CruisingAlong4Now

For the colder trips, I like hoodies that fit under my water-resistant windbreaker (also with hood). I think they are also useful even for the warmer trips since it can be chilly in the mornings. I also like walking shoes that are good for a damp or wet deck.

I've used these services shipping bags to and from a cruise. I like not having to deal with luggage, especially if we are traveling prior to the cruise. I do caution you to pay strict attention to the instructions regarding items that can and cannot be shipped in your cases. We once had an "iffy" item packed, and the suitcase was held in foreign customs until one day before our cruise. They finally released the bag and it was in our suite when we boarded. We took pictures of the packed, open suitcases so we knew what each contained. We just considered the shipping charges as part of our cruise fare.

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I'm still not sure what are you insuring? Have you incurred a financial loss due to a missed port? Are you just angry? It's not uncommon for ports to be changed. Your contract with the cruise line gives them this right. Most local tour companies don't charge you if your ship misses the port.

I only insure expenses that not capped, generally evac and medical. The cost of the trip is capped, and I've already spent the money, so I don't have any financial risk or exposure. The worst that can happen if I have to cancel my trip, is that I don't go on vacation. There are no financial risks. A result that is sad, but not bad. Medical expenses or medical evacuation however are essentially unlimited and pose significant financial risk, albeit with a very low probability. These I insure with third-party medical insurance being the primary insurer and my regular medical insurance being a secondary payer. I buy medical evacuation insurance for which I make the decision in which hospital I want to be treated. Most people return to their home hospital. All other vacation expenses are not material to my long-term financial health.

The minimum connecting time in Vancouver for Domestic to US is 1 hour and 10 minutes. I would not be comfortable with 1 hour and 16 minutes. Air Canada - Minimum Connection Time "Example: If you're travelling from Victoria to San Francisco with a connecting flight in Vancouver, you'll need to provide for a minimum connection time of 1 hour 10 min between your arrival in Vancouver and your departure for San Francisco."

The ship has been allowed to sail, albeit without these passengers. They were "off-loaded" to an in-transit area, still not allowed to enter Spain.

Yes- multiple cards for different accounts at different banks. Also, my DH and I carried different cards in our wallets, so if one of us "lost" our wallet, the other person still had good credit cards that were not compromised. [We also cross pack our suitcases so that all suitcases have a combination of his and her clothes. Ensures that each of us will have clothes if a suitcase is lost en route.]

You can see the aborted stop at Banjul, Gambia. The Dawn is currently (6:00 pm, EDT) enroute to Dakar Senegal. NORWEGIAN DAWN Current Location (cruisemapper.com)

Make sure his mobility and mental state are noted for the muster drill. Some cruise lines prefer that all passengers that need assistance be assigned to a specific muster station so that the crew member responsible for that station ensures the passengers in need are attended.

I do let the US Dept. of State know when I leave the country. With all the global turmoil, I'd like the local US Embassy or consulate to know I'm nearby. You can also register to receive State Dept travel advisories prior to, or during, your trip. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (state.gov)

Are you looking for the cheapest spinner or the best value spinner?

Too many people booking multiple cruises and then cancelling without any penalties are responsible for this. Why not book everything and make a final decision right before payment? Insurance will solve your problem, especially CFAR.

Cancelling before or after final payment makes a difference. If you cancel after final payment, the cruise line receives all the money it expected from that cabin. No one has to show up- they don't care (although they are losing discretionary spending) If you cancel before final payment, cruise line has not received all their money and will adjust price.

Which cruise terminal does NCL use in Southampton?