highplanesdrifters

Sweet move! @RetiredandTravel Take your ball cap profits?

As mentioned by JP, bio security is taken very seriously. We had 4 bio checks on our recent Cloud Antarctica C2C. It seems like a lot, but it's just part of the daily routine no biggie. To start, you will bring used items for inspection and get help cleaning them. This is done at the beginning of the cruise and again when moving to different bio locations like Antarctica to Falklands, then South Georgia. Staff did an extra cleaning while we drank and dined. In Tristan de Cunaha we were responsible. The illustrious Matt Boyle at the ready to remove your unwanted seeds and plant material. The boot cleaning machine . Scrubby bits rotating and water squirted at the boots on the top. Bio dips getting in and off the ship. Extra scrubbing by staff only in certain locations. Hose down, usually in muddy locations. Boot scrubbers taken on shore for a pre scrub in the water to get mud and debris off if needed. There is also a hose down wall. Nice for getting mud off your waterproof pants. I grab a towel at the door when returning to wipe pants down after the hose off.

Bear Sterns jacket? Fallen Market swag like that gets big bucks on ebay. 😃

Agree. I know it's going down because recently I was able to get reservations at restaurants usually unattainable. Although the airport was crazy crowded.

TTS - wishing you a most excellent journey! I call it picking and gathering, sounds less ominous. I'll often start a week or 2 in advance. Sometimes just wash and repack after a trip. 😃

Havent posted any charts in awhile. Big breakout in the 10 year after the the inflation #'s this a.m. Flag formation drops it to 4.11, fast. Mr. Bondelero @RetiredandTravel can probably tell us what's really going on.😄

I would question the judgement of those that are doing the regarding. 😃

We always try to donate to the crew fund at the beginning for the same reasons. On our Kimberly cruise last year we found out that we were the only ones onboard that donated to the crew fund. So "usguys" doubled down. So many thanked us for the amazing BBQ they had. It does beg the question - "why aren't crew given BBQ's without the crew fund"? I do agree that tipping solicitations are of control. Not just in the U.S. but almost everywhere we have traveled in the last few years. European, South African hotels soliciting staff tips at check out? What's up with that? Haven't had that in the U.S. yet. South Pacific and Australia were the exceptions.

Yes please.

Thanks much for the intel. New ports for us and the beginning of our trip in September.

Go back and try in day or two. The SS site is notoriously bad, especially on weekends when they are tweaking it.

An option trader buddy referred to selling calls and puts as picking up dimes in front of a steamroller. You can make a lot of money, but you really need to pay attention. 😃 At least yours are covered calls!

TBH, we didn't stay in the suite but would consider it. In general we like the front suites on the sister ships. I suspect blackout curtains would be the rule. I'll see if I can find photos.

You are going to have a fantastic time!

You bring the bread and I'll fill your mug!

On the Quest a sistership, the 1090/1093 suites have a side window which is quite nice. They also have the ability to peek around the corner from the veranda, a more open feel. At times there might be a tad more wind right at the corner. This could be a positive or negative depending on the weather. A nice breeze in a tropical location or howling wind in the poles. I have not been in the 1091/2 suites. Where are you headed? Look forward to your report.

Wow!

What about Montrachet? Although you will not find that on the included list.😃 BTW, I know the Chardonnay type of which you speak. Not passing my lips.

I've had that happen. I've also found reservations that I never made appear. The new AI TV likes to mess with us.😅

I'd push for some form of compensation. Group efforts always help along with a good TA.

I've ranted about being on a Seabourn 21 day Med cruise which was really 3 back to back 7 day runs. Heard some EU/UK TA's running specials. Great ports and had an amazing time. Sadly a party ship. Younger demographic (35-55) making sure they got their monies worth of booze. Oh lordy, put a shirt on and get a cover up. Things I can't unsee. Never again. Want a younger demographic? Seven day trips and cheap fares will get you there. Picture us headed to lunch last week right after the Fed decision. We paused in the car before going into the restaurant to listen to Powells opening remarks. We watched the markets gyrate on our phones, showing each other charts. We laughed - what must people be saying about those oldsters sitting in the car on their phones. 😂 Dinner - those phones better stay hidden.

Their embrace and doling of free cabins to Tic Tok influencers is one way the luxury lines are connecting. Appealing is another issue. Expedition trips are an easier sell. At what point do luxury cruise lines market and cater to the multi-generational market. Grandparents want to spend time with kids and grandchildren. They finance these trips as a sort of bribe. Resorts and larger cruise lines are on it. Will families with hoards of children and mopey teenagers be a turn off for their loyal clientele?

That was one for the senses. Thanks.

A quiet word or note to the CD can sometimes turn the volume down and the singing off.

Pickpocket show. Who knew. Sound interesting and Informative. 😀