GeorgesGal

14 minutes ago, Native Floridian 26 said:

Considering you'd have to be at BCN at least 2 hours early, it's very rushed.  I wouldn't risk it. You never know if there will be a delay getting back into port, or for the ship to clear and start letting people off.

My thoughts as well!  All I'd be thinking throughout the cruise is 'hope I make it, hope I make it, hope I make it!'  Why ruin a good cruise.?

Question to whoosh whoosh:  Do your air credits say "Use by" or "Fly by"?  Makes a Huge Difference.  Use by means you have to book by that date, while Fly By means just that.  If they are use by, you probably have to fly by a certain date after the use by date.  On the other hand if they are fly by dates why not change your cruise to an earlier date?

5 hours ago, jagoffee said:

You might want to run the numbers and because it includes the Classic alcoholic drink package, gratuities, and WiFi.  Even if you do not use the WiFi, it might be a better deal.  
the above comments are based on possibly purchasing an alcoholic drink package only.

Gratuities are not ALWAYS included in HIA, only as a 'promotion'.

Roy, I'm with you as to chocolate chip:  I also prefer the cinnamon raisin, as long as they are the soft type!

One thing I have loved on HAL's dining room menu is the fact that they have absolutely delicious fruit crisps at dinnertime.  The fruit changes daily, some days you won't even see them on the menu, but ask and you shall receive!  A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the warm crisp - I know what I'll be ordering in a bit more than three weeks!  ....IF I have any room left!  (On Nieuw Statendam 28 August/11 September)

On 7/19/2022 at 3:26 PM, LuAnn said:

 

On 7/19/2022 at 3:16 PM, Jancruz said:

The officer you are talking about on Azamara is Heike Berdos..do you happen to know where she went??

Jancruz1

Jan, Heike is a Wonder Woman, extremely personable, always wandering the decks, talking with passengers, offering help if needed.  We have sailed with her several times, before we met Oceania now our favorite cruise line!  In addition to being a Wonder Woman, she is also a wonderful woman!

Following along and loving it!  Will check in tomorrow for the next installment of this great review!

Donna

Loved your photos of Eze, in my mind a mini Mont Saint Michele!  My sister and I did walk up the hill to the bus stop to Eze BUT we did it from Monaco and were half way up at the start.  Paved sidewalks there and only about three blocks - uphill - from our starting point.  Getting to the top of Eze was quite the chore for a couple of old birds but we did make it to see the gardens!

I'm looking forward to the rest of your review!

Donna

In case of inclement weather, I walk the passenger decks inside.

22 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

@GeorgesGalLots of Cabins opened today on the August 31 New England -   

 

 

Thanks for this, Jim, but I have friends I'm trying to sail with on the Sept 21 sailing.

Donna

I'm a bit late to this party BUT I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your review and comments about the ports since I might be on the Summit this September visiting many of the same ports!  Took copious notes just in case I do get a stateroom on this sold out sailing.  Final payment was two days ago and awaiting word from my friend who is a travel agent and on this sailing.  Fingers crossed!

Donna

On 5/23/2022 at 3:45 PM, schelercamus said:

What does a 4-category upgrade mean in real life? If we book an A4 on Riveria, we'd get an A1? What if we book an A1, do we get a PH?

 

My understanding was the upgrade would be within the category booked.

Doesn't look very appetizing to me!

48 minutes ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Yes the Burrell Collection had just re-opend and was pretty busy for was a weekday.   I was amazed at how eclectic a collection and the curators have created many interactive exhibits.   I was surprised that it to free. 

 

Today we went to Culzean Castle.    We have been many times before but today were just hiking on the grounds.   So how we lucked out with another sunny day.    

 

These sunny days are God's way of rewarding you for your patience and humor in dealing with all those 'lemons' he threw at you.  See, He had faith in you!

Donna

Jim, thanks so much for another enjoyable, informative "Live from"!  Your narrative and photos take us along on your various cruises.  So sorry you got the 'bug', but, as usual, you've made lemonade out of the lemons tossed your way.

Stay safe, and safe travels home!

Donna

1 hour ago, albingirl said:

And the scrambled eggs in Lido don't taste like real eggs.  The beat goes on.....

Avoid the steam table scrambled eggs!  Go straight to the egg station where they cook 'real' eggs and ask for scrambled!  Problem solved; learned this years ago.

Donna

Wow, I finally made it to the end.  Tomorrow I'll be picking up this thread in the 'present'.

Donna

On 5/2/2022 at 11:38 AM, Jim_Iain said:

Finally a bit of fresh air.   We went to New Forest and had fun just wandering. Mostly cloudy skies but warm and dry. 
 

No need to worry about social distancing. 
 

 

 

 

A charming little Cemetery 

 

 

 

 

I love the fact that they let the wild flowers grow and don't mow them down!  How very sweet; I LOVE wild flowers - God's gift to all of us!

I'LL be sailing Noordam 9-18/10-2-22 Vancouver r/t.  Our furthest north port will be SKAGWAY.  Does anyone have experience seeing the Northern Lights - Aurora Borealis - in this area.  The new moon will be 9-22.

7 hours ago, rotjeknor said:

Finland and Sweden . Norway is already a NATO member as are Lituania, Latvia and Estonia.

You're correct, thanks for pointing that out! 

On 3/22/2022 at 8:25 PM, Flatbush Flyer said:

If you cruise a lot, get MedJet membership for MedEvac and that will allow you to opt for a less expensive comprehensive policy. If you’re a geezer like me (on Medicare), remember that MediCare is useless out of the US. So, make sure any Medicare supplement you select converts to regular insurance when you leave the US. Icing on the cake would be when the supplement is BlueCross and coordinates with Geo Blue for coverage in most major cities across the globe.

The above combo will allow you to concentrate on trip cancel/interrupt coverage which is hard to find as free-standing coverage (yes, there’s your CC coverage for purchased travel using the card. But the limits are woefully inadequate for long and/or big $ cruises.

Yes, BC/BS Global is great.  I have it as a retiree that my previous employer provides us.  The main problem I have with it is that they REQUIRE you to file with Medicare even though they know it won't pay out of country or if cruising the ship is more than six hours from a US port.  I'm running into this problem as a result of an injury sustained while off the coast of Mexico.  I provided along with my claim  copies of the pertinent portion of Medicare's coverage from Medicare's on-line forum.  Nope, not good enough.  Still waiting for my infirmary stay on the ship of more than $12,000 to be paid.  My private insurer has already paid for my surgery and hospitalization in Panama which was about $27 grand.

Deep breath, Donna, patience!

On 4/13/2022 at 5:38 AM, ski ww said:

With everything going on in that part of the world, I'd be surprised if things didn't change. It's beyond the control of the cruise lines when world events over take the situation on the ground.

Yes, with Norway and Sweden talking about joining NATO, bully Russia is not happy!  Just look at Ukraine to see what they are capable of.

Something I have't seen mentioned are the fruit crisps on the dinner menu (sometimes it's not listed but do ask and it will appear!).  The fruit will change daily, and I've not had a bad one yet.  Especially with a scoop of ice cream on top of the warm crisp!!

SV's on any ship are my first choice always!

I'm so very happy to hear he is home with loved ones safely!  Thanks for keeping all of us posted!  Don't forget to let us know how well Celebrity comes through with your reimbursements!

On 3/5/2022 at 5:52 AM, kptbylorraine said:

We have stayed in Civitavecchia several times pre-cruise. We find it very relaxing compared to Rome. When we stayed for 2 days we rented a car and drove into the countryside. We enjoy walking along the waterfront where there are lots of restaurants. 
Hotels are mostly 3 stars but clean and comfortable. They will also arrange for a transfer to the pier. 
 

Lorraine

Can you tell me where you stayed and whether it was satisfactory?  We took the advice of the info desk person in FCO and couldn't believe the dump it was!  More like a youth hostel from years ago than a hotel.

Thanks!

Donna