bjbear

I'm sorry but I'm having trouble with all this attention and stressing out over clocks and binoculars.  No cruise line that I've been on has binoculars that are worth seeing through, I always bring my own. As far as clocks, LL Bean makes a really cheap battery operated travel clock that folds up flat, very small, and takes up no space in luggage.  It has alarm and also backlight feature, if you wake up in the dark, just touch the clock and it lights up with the time.  It goes on every trip with me. Take your own  little travel clock and enjoy a worry-free trip!!  🙄

Sue

17 hours ago, PerfectlyPerth said:

 

I tip in countries where it is relevant to do so. I do not tip it countries where it is not needed/required and in some cultures actually offensive.

 

The advice was specific to Ushuaia and Falkland Islands - and as I have been to both very regularly - it was also correct. So lay off with the 'ugly Australian' inference that you felt the need to direct at me.

 

 Sadly yes Sue. We all understand that its a die hard habit in your own country. But when travelling one should adapt to the appropriate custom to the location they are in. 

PP, thanks so much, you answered the question I asked, not a bunch of speculation. I specifically asked about Ushaia and the Falkland Island and tipping and you gave me the right answer.  It really is about where you are and customs in that location.

Thanks so much PP, Sue

17 hours ago, PerfectlyPerth said:

I have never taken cash - just credit and debit cards. 

And don't tip. It's extremely unnecessary. 

Wow, really??  I have always tipped the private shore excursion people but I like your answer.  Is it just us "ugly Americans" that seem to be tip happy?? 🤑

Thanks so much, Sue

Thank you so much for your responses to my "passenger" question. I never even considered that roll call activity would be sparse due to very few independent tours!!  I also went back and read recent Pursuit reviews and am convinced I made a great choice!!! 🙂

Thanks, Sue

I'm not sure where to ask this question but I'm wondering about the average Azamara passenger.  What type of people cruise Azamara? I'm going to Antarctica in Jan, 2020 and first time on Azamara. The roll call has been almost nonexistent, with very few people and not much interaction.  I travel solo and have never had a problem on other cruise lines with meeting people but I'm wondering about the makeup of Azamara passengers.  And I'm not being critical, just curious!! 😀

Thanks, Sue

I only have about 13 cruises, just started in the last few years and I am 76 and can also say that I've never gotten sick!  I do wash my hands frequently. I also wipe down the phone, tv remote, door handles etc. with Clorox wipes upon arriving in my cabin but that's probably overkill!! 😀   I only do it once!  

Sue

This has probably been asked but I can't find it.  On land excursions on Antarctica cruise, e.g., Ushahia, Falkland Island, etc. can you tip the shore excursion people with US dollars or should I get Argentinian currency?

Thanks, Sue

Hi, I just booked a trip to Antarctica in Jan. 2020 and we stop in the Falkland Islands and I would really like to do the Patrick Watts tour. My question is, I have some back problems but I can tolerate bumpy drives much better than extended walking.  How much walking is involved, do you have to hike a mile to see the penguins? The walking is my problem, any advice you can give me is greatly appreciated!!

Thanks so much,

Sue 

This has probably been covered somewhere but I can't find it. I have a cruise booked on Pursuit, Veranda Plus and it says "in-room spirits".  What exactly is that, can I get a bottle of wine?

Thanks, Sue

On 5/9/2019 at 5:04 PM, Lois R said:

I don't mind.  Sailing on the River Countess and it is called "Gems of Northern Italy"

Hi Lois,

Haven't been active for a while but I'm getting back into cruising! If you don't mind, what date in Oct. are you sailing and is it the 8 day or the 10 day?  I looked at this cruise and it sounds wonderful. 🤩

Thanks, Sue

1 hour ago, mchell810 said:

 

Sue,

See my post immediately above, I am assuming Pursuit cabins are the same as I was on Journey. The view is blocked when you're seated, so you have to decided if that is problem.

Enjoy your cruise.

Thanks so much for your response, Michelle. I don't mind the soot but love to sit out on the balcony and view the sights, etc. so I'll probably go for a side balcony.  I don't want to stand the whole time out there.

Thanks, Sue

Hi, I've looked at the pictures and have a question. I love the aft cabins but it looks to me like the aft cabins on Pursuit have a metal thing across the balcony. So you don't get the view? The side verandas look like they have glass across the balcony. Have never sailed on Azamara and plan to go in Jan, 2020 to Antarctica but am unsure as to what to book. I really love aft cabins but not if I can't see the view. Can anyone shed some light on this for this poor uneducated traveler??!!  Thanks so much!

Sue

48 minutes ago, Crew News said:

If you are a photographer, the view of what is happening on both sides of the ship in Alaska is paramount and makes an aft stateroom ideal.  If you like to eat on your balcony without any wind while the ship is moving, aft is the stateroom of choice.  If you would enjoy seeing Glacier Bay without fighting for a spot at the ships railings, having raised phones/cameras blocking your camera, having snacks/beverages a few steps away from your own balcony railing, and not competing with hundreds of your fellow passengers for a public restroom, aft staterooms are the best.  If you like hot food from Room Service, an aft stateroom is a short elevator ride from the Room Service kitchen.  If you like a short elevator ride up to the Lido Market for coffee/snacks/meals, stick with an aft balcony stateroom. 

 

If a larger stateroom is more important than the above considerations, go for an SS category.

I totally agree but I'm an aft/wake/spoiled brat!! 😀  If space is most important go for the SS but otherwise, I'd do the aft for all the reasons Crew News mentioned.

Hi, I'm interested in the Aranui 5 cruises.  No nothing about them but sounds "different" and fantastic. What is the difference between the Marquesas cruise and the Pitcairn cruise? I'm also cruising solo and liked what Westcoasttech said about only a 50% single supplement, does this apply to the balcony cabins and the Pitcairn cruise?  I'm going to call the number and get some info but wanted to ask those of you that had been on this cruise.

Thanks so much,

Sue

Speaking only for myself, I have enough to pack - I'm not packing a tray ;).

 

I've always managed to get any munchies we needed without packing something. It's not that big of deal IMO ;)

Ditto, I'm not packing a tray. And KK I love the idea of taking the ice bucket tray and also putting several bags of chips in a bowl and several of those little cheese plates together!! Just returned from a Panama Canal cruise and took stuff form the Lido to my room but never thought about consolidating it, duhhhhh, live and learn. Thanks folks, I'll put this into practice end of May and first of September on my next 2 HAL cruises. :):)

Hi Brooke, what cruiseline are you sailing? I know when I cruise I always go solo and the drink package is per person

so not sure why you would have to buy 2 packages? That does not make any sense to me. I would call the cruiseline

about this and ask them directly.

Hi Brooke, what Lois said! :) I always cruise solo and sometimes get the drink package and it is always per person. Never heard of charging you twice. However, I don't know what cruise line you are on, I only cruise Celebrity and, occasionally, Holland. I agree, I would call and ask.

Sue

Hello, this coming summer I’m booked with Michelle on the misty Fjords 2 hour tour. Very excited for this as I’ve read nothing but amazing reviews. I was just wondering if anyone who has done this tour, has seen any whales or other wildlife when landing?

We saw bears up close upon landing and standing on the floats (?? can't remember the name). It was probably one of the best tours I've done, kind of a spiritual experience flying over all that spectacular scenery. You'll love it!! :)

I'd suggest a search of airport area hotels. book based on price, if that is your priority? listings, www.anchorage.net along with hotel booking sites.

Thank you so much, I'll do that!

Sue

I'm flying in to Anchorage 5/23 for a cruise from Seward to Vancouver leaving on 5/27. Want to travel to Seward the next day and spend 3 days there prior to cruising. Have been to Anchorage but never Seward. I'm looking for a cheap hotel for 1 night then plan to take the bus to Seward the next day. Won't get to Anchorage until around 7 or 8 PM and just need a place to sleep. I'm a senior so I have to have a little rest before setting off again! :D Any hotel recommendations?? Thanks so much.

Sue

Thanks so much everyone for the recommendations! I also checked out the SD hotels on this thread. Am probably going to go with either Wyndam, Hampton Inn or Embassy Suites.

Thanks again, Sue

Can anyone recommend a hotel for 1 night pre-cruise in San Diego? I'm traveling solo so would like something close to the pier.

Thanks, Sue

Going on the Oosterdam, Med cruise next September, 2018. Want a Signature Suite, are they all about the same? Any recommendations for a great one?? :)

Thanks, Sue

This is akin to looking for the best boiled crawfish in Omaha. You can limit yourself to a single dish, found at few places, or enjoy some of the best cuisine in the world in dozens of New Orleans restaurants.

I have to agree, I also love, love, love BBQ but that's not what NOLA is about. Do yourself a favor and sample some of the wonderful NOLA cuisine.

I've personally known Lois for many years, and in no way, shape, or form is she being rude/offensive. And I agree with her- it's sad when someone misses out on the joys of living simply because they are afraid/intimidated to do so in their own company. And that shoe fits both married as well as single people.

 

Please don't interpret that statement as some sort of personal attack when it's not.

 

Tony

I agree, please don't slam people because their opinion might differ from yours. It's wonderful to travel with your mate and I did that for a number of years. But once I was alone, I knew that he would want me to live my life as well as possible - and that's what I'm trying to do. I'm not going to miss out on travel or any other aspect of living my life to the fullest and am happy living life to the fullest, which means traveling and living solo.

I cruise solo and always do the balcony. yes it cost much more but i also like spending time there as well. at times nice to get away from all the people on the ship. and just have quiet time looking at the water.

 

could never do an inside. i did it once a long time ago on my first cruise, and never again lol. the lowest i would do is an ocean view , i like to know where i am going.

I do the same, I admire those of you who can do an inside cabin since they are cheaper but I couldn't stand it. :eek: My enjoyment comes from sitting on the balcony watching the world roll by, I just wait until a cruise comes up that I can afford. :)