mtwingcpa

As I understand it, the passport CARDS (and "enhanced" driver's licenses, etc.) are intended primarily for COMMUTERS who make frequent land trips back and forth over the border. They are of much less use to TRAVELERS who only cross the border occasionally. And I believe they are of no use if you need to fly.

By the end of the 3 night cruise, I was just exhausted and irritated. Trying to keep 4 people happy including myself...was just impossible. And it's like nobody was willing to compromise.

Valid observations! :-)

Traveling NON solo takes special skills in my opinion. The last time I cruised with a friend I felt like we spent half our time waiting for each other to get ready (in the small bathroom, etc.). Fortunately we had agreed that we didn't need to be attached at the hip, so we each went off on our own from time to time. That was a great trip, but only because we didn't make demands on each other's time.

I've sailed into SF twice (on NCL) and on both occasions the captain announced the expected entry time the night before.

But on both occasions it was DARK and FOGGY, so all I saw were lights on the bridge. Still probably worth the effort! :-)

My experience on shorter cruises is that everyone is running around like crazy trying to cram in as many events or activities as possible in the short time frame. So I would expect to find venues crowded and perhaps much time spent standing in line. In other words, things won't be like a longer cruise where people more typically chill out and pace themselves.

But that said, I do think short cruises can be worthwhile to, for example, try out a new cruise line or a new cabin option, etc.

Mary Ellen: Go to the main page of Cruise Critic, to the FIND A CRUISE tab. Then the drop-down under "Destinations." Between "Panama Canal" and "Russia River" is "REPOSITIONING". This is what I used when I got the five RCCL cruises (and nothing else.)

Not all cruise lines tag or categorize their relevant cruises as "repositioning." And, indeed, one can get into quite an argument as to just what is or isn't a "repositioning" cruise. Some travel agent sites may handle this better, but it's probably best to simply know when/where to look: most often ships moving out of the Caribbean in the spring headed to Alaska or Europe, and the reverse in the fall. And, of course, there are other destination combinations possible. On the west coast many such cruises are called "pacific coastals."

Plus, assigned seating eliminates the need to eat dinner alone in the first place.

But not all cruise lines offer assigned seat dining. NCL is the classic example, but many others now appear to be drifting in that direction.

I choose NCL because I WANT to dine alone and I don't want to be hassled about it. Meanwhile, I avoid lines that are stuck in the "traditional" dining mode.

Not all solos are looking for the same thing and therefore I don't think any cruise line can be branded as "solo friendly" or not. I simply recommend that people be knowledgeable about their own comfort level and what is offered by the cruise lines they are considering.

Solo travel isn't for everyone. It seems to me it's more likely to work for people who live alone and/or have often traveled alone on business. But even that is probably too much of a generalization. For example, there are lots of happily married people who like to occasionally take a trip by themselves.

Before taking a solo cruise, I would recommend dining alone at a couple of "sit down" dinner restaurants (not fast food or Denny's). If you don't enjoy the experience, then solo cruising might not be for you. On the other hand, you might find that this is a whole lot more workable than you thought. Just sayin' :-)

I'm sure a lot of the people that go on these 1-night cruises are first-timers who want to see whether they'll like it before committing themselves to a longer cruise. It's like eating a sample before buying the 3lbs box at Costco :D.

And/or it allows experienced cruisers to try a cruise line or ship they haven't been on before.

I think you're on to something. One way (so-called "repositioning") cruises often have a lower cost per day, and in my opinion are the most interesting because they often include seldom-visited ports. The downside is you might get burned by one way airfare, especially if booking at the last minute.

Regarding last minute cruises, I've typically found the best fares at about 2 weeks out. But there is no set logic to this...anything is possible.

How do other solos feel about doing away with tradition dining?

It doesn't pain me in the least. I prefer to dine alone (at all meals) and would not enjoy a cruise line that forced me to do otherwise.

Ditto. I usually clean before I leave so I don't return to a mess. :-)

I also make sure there is enough packaged or frozen food on hand so that I don't have to go to the store for a day or two after I return.

In order to be prudent do you think it would be better if I picked the cruise or for that matter cruises I am interested in and wait till a few days prior to the cruise to see if they offer a better deal on the solo price?

I would focus on the total price of the cruise - which may well increase or decrease at the last minute - but I wouldn't worry about so-called "solo" pricing as I believe that is a "false god."

In my experience the best deals are about 2 - 3 weeks prior to sailing. After that prices may actually go up. But, as always, your mileage may vary. :-)

...(we haven't found lightweight quick dry socks yet)...

I'm also a big fan of Ex Officio underwear and other lightweight wash-n-wear clothing.

For socks I've got a few pairs of Fox River "Quick Dry, Anti-Bacterial Travel Socks." Not perfect, but the best thing I've found so far. They're kind of expensive and can wear through easily if your toenails aren't trimmed, but they are entirely synthetic and do dry (relatively) quickly.

As with most dress code issues, there is probably no universally recognized definition. That said, my own view is that "smart" probably means collared shirts and NO DENIM or shorts (unless otherwise specifically allowed). It is probably about the same as "country club casual."

Naturally, YMMV. :-)

If I were in your shoes, I would give someone back home a power of attorney so that they could sign on my behalf. The speed, reliability and security of internet on the ships or in Caribbean ports is (in my opinion) too daunting to take a chance.

I've used them in the past, but they don't make much difference on the lightweight clothing one might typically pack for a warm-weather destination. Might work better with heavy winter clothing.

Personally I think that being able to make reservations to MDRs totally waters down the Freestyle concept and hope that it doesn't become a fleetwide option.

Agreed! :-)

On Catalina, google Descanso Beach Club. It's a beautiful place a short distance north of the Casino. I believe they charge admission but I don't know the details.

Like some others have noted, I tend to hit a wall at around 12 days or so.

Generally, you will only see the coast when entering or leaving a harbor. At other times the ships operate far enough off shore to:

1) be in international waters

2) open their casinos

3) avoid special fuel quality restrictions in some states

4) etc

...and there will be no view of the shoreline. :-(

Freestyle dailies for the 2/15 and 2/22 Getaway cruises (posted elsewhere on CC) included this announcement:

 

"If you'd like to dine at the same time, in the same restaurant, at the same table (alone or with others), with the same waiter each night, you can in our 3 main dining rooms, The Tropicana Room, Taste and Savor, between 5:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Reserve with any main dining Restaurant Host, at the Restaurant Reservations Desk or dial 050."

The MDRs are rarely busy enough during that time frame for this to make any difference. But, if it keeps people happy, that's great. :-)

They really do not. After you book a flight on United and go to select seats on line you are advised that no "complimentary" selectable seats are available, and you can select seats upon checking in - which means a guarantee of undesirable seats. You are, of course, given the option of paying an additional charge to select a "preferred" seat.

As I understand it, the airline rule requires them to include all MANDATORY fees or taxes in the advertised price. They are not required to include (for example) checked luggage fees, seat upgrades, etc.

I see no reason why a similar approach couldn't be applied to cruise lines. If a "service charge" is truly optional, then it could be excluded.

I would also like to see cruise lines do away with "PPDO" pricing. Instead they should state the minimum price for the cabin, as hotels generally do in the US.

Because in life it usually works out that you get only what you pay for, I would very carefully read the coverage contract of a policy that:

 

A) Was "... Far cheaper than any other company..." And

B) Provided coverage for long term vacancy which virtually every other company does not do without special rider involving additional premiums.

 

I do not disbelieve you, but I am amazed to hear the above.

Permit me to clarify your "B" comment. I never said the company in question provided coverage for "long term vacancy." In fact, I don't believe that they do. What I said was that they don't consider my home to be "vacant" for this purpose merely because I am away for a long period of time (even several months). As I stated before, they define "vacant" to mean that I've permanently moved out of the home with no intention of returning.

The question here is the definition of "vacancy," and different insurance companies apparently define it differently. So in addition to "carefully reading" a policy, I believe one must inquire as to how terms are defined. My general experience in such matters is that all such terms are "as defined" terms, and those definitions do not necessarily follow common dictionary meanings.

As always, your mileage may vary. :-)

On a separate note, I would like the poster who stated that his homeowners policy covers in cases of long term vacancy to provide the name of his insurer. It is a virtual certainty that he is paying premiums well in excess of what would be required if he had standard coverage.

If you are referring to me, the company is Foremost, a specialty insurer of mobile/manufactured homes offered via AARP. The premiums are quite reasonable, and far cheaper than any other company I've found.

Naturally, your mileage may vary. :-)

tx for the reply, just have to pack more clothes

NCL ships no longer have self-service laundries. But they DO have laundry service, charged for on a "per item" basis, or sometimes with a "full bag" special. I pack light and use it all the time.