GAJE

Anyone who has stayed at the Hampton Tampa /Rocky Point -Airport - any tips to offer? They would be greatly appreciated.

Betty

I did not see it listed separately on any of the bar menus I photographed in November 2016 on the Nieuw Amsterdam but they clearly still have it. The Jim Beam Red Stag is a featured ingredient in several cocktails.

That they still have it is GOOD NEWS! On another hand, what cocktails have it as a featured ingredient?

Thank you.

Betty

I posted this earlier on the cocktail menu thread, but just in case it did not get attention there...

Our last cruise I became "addicted" to Jim Beam's Red Stag (a flavored bourbon). Does anyone know if that is still being offered?

Fingers crossed,

Betty

Our last cruise I became "addicted" to Jim Beam's Red Stag (a flavored bourbon). Does anyone know if that is still being offered?

Fingers crossed,

Betty

I have used my heating pad extensively on our last few cruises. I do put it away when we are not in the cabin. It has never been questioned that I have or use one.

Wow. This seems to get more and more complicated! How about cabs? Easy to get one to travel from Haarlem to the port?

I read something about taxis restricted from hotel areas in Haarlem. Can someone explain that?

Thank you. Betty

Are there difficulties in getting taxis in Haarlem to the port of Ijmuiden? Any other possible obstacles in staying in Haarlem over Amsterdam?

Thank you for any help!

Betty

Are there difficulties in getting taxis in Haarlem to the port of Ijmuiden? Any other possible obstacles in staying in Haarlem over Amsterdam?

Thank you for any help!

Betty

add me to the list -- it is aggrivating

Ditto!!!! I haven't messed with any settings, either!!

Someone up there, please help!!

I have been looking at tours in Kirkwall, on the islands of Orkney. The operators I have contacted require payment in advance and have a no refund policy in the event the ship misses that port. They advise that we increase our travel insurance to cover that possibility.

We have never encountered this policy on private tours and find it to be a disappointing puzzle. Can someone who has been there explain what the problem is? Is the weather that bad? Also, any suggestions for tours, other than those offered by HAL?

Thank you, Betty

You both have answered my question. Thank you very much!

We will be cruising on the Prinsendam next summer. One of our many ports will be Edinburgh. A tour provider is wanting to know whether we will actually dock in Rosyth (as the itinerary shows) for Edinburgh or possibly South Queensferry which is a lot closer. If anyone has had experience with this recently, I would greatly appreciate knowing where the Prinsendam actually docked.

Thank you!

Betty

HAL also offers transfer to Ijmuiden for those who have not booked hotel through cruise line, which we are taking advantage of. It is $32 per personlnFor our dates the Renaissance was pretty expensive so we found a hotel recommended by a trusted CC member two blocks away from the Renaissance so we can walk there to get the transfer.

If you are comfortable with this, please share the recommendation you referenced.

Thank you,

Betty

GAJE, Prinsendam, July 15, 2015,

35-DAY IRISH, SCOTTISH & NORTH CAPE EXPLORER

Thank you,

Betty

We take our meds in 7 day plastic containers and extras (at least a week) in small plastic bags to refill the 7 day as the days onboard progress. I take photos of the original medication bottles with my iPad. I am hoping those would suffice if we were searched.

Have any of you been on a ship when the port of Lautoka has been missed? If so, what were the circumstances?

Thank you,

Betty

I just returned from New Caledonia and Vanuatu. We used our Aussie dollar there. We had lots of small notes on us - $5s and $10s. We did that so we didnt have to stress too much about change. In Noumea we booked and paid for a tour once we got off the ship - they had everything advertised in AUD and gave change in AuD as well. We went to a patisserie after our tour and they took aud, not sure about change as our bill came to $20. Vanuatu they took AUD and a mix of change with local currency and AUD. as log s you have low denominations of currency and don't mind not getting change then go ahead and take AUD. New Zealand will differently need NZD.

Carly

Great advice, Carly! Thank you.

Betty

AUD was readily accepted in Fiji, Vanuatu and Il de Pins (New Caledonia) on our last visit to the South Pacific. Didn't make it to Noumea because of a cyclone but I understand their own currency is preferred and there is a place on the docks to change AUD into Pacific francs. However as a city you can use your Visa/Mastercard easily and I have heard the big tourist shops accept AUD.

Your advice is appreciated!!

On a related note, in exchanging money before we leave, would we (generally speaking) get a better rate at Wells Fargo or our local bank? What experience have any of you had with Wells Fargo? Any other exchange sites might I investigate?

Thank you!

Betty

Will we need Australian currency while in New Zealand? Also, what about Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia? Hoping to not have to worry about having too many different currencies.

Thank you,

Betty

We just returned from Australia. We did a five day stay in Sydney after our Solstice cruise. Cruise was good except for serious tendering problems in Bali and Yorky's Knob.

 

As for the bridge climb, I am sure it is a great experience, but for $240 pp, we declined and did the pile climb. It appears to be about 3/4 of the height from the water, but you can take your camera and it only costs $11.

 

It was great, as well as Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, and of course Sydney. We also saw La Boheme at the opera house and it was wonderful.

I have not been able to find information on the bridge climb? Could you share more about it?

Thank you, Betty

No, wifi is the same price for everyone. Love the spin on that:D.

Now, why am I not surprised! Thanks!!;)

We have been upgraded to a suite for the first time. I have read the amenities and have a question. The description of the amenities says, in part:

"Neptune Lounge: A very special amenity exclusively for guests cruising in a Deluxe Verandah Suite or Penthouse Verandah Suite, the industry-leading Neptune Lounge features a private place to relax, socialize with other suite guests and enjoy the personalized service of a concierge. The fleet-wide lounges provide worktables, large screen television, library, sofas and chairs, refreshments throughout the day and wi-fi for a small charge."

What does "wi-fi for a small charge" mean? Does it mean there are separate, less expensive internet packages for suite passengers, or what?

Thank you for any information about this!

Betty

All of your suggestions are wonderful! As I have told others many times, these boards are a wealth of information!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you again to all of you who helped us figure out how to travel with the CPAP!

Betty

Your comments have been very helpful. I did not know the machine would have to be taken out of our bag when going through security. I also did not know that the humidifier could be separated from the machine. Dumb, huh? I am trying to figure out if I could put part in my carryon and DH would have the other half in his. That would seem like a great solution. I am not sure how we would handle another tote, but I will check into that.

Also, I had read about the distilled water being ordered on the ship. He will be doing that!

Thank you!!!!!

Betty

DH recently began using the CPAP machine and we will take our next cruise soon. How do you users carry it? DH already carries on his carryon and a camera/computer bag, neither of which will also accommodate his machine. Has anyone packed it in checked luggage? That seems risky! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you, Betty