SoloAlaska

I see this as the same as free street parking. Your “tires get chalked” and if it’s still there let’s say 1 hour later then you get “towed”.

I’ve been warned New Zealand would be even worse. I have UPF 50 cardigan, making a sexy long sleeve swimsuit, and will be getting some more lightweight layers plus lots of sunscreen of course.

BAT being included is a huge PITA for me. Try being a manufacturer with recommended retail prices but then VAT varies all over. Some shops complain and won’t buy my product because I don’t account for the vat in every single country varying. It’s a “recommended price” charge whatever works for you as long as it’s not less and I’m happy. Omg rant over on selling to Europe. VAT is a pain for international trade including cruise lines.

Most Canadians have passports. It’s about 70%. I won’t even date someone who doesn’t have a passport lol.

Oh thank you I missed that part. I’ll pack carefully and should be fine then.

I overheard a conversation last year on my TA. A preacher wanted to hold services, the NCL staff offered him a space. Well he insisted it be announced and posted around the ship, they said the could not. The couple tried putting up a fuss but they did not succeed. Honestly from what I heard and saw from them it would not have been a service welcoming to everyone. NCL threaded the needle well on that one.

Got the “ship sniffles” on my 8 day Alaskan cruise. A few months later I got sick on my TA. Never covid or Norovirus. I had a few friends get something similar to what I caught on my TA back home though. Unfortunately my body was not ready to fight a virus and I suffered pretty bad. I’m going to try immunity gummies and not going on vacation burnt out.

Great to know. Unfortunately it’s out of stock in my size. I’m ordering the Stevie which is a stiffer straw style.

Ya the only ones that come in my size are not pretty. I have one for hiking but it’s not going to work with my pretty sundress lol.

That thermal spas are quiet places is something that overall is changing in the industry. We got an outdoor thermal space near me about 20 years ago and it was very very quiet. As it became really popular especially with bachelorette parties it’s become less so. Now there are places without any quiet rules. Sadly I only see it getting worse before it gets better.

You can find out if your ship is going to be really full fairly easily. No solo supplement means the cruise will appeal to solos aka less people onboard. Are they struggling to sell cabins? Check if the price has been dropping lately. Are large parts of the ship still unsold? Some travel agencies make it easier to see available cabins online.

The port authority and pilots would have a lot of say in which berth a ship is using. You fail to mention if there may have been tidal issues, a cargo ship which may have made maneuvering difficult, unscheduled port maintenance etc. Lots of reasons for possible changes. You can also look up cruise terminal schedules for an upcoming cruise which will indicate how busy it may be. NCL doesn’t have the priority in a lot of ports so they often get the less favourable berths when it’s busy.

This isn’t just happening on NCL. Options were also very limited and at some times nothing but room service was available on Celebrity. The made to order pasta station however was great after several hours at the martini bar. I was really impressed at o’sheenans and the staff dealing with my new friends and I at 3 am.

An empty table doesn’t mean availability. They can move staff around based on needs aka reservation numbers. It doesn’t hurt to ask kindly.

Let me preface this by saying I have a big head and big curly hair. Buying hats is almost impossible especially nice sun hats. I am about to order from sungrubbies who actually have sun hats in a wide range of sizes. I have very sensitive skin and burn in the shade so avoid travelling south but have an upcoming Caribbean family cruise. This hat is absolutely essential but I can’t figure out how to pack it. How do you pack your big hats? It’s an XL with a 3.5” brim and I can’t find a hat case that will fit it because it’s too wide.

I’m not a fan of this type either and will really miss flow water. My uncle was an early investor in Flow and I’ve been a long supporter of them when I do drink bottled water(rarely). NCL not having water filling stations across the ship is one of my pet peeves. I might just start cruising with my 64 oz bottle and go fill it at the buffet once every day or two and keep it in my room.

I am of the opinion you don’t need to bring long underwear. A cozy sweater, some pants, a wrap if you’re feeling cool. I did a TA from Rome to NYC in December and it was nice to enjoy the hot tub and I even got a little time in the sun on some sea days. Yes there were people bundled up under 3 blankets while I was sitting there in a bikini. We are all different of what we consider too cold. Layers are optimal because they give you the flexibility. Next TA is London to Miami so I will make sure to bring waterproof jacket all the way to summer dresses. A down sweater is ideal for packing light yet staying warm but my one item I like to have is a comfy sweater or fleece for onboard.

I like the wash as I go technique for small items and I send a bag out for some of the bigger bulky items. I always ask for extra towels which I use to press extra water out. Soak is my wash of choice because you don’t have to rinse it out and I just bring a little bottle but even the packets will do a couple small sink loads each.

My upcoming family cruise I have an interior and everyone else has balconies. I’m going to CS to get an access only card for my parents room. This way I can join the party and enjoy the balcony.

Nothing is allowed on balconies. You can however put banners inside your patio door.

In December I got next morning so less than 24 hours. I use a plastic bag inside the paper bag but that’s because I’m sending out mostly bulky items like a comfy fleece etc. My underwear and swimsuit etc I hand wash as I go.

I do this but especially since I’m loosing weight and needing to create my wardrobe. I also sew most of my cruise clothing myself.

I bring a “blanket” usually just a nice big shawl and dress comfy so I can sleep. My mom has short legs so she uses a foot hammock on long flights. I’m not sure what difference it makes but I also wear compression socks on long haul flights. The biggest thing for me is I have to avoid napping when I arrive. I don’t check in early to a hotel because then I’d be tempted to crawl into bed. When I flew to Rome for my last cruise I feel slept 4pm after a long day of flying and it messed me up. My last flight to Europe I went to bed at 8:30 and had no jet lag at all. In December I’m flying into Gatwick, spending the day in London and considering going to Southampton for the night. It will be a long day but I’ll make it work. Oh and age doesn’t have that much to do with susceptibility to jet lag. My mom never gets jet lagged it seems. She also doesn’t need 8 hours of sleep like I do. She is the one pushing me to stay awake as late as possible after we fly internationally on business.

Alaskan cruises are generally a little more casual. Think ll bean or patagonia style . You’ll want a range of clothing from shorts to warm sweaters and don’t forget a rain jacket for July in Alaska. Lots of info on what to pack on the Alaska board mentioned. My first cruise was to Alaska and I was hooked.

All depends on where you’re cruising from. MCT I hear does but I avoid Caribbean cruises as much as possible.