Oceans&Rivers

I ended up taking a pre-made sandwich, taking it apart and making a new one with a roll. What a waste of food. Our Hotel Director agreed (I posted on my live thread and he was reading ;)). It's a directive from Seattle, not a ship choice.

 

So, if you want choice, the best thing to do is to let Seattle know IMO.

It's good to do that, sure, but better still is to make a video of your own personal sandwich station, showing how much stuff you have to grab and how you make your sandwich and post it to YouTube. Then you can post the link here and also to HAL's social media accounts. ;):)

A growing numbers of US retirees today are public employment workers with guaranteed pensions, and quite attractive ones, which actually qualify them now as members of the "upper middle class".

 

This temporary Brexit market instability will not affect them. In many states, their defined-benefit pensions are back-filled by local taxpayers should their pension fund investments fall short.

Market instability, especially if it is longer term will most certainly impact retirees—including those on public pensions—because the foundation of the pension funds are financial investments in the stock market as well as contributions from the employees themselves, not just public taxes. The majority of public employees that I know also have retirement accounts in the stock market, whether they are Roth IRA's or 457 accounts, as well as taxable accounts.

Kindly do not add fuel to or start an anti-public employee rant. Let's get back to the topic at hand.

The topic of this thread is "Will Brexit affect UK cruise ports?"

My own opinion is that if the pound continues to drop it might mean that UK citizens will travel less; however, it will also be an incentive for other countries, especially from the U.S., to travel more to the UK. We will do so not only because of the financial advantage related to the dollar vs. pound, but because most Americans love the U.K. and will want to travel to U.K. ports specifically to help our favorite ally.

Didn't the cruise start and end in Miami? If so then no, it's correct. I went back and read the first post. The only part I'm not clear on is the itinerary. Here's what you can't do, get on in one US port and get off in a DIFFERENT one without visiting a Distant Foreign Port. I don't think any of the ports on this itinerary were DFPs. If they had got on the ship in Miami and returned to Miami then it would be what is called a closed loop, which is what is required in this situation. Boarding in KW and getting off in Miami is in violation of the PSVA.

You are correct.

Per the PVSA:

"A “nearby foreign port” is defined as "any port in North America, Central America, the Bermuda Islands, or the West Indies (including the Bahama Islands, but not including the Leeward Islands of the Netherlands Antilles, i.e., Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao)." 19 CFR § 4.80a(a)(2)."

And regarding Key West or other non-distant ports (embarking and disembarking are treated the same), per the PVSA:

"It is important to note that a cruise itinerary may be compliant with the PVSA, but a passenger that disembarks at a port other than those designated as part of a compliant itinerary may still cause the vessel/carrier to violate the PVSA depending on where the passenger embarked and disembarked. For example, a passenger that embarks in Seattle, Washington on a round trip itinerary that includes Alaska and disembarks early in Juno, Alaska will cause the vessel/carrier to violate the PVSA, regardless of the reason for the early departure from the cruise ship."

0 crew sick out of 776. Got to be kidding. Someone is fudging the numbers. Just can not be.

I agree.

Usually you will find it is passengers come on & lying on the form because they do not want to be quarantined or put off the ship because they did not buy insurance

The same crew were on the ship last week but no cases of Noro so what changed ???

Children often find Easter eggs and little chocolate goodies on Easter, yet the very next day there are none to be found. I wonder what might have changed?

-------------

My point is that things change from one day to the next, and there are many answers to explain why there was "no" Noro on the subsequent cruise; however, usually the crew cleans up the ship significantly during and just following a Norovirus outbreak and ill crew members get better or are forced into confinement.

I put the word "no" in quotation marks because, if CDC requirements have not changed, and if the threshold of norovirus cases for reporting has not been met, reporting is not necessary. (This may have changed over the years, but that's at least how it used to be.)

PEOPLE

 

If the ship was clean & clear last cruise new people boarded on Sunday

it is not rocket science ...people are sick when they board

Why are passengers so often blamed in Cruise Critic forums (all lines)? If you read CDC reports, it's very clear that crew members often (perhaps usually) work full shifts while ill and report to medical only after their shift is over.

You're welcome, tropicalkerry.

Has anyone ever told you where to go when you politely ask them to wash?

No, never. Typically, they say "thanks, I almost forgot," though I don't know if they were actually grateful. :)

I used to be a teacher (university age students), and usually manage to say it in a way which does not cause any confrontation.

Chair hogs are significantly worse. There is a clear sense of entitlement there. Nevertheless, I just approach that situation as a "sorry, you can't do that" in a tone that suggests they can't, really can't....do that.

P.S. While polite, I tend not to "ask."

that I will speak up when I see non-washing of hands. Hope I don't lose my nerve, when it is they that should be mortified!

I have done this for years, on and off ships, but then, I have always had a lot of nerve. ;)

I wash my hands prior to going into the stall as well as after using the facilities, even though I am pretty sure the only germs with which my fingers or palms come into contact are the door handles on the way into the stall. I do not touch the cooties-full door handle with my bare hands.

Therefore, I am not likely to use the gel stations just for appearance's sake (which is all it would be) unless I have not been anywhere near a bathroom or stateroom just prior, and that is highly unlikely. Also, I am never without hand wipes of all types and tissues.

After my husband has touched a menu, he often gets up and goes to wash his hands before dining.

Having said all that, I think the majority of the norovirus/gastroenteritis is spread by food handlers on strict schedules and less likely , not diners.

Even though Don had written of serious health issues in the past, I was shocked and saddened to read (first in his other favorite forum) that hondorner (such a great screen name) just recently passed away. I am so very sorry for his family and close friends to have lost someone so special and dear to them. I remember when I first started posting on the Oceania forum (seldom post on Cruise Critic at all since my husband retired) that Don knew so much and shared his knowledge so eagerly with everyone.

I remember following his 4-month journey across the American continent to and from his Alaska voyage, and thought I would post one of my favorite pictures of him (from his journal, taken in Wyoming) for those who loved him and those who have never seen his handsome, happy face:

I really don't follow your logic. Even back in the "good old days" flights were delayed and canceled for weather, mechanical, crew issues etc. The risk was essentially the same, and if you never had an issue flying in the same day you were just lucky.

I was just stating the facts. However, I disagree about flying issues being essentially the same then as now. Of course, there could have been some issues, but not as likely to occur then as they do now. I think if you compared the on-time statistics from way back when to nowadays, you would find that planes were usually on time then, especially a fine weather non-stop flight on a jumbo jet.

In our case, there was very little chance of not making the ship, since our travel agency (at that time) had by far the largest percent of clientele onboard, and that large agency is based in the SF Bay Area. Air was included and although it was not a chartered flight, a huge portion of the plane (or planes) was also full of those of us taking that cruise, as were the buses taking us from Miami to Fort Lauderdale. I think it likely the captain would have held the ship for the large contingent of West Coast flyers booked by one of their top agencies.

People do this often.

 

One suggestion though.

 

Do not fly in the day of your cruise. Arrive one or more days before the cruise because should your flight be cancelled or delayed you could miss the ship.

So true, nowadays. In the "good old days", when air travel was not such a pain, it was quite easy to fly transcontinental and catch a ship the same day.

We boarded a morning flight from SFO to MIA on Eastern airlines in the mid-1980's and were bussed to Ft. Lauderdale to board a same day cruise on Sitmar's FAIRSKY.

We wouldn't try that now!

O&R,

I know your question wasn't for me but I sailed on the SS Antoinette last July from Amsterdam to Basel so thought I would share some thoughts. I really liked that we went from Amsterdam to Basel. The scenery became progressively more beautiful that direction and we felt the ports were better as you progressed(obviously this is a matter of opinion)

 

The loungers are definitely padded on the sun deck. We used them frequently and they have a canopy that can be raised over your head if needed.

 

I hope another poster can tell you for certain on the chair lift but I can see it in my mind but just not 100% certain.

 

The excursions on this itinerary are just wonderful. Should you consider this itinerary with Uniworld don't miss the "Vinegar Tasting" excursion. Sounds awful but was certainly a highlight.

 

If you can search for JPAlbany's review of the SS Antoinette from last year it is wonderful with pictures and day to day review.

 

From a few of your posts it sounds like you are definitely interested in a cabin on decks 3 or 4. I highly encourage you to consider a suite on deck 4. It is about 300 sq ft, comes with butler service(that even includes free laundry), many extras in the room from Nespresso machine, fully stocked mini bar, cookie and fruit trays daily, and much more. And the balcony with the all weather access is really nice to sit with a cup of coffee and enjoy the scenery in the mornings.

 

As you are researching Uniworld there is a big difference in size of suites on their three newest ships which are the SS Antoinette(Rhine), SS Maria Theresa(Danube/Rhine), and the SS Catherine(France). All 3 of these have suites of 300 sq ft with butler service. We are booked on the SS Maria Theresa for December.

 

Be happy to answer any other questions.

 

The name of this itinerary is "Castles on the Rhine"

Thank you for all the great information. Sorry it took me so long to respond, as I haven't been reading or posting much to the rivers section (or even much to Cruise Critic) in awhile.

I know someone who did "Castles on the Rhine" in the opposite direction, but it seems like the Amsterdam port at the beginning seems optimal to me, too. I am very familiar with Amsterdam, and Belgium, especially the Flemish part (love Brugge), and would enjoy beginning a trip with a week or two on land there.

Padded loungers, great! 300 square feet and butlers, also very cool. ;)

I'm looking at several different lines, and just need to decide on one or two. I haven't spent less than a month on land in Europe ever, so I want to factor that, in, too. I cannot imagine spending more time on a boat or a ship than I spend on land (it's a long flight from California), since visiting the countries is far more important to me than the cruising, so it has to be a good fit.

Lastly, how bad is it to enjoy a river cruise if one is not an early riser? (Because I certainly am not!) There will be no rushing for an early breakfast to catch an early morning tour for me. :eek:

Yes there is a chair lift from Deck 4 to the sun deck. I think it is on the port side.

Thank you so much for this information.

Another line to consider is TUI, part of Royal Caribbean, whereas AIDA, I believe is part of Carnival.

 

You might find TUI and the "Mein Schiffs" (My Ships) better for you. They are more a German version of Celebrity, and upscale.

 

http://tuicruises.com/

 

TUI has some new-builds and also two Celebrity classics, Galaxy and Mercury, and I loved Galaxy when she was with Celebrity, and TUI poured about $60 million in her to take her in the direction they wanted.

 

Make no mistake about it, these cruise lines are geared to German speaking people. However, you might be surprised how many more Germans speak English, than Americans who speak German.

 

The web sites are in German, and I could not find a link for an English translation, so you know the market they are geared towards.

 

Also, learning some German words and phrases will never hurt! It's not that bad. If I could do it....

 

Good luck and best wishes! :)

I speak fluent German, no problem, but I just went to the TUI website and tried to order a brochure, but U.S. (Vereinigte Staaten) was not an option. Wirklich schade...

We have cruised on Mercury before when she was with Celebirty and would love to see and cruise on her again.

I wanted to cruise to or from Istanbul; however, I am not at all pleased at what was has been a headline in the news today: numerous loud Turkish soccer fans in Istanbul did not observe a moment moment of silence for Paris victims, but rather booed and shouted "Allahu Akbar", turning the moment of silence observation instead into something very ugly.

We'll hopefully make it to Istanbul some day in the future; however, this is not the time I'd like to go and spend money there.

Check out the latest Oceania news from Cruise Critic:

 

Oceania Cruises' to Revamp Top-Level Suites on New Ship Sirena

Thank you for the link to the picture, below:

The table appears to be an odd shape, but that may be perspective. One thing is for sure, though, the pedestal (instead of legs) supporting the table won't be comfortable for anyone who might like to stretch their legs a bit out in front of them while dining.

The best place to shop for clothes appropriate for European weather is....in Europe. It's fun, too. :)

Shmoo, some people are inconsiderate, selfish, boorish and ill-mannered. You can't avoid them you just have to accept that they're there and there's nothing you can do about it without stooping to their level. On river cruises they camp out by the dining room door so they get in first to grab the best table and on ocean liners they go to the pool at 6 a.m. and put towels and clothing on the best lounge chairs.:(

I don't think the comparisons are fair. I agree that it is extremely rude for someone to put towels on chairs that they don't plan to use until later; however, if a person wants a chair by the pool or a great dining room table and lines up in order to use it right away, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, unless they try to save chairs for anyone (other than just their spouse or a disabled companion).

Oh my, I just found a reversible dress at TravelSmith.com! Could it be possible....1 garment for 2 evenings? What is your thought on this?

Yes or No Way?

 

http://www.travelsmith.com/voyager-knit-cap-sleeved-reversible-dress/517030

For me personally....no way would I want something to touch my skin that had been worn to sit on chairs, possibly park benches, leaned up against, etc. Anything that has contact with "the outside" is not want I want touching my chest, tummy, legs, etc.

Unless you plan to clean the dress between wearings (and you likely will not want or need to do that), I would just dress up the solid color with different accessories. Those weigh very little.

For those interested in Vantage cruises we started a thread titled "All Things Vantage." It doesn't get a lot of traffic, but it is a place where those interested in Vantage can often find information.

 

FuelScience

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2086374

Good post.

Hope you get more people to post there. It's difficult to find discussion of other lines mixed in with all the Viking threads.

So what ship is it. Whole thing seems strange without a ship's name

A quick check of Viking's website shows that the four ships that follow are the ones that do the aforementioned itinerary:

VIKING LONGSHIP BURI

VIKING LONGSHIP HEIMDAL

VIKING LONGSHIP HERMOD

VIKING LONGSHIP DELLING

So, it should be one of those.

I don't think that Viking or its parent MISA Investments Limited is publicly traded. However Moody's rates Viking bonds as B3 "highly speculative". The next lower rating is C "Default imminent with little prospect for recovery". IMO this bond rating raises some questions, and I am not comfortable with putting my money into such a situation without insurance against default (which I'm pretty sure is NOT covered if get Viking offered insurance).

Thank you for that information. I agree with you that the bond rating is something to be concerned about.

Thanks to the information you provided, I found the following on Moodys.com. Interesting reading...

https://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-assigns-a-B3-rating-to-Viking-Cruises-new-250--PR_324517#

 

I am sure everyone has an opinion. Mine is to remove the bar and thus add seating to the existing arrangements. No new specialty restaurant.

So Azamara has less outdoor aft seating than Oceania? If so, then I totally agree with you. More people ought to be able to enjoy outdoor aft dining at no additional cost, so if there's a bar taking up table room, remove it.

I had thought this was a necessity because of the need to locate the elevator machinery on the lowest deck, but there is apparently a new way to design it that does allow access to the lowest level. Uniworld's Maria Theresa has an elevator that goes all the way down (but it still doesn't reach the top deck -- this I think is impossible because of the need to flatten that deck for low bridges).

You're right! I just checked S S Maria Theresa's deck plan and it indeed shows an elevator to the lowest level. That's great for someone hoping to save some money and who doesn't need any drawer space; however, a previous poster's comments would put me off one of those cabins, anyway.

On the down side, though, is that the elevator may very likely be slower and cause a longer wait as it goes down all the way to the bottom deck and up again.

But on the up side, I just noticed some interesting facilities on the lowest deck that might make the wait for the elevator worthwhile.