Turtles06

The South Coast tour from Reykjavik is a full day tour — iirc, the one we did a few years ago was about 10 hours. A very long day, but well worth it. I’m sure that’s why you are having problems finding such a tour with such a late start. You might try contacting private tour operators recommended here, and see if there’s a small private tour they could offer you (and perhaps a group from your Roll Call). Some folks may suggest you rent a car. That’s not something we did, so I can’t help with that. Good luck!

From the minimal information you’ve provided, I’m going to assume that you are on a partial transit of the Canal, going through the locks on the Atlantic side. If so, when your ship is in Gatun Lske after going through the locks, guests will be able to disembark and take ship-sponsored shore excursions. Or, they may remain on board as the ship turns around and goes back through the same locks, then docks in Colon, waiting for the guests who took shore excursions to return. That’s how it works on a partial transit of the Canal (from the Atlantic). Again, I’m guessing that’s what you’re on. If you’re not, please provide more information about your itinerary.

Since you’ve never been to Paris, must you fly home the next day? Can you give yourselves even one more day? (Not enough, but better than the short time you are planning.)

Yikes — I just tried to pull them up and am getting “page not found” for each one I’ve tried. That’s too bad. This must be a fairly recent development — I was consulting his guides earlier this year in preparation for an upcoming cruise. ☹️

There are many cruises that have a port call to Le Havre, which is in Normandy and a good jumping off point for tours to the D-Day sites. Some years ago, a small group of us on our Roll Call used Overlord Tours. They were terrific, and they continue to be highly recommended here. They book up quickly.

On the Gem this past winter, Premium internet was required to use a VPN. (For your convenience of course. 😂)

I’ll stay on topic by saying that I’ve seen the green flash once, a few years ago after what seems a lifetime of looking. So that was fun. And I’ve seen many flying fish. But I agree with you that seeing an albatross soaring over the ocean is in a class by itself. I took this photo in the Drake Passage on the way to Antarctica aboard an expedition ship. Birds follow ships through the Drake; we were having a pretty rough crossing, and most folks were in their cabins. Fortunately, I don’t get seasick, so I was able to be out on deck for this, along with several very serious birders who generously shared their knowledge with me. We were all in awe. (Wandering albatross, Drake Passage, Feb. 2013, photo by turtles06)

You should ask in the British Isles port of call forum.

We’ve done both tours. The South Coast is stunningly beautiful from start to finish. The traditional Golden Circle tour is more focused on several important points of interest. Both are worth doing. Folks who are interested in doing either tour in a minivan with about 16 people will find recommendations for private tour operators over in the Northern Europe ports of call forum.

American here. I first had poutine several years ago, in Quebec City, and I liked it very much. 😊 Also BeaverTails; extremely delicious. Was happy to find them in several other ports on that cruise. I recognize that neither is a healthy choice. 😂

Charles, I can’t speak as to Verizon, but AT&T’s $10/day International Day Pass has unlimited data, talk, and text only when the customer has an unlimited domestic plan. That part is in the fine print. Basically, the International Day Pass lets you take your domestic plan abroad; if it’s unlimited, fine; if it’s not, you will have limits. BTW, one advantage AT&T has over Verizon is that AT&T limits the $10 a day charge in any billing month to $100 — 10 days of use. This worked very well for me on a nearly month-long land trip to the UK last fall. (And I do have an unlimited plan.) It was very nice to be able to use my phone in the UK just as I use it in the US.

@YVRteacher I’m glad you’re home safe and sound. I just want to add my thanks to you for sharing your trip with us. I know it’s a time-consuming thing to do. Your talents as a writer and photographer really made us feel as though we were there with you (except that we didn’t get to enjoy all the cake). I hope your school year goes well, and that you have more wonderful adventures in your future.

Thanks for posting. Do you know if this is the covered garage or the open lot? (The links don’t work, at least not for me.)

We thought the Flow water was fine, and the box was sturdy enough that we were able to refill and use it several times.

Agreed. Those are very helpful forums.

No. Not exactly.

Yes, taxi as @njhorseman says above. A few years ago, on my wife’s and my second visit to Cartagena, we explored the fortress on our own. We took a cab from the port (they are waiting outside the gates), and hailed a cab on the street for the return. No problem getting one. Since you’ve already been to Cartagena, you know how hot and humid it is. Get a really early start, and have water and sunscreen. Enjoy!

You’ve heard nice stories above, but the only thing that matters is how the request for a postponement is handled in your own jurisdiction. Good luck, and enjoy your cruise.

@joey_ourso — one other thing: call NCL’s shorex desk (866-625-1267), tell them what happened, and see if they can put you in touch with the tour operator (or call them for you). It’s a long shot, but no downside to trying. I have lots of caps that have sentimental value. I hope you get yours back.

Not till next year. I’ll look forward to your report if you do go to the Falls. Have a great cruise!

Sailing into Portland, you’ll see the Portland Head Light and some smaller lighthouses. We did get up for that. It was pretty foggy out. In any event, if you enjoy lighthouses (as we do), we found it worthwhile to see the Portland Head Light from land. (photo by turtles06)

This is s very helpful thread! If we took a taxi to the Falls, could we expect to find taxis there for the return trip?

Why are you guessing that? As noted above, NCL has resumed docking at Taino Bay. And if that’s where you dock, and you’d only have a few hours at a resort, why not take advantage of more time at Taino Bay itself?

What a great day you had in Akureyri, thanks for sharing it with us! Quick question — obviously you had your iPhone 14 ProMax in the lagoon with you. Did you trust its water resistance rating, or did you do anything additional to protect it? Thanks!

Not just the day you were there. That’s a typical day. Cartagena is only 10 degrees north of the Equator. That’s why it’s good to get an early start off the ship. 😊