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Yeah, their on time record is the worst. But we have little other choice unless we go with a non Canadian carrier.

Update. The tumbler in the lock is broken so we have to destroy the lock to get it open. 😢 we have one more so that’s an issue for when we return. Right now it is getting into the suitcase.

Best laid plans…DH somehow locked his suitcase last night and now is trying to find someone to unlock it! And Air Canada just notified us the plane is delayed 50 minutes but our taxi is arriving in 2 hour and 45 minutes which is now 5 hours and 20 minutes before takeoff. I guess this is a true case of hurry up and wait!

Okay, Tink is really laying on the quilt 😔

Wow on those temperatures! yes river cruises seem more expensive and I haven’t been on an ocean cruise since 2015 when I suddenly fell sick with his vestibular condition so I am not up on current costs. That said, we chose Scenic because on certain promotions air travel is included and we say when and what airline and routing we prefer. Then Scenic is truly all inclusive so we have zero bill to settle at the end. We like having transportation from the airport to the hotel and back to the airport so we don’t have to think about it. But we don’t travel every year so our travel budget is dived over 2-5 years. That makes it way more affordable.

She breaks my heart and we miss her so much! But our dog sitter will keep her as comfortable as possible in her home…but you’re right, that’s probably exactly what she is thinking!

Thanks for your report. We haven’t been told of any deviations but I think that type of change would only be communicated onboard so I will find out Wednesday.

How exciting! Glad you enjoyed your trip. Unfortunately we can’t control the weather so I just figure it will rain and be surprised if it doesn’t.

You’re very welcome. There is a video at the bottom and I had to watch it a few times because she used fabric that you can’t tell the front from the back. I found attaching the second cotton pocket fabric to the zipper confusing the first few times or after I haven’t made one in awhile.

Well one thing is exactly the same: the last minute crunch before leaving for the airport! Luggage mostly packed, dog sitter arriving this afternoon, laundry in the machine, dog bummed out and jumpy…. This adds up to today is the start of our adventure! I hope to keep this thread interesting and informative and so looking forward to discovering a new part of the world.

I make mine out of knit. A bit fiddly but so soft when done. For summer I use double gauze. https://www.patternsforpirates.com/zipper-scarf-tutorial/

Only because our dog sitter will be living here. Otherwise the dust could stay 😆

Well in 24 hours we will be on the way to the airport. I’m nearly packed but DH hasn’t even begun. I have printed out itineraries for each suitcase and the dog sitter. Taxes being done. Sewing space emptied as built in storage gets started Monday. I made my purse, my hidden pocket infinity scarf, my tote and dh’s travel sling to wear under his jacket. I just need more medicine for our 14 year old dog, get my last minute items together and get my purse organized. Oh and clean the house 😑.

Glad to have you follow along. Since our first Scenic trip was pre-covid, it will be interesting to see what, if anything, has changed. Admittedly, our home weather is making packing a bit challenging since my mind just can’t accept temperatures above zero or what that would feel like!

Thank you. I have been looking at my favourite weather app and looking up Amsterdam and Vienna but this is much better. It will warm up here too, after we leave, but I am having issues remembering those temperatures as I haven’t felt them in 6 months. But with the wind factored in, I should be fine with cotton shirts with or without a sweater under my outside water resistant layer.

Great news! Thanks!

Mother Nature just made things a bit more difficult. My mind is having trouble sorting out what to pack and the scene outside my window doesn’t make it any easier!

Our boat departs today on its first voyage of the 2024 season. Next week we board!

Comparisons are very subjective (and I don’t drink alcohol or eat Pringles 😀). So when deciding on which river cruise company it was the itinerary that was the most important factor. Secondly was the flight was included and we controlled the routing and date we flew. Those were the reasons we chose Scenic for our first river cruise in 2019. We wanted to travel the Seine and Scenic had an 11 day itinerary that hit all our “musts” with many “wants”. But most importantly for us, Scenic is one of only a few companies that sail to the English Channel and into Honfleur. The majority of companies sail only to Rouen and then bus passengers to Normandy. That was the deciding factor for us. Was it nice to get anything I wanted whenever I wanted? Of course! But I am not a fussy person and don’t drink alcohol so they made money on me. I looked at charts such as these to help me decide. But I can’t find the one that broke down the costs on an all inclusive per day. That is the cart that showed me that although Scenic was one of the most expensive on first looking at total cost, it was actually one of the least expensive when you factor in the inclusions like no tipping, laundry, all drinks, flights, transfers, etc. it is a very personal choice so only you can decide what it is that is important to you.

That sounds amazing! I’m sure you will love both. We are flying Premium Economy both ways across the Atlantic as we have to pay for a dog sitter 🤷🏻‍♀️😊😆 as our dog is old and very anxious.

Busted! Now I’m getting the corgi stare of disapproval 😂

Things are starting to get serious around here. Piles of clothes and daily necessaries plus just in case pharmaceuticals clutter most surfaces in the bedroom and bathroom. This is the part I dislike the most. All the while a slow moving Colorado low is hitting us for the next 3-4 days bringing high winds, rain and snow. I see the temps in Amsterdam are 8-10 degrees C higher than us at the moment but that North Sea winds can’t be ignored! So our end trip to much warmer Vienna may be in the same clothes for 3 days 😆 as I haven’t dug out my summer clothes yet. Just kidding but it won’t be extensive.

I am unsure of your method of comparison but I can answer your questions to help you fill in the blanks. For example in 2019 we were surprised to learn that all inclusive for Scenic meant all you could drink of whatever you choose to drink (exception being the top of the top shelf liquor) was included and their wine cellar was impressive. It also meant the mini bar in your room was stocked with whatever you chose, including chocolate and Pringles. One free bag of laundry and, depending upon cabin category, daily pressing. Want your shoes shined? Done. There’s even a pillow menu when you enter your cabin. Did I mention free wifi? But if you want productions in various venues you will be disappointed. There is no casino and the shop is restricted to a small corner of the lobby across from the concierge desk. There is one main lounge where everyone uses and is also the bar and the casual restaurant for quick bites. Let me know what your criteria is and I can help you decide which make and model Scenic attains.

Happy to have you follow along! I’m sure your weather will be better than ours. Thanks for the encouragement for Rob and getting new knees. I’m sure it will make a world of difference so I’m happy to convey another positive experience. DS will be busy on an expedition but DD, although also busy with exams, is dishing out a dose of guilt that she won’t be joining us.

1995 on a Greek ship from Barbados to Spain. My first and only TA.