LuvsACruise

Thank you so much for taking your time to answer questions...you have been so helpful already! So far, for our Sept Majestic Japan cruise on the Westerdam, there are almost no HAL Shore Ex, which I find very strange. I see that you do independent touring, but did you notice if HAL offered any Shore Ex in Japan? Thanks again!

That works for me! Many thanks for the great info on the Suica card!

Where did you buy your Suica card? Is it a Welcome Suica? My info (as of Oct 23) says one can only get Welcome Suica at Haneda airport, and that tourist should use the Welcome Suica card. I am looking to attach it to Apple Pay when we visit Japan in Sept 2024. Thanks for any info you have!

Hi Mary Ann and Bill! Thanks so much for 2 bits of information from your blog today. We have been concerned about Ginni and Rich as we knew they had left the cruise, so now we know we will see then in 2 months! Also, I had been wondering if HAL would continue offering the foreign currency onboard and you just answered that question too. Hope you all have good weather and make all the ports on your way back! Kathy

Whooo Hooo! Freedom! Now Let the Adventures Begin! We'll be with you the entire way, then see you in Jan! Kathy

Many Thanks for the quick response! Living vicariously in the South Seas with you all until next January! Kathy

Hi Mary Ann! This question is a bit off-topic from your blog... but maybe you both have some insight or current information. When you came down from Vancouver, and had to test before followup boarding for your 'Tales' cruise... do you know if anyone tested positive from that cruise and were required to debark and cancel the Tales cruise? Or could they quarantine on board for 10 days, and continue on the new cruise? Maybe Henk might know? It is of concern for those of us taking the Zuiderdam 12 day or 5 day cruises in the Caribbean, with a followup onto the 2023 GWV... possibly testing positive, then having to cancel the 128 day cruise. Obviously we would all like to stay onboard and quarantine then continue with the GWV! Thanks so much for your attention to my question... looking forward to seeing you both again In Jan! Kathy

Great Tuxedos-Toooo smoozy! You two are all ready for Las Vegas Night on the 2023 GWV!

Today I called 3 Walgreens pharmacies here in central Florida and all three told me that Medicare would not pay for a covid test that is just for travel. This response is for a Medicare + Tricare plan. (I did not ask about a Medicare Advantage plan) For Travel the test cost is $128pp. The test is free (Medicare paid) if you have symptoms or have been in close contact with a covid positive person. Obviously not usable for travelers! Guess we have to go for the online proctored testing for the least cost. On Point (the setups are outside our airports, and a similar company outside Port Canaveral) is still doing proctored tests for travel for $60 or $70pp, results with 15 min.

Pete and Judy! We will just miss you in Boston...coming in at 6pm on the 26th for the Boston to Quebec to Boston on the 27th on the NS! Will follow along, especially for the ports we will be going to the next week. Thanks so much for posting your adventures!

We have also asked about replacing a Pinnacle dinner with aTamarind dinner (which is cheaper!) because we are traveling with vegans who do not find much in the steakhouse but do in the asian restaurant. We have not gotten any response either. I thought I might plead my case on the ship, with the restaurant reservations person, or guest services.... hoping not to get the dreaded 😉 'I'll have to ask Seattle'!!