May B

Here’s wishing her continued safety and a successful return at an appropriate time in the future.

All hail the return of seasack in the role previously played by Rob, then seasack, then Terry, if I’ve been paying close attention. Thank you, seasack!

Dwight, keep enjoying! I loved your very quick trip into a McDonald’s. I’m so happy to see this thread, which looks like it’ll be a wonderful one. Thank you to Terry for posting Reflections, Patty for checking the exchange rate, and Keith for pricing a Big Mac. And Dwight, for taking us along!

So did you find each other?!

I’m glad to see Patty did the count. The cost of the veranda vs the window is so little, those veranda cabins sell quickly. I was fortunate to snag a midship one when I booked as soon as itineraries were posted. Since you have almost a year, though, it seems like you could clear any time. I am guessing you’re fine with a forward location! Besides the veranda vs. not having one, there are three differences you might not think of until you’re actually cruising. Being on deck seven is nice when you’re going to library, computer room, and the rest of the things back there. Also, even though you don’t have a veranda, you can dash outside easily b/c you’re on deck seven. In the veranda cabin, you’re n a sea of aquamarines, so your jr. butler may not think of you on equal footing as the aquamarines. Keith, did your waitlist actually CLEAR on embarkation day?

I sure hope not, as I’m onboard until July 2nd!

Enjoy, Sandy! I chose classic to have the bathtub. I was very happy to see ryndam say he prefers the classic’s layout.

Thanks you, AS! I hope you’re having a wonderful time.

Fruit pulp is the most basic product created by the processing of fresh fruit. It contains both the juice and the pulp, which is the stringy fibre which is often removed from fruit juice. Fruit pulps can be processed and stored for long periods of time without losing their colour, flavour or texture.

Well, concentrate is certainly made from fresh-squeezed. Where else would they get it? It’s not what we’re looking for, when we request fresh-squeezed.

I don’t even know about filtered vs. non filtered! I guess the answer is, I’m asking for fresh-squeezed and if they don’t have it, I’ll switch to V-8!

Our first Viking was on Octantis in the Great Lakes. We loved it! There were two bars, with the duo playing in one or the other before dinner. Lovely ambiance. Aft of the World Cafe, we’d take some of the shrimp/crab legs/sushi from the WC, to go with a drink. Bon voyage to you.

I’m only 77 y.o., but I’ve never heard of, nor been subjected to, powdered o.j. When I googled, I found it, by mail order. I also found Tang, which of course isn’t juice. I don’t know what “long life with bits” refers to, either. Do you mean bits of pulp?

Be sure to specify fresh-squeezed o.j., if that’s your preference. Sometimes it takes a few minutes extra for them to get it, but it’s so worth it, to me.

If it were I, I’d arrive at 1 pm, have a nice lunch, as you already are planning, then go to the location for the maitre d (it’ll be listed in Reflections) and reconfirm the specialty restaurant reservations you have already made. Then go to the library and get magic show tickets. Then go to the computer lounge, if your stateroom isn’t available, and get your devices into the Crystal app. Then wander the ship, or go to the pool deck and have a drink and chill out! If you like looking at menus, this will be a good time to do that! Have a blast!

I was not sure about that part. Maybe it was just the casino area that was gutted? I think the shops stayed the same, except for the new one between the ex-casino space and the deck six exit area.

I predict that the procedure for Beefbar will not match the procedure for Tastes. What signature dish from Tastes do we think they’re keeping at Beefbar?

I had forgotten you had to drive yourself home! Wow, you really needed that good night’s sleep. Well done on your part, trying to keep your fellow travelers safe.

Terry, I was thinking you’re on Serenity, which always had the serving area flat across the inside wall. It’s Symphony that has it in the middle of the room. I could be wrong. Heck, I hope to live to be wrong many more times in my lifetime. As I understand it, the wallpaper, the light sconces, and the table ware are new.

Feel better soon! I hope you weren’t too uncomfortable on the flight home. Are you now the proud possessor of a Lightning or a Buc or a Ray mask?

On another cruise line, we took the (included tour) train into Berlin, dedicated train just for our group (of many hundreds, but it was handled beautifully). Then a bus ride with guide pointing out sites, then c. three hours on our own. We followed a Rick Steves walking tour and included a lunch stop. After the train ride back to the ship, about half the crew welcomed us back! They were lined up as we got to the half way point as we walked over to the ship. Wonderful experience! We’d do it all over again but see different sites on our own. A few people skipped the bus tour and just made sure they knew where to meet the bus for the return to the train.

I think they may not be available to book until Monday.

Wait! I got here too late to edit. I should have said, I for one don’t … many may have been a mild exaggeration. 🙃

Actually, our second Viking was an ocean, on the Jupiter last June. Very enjoyable! Mr B, who says you only have one chance to make a first impression, actually gave them a second chance, thank goodness. We have the triple M booked for Dec. 1st of this year. I have my eye on a river, but it would be in 2025 and we can’t decide what date to do. What a life! Very fortunate to be able to do all that we do.

Many of us don’t give a Flying Spaghetti Monster re other cruise lines. I’m sure we all know how to comparison shop, should it interest us. Thank you very much and have a nice day.