trivia addict

There is a Total Wine store not far from the Pier

Thank you. This is interesting. It is early in the season so maybe different. I’ll watch the Cruise Critic Bermuda board to see if anyone else has any more info and will be there in June to see for myself.

You mention that Clearwater Beach has a small store that sells premade sandwiches, drinks and snacks. When we there last year, there was an actual beach bar serving drinks and a food truck with hot food. Have these been replaced with this small store?

I did a Resort for a Day at Cocoa Reef years ago. The pool was beautiful, the lunch was very good and everyone was very friendly. What I did not like was the many steps one had to navigate to go to the beach.

Just to be clear, yes you will fly into Basel, but it might not be a direct flight. As I said, we first had to fly to Frankfort for our connection and I know that some on our ship first flew into Paris before coming into Basel. The Silver beverage works for us because my husband enjoys craft cocktails and I like the fact that I have a wider choice of wines than those that are included in the price of the cruise. We feel that the $25 per night is worth it for us.

We did do the Viking Air but we paid the extra fee for air plus to choose our own flights. ( I think it was $100 pp for this service) We had to fly into Frankfurt and from there flew into Basel. Viking gives you free beer and wine for lunch and dinner, but cocktails are extra. The drink package gives you all bar drinks, and beer, and wine whenever you want. The wine selection is much larger with the package giving you the chance to try all of the local wines. And we take advantage of that! i believe it is called the Silver Spirits package and you can buy it at the bar when you first board. Probably can buy it ahead of time but we have twice done it onboard. I can’t remember the exact price but pretty sure it’s well under $200 for the entire week. I’m sure you can call Viking to get the price. A lot different than what we pay on the cruise lines here!

Thank you. I stand corrected!

Yes, O positive is the universal donor.

I don’t think that those who were asking why a male as opposed to a female were trying to interfere in someone else’s business. No one asked for names, circumstances, or medical issues. I think, like me, they were just wondering as to the science of why the gender is important. Thank you to those who gave us the scientific answer. I think we all know a little bit more about medicine which may or may not be useful to us someday. Knowledge is good.

We always go to Clearwater Beach. Far, but quiet, uncrowded and has amenities.

Yes, you will need a TA who is familiar with the countries you are visiting. Very different experiences. And do watch out for pickpockets. Despite its reputation, I never had a problem in Rome, but a I’m sure a family trying to corral 3 children would be a good target. i have had two problems in Barcelona. Once had a camera stolen and once my daughter and I were definitely being followed. BTW, if in Barcelona, I recommend the HopOnHopOff bus. And of course, the Gaudi works of LaPedera and Sagrada Familia are not to be missed.

Maybe no coffee makers in rooms but many of the smaller European hotels have amazing European style included breakfasts. Cheeses, meats, breads, yogurt, pastries, etc. My adult children now probably remember those more than some of our excursions! If you can book one of those you will save quite a bit of time and money in the mornings.

Smilegirl07, have you thought about using a travel agent for your stays in Europe before and after the cruise? i, too, am very hands on when it comes to cruises and travel within the U.S., but when it comes to booking hotels, cars, trains and museum tickets in Europe I find that a good TA knows a lot more than I do about these things.

The company may not be “local” but the guides that are hired at the venues are local citizens who are trained to be guides. Obviously, if you have guides all over the world, your headquarters will not be “local”

Yes, the Schuyler/ Hamilton history is fascinating. There are many good biographies or historical novels of them all that make good reading. Can’t really judge the seating for you, it’s a big theater, but of course, lots of seats! And pictures posted, make me want to take another tour all over again!