SbbquilterUT

We have sailed from SanPedro as our January treat - we have a sweater or light fleece for the first day of sailing (rain jacket is in the suitcase as a back up and has been needed). Even first day of sailing south toward Mexico can be cool but we have it needed any heavier coat.

We have walked off early at pier 91 and made the airport for flights at 10:45 am (four times). We have been fortunate to have no problem making our flights but we always know it might not work and have a plan B in mind.

I am not a group person except family with the proviso of dinner together. They need their vacation time even more than we do.

We stayed at the Motif which was uphill a couple blocks from the Westlake station. It is downhill toward the waterfront and in some places stairs you may need to navigate.

We often stay at a hotel at the airport for better pricing. From there we will take the hotel shuttle back to the airport and ride the light rail into downtown Seattle. If at pier 66 it is a very short walk/ride to the terminal. If at pier 91 it will be a ride to the port. Having said that it is likely easier for you to make it a single ride.

They are quite different experiences - Caribbean I think of as beach vacation with the warm waters and sunshine but having been there a number of times so is not our choice any more. The Mexican itinerary works great for us (6 hour drive to the port) and is pleasant in December and January though be prepared for cooler temperatures when in LA with winds on deck. For me the cost and flights to the east coast would make LA sailing the choice.

Also consider that the water activities of the bigger ships may not be much of a draw on a cooler Alaska sailing - enjoy the trip you have planned. When we sailed with our kids at that age none of the ships had much in the way of slides, etc and we had a great time as a family.

We have used the National Express bus from LHR to Southampton and back - comfortable coach and easy trip.

Love my GE clearance for use in airports when entering the US. Exiting the cruise port is a breeze in those ports with facial recognition and you used a passport for checkin.

We sailed Port Liberty to Southampton last year - lovely cruise without untoward weather issues. Comfortable for sail away including a full pass of the Statue of Liberty. As expected, very windy sailing to Ponta Delgado but comfortable temperatures for us. Very cool and windy at night on the decks. Time changed at noon each day and did not impact our sleep. Warm and humid at Ponta Delgado. This year we are Cape Liberty, along the Canadian coast and on to Iceland. We search for ways to use a TA as transport to Europe or Baltic for another cruise (only have to fly one way)

We have made flights earlier than that - walked off with luggage, called for an Uber (walk to the pickup area), at the airport in about 30". Can never promise but we have made our flights each time.

We found that we would wait until 6:45 and head to the restaurant area, folks were leaving to see the early show so we were seated pretty quickly.

We are headed that way in September and I am looking forward to it. In reading of past seasons, the likelihood of a storm divided out over the entire hurricane season seems like a chance I am willing to take. It appears that storms do threaten more often then they hit but I also know of the winding channel in to the port is quite narrow. We are boarding the Insignia in Tilbury on August 17 for the sailing back to the US and will remain on for the Bermuda leg Aug 1-8.

We loved our retirement trip - flew to Barcelona, sailed the western Med then stayed in to sail the transatlantic back to US. First time we were ever able to be away that long and only had to make the LONG flight one way to Europe.

We are headed that way again but in late May. Our August sails have been amazing - warm enough to be in shorts for sailaway and again in Skagway. The trick is to pack lightweight layers - coolest day is glacier viewing but last Sept we were in sweatshirts on the top deck for our sail in and out. A lightweight rain parka is a top layer over whatever you need under. I find a baseball cap is good as it will keep the rain out of your eyes (don't choose to mess with an umbrella). I wait until about a week before sailing to look at the long range forecast to make final decisions on packing. Also really used magnet hooks on the wall or ceiling to let damp items dry. Unless you are hiking on muddy paths we have never needed more than waterproofed sneakers/walking shoes. Enjoy every bit of the beauty.