Journeymaker

Rotterdam for sure !!! She is the co-flagship of the fleet and has one of the best and most experienced crews. She is in great shape. She is just the right size, has the mid-ship elevator but not so big. Not a lot of negative reports about A/C or plumbing or mechanical issues.

Just wondering if any cruiseline or ship has upped their game in the complimentary MDR from your previous experience?

 

Well here is a link to one of my favorite cruise lines and the May 2018 announcement by Oceania Cruiselines that is music to my ears! :cool: https://www.oceaniacruises.com/media/2018/OCEANIA+CRUISES+INTRODUCES+INNOVATIVE+NEW+DINING+OPTIONS/

Appreciate any ideas/recommendations

I have two recommendations either my old time standby for December Viking River Cruises (if still available) Christmas Markets River Cruise in Germany (the problem is the departure from many USA airports (as my cousin said her sailing is selling out on Dec 14th however free air is included)

the itinerary is the Danube Waltz it is an 8 day Rivercruise from Passau to Budapest. 4 Unesco World Heritage sites

As an alternative and port of departure closer to home the brand new mid sized Holland America ms Nieuw Statendam.

I also would recommend Oceania but I would also like to recommend the midsized Holland America Lines and Celebrity Cruises and Regent Seven Seas for you to compare. Personally I had friends that just booked the 12 nights departing September 2, 2018 on Oceania Cruises' Nautica Oceania, having sailed I can tell you she delivers on all my requirements by offering a great itinerary the over night stay allows you to fully immerse yourself in the history, culture and cuisine during port calls. Oceania's Executive Culinary Director, acclaimed master chef Jacques Pepin, has assembled a menu of culinary delights that are the highlight of every guest's evening.

The sophisticated ambiance of Oceania Cruises extends to the entertainment offered onboard. You can listen to a 12-piece orchestra or jazz band, watch a cabaret show or enjoy local and regional entertainment from the ports you visit. Oceania regularly hosts guest lecturers, from famous authors to former ambassadors, who provide onboard enrichment. Oceania combines the best of new and old pastimes, preserving classic traditions like afternoon tea while providing contemporary services like 24-hour Internet access aboard all of its cruise ships. Built in 2000 opulent atmosphere of the Grand Dining Room, with its hand-painted domed ceiling and Villeroy & Boch china, sets an elegant tone for six-course meals, and Toscana, a restaurant resplendent in luxe fabrics and furnishings, serves delicious Tuscan cuisine amid fabulous views. Staterooms are decorated with comfortable furnishings and dark wood, and they feature the Tranquility Bed with Euro-top mattress, plush duvet, goose-down pillows and Egyptian cotton linens. The best thing is two overnights in St. Petersburg vs only one overnight on the two other brands.

I have also sailed on Holland America Lines that offers a great value in the Baltics on the Holland America Zuiderdam. You certainly won't be board on her Possessing one of the highest ratios of space per person in the Holland America fleet, the 1,918-passenger Zuiderdam is a modern ship with innovative, luxurious features. Expanded spa facilities -- with 11 therapy rooms, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam and aromatherapy rooms -- pamper passengers in one of the cruise line's most spacious spas. Elevators -- two are glass-enclosed with panoramic ocean views -- give access to 11 passenger decks, including a covered promenade that encircles the entire vessel. One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters -- a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts.

Eighty-five percent of staterooms enjoy ocean views, and eighty percent of those have private balconies. Each stateroom is fitted with a data port for Web access, and there also is an Internet center and library. When it comes to dining, the Zuiderdam offers a variety of options: gourmet meals in the two-tiered main dining room, fine Italian dining at the Canaletto restaurant and casual fare at the Lido restaurant and Terrace Grill. Room service also is available at no additional cost. Entertainment is equally varied, with duty-free shops, casino, nightclubs and lounges, a sports deck, plus thrilling productions in the Vista Lounge showroom.

I also sailed on Regent Seven Seas Mariner - Regent’s all suite experience is guaranteed to wow even the most discerning passenger. At no extra cost, Regent includes unlimited shore excursions, restaurant visits, beverages (including fine wines and premium spirits), open bars and lounges, in suite mini bars replenished daily, gratuities, nightly entertainment, award winning theatrical and musical productions and WiFi throughout the ship. The pool deck is small and intimate, which means you can get in a few laps without worrying about crowding. The fitness center features several different machines to keep you active on your cruise as well. There are several lounges, including the Navigator Lounge, the Coffee Connection area and the Stars Lounge. Some quiet time can be enjoyed in the library, where you can peruse Regent’s extensive collection of books. You can also head to the Seven Seas Lounge to catch a great theater show with an equally great view. If you want to try your luck, the allure of the casino will pull you in for a night of fun and excitement. Don’t forget the luxurious Canyon Ranch Spa—it offers the latest spa treatment.

I found this news article about grocery delivery, I don't know where your being picked up from in Anchorage but there is in downtown Anchorage an accessible grocery and ABC store near the Hilton Hotel downtown.

Website is https://www.brownjugalaska.net/ As far as grocery delivery see this link: http://www.ktuu.com/content/news/Online-grocery-shopping-comes-to-Anchorage-and-Wasilla-441450863.html

I agree American is the way to go. I STRONGLY recommend flying in the day before cruise and allowing five hours from disembarkation before flight home. Consider checking with a travel agent or air line consolidate for lower fares

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

So how is the research going on the Quebec and Cruise?

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

If you did the Holland America 7night cruise and combined it with a 7 night Montreal and Quebec City journey it would be a nice two week anniversary Awesome Cruise and then

Your 7-day tour would begin in Montreal, the second largest city in Canada, where you will spend three full days exploring the city. Montreal is an interesting mix of old and new; a cosmopolitan city with chic shopping, outstanding restaurants and an exciting nightlife with a glimpse of the city's rich history around every bend. Canada's Cultural Capital is home to legendary sites like the gorgeous Notre Dame Basilica, the famous Olympic Complex and a stunning view on top of Mont Royal.

Following Montreal, you would then travel by VIA Rail train to Quebec City where you would spend three days admiring its 17th-century architecture and uncovering its history, which can be found down every cobblestone walkway. Visit famed sites like the Latin Quarter, the Place Royale and the Basilica, or visit the quaint shops and excellent cuisine that surrounds the city. Quebec's proud heritage and European flair will make you forget you're even in Canada.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

Then I would strongly encourage you to seek out this Holland America Boston departure and I would strongly encourage the Montreal long weekend and maybe even two nights in Quebec City and yes there is transportation and tours of both and between

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

I would definitely encourage you to try Holland America Maasdam or Veendam. Now if your anniversary was in May there are really good rates. DepartSaturday, May 19 from Boston, it ends in Montreal. I did this same itinerary with my wife and we loved It! I have so many links for information on every port and we ended on a Saturday in Montreal and spent 3 days there! Awesome

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

This is a disgrace ... Something more than simply a little too much to drink

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

November is windy and rainy

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

Holland America is definitely something to consider awesome for service and decorations for holidays

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

WoW book with an Australian TA

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

Airport Pickups London provides taxi transport services from*HeathrowAirport(Terminal*1-2-3-4 and 5) toSouthampton Cruise Port.*Heathrow to Southampton Cruise port*transfer - Total cost of Journey is £99.00. The Journey is 70 miles and takes approximately 1 hour.

Honestly I loved the services of EC minibus thou and got a deal

http://www.ecminibus.co.uk/london-cruise-transfers/?gclid=CjwKCAiAtdDTBRArEiwAPT4y-yAKASMtq9oB9yWwdCTHsBoMzda3D5VMl3HQnaj5AjqVAWtyB1ep5RoCp3EQAvD_BwE

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

Oh yeah and they page the names of all the outstanding bills at disembarkation the names of everyone that has a bill outstanding and you wait until all the passengers pay before the ship is cleared to disembark it's amazing the tip was 1/3 the amount I paid for one passenger for the entire cruise but my credit card did accept the charge so I was not on the list they keep paging all breakfast on disembarkation ... how embarrassing

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

Your better with LQ but check out the Holiday inn http://tampahi.com/cruise-information/?gclid=CjwKCAiAtdDTBRArEiwAPT4y-1b5AQNbcbCO6Ndh77J3n5iDStAxRyGjy0RuUiPXt2gk5eTKmhpIKBoCLMYQAvD_BwE

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

I would certainly contact Holland America customer service for survey didyou do the you do the onboard survey 800.541.1576 will get gears in motion lol

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

Tennis shoes should be fine the hubbie will want collar on shirt

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

When we traveled 2 years ago we got a bargain with Misty fjordsair.com Misty Fjords Air is Ketchikan, Alaska’s premiere Seaplane Company, providing on-demand charter service to Southeast Alaska and the first company to fly regular tours into the Misty Fjords National Monument. As industry leaders, our Seaplane Captains set the highest standard for passenger safety and old fashioned customer service. Misty Fjords Air has upgraded our aircraft fleet with cutting edge (Glass Cockpit) flight navigation technology and has held a perfect safety record since our inception in 1981 that's important because of a tragedy with another company in the past

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

You'll want Belieze if you want tubing and activity but the tender is a pain if you can afford to take ship activity and first tender it is best

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

http://www. virtualtoursusa.com/carnivalglory.htm. If you go to this site, it has the green room listed as the chapel

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

I would book now Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas or Grandeur of the Seas depending on length and ports you want

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app

I would check out Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. If you could wait until April to Cruise Celebrity Summit has an awesome repositioning from San Juan Puerto Rico Saturday, April 21San Juan, Puerto Rico8:

The cruise Does Caribbean and Bermuda and ends in NJ/New York City

Sent from my SM-G935V using Forums mobile app