Travel R

No way! Although in today's world not surprising.

That is hilarious!!! Thanks for sharing (a little laughter is good for alleviating my stress right now).

Thank you and thanks for coming along on our pre-cruise journey. I will follow up when we return with a full review. The rescheduling of vacations during COVID has affected all of us. However, whereas I usually go on a cruise every 3-4 years, I am now planning on going on three cruises for the next three consecutive years - so maybe there is a good side!

Thank you very much for the info - much appreciated. I will read through your review (although not until after I return from Alaska) and pass it on to our friends.

Busy at Work Good day all! I am going to spend today finishing up whatever I have on my desk at work today so I can begin my vacation this evening without any unfinished work hanging over my head. I will post any updates and respond to the recent posts later this evening or tomorrow morning. One interesting piece of news - a meteorologist on my sailing said that there may will be 90 degree weather next week in SE Alaska, which has a few inherent positives, but also comes with a few negatives as a tourist.

Quick Prep / Packing Update Since we attended the awards ceremony last night, I did not get much done. Although I did look through the packing list (it is on my phone) to see if I was missing anything. I also tried to finish up a 2000 page puzzle we have been working on. The goal is to finish it by the time we leave. My DW has been purchasing travel/world related puzzles. The last one was of US National Parks. The current one is of World Landmarks (see pic). Unfortunately, the box does not have a lit of the landmarks shown (and I cannot find it online) [It is the World Landmarks 360-2000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by Buffalo Games - if anyone knows, please forward the list; most are obvious, and we have fortunately been able to have visited many of them (and a few on my bucket list); and I saw two of them on my ride this past Monday.] For tonight: I pack the carry-on, print the forms, documents, luggage tags ("laminate" with clear packaging tape) and do whatever else needs to be done. I will also set aside the clothing I will be wearing on Sunday. We will arise at a very early hour and will be half asleep (I will not have my first cup of (over-priced) coffee until we get to the airport), so want to make sure I am ready and organized. I will also try to get in a light workout tonight with some weights. Then a short run on the treadmill tomorrow, followed by a light ride on Friday (early afternoon after the tests and before graduation), then a longer ride (20ish miles) on Saturday. Although the fitness center will be open at 11 AM on Sunday, my exercising will probably be regulated to performing some isometric movements on the airplane. If jetlag does not get the better of me, I hope to be on the track on top of the Serenade at 6:15 AM (if too wet, I'll be on a stationary bike at 7 AM when the gym open up). My focus right now is on cycling in order to get ready for the Fight Alzheimer's charity ride in memory of my dad in September, yesterday I signed up for the Princess Marathon weekend at Disney in February a 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon on three consecutive days (waking up at 2:30 for a 5K is not great, but worth it - Disney does these races right - although ain't cheap). Almost time to log into work, and it is going to be a busy day trying to get everything done before I log off for vacation tomorrow afternoon.

😞

Hopefully you will get it back. I know two people (long-haulers) that still have limited taste and smell a year and a half after having COVID. Both cases were extremely mild, but these symptoms have lasted for what seems to them forever. Good luck to you!

Last night we went to the awards ceremony at my daughter's high school (says the proud father)and we were also one of the very few families that masked up. Most people, including the teachers were not masked. Although none of them have a pending COVID test to be administered, it is still a large public gathering (luckily NJ cases dropped over 40% since last month and 11% since last week; I have been following the statistics weekly) - I thought more would have done it out of precaution. However, if I were not going to be taking this cruise, I may have been unmasked myself. As for hand sanitizer -- I have been a crazy-person on prior cruises pre-pandemic, so I will double down. Not to the point of over-doing it, but instead of the twice daily reminders to my family, there will be a few additional reminders. Driving though the Rocky Mountains (I've done the US portion) is beautiful and a great driving experience as well. Wish we had more time than 1 day in Vancouver - and all four of us have work the morning after we return. But one day . . . Sorry you caught it - no matter how many precautions you take it may never be enough. If you are fully vaccinated, at least the symptoms are mild. Right now, I do not have any pressing questions. I think I have found out or figured out almost everything I need to (at the moment). There are three questions about this cruise that I still have anxiety about, but will not know the answers to until the time of . . . 1) Will my family test negative on Friday? 2) Will my flight on Sunday morning get me to Vancouver and ultimately the ship on time? 3) Will we tender in Sitka? The answer to the first will affect whether we go on vacation or not. The answer to the second will have bearing on how/when/if we go on the cruise. The answer to the third will really have no bearing on us all (and probably more fun than the bus from the pier).

Thank you for yourself and your support staff (booking agent, researcher, itinerary provider, etc.) for cheering us on! As you know, we spend a lot of time planning beforehand so we can relax while on vacation (or as I tell people, while on vacation, I don't want to think) and ready for whatever comes our way. Also thanks for the answer to second entree's on River Cruises. Next month we are meeting with the couple we are going with to discuss which river (Danube vs. Rhine) and wait until the Fall to book when their 2023 summer schedules are released. Did you like Gate 1? Based on the 2022 sailings and the recommendations of a good friend, I am leaning towards Ama - but open to any river cruise line (that we can afford). Thanks again!

Beautiful!!! Can't Wait!

Packing Update The family has packed their articles of clothing. Interestingly, we have four suitcases (makes sense, since there are four of us). They are four sets, but one is smaller than the rest. You can probably see where I am going with this . . . . we now have five sets of luggage. This cruise keeps costing more and more, but I guess the suitcase will at least be used in the future. The binoculars have already arrived – they are very small/compact and actually have very good magnification. Can’t wait to see whales, bears, and other wildlife with them! Luggage Tags I forgot to mention yesterday that the Luggage Tags are now ready to be printed; as mentioned previously, they had been pending for the past few weeks. Island Vacation – New York City When I was younger, so much younger than today . . . I used to bike into NYC from Brooklyn many times. A nice ride through Brooklyn, over the Brooklyn Bridge, and up to Central Park was our usual MO. I have cycled the East Side, West Side, and all Sides in-between, but had never just cycled around the exterior of the City (growing up in Brooklyn, Manhattan was known as “The City” even though Brooklyn was part of NYC). So, at 50+, I happily agreed when one of my buddies suggested it. There were five of us in our cycling group for the day – six in our group if you count my friend’s dog that travelled with us in his little cart attached to a bicycle. The weather was perfect – low 80s and partially cloudy. There was enough sun to get a biker’s tan – so my legs, arms, and my face below my far head received some color. We started around the World Financial Center, making our way South and curving around the bottom tip of Manhattan, then making our way northward in-and-around construction blocking much of the bike path. One at the Northern end of Manhattan we made our way back down the West Side (yes, where the Story was based) and low and behold, while passing by the piers, there was a cruise ship in one of the berths – the Carnival Magic. Of course, it added to my anticipation of the upcoming cruise. While waiting for our ferry back to NJ, I snapped a few pics as it sailed by. Note that the photo of the Magic that is further away includes Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty to its left (Jersey City is behind it on the (not so) distant shore. If you zoom in on the photo of me, you will see the Verrazano Bridge in the background. Of course, the photo of the bicycles on the tender – I mean the ferry – includes the skyline of NYC looking East. Can’t wat until I begin to post photos of the mountain skyline of Alaska!

I hope everyone had a great Father's Day weekend! Masked-Up Saturday was a nice day. I attended the 60th birthday of a good friend. Note that I did mask-up for most of the party. I even slipped out early so I did not have to shake hands, hug, or kiss anyone to say goodbye (except for the birthday boy). Many already knew I was paranoid to be there in anticipation of the COVID test on Friday. We went shopping a few times over this past weekend – and yes, I wore a mask each time we went into a different store. The only time I did not put on a mask was when we went out for breakfast. We were one of the first patrons in the morning, and all of the waitresses were masked, so I felt “safe.” I spent the other half of the day working on the yard. It really needed some work. Last year I did not do much because I was running back and forth to take care of my parents in Brooklyn. Then due to my mom’s death two months ago, I just did not have the mind to do much. Luckily, we do hire someone to mow the lawn each week, but he does not trim bushes or trees. It was a perfect day for being outside. Packing Up After breakfast we did some more shopping, including a few last remaining items for the trip, then returned home and relaxed a little bit before getting to work on preparing for the cruise. Although I have been putting the non-clothing items aside, I had not begun packing any of my clothing. When I began to take a look at what I had, I realized that I had not (a) gone on a long vacation in a while, and (b) due to COVID I had not worn anything but shorts and T-shirts for the past 27 months (except for the short trip to Vegas last year). So instead of heading directly to the packing, I went through ALL of my clothing to see what fit, what didn’t and what was I should not be wearing any longer. Once alleviated the items in my closet and draws that were no longer needed [another bag for thrift], I began the process of packing. I went through my packing list, decided upon how many of each item I needed, and laid everything out on the bed (my DW was busy elsewhere in the house). Although I usually wait until a day or two beforehand, since I work-from-home, and will not need many of the articles of clothing I needed to pack, I decided to pack the suitcase there and then. Besides a few non-clothing items, my suitcase is for all intents and purposes, packed!!! Suit for Formal Night If you have been a passenger on this 99-day journey, you already know my feelings about formal night. I try to wear a suit and tie when I can. When we took the Baltic cruise on NCL, there is no formal night, but I still wore a button-down and tie. I like dressing up and think that it is appropriate for the evening. That’s me, that’s who I am, and I know that there are those that are very vocal in their opposing opinion. But as long as we can all agree to disagree, there’s no problem. During the pre-COVID era, there were multiple occasions besides family events (e.g., weddings) where I had the occasion to wear a suit and tie (e.g., banquets, ceremonies, etc.), so I would purchase two suits every few years (we usually wait for the BOGO ½ price on 2nd suit sale). I tried on a suit from two purchases ago and my wife said it did not fit right (it's still in very good condition), so she suggested that after I wear it for the two formal nights, leave it there – let the room steward take it, give it away (or sell/trade it), or throw it out. [As many of you know, they have little room, so the odds are 10-to-1 that it will be thrown away.] With help of my DD22, I was able to fit everything into the suitcase, which included my suit and shoes (as well as two button-down shirts and two ties) - and there is still some remaining room. Cleaning One of the items on my To-Do list is clean out the fridge and ensure there are no spoiled perishables waiting for us when get home. So I began to look into the refrigerator to throw out any items that we would not be eating this week and would go bad before we got back. It turned into a complete cleaning of the refrigerator itself. My DW does it every two months, so she appreciated it – but it took a lot more time than I had expected. In this aspect, we are ahead of ourselves. Amazon I own a very good pair of binoculars and a not-so-great pair. [I have a really good scope for a rifle, but that might raise some eyebrows from TSA if I try to travel with it. For this adventure, I thought that everyone should have at least a decent pair for themselves, so I ordered three pairs of decent binoculars so that everyone will be ready to see those whales breaching on a moment’s notice. A recent passenger mentioned that they saw a few whales from the ship. I am hoping to be that lucky. It is important to remember that the sightings only lasts for a few moments, so you want to have the binoculars on-hand. By the time one person hands off their pair to the next person, the whale will be gone. I also decided to order hand warmers since I already have toe warmers for the trip. I am not sure if I will use them, but I can see my DW using them during that early morning tour of the Tracy Arm. We could not find these items while shopping around, so luckily there is an Amazon to make these purchases. I will have everything by tomorrow. Say what you want about Amazon, but it does make life a lot easier. Airline Fees As a sip my egg cream I am having with my breakfast this morning, I have to again shake my head about the airline fees. I shelled over three Franklins for the privilege of choosing seats so my family can sit together, and just figured out that it will be another two so I can have the convenience of having them take my baggage, throw it around, chance losing it, and then having to wait for it once we arrive. At least the carry-on is free (for now). 360 Bike Ride of NYC I am chilling out now and taking a rest. One of my buddies is going to pick me up in a little over an hour so we can meet two other people at Liberty State Park (yes, not far from the RCI Cruise Terminal), where we will take a ferry into NYC, then cycle the entire circumference of the island. With all the times I have biked into NYC, and travelled up and down most of the streets, and encircled Central Park dozens of times, I have never cycled completely around the city. When I was younger they did not have the path that they do now so we usually biked up and down the west side. The path is still not 100% around Manhattan (we have to take some streets through Harlem), but it is probably 90-95% on a path. If you ever come to NYC biking is one unique way to enjoy the city. Before the paths it was usually a lot of street riding. Although they have added bike lanes to some streets, caveat that it can get hectic with the drivers that are unfamiliar with driving in NY traffic, the taxi and Uber drivers that don’t care about pedestrian lives, the Vespa and electric scooter riders that pay no heed to traffic laws, and the bicycle delivery people that zoom up and down these paths faster than many of the cars. However, cycling gets you to more places faster and allows you to see more out in the open and stop when and where you desire. I am looking forward to it and will most likely post something about it tomorrow (and maybe a photo or two).

Happy Fathers Day to all of the fathers, grandfathers, father figures single moms, etc. I am taking a few minutes today between all of the Father's Day activities and packing to go online for a half hour. Started out by going out to breakfast with the family at 7:30 AM and have been on the run ever since. However, I wanted to share something. I know I am not unique and have read about other doing this. I was feeling nostalgic when I saw these and had to purchase them. [For you newbies, this was part of the cruise experience; the room steward would place one on your bed every evening; even on the nights they had the midnight buffet.] Each of us will have a mint on our pillows for each of the 7 nights . . . . Tomorrow morning, when I have some time before work, I'll update this thread about my packing experience. Yeah, exciting and thrilling stuff, and I am sure you can't wait to read. [PS - DW still testing negative, so I think we are in the clear for now. I am hoping and praying our tests come out negative on Friday. I haven't been this nervous about taking a test since I took the Bar Exam.]

I have always cruised with my DW. However, even as a couple we have usually found others to talk to and even hang out with while on the cruise. I after reading many posts by solos over the years on CC, they all have had great times and met lots of people. If it was me, I would solicit people I am already familiar with - from the gym, clubs/hobbies, religious institution, work, etc. (even that barrister that you talk to every day at the coffee shop) instead of a random stranger - it could lead to trouble. Especially in this day and age. I have to be honest, and I am sure you are a very nice person, but many people will be weary of going on a cruise with a total stranger soliciting willing to pay for them as a travel companion (especially if staying in the same cabin). Enjoy your cruises and good luck. I am following this thread, I want to see where it leads.

So that we are all on the same page, attached is my Vacation To-Do Checklist, modified with the most recent pandemic requirements for the US and Canada . . . . Vacation To Do Checklist.pdf

Good News Not much to report today except my DW has tested Negative again. This was a cliffhanger I did not intend to write into this story. But until we find out the results of the text next week, it is all just nonsensical side-plot drama. But as the Fab Four sang - Number 9. Nine days left till' we sail! My entire family may perform the test on Tuesday at home to see if there may be any indication of the virus, then take the official tests on Friday. [I hope not to jinx myself.] Final Cruise Preparations Tonight I will go cycling after I sign off from work, then makes some of my famous 4-cheese baked ziti for dinner (I make a big batch, so there will be enough for a few meals), then have dinner with the family and then (as a family - or at least myself and my DW) either try to finish up the 2000 piece puzzle that has taken over our dining room table, or maybe watch a movie. Tomorrow I will be attending a 60th B'day Party (which I will be masked) and intend to do some yardwork later in the day when the temps cool down, and Monday I am cycling the circumference of the Island of Manhattan with some buddies. Sunday will be the designated day to check my lists and finish up everything that needs to get done for this cruise. I will have compiled all of the items needed to be packed into one place (an open suitcase in the family room); I will pack it a two days before the cruise to ensure I have all of the necessary items and I can see what I have to most efficiently pack it. Between now and Sunday I will review my countdown checklist to check off what has been done so I have an idea for what remains for me/us to do. As a planner, and a list-maker, the final push to get ready is not stressful nor giving me any anxiety. I know what I have to do, and have been doing it little-by-little. There was a time I did not make lists and would always forget something - that I find stressful. Weather Now that we are closer, I can look at the weather for some of the ports we will be visiting. Vancouver will be experiencing an expected high of 70 when we arrive, and Sitka will hit a high of 65 (low of 54). If the rain is kept to a minimum, it will be great temps for exploring (especially the DIY walking tour of Sitka).

I'll be on Serenade in less than two weeks, so have been following all of the reports/reviews from the various ships sailing in Alaska (on CC and elsewhere). Most that have stated numbers have provided figures around 95%. Since my sailing is just before July 4th, I am hoping it stays at 95% - not that the 5% difference is going to make much of a difference anyway. Enjoy your cruise!

Thank you. My thoughts and prayers that your vacation goes on without a hitch (and to everyone else reading this thread as well.). So far my DW, and the person that was in direct contact have not received positive results yet (it's been 3 days for the other woman), so that is a good sign. My DW will probably do a test on Saturday, which would be a good enough of a time period to allow for the incubation period. Unfortunately, we will not be stopping at ISP. There is some good info on that port in the Alaska thread (look at both, the Alaska-only thread and the Canada + Alaska thread).

We are sailing on a Sunday (Vancouver - Serenade), my DD graduates Friday evening from HS. There are a few related events we are going to on Saturday, so flying in on Sunday morning. First time I am flying to a cruise the day of the cruise, therefore used RCI's Air2Sea for the first time to hopefully ensure that they get me to the ship on time. I hope it helps in case of any issues. We are all in the same boat. Worried about testing negative and worried about making it to port on time. I am very, vey stressed about it. But it will all work out in the end and we will all enjoy our nice, peaceful, and stress-free vacations.

Stress Levels Rising For almost a year I was literally being tested once or twice a week. The hospital, rehab center, and unfortunately and ultimately the respite, required a test each time I visited my parent(s) [unless I visited two days in a row]. Although I had some worry that a negative test would mean I could not see them for another 10 days, I never had any doubts about testing positive. I have been stabbed twice with the initial chemical mix, and recently jabbed again with the booster. In addition, I had contracted COVID early on. I was asymptomatic and never even knew I had it until I was provided with a free antibody test when I donated platelets. I was very surprised that I had antibodies – as mentioned, I had absolutely no symptoms. I have also been fairly careful (although admittedly, I have been remiss and have been not as "protective" the past few month). Quick PSA: For those of us that are not first responders, work in a hospital, etc., there is a way that you too can be a superhero and save lives. It is called being a donor. Donating blood, platelets, etc. literally saves people’s lives. Donating blood is very quick and you can be in and out of the facility within 20-30 minutes. Platelet donation can take a little longer (I am usually there for 1 ½ -2 hours, but I know it is needed). Be a superhero today and donate. Now back to your regularly scheduled program . . . So now we wait. We will be tested on the morning of the 24th. Two days before we fly. Two days before we sail. Two days before se set forth on another adventure of a lifetime. My DD17’s graduation is later that evening. It would be a real downer to celebrate her accomplishments while grieving for negative results. As I had written several times, we booked this trip at the height of the pandemic when cruise ships were not even sailing in Alaskan waters. Yes, we knew the changes and played the odds. However . . . . however, it has been a really cr@ppy year. With the loss of both my parents, a close relative, parents of several very close friends, and heard the shocking news yesterday of the loss of a long-time colleague and friend that passed way, way too young. I need this vacation. When it comes to planning vacations, such as these cruises, there are many reasons why we go. One reason why I guess I do so much planning and then go on these trips is that it is a distraction from life. No work, no worries, no stress once I have begun the adventure. It’s good for the body, but also good for the mind. I really need this vacation. * * * * Packing (In General) In the meantime, the packing continues. Gradually items are being moved into a central pile. This weekend the packing will begin in earnest. I will get out the suitcases and begin adding the items I will be bringing. My MO during the week leading up to a vacation is to place everything into the case, then two days before (once I know everything I have and the volume that needs to be stowed) I will re-pack everything to ensure that everything will fit. Not to sound too modest, but I do pack well. It is something I learned as a young age when I used to go backpacking. I could be gone days at a time and there are no stores in the wild to purchase anything you did not bring. So, everything you needed – including food – needed to be packed in the container you wore on your back. Backpacking was a great introduction into the real world with real-world applications. Besides learning how to pack in preparation of a backpacking adventure (and choosing the right items to pack), I learned how to prepare for an outing, how to cook (you ate what you made, or not at all), how to sew/mend a tear in clothing, what to wear (how to dress for the seasonal weather and activities) and other very useful skills. Looking back, although myself and father enjoyed it, since we did not have a lot of money while I was growing up, these backpacking/camping trips were cheap vacations. Although I do have a three-day weekend ahead of me, it is going to be busy. I have a 60th birthday party on Saturday and a bike ride around the circumference of Manhattan on Monday. I may begin Sunday morning with a shorter ride, but the day will be dedicated to ensuring that we have everything we need for the trip – I would rather not have to do any last-minute shopping during the week if necessary. Packing Tips You cannot just place items into your luggage case one-by-one in any order. Once you have accumulated all of the items, spread them out in one area so you can access everything you have. 1. Then orderly place the items into the bag with the larger items at the bottom (heavier items also going at the bottom of the suitcase itself (when standing erect)) and work your way up. 2. Pants I will lay flat, shirts I will roll. 3. If you bring any extra shoes, use the space within to stow socks or other minor items. 4. When all items are spread out, ask yourself if you are really going to need each of the items – undergarments and medicinals are the only thing you should have extra. 5. Unless you are driving to port, there should be no “just in case” articles of clothing. 6. With this upcoming Alaskan cruise, there might be a need for both warmer and cooler-weather clothing; not a “just in case” scenario, but a reality of where we will be visiting. 7. There will be items you are going to want to find quickly when you unpack – remember the area of the luggage they have been placed (and try to place them in that area during every subsequent vacation) 8. Remember that every space is sacred, so try not to leave any empty spaces 9. Do not pack any items you are not willing to lose in the luggage. Things happen, keep those items on your person or in carryon 10. Double-check your packing list. As you have seen from this thread I like lists – but even if you do not have a full packing list, at least make a list of the items you must bring, like ID (passport), vax info, etc. * * * * Yes, Sunday is Father’s Day. Mother’s Day was hard, but I spent it focusing on my DW, the mother of my children. This will be the first Father’s Day without my Dad. I will still focus on my family, but I am expecting that the day, in general, will be hard. I really, really, need this vacation.

Although my DD's are older, we still want to be together on the flight. I am not a huge person, but my shoulders are usually as wider or wider than the seats, and I recently had the displeasure of sitting in the middle seat of an almost cross-country flight. Although my DW was on one side which helped, it was a very uncomfortable ride. I hate paying the extra fees, but it is worth it (for me). Interestingly, the cost of choosing my seat on an upcoming overseas trip is $75 per flight ($150 roundtrip), and there were not many isle seats remaining at the time. Unfortunately, I may need to cancel that trip (don't ask).

Interesting. When I run on a cruise am usually up and out by 6 - 6:15 on cruises, have not experienced many on the the track at that time. It may seem early to some for a vacation, but I am usually an early riser, and by going out that early I can get in my run, showered and changed by the time everyone else in my party is ready to go. By 8 AM (a more normal hour of the morning) both the track and fitness center are usually over-crowded.

WARNING WILL ROBINSON, WARNING I do not want to say bad news since nothing has been confirmed - but my DW was in contact yesterday (while at work) with someone that was in direct contact for an entire day with someone that tested positive. So my DW has been quarantining herself from the rest of us in a bedroom while at home. She will wait until the end of the day to take a test to see if it shows anything (although it may not show up on a test for 3-5 days after exposure), so all we can do is wait and see. Of course, this happens 2 weeks before we sail. But it does not mean she has it, however, it is a possibility and adds a little bit of drama to our adventure.

It's been a few years since I have eaten in the WJ, but nothing really stands out in my memory as a favorite. However, I remember the burgers as being a disappointment. I'll get another chance to try it out in the very near future.