Can'tstopcruising

We are in our 70's and we are still traveling to Europe. It's the packing and the unpacking that does me in!

We just returned via Amsterdam last week and I posted elsewhere that the security was tighter than I had ever experienced. They used the X-ray machines (promised me it was ultrasound) and I had the most thorough pat down ever. This was on Monday and I am sure they knew something was brewing. Our plane was delayed because we had to wait for a group connecting from Barcelona (I think) because of a strike in France. That's what they told us. Who knows why the flight was diverted to Amsterdam.

Anyways, we are scheduled to travel to Europe again this autumn and hope all goes well. As long as we are healthy and able, we will travel. But it does get harder every year, so my advice to you all is Go while you are still young enough!

I think that people who use the term "nickel and dime" have forgotten that the concept is to help people save money not spend money. These cruise companies have chosen to keep standard rates fairly low but give the option to get an upgraded product or a more customized product to others who don't mind spending more money. I wouldn't want my cruise fare to increase to give free alcohol to everyone, I hardly drink at all...if you want it, you buy it. Same with food....I wouldn't want my standard cruise fare to increase to upgrade the food in the dining room, we are very happy with it, so those people who are unhappy with standard dining room food have the option to increase the enjoyment of their cruise without my rate going up. I like the concept, my husband and I get to have the customized cruise we want without paying for things we don't care about and that makes our cruise perfect for us.

If you find the standard rates very low, you are lucky.

I find that I am paying more and more for the same cruises each year. And I am getting less.

Many people will try something new. Whether or not it "sticks" remains to be seen.

It could be a chain reaction. When someone does something nice for you, it makes you feel good and want to do something nice for the next person, who, hopefully will feel and do the same.

We could use a lot more of this!

I guess the more they charge for food, the less I'll eat and I won't gain weight!

We did this trip a couple of years ago and I was very disappointed. We missed 3 ports and it felt like a transatlantic cruise at a high price. We never got to see penguins because that port was cancelled. Ushuaia was the best! We spent a few days in Santiago pre cruise and about 5 days in Buenos Aires which was the best part of the trip. Absolutely loved B.A.

Time passes and life continues.

We are booked for Europe the end of August and we are not thinking of cancelling.

How can anyone really be vigilant? In the Brussels case, three men were pushing luggage wagons, like hundreds of others. Who would recognize the danger?

Sadly, it can happen anywhere.

We flew home from Amsterdam on Monday. We had taken four flights during this trip. Only on this one was the screening extra thorough. We had to go through the ultrasound machines and then be patted down. It was not pleasant to say the least. I told my DH that something must be going on. The next morning we woke up to the terrible news. Unfortunate, I don't know of any airport whose arrival or departure area is protected. Anyone can walk into either.

I agree. There should be no card playing allowed at tables needed for lunch. Nothing is more unpleasant than standing waiting for a table and seeing pax using one for cards (or whatever, not food!)

Our last cruise was one year ago and up to date we have been lucky to enjoy the elite buffet.

I don't look forward to the plate idea. I like to choose what I am going to eat and don't think the new format will work for us.

Do you think they are trying to disuade us from eating there?

Hi!

What is the best way to get from the airport to the Renaissance hotel?

Taxi? Shuttle?

We are seniors, so don't want to take public transportation with our luggage.

And what would be the cost?

Thanks.

We visited CT last April. Four couples on the Reflection pre-booked a private tour with Umberto. He was fantastic! He was the driver of his new personal MBZ van and our tour guide. Extremely reasonable. He is very experienced in the CT area.

 

It was magical! No crowds because he knew the schedule of the excursion buses from Celebrity (he knows all the drivers by first name) and we would go to the villages when the excursion buses were not there. We went to four villages, excursion buses go to three. We also took the train and two ferries. No lines because he knew when the excursion crowds would be there. He would drive ahead and meet us at the appointed time and he was punctual. He would park the van and give us a personal tour of the highlights of each village. Lover's Walk was closed for repairs at the time but we saw even more interesting sights.

 

Cinque Terre was one of the highlights of our TA trip. Memorable with lots of personal pictures. We want to return for another visit and we will book Umberto again! Still enjoying the bottle of Limoncello we bought there. YUM!

Several years ago, on a rainy MaY day, we took the Celebrity tour.

Even though it was early in the season, there were hordes of tourist groups. It was a sea of umbrellas. They packed the ferry boat like sardines. That part was the most unbearable. When they gave us time for lunch, the restaurants were so crowded, we barely made it back to the bus on time (and all we had was a panini)

If we ever go again, I would like to take a private tour. Would you be good enough to tell us exactly who is Umberto and how we can contact him?

Thank you.

I do hope the new builds will have better storage.

This over-the-bed is good for a limited number of pax. (young and tall!)

When you are in Curacao could you or someone report on the Veneto Holiday Resort. They offer a day pass for $15pp, the resort is to the left of the pier, within walking distance of the ship. Could be a good option when could consider the cost of getting to Mambo beach, which most people tend to do these days. The hotel doesn't get very good reviews on Tripadviser but they aren't that reliable these days, their beach looks great, check it out on - https://holiday-beach.com

Thanks for any feedback.

Many many years ago, we had spent a few days at that hotel and it was fine.

Then, many years ago, on a cruise, we visited their beach and found that the water could be cleaner.

We never returned.

Maybe it is better now. I would like to hear if anyone goes there.

We are not wild about the beaches in Curacao.

Once we went quite far. I forget the name of the beach. The water was spectacular, but the beach was rocky and you had to enter the water from a ladder on a pier.

The code is "Evening Chic".

Do any of you really think that shorts are "evening chic"?

I don't imagine that any of you would want to be a slob?????

I do imagine that people will wear what they do to a nice restaurant.

This is bordering on the ridiculous already.

If pax go too far, Celebrity may revert to Formal!

Good or bad taste has nothing to do with formality of dress.

One can dress formally, but in very bad taste.

Conversely, one can dress informally, but in very good taste.

It also has nothing to do with the pricetag of the garment.

You can pay thousands and still have terrible taste.

The fit is very important and also how the style suits your body.

For us, the worst thing about the S class cabins, is having to store clothes over the bed. It is difficult to reach and a royal pain.

I fear that we are getting off course.

 

Many people like myself have retirements that I can live very comfortably and even have some left over. I mean a retirement not taking anything from my IRAs or 401K. My travel money is from my 401K.

 

I don't consider myself wealthy, but I can go on two overseas trips a year.

 

I know people that have their homes paid for and can live on $1000 per month. It just depends on a lot of factors. The article I posted supports my statement that older people have substantially more assets than the young. I never said that all seniors are wealthy.

We are not so far off course. Many argue that seniors should not get discounts. But I don't agree. It is difficult to live well on a fixed income. (Unless you are in the top 1%)

Younger people are doing very well. Most are two income families. They do have high expenses, but they hopefully will increase their earnings as they

mature. Some want everything NOW, which is not so wise in my opinion. But many do save, just as you did.

But seniors are at the end of the line. It is difficult to get high dividends or interest on savings Safely.

If your friend can live on $1000 a month, more power to him! Now wouldn't it be nice if he got a senior discount? That is my point!

I looked at your chart.

One percent has over 10 million.

Only 10 % has one and a half.

Only 25 % falls into the almost 600,000 bracket.

The rest have under 200,000. See how long you can live on that!

How can you say they are a wealthy group?

The top 1 percent is wealthy. The next 10 percent raises questions. Does that include the house? You can't spend your home! Does that include stocks? Sell them and pay your taxes!

Very few people are actually wealthy.

Of course, looking for the best price is basic economics. Some were questioning why should seniors get a discount.

 

I have no problem with military veterans getting discounts. If the cruise lines offer senior discounts and I save using them, no problem, but as I said before, seniors are the wealthiest age group.

I think you are a little misled thinking seniors are the wealthiest age group. They may have accumulated capital, but once retired, if necessary to encroach on capital, it can disappear very quickly. And isn't it smart to save for help if and when you need it? Help is very expensive.

I don't get it.

Don't you all look for the best possible price when you buy something?

We always check out the senior rates for hotels. Sometimes, they are better, sometimes not.

We get senior rates on Viarail.

Hudson's bay offers a senior discount the first Tuesday of each month.

These are a few examples.

Why pay top dollar if you don't have to?

Only if they have a designer label, such as "Osh Kosh B'Gosh":D

I love saying the name Osh Kosh B"Gosh! I shop at their outlets for all my little grandkids.

You're joking, right?

I am not joking.

Most of my summer tops are what I call t shirts.

They are soft, collarless and have short, 3/4 or long sleeves.

Most are solid colours, because that's my preference.

Non-formal evenings, I wear them with mostly linen pants and a sweater over my shoulder.

I never imagined that they would be unacceptable!!

T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurant or specialty restaurant at any time. Shorts and flip-flops are not allowed in the evening hours.[/

 

T shirts are not allowed? What do you call a t shirt?