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rebelshaw - Does Peets not have the instant packs? I do not like instant coffee but Starbucks has great instant packs that we have used on international trips. A coffee press would be a great solution. Cherie

The problem with some coffee makers is that when just want hot water for tea there is a lasting flavor from the coffee. I think I have heard of some taking some vinegar and running it thru the machine prior to water for tea. Possibly a good container that will hold hot water from the Lido would be good. I remember the days when we packed one of those coils that we put in a cup to boil the water. Hopefully The Inside Cabin gave the best solution. Cherie

If you have a reaction to certain alcohol can you purchase a bottle of the alcohol that works for you and have your drinks made with it? I am assuming you cannot bring anything but wine when boarding. I would rather pay the price of an unopened bottle that my body likes than take a chance. Good info on this thread. Cherie

I have not taken one teen on a HAL cruise, I took 3 teens, on a Caribbean cruise, so have been hesitant to respond. I planned our excursions to be fun and exhausting so they were happy when back on board. We were on the Zuiderdam and loved it. This was a winter break cruise and I was worried but it is one of our favorite cruises. The crew loved having them on board and we were constantly entertained at dinner. Whatever you decide I hope you have fun. Cherie. p.s. if you book, you might go on your roll call to make contacts with other families.

And this thread is great advice to everyone traveling to know what the consequences are of a possitive test in the countries you visit. They may even change after you have departed home. It really is an issue that anyone traveling needs to monitor. Yes, a TA, a cruise line, an airline have their policies. Make sure you know the policy of the country/countries you are visiting and try not to blame someone else for not doing your homework. Cherie

Thank you Sea42 for a such a reasonable response. I also agree with OP that it has to be frustrating because a visitor did not educate themselves to the rules/consequences of a positive test in the countries they were visiting. Traveling now is a risk, we either accept it or do not accept it. In post #18 it was pointed out that the op "was done with HAL when the embarkation was changed to Trieste." Hopefully op's wife tests negative soon and they can leave Italy. Cherie

If this is the policy of the Italian government, and travelers can access the information and policy, why would the U.S. Embassy become involved. I truly hope they spend their time and resources on more important problems. JMO. Cherie

Love this. For my 70th Bday everyone was wearing a t-shirt that read "corks are for losers". Cherie

I can't even imagine anyone asking the questions you have been asked. Unbelievable. Possibly these questions were asked on the same cruise? Totally despicable!!! But, being judgmental is not something I tolerate. Cherie

What a beautiful sail-away!!!!! Can't wait for tomorrows report and photos. Hope you see the Northern Lights!!!!!! Thank you, Cherie

And, when loyalty doesn't seem to account for anything this would build loyalty to HAL for me. Cherie

So the cruise portion of your cruise tour was refunded in FCC. what is the refund on your cc for? Just curious. I did not know that FCC is refunded to cc. A refund to cc is much better than a FCC. Cherie

This is an awesome photo since I am following both of your "live froms." This itinerary is just amazing, thank you for letting us cruise with you. Cherie

I love following Jeff Farschman's HAL voyages and the photos. He and the Scott sisters are fun to "travel with." I want their lives. So, if you're interested for the 2022-2023 posts you can find them on amazingvoyages2.blogspot.com. I often use Jeff's commentary and photos when planning a trip. This is going to be a fun adventure. I thank Jeff for letting so many of us travel with him. Cherie

So funny. Last year when we were in Zimbabwe a vendor was trying to sell mutli billion dollar bills for $20. My son offered him $2 to be nice and said my $2 is worth more than the bills you're selling. It was nice to be in another country where the U.S. $ is the official currency. Only tip with them when you are trying to send a message!! Cherie

Gistfamily - Both your cruise and cruise tour are cancelled. That is so unfortunate. You were worried about the cruise and posted earlier in July. Hopefully your TA is a magician and can book everything on another line. I would be so disappointed and angry. FCC really does not even begin to cover it. I'd be done with HAL, with giving such late notice. Keep us posted. Cherie

Everyone should bring onto their cruise whatever is important to them. And, if you don't... just don't worry about first world problems. As said above, others in the world are trying to save their lives not their crackers. Some things are important to us and we should be responsible for having them. JMO. Cherie

I can't even imagine waitstaff in the MD, or any dining area, going thru passenger's garbage to separate recyclables. If a passenger wants their sugar packet or cracker wrapper put in a recyclable bin, maybe they can do it themselves. Yikes...how much responsibility for the passengers can the staff take over. Isn't it up to all of us? JMO. Cherie

Why does the Disney ship look like it is listing?

Loving your photos. Today looked so nice from your dining table. The dinner looked delicious...can you tell me how you ate the lobster looking creature hanging from the hook? Since it is accompanied by a red bowl of "sauce" I assume it was not for decoration. Thank you for all of the photos and daily reports. Cherie

Thank you for all of the fabulous photos and daily reviews. What a great time "we all" had. Cherie

Thank you so much for letting us cruise with you. I am going to miss looking for roxybear135's latest post when I turn the computer on in the morning. Your descriptions and photos brought everything to life. Thank you again, Cherie