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Theredofshaw

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  1. Thank you so much for this helpful info. Petty officer Lee in Springfield is his recruiter. He did get back to my son and tell him the cruise will be fine, but you have provided lots of details and I appreciate that. I did a bit of google research after I created this post and found the procedure for active duty and others with clearances and saw the question list.

     

    Sent from my SM-N920V using Forums mobile app

     

    not a problem, hope ya'll enjoy your cruise!

  2. As a Navy recruiter, as long as they are aware it shouldn't be an issue. We have ours fill out a form with the details of when and where they'll be and prior to them leaving for boot camp, they will visit MEPS again. If they all have the same procedures, before swearing in that 2nd time to active duty they'll ask if there are any changes to their clearance. The recruiter should have access to his clearance still and can update it if it is still a ways out before he ships to boot camp.

     

    All cruise ports (with the exception of some middle eastern countries) from my experience have been non-issues. Realistically, he is only going to be there a few hours. Even us already on active duty and those who have higher level clearances are approved to hit central/south american cruise ports. The investigator on his background may ask him some questions about what he did while there but as soon as he drops the cruise word and what I assume will be a tour or beach time, that's probably where it will end.

     

     

    on a side note, where in missouri? I know another recruiter in the KC area.

  3. Report # 22 Sailing Towards Pago Pago, Samoa October 15, 2016 Saturday Sunny & 88 degrees 22 Photos

     

    A day at sea was most appreciated today. The biggest event was crossing the Equator sometime during the day. Captain Fred mentioned it during his PM talk. However, he claimed that he summoned King Neptune for the crossing ceremony, but he was much too busy to attend to the Amsterdam. Bet we do this ceremony on the way back from Nuku Hiva.

     

    There seems to a “bug” going around the passengers in the way of a nasty cold with a bad cough to follow. No matter where we go, such as the dining room at breakfast, or the pool, or at the lectures, you can expect to hear coughing all around you. Unfortunately, one of us has had a bout with it this last week. Expect it to be gone soon. These things are almost unavoidable, no matter how many times you wash your hands or use sanitizer. It’s in the air inside the entire ship.

     

    We find the best place to be is outside in the fresh ocean breeze. That’s why we spend the afternoon at the back pool. The weather was as close to perfect as it could be. You would expect the sun to be unbearable around the Equator, but today it was pleasant with a nice breeze. Still, we used copious amounts of sunscreen.

     

    Forgot to mention that there was a special Chef’s Table dinner in the kitchen with Executive Chef Petr. It is for a very small group, and there are only 4 seats left. Although we have never done it, our friends have and really enjoyed it. They raved about the multi-course meal with lots of wine. It does come with a hefty price of $135 per person.

     

    Another special dinner in the Pinnacle Grill is called the Sommelier Dinner, again with many wines, for $85 per person. Sometimes these dinners are fully booked before the cruise even begins. Especially on the Grand Voyages.

     

    While we are on the subject of food, we noticed that the entrée display at dinnertime in the Lido has disappeared. Now you have to read the menu to see what’s for dinner. Got to admit, checking out the entrée display sometimes changed our minds on what we were going to order. Unless the plates were arranged artistically, the food did not looking too appealing.

     

    A few of the upcoming ports are new areas for our location guide, Kainoa. He has not been to Savusavu or Lautoka, both in Fiji. Today during his talk, he got some help from Paki, one of the new location entertainers. He has been to Lautoka, and described it pretty well. Not a whole lot there, but a good place to explore on your own. We have not been to Savusavu, but it appears to be a tender port with a small town within walking distance. Beaches look beautiful there, so that may be an option for many folks.

     

    Guest speaker Sadie Urbanowicz spoke all about Polynesian plants and their uses. In fact, as this is being written, the rerun of her lecture is running on the TV. Interesting to find out where pineapples, coconuts, and other tropical plants came from in this part of the world. Quite interesting for those of us that love gardening.

     

    All of our tablemates were present this evening at dinnertime. We were sad to hear that none of them attempted to go to Fanning Island yesterday. With all of the warnings about the heat and humidity, and the possible long tender ride, they were scared off. No other port will be quite like this one.

     

    We tried different entrees tonight. One of us had the vegetarian lasagna, and the other ordered sweet and sour shrimp. The long, narrow plate came with large panko coated shrimps. Very tasty. The food sure has been good this trip.

     

    A new show featured Strings Alive, a duo of artists playing guitars, piano, violins, and vocals. High energy, we heard.

     

    Tomorrow will be another day at sea.

     

    Bill& Mary Ann

     

     

    Good ol king neptune. Had my experience with him while on the USS Reagan back in 2008. Do they do a ceremony of sorts on cruise ships as well?

  4. Melissa,

    Found your review a few days ago and have been reading almost non-stop (at least at night while my grand kids slept as I'm having this week off helping my daughter with their kids). Just got to the end and realized that it does not finish. Was hoping to read about Rome as I love that city. Is there another thread where you finished this review or maybe added to your review of the TA? Will have to go find it!

    Thanks for a great and funny review!!

    Deborah

     

    she left us with a cliffhanger :(

  5. Just wanted to share some information if you have a U.S. military ID card (active duty or retiree only) and are going to Tokyo, there is a hotel owned and operated by the U.S. Navy where you can save huge amounts of money. It is the New Sanno Hotel http://www.thenewsanno.com/index.html

     

    I just made 2 reservations for next May (2017) for us and another couple who are traveling with us. In the world's most expensive city, I estimate we are paying ¼ of what any other comparable hotel would charge. They have a 98% occupancy rate, so book very early.

     

    Good find! Thanks!

  6. I'm always tempted when I see the prices for overseas cruises, but then I check the cost of flights. Ouch. :(

     

    west coast to asia doesn't seem too bad. priced them out a year out and it was reasonable. fortunately, I'll be relocating towards that coast this summer and can make a drive to a larger airport.

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