navybankerteacher

Definitely a better idea -and the ferry from Wall Street takes you to right next to the cruise terminal.

Sadly, this applies increasingly to so many objects/places worth experiencing.

If you are thinking about a closed loop cruise from a US port on most lines, you will only need photo ID and birth certificate - hopefully in hand now, but worth getting if not.

Because most helmsmen were right handed, the steering oar was mounted on the right side of the vessel giving the more co-ordinated arm the control - leaving the other (left) side of the vessel to be tied to the port facility.

Former president Teddy Roosevelt went on an Amazon expedition in 1913 - and barely survived.

I always felt that Sagrada Familia's architecture to be almost childish -- looking more like the sort of sand castle you build by letting wet sand drip through your fingers than any sort of conscious construction.

Interesting -- I found the facade of the office building behind the fountain to be an enhancement.

I suppose from Montauk in a limo you might approach “$400-$600 plus…” range - but depending where in Suffolk we are talking about —— and being willing to settle for a sedan —— car service at $250 or so, including tax and tolls, is more realistic.

Agreed - a truly authentic Amazon experience in the “good old days” was a thing most would want to avoid like the plague.

Still 270+ - there are still better travel options given persisting conditions.

Look at a street map - and try to identify which "street" (or how many streets to be precise) lies between that facility and the cruise terminal. Also, look into all terms and conditions.

The crowds I understand - but what was it about the way the Trevi Fountain was built did you find disappointing?

Yes, in Herts. - just north of London. I was talking about mid-September to mid-October for land visit - and mentioned that the Atlantic keeps its warmth well into November. We’ve been on QM2 a couple of times westbound on Nov. 11 - when so many are wearing the paper poppies.

No, I think you should tell them to change their flight.

Still, for a first-timer with cost concerns, booking a guarantee at lowest price point can be a good way of seeing if cruising appeals at all. Once you know what you want, it is preferable to choose space yourself.

Aaah! Steiff: my favorite breeder. I was so thrilled when my first grandchild came that I got her a lovely, articulated, growling buddy —- seeing price as no object. Naturally, I could not do less for succeeding descendants. By the time my four children stopped reproducing, I was down by more than a couple of thousand dollars worth of bear for my ten grandchildren.

No - once was on HAL and the other (I think I recall) was on Celebrity — I would hope that, among the other things which set Cunard apart, that they would not encourage such hijackings of itineraries.

This topic reminds me of a conversation I heard (you could not avoid hearing it, she was so loud) between a very annoyed woman and her friend. It was at the Trevi Fountain, which was undergoing renovation: no water and a lot of scaffolding. She was explaining what she wanted to tell her travel agent for not warning her that this top item on her bucket list was not all it should be.

Of course they do - and dressing appropriately to the occasion is one basic exhibition of politeness and manners.

We regularly visit family in Herts. - and have learned that mid-September to mid-October is the best time. The weather, while perhaps a bit cooler than in July or August, seems generally better, and the Atlantic is at its best since the summer warmth lasts well into November for our TA home.

I have experienced a couple of cruises which were heavily impacted by large “affinity groups”: the loss of access to many of the ship’s venues is frequently compounded by the negative atmosphere created by the “group attitude” which comes on board. I believe any line should make it clear when any such group is booked because they are simply not offering their known product.

Given the uncertainty of access to Cape Liberty’s parking garage, it would make sense to park at Newark Airport’s long term parking - which would better tie in with you incoming flight.

One of the enjoyable facets of travelling is interacting with other people. Seated meals happen to be fairly good opportunities to interact. Showing respect for others - clean hands, for example - is appropriate - as is wearing clean clothes - possibly even slightly more formal clothes than what is worn while out playing. Of course, in an environment where the sole purpose of meal time is to fill ones belly and avoid having to interact with others none of the above is relevant. But if you are willing to take the chance of interacting with other people, it helps to comply with some basic social norms - such as a dress code (of whatever level might be signaled by your host - the cruise line).

On QM2 out of New York Cunard had a lot of seasonal accents: a huge tree in the atrium, caroling, Santa, fancy Christmas dinner, etc. There were quite a few families with children. One thing I did not really understand was the set of characters from "The Wind in the Willows" centered around the Christmas -tree - with no logical Christmas connection at all. It was really more of a Winter festival than a Christmas theme -- but, then, Christmas is increasingly becoming a shoppertunity and folk festival rather than retaining any real tradtional meaning.