LisaLeone

4 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

 

Yes.   I will probably do a Comparison of Oceania to Celebrity.   I'm a little reluctant to do it on the Oceania thread as I don't want to be a rude guest.   There are very few long Live Posts on their thread.

 

Would it be rude? Folks have the option to read or to skip and, as you are both a savvy traveler and an excellent writer, I'm sure many would enjoy.

Well, we are already booked but I won't be using them again necessarily. She gave us a good deal, though.

We are on Holland and my agent said that we can only use the cruise transfer if we arrive that day (which, especially from the east coast, would be insanity) or have booked a hotel package.We are planning on getting in on the 20th or 21st of June. We sail the 23rd. The packages are pricey and also waitlisted.

 @SirTomster, thank you for you excellent suggestions! 

Hello! We are flying in a couple of days prior to our cruise and, thus, cannot use the cruise line transfer service. Does anyone have advice on getting to the port the day of sailing? I've been told that a rental car is not a great option, although we will have one during our stay the 2-3 days prior. Thank you for any help you are able to give!

On 2/10/2024 at 1:37 PM, Lena11033 said:

Well I’m onboard just taking it easy after lunch with walking around. My emotions are a little all over the place (so if I’m sniffling I’m not sick just trying not to cry) last night when calling my husband Bella had taken a turn for the worse so as I was boarding this morning he was taking her to the vet to put her down. Hard decision but the fact she was bleeding yesterday meant the cancer was bad and couldn’t let her suffer. 
 

 

Jeannette, I am so sorry for the loss of your Bella. I'm sure she felt loved and safe to the very end but such a painful goodbye. There is never enough time with our very good dogs.  Sending hugs. 💕

I speak for many (OK, really just for me but I have NO DOUBT the masses agree) that your blog ranks as one of the most entertaining on CC. Thank.you for keeping it going! 

That dress is 🔥🔥🔥!

David, between you and @GenerationX, I am delighted to be living vicariously! Looking forward to the next 7 days, the fashions and, of course, the cat-o-wisdom.

Thank you for the wonderful comparison!

10 hours ago, Mrs_Tiki said:

Oh my gosh, another @GenerationX live review! It is taking all of my self-discipline to make myself finish my comparison of the Ascent and MSC Seashore before I dive into this delightful escape.

And please do because it is one of the three I'm reading!

Charla, I am so happy you have this healing time...happier still that your lovely husband sacrificed his for yours. What a tremendous picture of what marriage can be. Enjoy... I know you shall! 💕

We are opting southbound because our plan is to fly out a couple of days early to enjoy a bit more exploring prior to our cruise. We are booked on Nieuw Amsterdam in June. I don't think you can lose either way!

This is a bucket list trip for my husband I and I have never read a more helpful review! Thank you for posting the information about the excursions... It truly gave a feel of the pace of the trip.

Charla, I've been stalking the boards waiting for your next review! So excited to follow along. 

When we visited Venice and Greece some years ago, I found that most Italians spoke English. Many in Greece did not. As someone who only speaks one language, I admire your dedication learning another language. I wish I had done the same prior to visiting the beautiful Greek Isles. I would have loved to have shown the Greek people that respect. The Italians were wonderfully gracious to my smattering of phrases.

Have the most fabulous time!

5 hours ago, Jim_Iain said:

I haven’t worn a mask in about 6 months but have decided to don one at least for our flights.  
 

Out of an abundance of caution we also had another Covid shot 3 weeks ago.  
 

With the new, highly contagious variants, that is very wise. Fortunately, they don't appear more serious, but COVID is certainly still with us. Wishing you and Iian a fabulous trip!

1 hour ago, Jim_Iain said:

Year ago (1969)  I was in Toronto with a Staff Member.   After our meetings I suggested we drive to Buffalo for our flight home and stop by to see Niagra Falls -   

 

Was really disappointing as they had diverted the waters and the American Falls were totally dry.  

Jim, we were living in Grand Island NY that year, the island surrounded by the Niagara river. I remember seeing that and being fascinated. I hope this time will more than make up for it!

11 hours ago, OnTheJourney said:

Sounds like you're booked up with excursions, but just wanted to mention that - if not for this time then maybe another - I give my highest recommendations for doing a full island tour with Heidi Cowen at Bermuda Byways tours. https://www.gotobermuda.com/profile/bermuda-byways-tours/597  Starts and ends in the Dockyard. She does it all herself...it's not like it's even a family company with several employees. Just her. Funny story...one of our group asked her how many days a week she does tours, and the reply..."eight". LOL 

 

We had never been to Bermuda before our recent May cruise on the Summit, and so we wanted to see the island. We're not much for beach excursions anyway, so it was a great way to fill our day there. Tour is 6 hours. As a result, however, never even got in the water - which I would have at least enjoyed for a bit. Our itinerary was only overnight whereas I believe you have 2. Next time I go I'll try to at least get in the water.

 

Heidi grew up in Gibbs Hill lighthouse on the island and so is very interesting and educational. I believe her grandfather was the last "keeper of the light". She travels with her blind dog - it just sits there very well behaved next to her. With Heidi's very comfortable van, she takes no more than 10 people on a tour - so it was very nice in that regard - so much better than a bus full of 40 people. A highlight is that it included lunch. We had a local delicacy - fried fish sandwich on raisin toast with tartar sauce. Sandwiches were huge and delicious!

 

You have more than enough to do there, but just thought I'd mention this. Have a fun day in Bermuda!

Heidi is also a fabulous artist! She is one of the artists in artists co-op very close to where you'll be docked. Last month, I purchased several of her works. Absolutely make the time to check it out (and to meet her cats!)

6 hours ago, AbbyCruiser45 said:

My parents love book bup! They’re always telling me about the deals. The Happy Place is the only book I bought for this trip! I use the ebook library system through Libby otherwise. It takes some practice to get my holds lined up just right, but it works like a charm once you get used to it! 

I just heard of Hoopla...another library app. It offers different books than Libby and, in some cases, the same without a need for a hold.

4 minutes ago, calicakes said:

You're supposed to get a bunch of free charms each day(I think)

One per day. And the salespeople, at least on Summit, were very aggressive. We gave up.after 4.

8 hours ago, zitsky said:

 

So what happened to the Hopper crap?   Where did it go?  And where the storage cubes hanging or did you put them somewhere?

The Hopper crap lived on the balcony. The cubes were placed on the open shelves that replaced the drawers. I think my sister grabbed some at the dollar tree or the like. 

8 hours ago, Mark_T said:

The bathroom storage space is a SS on Millennium is adequate, just oddly placed.

 

The shelf under the sink unit works but you might want to pack a foldable storage bin as there is nothing to stop small stuff rolling around.

 

The lack of any other shelves is irritating but we managed.

We actually used the marble tray that held the "Hopper crap"... it held everything beautifully and cleared counter space!

On 6/18/2023 at 3:00 PM, zitsky said:

Thanks.  Millie is not perfect but it might work for us.  I don’t understand some of the design changes that they made that appear to give you less storage.

 

Did you use the Retreat sun deck at all considering your location?  Since there is no bar I wonder if anyone provided drink service?

 

My partner doesn’t understand that if you want a specific cabin, you need to jump on it.  Sure maybe it goes on sale but that happens.  Maybe we can get a price reduction before final payment.

Hi @zitsky! Just off the Summit and, after it was "Hopperized" we did notice a loss of storage. However, if you pack a few expandable storage cubes, it makes it very doable. In fact, 3 women for 10 days managed nicely. Have fun planning!

11 hours ago, Sigyn said:

I'm interested in the advice you get - I'll have my first taste of the suite life in something like 26 or 27 days. On the Millennium, but still...

I just got of the Summit and the suite life was sublime! The service was the best we have ever experienced. I love M class ships. The lack of new in no way affects the graciousness.

17 minutes ago, cmoore5524 said:

We just returned Sunday from a fun Summit 10 day cruise and Gen Maldonado performed on our cruise. She has a great voice. 

We were one the same cruise and Gen was fabulous!

I was on the sailing prior and had the most fabulous time. I hope yours is just as wonderful!

I feel you..,I have one more day before I board the Summit!

I am so excited to read about your adventures. I know it will be so helpful in planning ours next June!