matamanoa

My son did an excursion in one of the Caribbean islands to the top of a volcano that was listed as moderate exercise. He found it to be extremely rigorous as did some of the other participants and they ended up needing help on some steeper portions of the trail. My son was in excellent condition and still found it hard and pointed that out to the shore excursion team once he was back on board. They said that they would reassess the level of fitness required to do that particular excursion. So, just based on that experience, I would truly try to assess your level of fitness if any shore excursion is deemed to be strenuous. Athens has many hills and the Acropolis climb was quite difficult. Walking over uneven stones or pathways can also be quite strenuous and this should be taken into consideration when you are deciding on a tour.

She doesn't sound like my cup of tea. At least now I know what she looks like and can avoid if necessary.

Interesting. Thanks to all who chimed in. I'm not sure whether to look forward to seeing her on upcoming cruises or not 😞 The consensus seems to be not too popular a character.

I may be late to the game but what is Fortuna Luck that you all seem to discuss?

I wouldn't rule them out. I'm mainly concerned about getting a good fit in the butt area. I don't like my cheeks hanging out 🙂

Thanks Geocruiser, I went on the website and they seem to have a great selection and prices are great too!

I found one in Davie and it's around the area we're staying in. I'm assuming you're telling me about Bealls because it would be a good place to look for a swimsuit. Thanks for the suggestion.

I have no idea but will look it up.

Good idea to include the word "modest" when searching on line. Never thought of that description but thank you for suggesting it.

Thanks awhfy and MHF. both good suggestions.

Early is the end of Feb/beginning of March. I could check stores in my area but for the reason stated in my answer to Weldon, I would prefer to wait until I am down south. Thanks for your reply.

Thanks for the info. I would try stores in my area but I've been losing weight (in a controlled manner) and since there are still many months before I actually cruise, I thought I would wait until I'm down in the Ft. Lauderdale area in case I am down a size or two before the actual cruise.

I will be taking a Caribbean cruise early in 2023 out of Ft. Lauderdale and was wondering if someone could suggest a good place to buy a swimsuit. I am in my 70's and like full coverage. That does not mean anything with shorts or a skirt but just a one piece that covers my top and bottom fully. Thanks in advance, Barb

Another sighting we had was when we were leaving the port of Gibraltor and there were many dolphins playing in the wake of the ship. They were flipping and doing all kinds of acrobatics and had the passengers in stitches. Barb

My husband and I have had both of those ports on our British Isles itinerary and we had fantastic tours in both. In Kirkwall (Orkney) we booked a private tour with Lorna Brown of See Orkney Tours. We had a full day touring with her daughter Carrie and saw the best of what that area has to offer. We are using the same tour company when we visit Kirkwall again in 2023. For our stop in Invergordon, we again did a private tour with Gordon at info@highlandtours.info - the name of the tour was Quintessential Scottish Highland Day Tour and we couldn't have been happier with our guide and itinerary. The highlight for us was the falconry show at Dunrobin Castle - be sure to get there early and get seats in the front row. Also be on deck at sailaway and you might spot bottlenose dolphins. Hope this helps. Barb

A few years ago, when cruising in the Baltics, I looked over the rail of my balcony and there was a mother whale and her calf right below me. It was an incredible sight!

Thank you for the map. It is very helpful! Barb

I often ask myself what folks who bring only carry on do in the case of liquids or gels that they might need on their trip. The airline will only allow certain sizes and for things such as mouthwash, toothpaste, shampoo, etc for a week long or more trip, do you buy these items when you get to your destination before the cruise?

I will add to my previous e-mails above that the train ride is 20 minutes and when we took it in 2017 it was at a cost of 4GBP each way. Barb

If you don't want to send me your e-mail address, you can find the information I posted on the roll call for the Emerald Princess, Aug. 13, 2022 to the British Isles with Orkney. Click on that roll call (it was started by Bapaleg) and to post 198 on pg. 8. Click on the link and it should give you the map and directions. I hope this helps. My husband and I were supposed to be taking this cruise but had to cancel due to his needing a knee replacement. We are now booked for the same itinerary for next Aug. of 2023. Barb

I took the train into town from South Queensferry in 2017. The post that I found the information on how to get to Edinburgh by train is no longer available but if you want to send me your e-mail address, I have the directions written out in my travel journal and I can give you the details, plus a map. You can e-mail me at brsinger@outlook.com. Barb

We did the Canaries in 2019 and took some amazing private excursions. Of course, this was pre Covid and I don't know whether these companies are still in business but here is the contact information if you want to check them out. In Madeira, we used Up Mountain Madeira, info @upmountainmadeira.com. In Gran Canaria we used Sky Rebels, www.sky-rebels.com or e-mail at skyrebelsfly@gmail.com In Lanzarote we used Blackstone Treks, info@blackstonetreks.com In vigo we did a 4 hr. shared tour with Cruising Excursions, www.cruisingexcursions.com All of the above were fantastic tours and I would highly recommend them if they are available. Barb