LB_NJ

Last time I was on St. Marteen I used a ship tour because of timing; ship was in port for only a short period. I think St. Marteen is one of the safer islands (some are not that safe). IF the ship will be in port long enough (you want to be back at port with an ample cushion of time), I would be OK with just getting a taxi.

I guess I did not realize they were on commission. Besides in the shops on-board, are others on the ship on commission?

These just showed up in my cruise planner along with sample menus. Coriander Riviera Frontier La Piazza Nordlys Bamboo It said they would be available to book 14 days before the cruise. I have 2 complimentary dinners as part of my reservation so I believe I can't book until I am onboard. On this board people have overwhelmingly recommended Coriander. From the list any thoughts as to what would be a second and third choice. It is only a 10 night cruise so I doubt there will be repeats.

Two other cruise lines that I have traveled on do this (Celebrity and Royal) and allow upgrade bidding even if you used a travel agent (except a US big box store that does travel, begins with a C, doesn't participate).

I am not thinking about cost. It is the significant hassle of dealing with all the luggage at a foreign port and fitting it into taxis, etc. If possible I want to be able to survive with 1 large suitcase, 2 carry on bags, and 2 backpacks.

I was filling out the online GeoBlue application and got to a part that says a Primary Plan is required and that the: "Primary Plan is a Group Health Benefit Plan, an individual health benefit plan or a governmental health plan designed to be the first payer of claims (such as Medicare) for an Insured Person prior to the responsibility of this Plan. Such plans must have coverage limits in excess of $50,000 per incident or per year to be considered a Primary Plan. Note: Medicaid and V.A. health plans do not constitute primary health insurance." Since GeoBlue is only international and Medicare with a standard supplemental plan has lifetime international coverage of $50,000 does this mean Medicare is NOT acceptable as a Primary Plan?

Almost guaranteed no more free upgrades.

We are going on a long cruise and want to pack as light as possible. That means all the shirts, pants, socks, etc. will need to go through the laundry at least once. I expect they use hot water and hot dryer. At home we generally use cold water and low or medium on the dryer. These days almost all clothes say wash cold or maybe warm and dry low or medium. I am looking for specific suggestions on what to look for in clothes that will survive, at least once or twice through the laundry.

I was thinking about the QM2 cruise this summer (eg, M325) in late August however it sounds like there might be issues.

Trying to decide between going on a cruise or doing Norwegian Fjords on our own. Also, if we do a cruise how do we decide on which one.

FYI, you can also bring aboard a couple of bottles of wine and 12 bottles (up to 17oz) of soft drinks.

At least last year they also had more at breakfast (eg, orange juice).

That was an amazing plane.

I should have booked direct.

Anything is possible however I would not count on it. If maybe a 1/3 to 1/2 the ocean view balconies are available close to your sailing then chances are better.

Don't forget the other appropriate vaccines (eg, Hepatitis A). Also, insect repellent should help with Dengue fever.

Sometimes you have to pay in advance by credit card. Leave some extra time

On my cruise I don't think they offer ANY excursions at the glaciers.

$94.99 on Enchantment.

We traveled in January and brought 4 bottles onboard. There were 2 of us. No charge. We did not take a bottle to a restaurant so don’t know if they actually enforce the corkage fee which is supposed to apply when you take the bottle to dinner.

I was looking at the sample wine list on Cunard's website and I noticed that they had a few expensive wines by the glass. E.g., Château d’Yquem, and some expensive Bordeaux. I might try one or 2 of these by the glass however, once wine is opened there is a very short shelf life. Full bottles are too expensive for us. Anyone have experience trying these onboard?

As part of a promotion I can book (once onboard) either one free dinner at the steak restaurant or 2 free at the alternative dining in the Lido. Any thoughts on which to choose? I am in Brittania.

Cunard used to provide a free shuttle service into town/city when they docked a distance away. Do they stil do this? Does anyone know if they provide a shuttle service from where they dock in Sitka to the town?

Did not look close enough to see if there was a "new booking only" restriction. Just want to get some advance info before I call the travel agent. I think from now on I book straight withe cruise line. I have yet to find a reliable travel agent.

I have Chops booked for embarkation day on an upcoming Enchantment sailing. I would rather do that then deal with the craziness of the buffet. There is always a chance it sold out already or they might be using it for the Key.