tontok

I am an RCI newbee but have sailed solo before on DCL. Will the table assignments for Tradional dining be all solos? I have a fear of showing up and being the only person at a table.

For myself, I may get a museum art book when I visit a museum. Shopping is not my main focus when traveling, but here are some items that I have gotten on my trips which are quite inexpensive.

Venice: I bought a poster of an icon at the Greek icon museum and church of St George slaying the dragon. This was inexpensive and I framed it placing it above my fireplace. I absolutely smile everytime I walk down my stairs and remember my trip.

Corfu: Small painted icons at a monastery in Corfu.

Athens: In the Plaka, olive oil soap, blue glass evil eye, silver cross necklace

Rhodes: more olive oil soap and evil eyes, but the prices were better in Athens.

Rome: The first time I went to Rome, I got rosaries for Catholic friends and co-workers. People who were not Catholic got lemoncello from Sorrento and were upset because the other co-workers got rosaries. On second visit to Rome, bought everyone rosaries and all were happy. (actually, this was the most requested item when I asked people what they wanted). Also bought calendars in Rome, very inexpensive but nice quality.

Florence: My mom bought kitchen towels for 1 euro each of a map of Italy in the outdoor markets. Most of her friends framed this and hang it in their kitchens. Bookmarks. An antique looking paper mache angel to hang over my navity during Christmas.

Keep the suggestions coming. Only 7 more days till I leave on the Grand Princess for a Western Med cruise!!

Marina

Great thread, it has made me realize that I still have some work to do as I have been suffering from Alaska planning burnout.

6/11: Fly Houston - Seatle - Anchorage. Use transfers provided through ship to arrive in Whittier and board Carnival Spirit.

6/12: Cruising - eating, enjoying our first balcony, spa treatments

6/13: Sitka - On our own. 1st stop Raptor Center. Enjoy the town stopping at the Russian church, possible viewing the Russian dancers,

6/14: Juneau - On our own. Rent a car through Rent-A-Wreck. Visit Mendenhall, Shrine of St Theresa, explore area. Drop of car by closing at 6:00 then walk around the area near the cruise ship terminal.

6/15: Skagway - shore excursion of Haines and float trip through Eagle preserve. Email received from Carnival that the high speed ferry problems will not affect the ship's shore excursions. Explore town in pm, possible time to take a short hike.

6/16: Kethchikan - ???? This is an area where nothing stands out, perhaps thinking about possible zip line adventure. Explore the town and probably hike to Deer Mountain.

6/17: Cruising

6/18: Vancouver - Shuttle to Seatle. Depart Seatle for Houston arriving at midnight.

I will be visiting Juneau in June and am interested if anyone had been to the Shrine of St Therese. What is the easiest way to get to this destination from the cruise dock, and how much approximately will it cost?

Thanks