LaraTiara

Glad you are able to let the kids scoot in port! Will make moving them along all the more interesting.

Having already raised 4 children in busy west London, I am sure yours too are able to cope with the rules of the road with ease!

And the dear passengers who got sunburned in Alaska, now THAT is funny...not at all what I was expecting to read for "worst weather"!!

Some of you are courageous passengers indeed! I'm over here, taking travel notes: no South America, no TA in December, etc!!

Please, share your worst storm experience.

In Kusadasi last fall, Ruby broke from all the moorings in port during a flash rainstorm. We left port a little late.

A photo of the ropes:

One venue we particularly like is Vines. We enjoy the tapas and/or sushi in Vines. Both are delicious! We have a glass of wine and appetizer plate prior to our later dinner sitting. (No wonder we have to hit the gym in the mornings!)

I am personally a big lover of creme brûlée I wonder if they have a good one on princess

 

 

Faith, trust, and Pixie Dust !!

Love Miranda

 

Cruise carnival twice

 

Disney cruiseline. 5-6 times

My husband says, "The answer is YES!" :-)

Sabatini's, though both are delicious!!

How memorable for you both! The scenery is postcard-perfect. Thanks for posting. And I love the little details they have laid out on the sand!

Congratulations! :-)

On our cruise in January, we seen a two people having sex in one of the hot tubs in broad daylight! They didn't even stop when 2 other people got into the tub with them! Somebody in a white uniform finally came up and must have said something to them, because they got out right away after wards. The funniest part though was that we didn't see them together at all for the rest of the cruise! Lol

Pretty sure this observation takes the lead in this "strange" thread: Broad daylight, strangers/voyeurs getting IN the tub, a hook-up. Yep...Some people are recess....No class.

Man, there should be a PLANK to walk! That has to be a misdemeanor on shore. That would clean things up!!

What an interesting thread.

We will return to Cozumel later this year, and I saw this excursion on Trip Advisor just earlier today. Our college age kids love this show. One of them has a summer internship in Eastern Europe and the team-builder is a 48-hour version of the race. She can't wait!!

It looks interesting to race in Cozumel, but then I thought, why would we stay on land when we did that last time?

Did anyone regret not sailing a catamaran or snorkeling, but rather running around?

Cozumel in a day was actually so fun.

We hired mopeds (2 adults, 3 late teens) at port (simple, but I speak Spanish) and we scooted off. We headed right, checking things out. We have been to Mexico so many times, and to Cozumel too, that we knew we just wanted to avert crowds. We all love being "lounge lizards" and talking and exploring as we walk or lounge along the beach.

Before arriving at a restaurant beach, we swam and sunned on the other side of the island. There was no hurry, since we had all day.

The road is peppered with mini resort beach areas (do not think 5-Star). As we scooted along, we eventually located yet another coastal location that ticked all the boxes. It was quaint and tidy and had a pool. We drank, ate, swam, and napped in the hammock. The service was very fun and friendly (it helps that we were with our attractive young ladies?). It was completely relaxing.

We continued on around the island, on moped. There is a road that cuts along the interior of the island. The more authentic feel of the island is observed away from the port hustle.

Enjoy your trip!!

Do they serve Stella in those nice Stella chalices and in pints?

 

 

 

Anyone know the cost of a pint?

 

 

 

Thanks

On the Sea Day, there is a fish n chips lunch in the pub. My husband threw back a few Stella pints. They were in the challis.

On Cruise Personalizer, you can view the Gifts and Services PDF. It has several drink and cellar options on page 7. I don't know draft beer prices from the pub (even though we just were on Ruby), but the bottle special is listed there.

Thanks for the advice, we have confirmed with Mr Chob.

Do you have a favorite guide book you recommend? Thanks!

Good find!! :)

Welcome tngaloha!

Sounds like you will have a memorable ceremony on MSC Divina. We were just next to her in port, in Grand Turk. She's massive!

Where will you all be located on December 21st?

London is a great option.

However, we lived there as expats and have visited nearly annually since repatriating. No one potentially traveling in the family will have a sense of adventure about London. Not to mention expense of getting to the coast.. Or moreover, taking that length of time away from our work! I wish it were possible at this stage. The more we cruise, the less we enjoy work ;)

Have not been to Denmark. DH and 2 children have for a short period.. This interests me, but I appreciate all points of view. If we are only at embarkation a short while, and jetlagged at that, it may work since it's not a long journey to port.

Do any of you prefer one itinerary over the other? Any ports that were more/less interesting to you or your family?

On the other topic: Sounds like a "group tourist visa" for Russia will suffice for Russian-born son. Of course a visa is necessary. Have no idea why I thought otherwise!

Previously, on charitable trips, we travelled on religious visas, which are much more stringent. Our son was adopted in his formative years, however his place of birth on his blue US passport is "Russia".

In a worse-case event, as an American citizen, he could always appeal to his American Embassy Surely THEY

Thank you both.

Do either of you happen to know the Russian immigration/passport process for cruisers? It sounds like a tourist visa is not always needed for cruisers(?). Our son is a Russian adoption and we will travel with him (he'll be 18 at time of cruise). He visited Russia in younger years, but not at army age.

With the visa issue and his "dual citizenship" (Russia would still consider him a citizen), coupled with mandatory military service, I think it best to not "enter" Russia. But maybe there is no reason for concern.

I think I have just "hijacked" my own CC thread!

Hello Cruisers,

Am researching Baltic cruise itineraries and am in search of expert advice.

For those of you who have cruised or booked a Baltic cruise, how did you decide your embarkation port?

At first glance, I thought St Petersburg would be best. Now however, I am leaning toward Copenhagen. That way, Russian visas will not be needed on a group 2-Day tour (not through the cruise line).

Thanks for any input. :)

PNW, great insights.

May I ask where you found the raincoats, both lengths? My daughter's college internship in Eastern Europe begins in a few weeks and she will need outerwear.

Thanks!

CarpeFNDiem that's gorgeous. Truly stunning! I like the detail and rouching, especially. Will you prepare vows? Or does the officiant guide that for you both?

Monsoon... Sure wish we had that shop over here Drewlin. Did you say - did you book a cruise yet?

It's almost May, for the ladies renewing vows this month. Getting excited with you.

Ctcruisergirl (or any ladies please chime in!) -

Gathering ideas here..

How did you choose your dress color and style? I'm interested to hear - or even see if you possibly have a photo you would be willing to upload your gown/dress.

Did you simply choose the most flattering, regardless of color? I think color will narrow decision making for me. The ship will be Emerald, the anniversary will be silver, and the sea is blue... I will try and stay within those three hues. But, does anyone look nice in silver? Ends up looking grey on me. It would need to be silver sequins, to not wash me out.

And style? Mermaid (which I would not normally choose)? Elegant? ??

Lightinthebox for com really do have me a number of lovely styles to look at - thanks mrstriceasnice! David's Bridal is a good option, as we have 3 just in north Dallas. Surely the store in BIG...as we say here, "Go BIG or go home!". Ctcruisergirl, how did you narrow the final choice down? LaraTiara

Since you mention that it's been awhile since you were at Heathrow, just want to also mention that as non-EUs traveling in August, when all of Europe is on holiday, you may find The Arrivals Hall quite backed up on any given morning. Busiest time of the day, in the busiest airport in Europe...busiest month of the year...as non-EU. Prepare to wait a bit. It could be a ghost town, but that's unlikely.

Sit tight in Costa Coffee after walking a fair amount, and enjoy those delicious baked goods as you all make your way in!

Bon voyage.

 

Packing carryons saved their vacation.

Yes - I agree.

By contrast, my parents are big cruisers, and my mom is a fashionista. She "packs for Europe". My dad's solution to all this is booking flights through the cruise line. He says the fares are comparable to off-website fares.

In fact, on the trip where we packed carry-ons, mom responded that there was no way she would do that.

Mom and Dad arrived same-day as embarkation, without luggage. Their original flight had mechanical problems so their itinerary was re-routed in order to get them on the ship in time. They knew the cruise line would locate them and deliver luggage, at the next port. They purchased a few clothing and toiletries onboard.

The luggage arrived, safely, after the first port. Was waiting for them at their door

Personally, I prefer packing light and avoiding any added worry!

Love the ideas here :-)

Sorry ladies, I didn't review the photos in the original post. Trying a second attempt :)

Usually, my teenage son assists with technical difficulties...You should be able to enlarge the photos, if it's only a thumbnail.

Prior to our cruise, we agreed that carrying on was safer with the airplane transfers. So I search Pinterest for vacation packing. There are many other suggestions on Pinterest, but I truly appreciated these photos!

Ctcruisergirl and CarpeFNDiem, keep us updated on your upcoming plans!

Duckelite, did you say at all when you are heading to the South Pacific?

BAV2005, have you found that quiet spot on the Navigator yet?

Gals, do you have any recommendations for dress or gown sites? I am looking at Macy's, Dillard's, Nordstrom, etc. whenever possible. Coming up empty still. I went to Nieman Marcus last weekend. Wow, there are so many ghastly gowns and formal dresses..:-0

Pinterest also has coordinating ideas, for those who are visual.

Obviously your time away is longer in duration, but here are examples which assisted my packing...