing for them. But a few special pieces of rosemaling would be wonderful. Thanks again!

While we're not going on this wonderful cruise to shop (Costa Neo-Romantica - Enchanted Fjords, 8-25-16) I still would love to get my friends something; wooden candle holders or vases, or similar items. What kind of small gifts will I find in the ports? I don't want junk or things you can find in the caribbean rather I'm looking for something small but special to Norway. Thanks in advance!

Do all the Costa ships have a Magic Bag? We're cruising the Norwegian Fjords on the NeoRomantica in a few weeks and it would be great to be able to pack less!

Outdoor Windjammer seating, Park Cafe, self-leveling pool tables.

1. Infused water - throughout the ship - infused with a variety of things including cucumber, lemons, strawberries and other fruit.

2. the ice skating rink and show- the skating show is the best show of the 8 cruises we've been on.

3. great towel animal demonstrations.

I emailed the Krystal today. The day pass is $35.00 but your food is deducted from that amount. Not sure if we will do it but a few years ago DH and I had a wonderful couples massage there and I remember thinking their beach was one of the nicest I've seen. I would love to swim in the ocean there. They also have pools and rest rooms which I assume are clean and it seemed so peaceful and quiet. I would really love to go back!

Sadly, I am dairy sensitive; whey, lactose, casein. I do hope they have a non-dairy option. I would think our Jewish friends would also require it.

I've not been on the Maasdam. What are your favorite spots or out of the way places on the ship. Also are there special treats that HAL offers during the day? Also, what is the one thing not to miss? We're boarding in less than 2 days in Montreal and I'm a bit late researching this trip.

The water bottle filters; Britta, Rubbermaid, and Bobble, take out the chlorine and other things that make water taste bad. It does not filter out the really bad stuff - only the really bad tasting stuff. I love water that tastes like "nothing" so I really love the water bottle filters for times like this. Easy, cheap, light weight solution.

Our flight doesn't leave until 1:30 so we'd rather not be waiting outside in the midst of all the crouds waiting for our shuttle and crowding in with all the people who are anxious to make their flights, cars etc - in the freezing rain etc etc. We only take carry on luggage. Can we not just walk off at the very end, zip through customs and grab our shuttle - say at 10:00 or 10:30 when those who are in a hurry are through the lines??? Or do we have to get off in the midst of the chaos?

Ex of the Seas on 1-12-14: - 2 DAYS til we leave!!

1. Is there Free use of cell at both St. Thomas and Puerto Rico ports? Does this mean the minute I step off the ship I'm back on my regular Cell phone plan?

2. Is there free or low cost internet anywhere in Samana or St Thomas or San Juan or Labadee - also St John. Specifically by the ports - walkable from ship?

3. Should I just buy the minimum minutes on board and check in once or twice on my IPod?

Just trying to get set up to check in on the kids while We're gone. Only need to check once or twice.

TIA!!

Thanks for the info Bob and Clara! Is there a Park Cafe on the Explorer? These look soooo good.

There must be more people than just me that are interested in minimalist cruising. Today's topic is "What is your fav carry-on? Mine is a new "Mother Lode Weekender Convertible" from e-bags. It uses every square inch of carry-on space. It comes without wheels and stores either under the seat or up on top. It can be a back pack or a shoulder bag or a regular carry-handle suitcase. Much eaiser to lift than the roll-aboards.

And just for your info, I plan on going to both the formal nights and the adventure tours- not scrimping on anything while packing in carry-on only. I'm sure many of you have similar stories - let's share them!

Bumping up this post. Does anyone have current info on both going to the town of Samana or shopping where the boat tenders let you off? Or is my best bet to tender to Cayo Levantado and enjoy that island?

Park Cafe? What do they serve and is it free? Sounds like a fun alternative to hit the snacks and the Park Cafe.

Bump - I'd love to hear this info too.

Maybe there's another thread for this but can anyone tell me the cost of getting laundry done on the ship? I'm on Explorer this weekend.

I am very sensitive to lactose, also. I just take a large supply of Lactaid with me wherever I go at home or traveling, and keep it with me at all times. I eat anything I want, but avoid large quantities of milk products on consecutive days. If I have any doubts, I take a Lactaid while I'm eating.

I find the lactaid makes me gassy. But you know I'd rather be dairy free on a cruise than dairy full almost anywhere else. I'm sure I won't go hungry - ha ha.

Really uncalled for comment.

 

Just because the OP does not have as severe of a reaction as you daughter does not mean that it is not an allergy.

 

If her allergy is anything like my wife's it is the whey and casein proteins that she is allergic to and as they are found in different concentrations within many products the reactions can vary. In my wife's case it can vary from a mild rash and joint pain that can be treated with Benadryl to a severe rash and crippling joint pain that needs to be treated with steroids and painkillers.

Exactly right, Ourusualbeach! Thanks for coming to my support! It is the casein that seems to affect me the most and it is found in chocolates and all sorts of things. And whey is next. Once the whey is separated from the cream (as in butter), I don't react so badly. And sometimes I balance the pain with the delight of just a spoonful of DH's ice cream - knowing I can treat it with advil if it's not too much. The odd thing is I looked on the menus and they have a dairy icon to show things that are lactose free - they show that icon on things with cheese etc. Hmmm. I will for sure be asking about the pavlova - usually served with whipped cream - but you must have been able to order it without? Sounds perfect as most of the other desserts are so dairy-full. Thanks so much for your help. And thank you too - Lily. These are great suggestions.

It won't kill me if I have a bit of butter or a bit of cream but cheese will put me in bed for a day. I'm sensitive to lactose, whey and casein and hope to find Dairy free creamer and Cool whip type substitutes and maybe some Almond milk ice cream. I know - yuck - right?? But now and then I crave the texture. I don't want to whine but just wondering if anyone has worked through this before on a ship? TIA.

Possessions own you if you let them and on a cruise you don't want to spend all your time managing them. See how few things/clothes you can bring and keep a list of what you brought and never used/wore (for next time you cruise). Half the stuff and twice the money works best. My other tip is to tip generously. It feels so good to make your Stewards and Wait staff happy and to know you are helping them support their families so far away. Oh - and within reason, don't dicker at the flea markets. These vendors on the islands, by and large, really NEED the money. Don't make a game out of seeing how cheap you can be at the expense of their ability to provide themselves basic necessities. Off the soap box - sorry.

Ouch!!

Why are you so prickly? Did you have a run in with Anthony from somewhere else? He really has said nothing offensive and in fact has been helpful and pleasant. Please don't take offense so easily. This is a great board except for these little spats. Let's just all try to get along ok?

 

Check out this web site. This product is a must for cruising! It works.

http://www.poopourri.com. :D

 

Glad you beat me to this great tip. This stuff really works and we have the travel size as well as a larger size for our bathrooms at home.

 

I do find it amusing that people find it necessary to bring water filled pillows as well as white noise machines and special towels and french presses and etc and etc. Tell me - who carries all of this luggage for you (up and down stairs and onto crowded busses)? And how much do you have to tip them through the airport and through the embark and disembark? I hate to let my possessions rule me. Much much easier to take the minimum and have some freedom and more space in the cabin - IMHO. But as they say - whatever floats your boat. :)

Does the Explorer carry non-dairy creamer - both in the MDR and other coffee locations? Where shall I find my usual Chocolate Croissant each morning? Also, what drink card will include fancy coffee's - and what will be the cost? Thanks so much. We are leaving in two weeks.

Thanks so much 4friends! Which beach were you at- do you remember? I'm so happy to know there is still some available! I just love the color and the stone reminds me of the agate slices we find in northern MN.

3 years ago I fell in love with the Larimar we saw on our stop in Samana. I didn't bring much money that day so I'm hoping to find some when we stop this year in January. Does anyone know if they still sell it there? I would rather buy it from the Mom/Pop vendors than from the big jewelry companies - to give money back to the local economies. TIA