grayparrot

We have dropped our bags off as well - I believe in our case it was in the casino.  Makes life so much simpler.   One place we like to visit while waiting for our suite is the library.  We just prefer paper to screens, and the selection pf books is quite good.  There are also some computers there.

Dover sole is on the CR always available list.  On one of our galley tours, we were told it is one of the two most ordered items on the Explorer.  Forgot the other one - prime rib maybe?

Anita.

Please excuse a long-time lurker for intruding.  In the late 60's there was a very popular pattern for wrap pants (or diaper pants as they were called then).  The front piece secured at the back waist, I believe with a hook-and-eye, and then the back wrapped to the front with a narrow tie fed through a casing.  They were very comfy --- until nature called;  then they were more awkward than jumpsuits.   Your pattern may be totally different, but I would suggest you consider the "engineering" aspects before you make a final decision.

Isn't sewing for a cruise a fun way to plan ahead.w

When my husband retired we did long flight land trips (Australia, China, South America).  As age caught up, we switched to river boat cruises and enjoyed them for several years.  Suddenly mobility issues caught up (you sometimes have to manuver

over 2 or 3 other boats to even get ashore).  So we switched to cruising.  My suggestion would be to analyze your own mobility issues -- do river boat cruises while you can, then move onto cruise ships.  Just one person's opinion.  Enjoy whatever you choose.

The best part, if for the last bag (it's one bag per 7-days) you request shirts to be folded rather than hung, part of the packing job is done.

Sheila,

Can't address the Navigator but we have been across from the laundrette on the Explorer and heard zero noise. The door is fairly heavy, and the machines are not as noisy as home machines. In addition, there are rules about laundry hours; I believe 8:00 pm is closing time -- have no idea about opening time. Hope someone who has Navigator experience will chime in.

Enjoyed meeting you briefly on the TA last November. Have a great cruise.

Laura

I don't mind the washing but I detest the ironing, so my husband's shirts go in the laundry bag, and this ole bag does the rest. We usually try to book a suite near the laundrette so I can scope out empty machines. I have met a lot of fun people including several men (ex-military) who can iron far better than I can. Love the room service idea.

What a thoughtful statement! Thank you. Looking forward to meeting you in November

We started with land tours (Aust/NZ, China, etc) with an occasional ocean cruise. As we grew older, we shifted to river cruises as they were easier. My husband shares some of the issues as mentioned by the OP concerning her husband except that mine does use a cane now, so we can only do ocean cruises. River cruises are wonderful, and we miss them, but many of them do have excursions that are challenging for those who have difficulty walking long distances (especially when the local guides are fast walkers), and many of the boats do expect the passengers to leave during the day. May I suggest that OP looks into that aspect of whatever line she is considering? I sincerely hope you can find a Budapest to Amsterdam cruise that suits you (done in that direction as based on advice from various tour guides we had). We still talk about ours.