mrmarklin

Here is a tip, cruisers. Chile is one of two places in the world where Lapis Lazuli is found. There are many places in Santiago where it is sold. You can buy from the jewelry shops with confidence. Very honest people, Chileans. The other place it is mined is hostile Afghanistan. No one is going there anytime soon.

This is a slow route. Far better to go down scenic highway one. Actually, that could be an excursion unto itself.

Princess has a bus service from Victoria station to your ship in Southampton. Go to the website.

Many Americans have no idea of how low wages are in developing countries. The wages for a bus driver in Mexico are USD 640 per month. It’s this high only because in Mexico this is a unionized industry. In general, wages are much lower than this, unless one is unionized or a professional. Mexico is one of the richer developing countries, so this would be the gold standard in most of Latin America. USD640 is not that much. I spent $591 on dinner last night for my wife’s birthday. There were nine of us, and we don’t drink alcohol. Just a little perspective.

Mexican Riviera on Discovery Princess Thanksgiving week. 3950 passengers. But did not feel crowded. Nice cruise. Many more young people than one normally sees on a cruise.

Totally agree. We are staying close enough to the VS station that we could walk. But won’t due to a lot of luggage. Why go back to the airport?

In Puerto Vallarta, there is a fabulous restaurant for lunch downtown. It’s called Joe Jacks. Google the address. Very reasonable price for what you get.

One needs to place Daka on ignore, if this is possible. Maybe it’s a Bot, as well. This post keeps repeating.

I was on Discovery in November. Food was excellent, and me and mine are hard to please. While I’m not a serial cruiser like some of you, I have noticed that the food quality is very dependent on the chef. I haven’t had any awful cruises, but some have been better than others, food wise.

By definition, all the posters on this forum are relatively rich by world standards. Your steward makes around $10-12K per annum pre tip. That’s not even minimum wage here in CA. It’s about average third world income in the more prosperous countries. So be generous. Note that most of these people come from very poor countries. You all can afford to share.

It’s a mistake. I like to gamble, but did none on my recent voyage. Having 1/2 smoking is ridiculous. One can smell it everywhere.

I will add this: I don’t know how Princess will eventually monetize this event, but if you think paying $150 for the experience is too expensive, you don’t get out much.

Just completed the recent cruise on Discovery. 360 a unique and wonderful experience. All food cooked to perfection. Countries were Greece, Italy and Spain. Seven courses of delight. My dil was invited with her husband and since she was traveling with my wife and I, she wangled an invitation for us as well. We all had full suite accommodations.

I’m on exact same cruise now. Everything is fine and I would rate the food excellent.

Regarding Princess and full British breakfast, you are likely to be able to put this together in the buffet. I did not notice it on any menus. I don’t spend much time in the buffet. Chicken Tikka Masala is available on Cunard lines if you dine in the Grills section. It’s not on the menu, but can be requested a day ahead.

I’ll quote myself. Indian curries are endless in variety, so the reality is that It could have been invented by Indians, but wasn’t. 😉

It was invented by British troops when India was a colony. It’s very good, but a hybrid.