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mountain grandma

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Posts posted by mountain grandma

  1. Unless they have changed their policies in the last 5 or 6 months since our last cruise, you cannot use the OBC in the casino. We tried that already.

     

    We also amass a lot of OBC now and have a hard time spending it! :D I guess there are worse problems but we still do our best to spend the non-refundable portion. We try to take some ship's tours (even though we prefer the smaller private tours) and wait to book them until after we board in order to use up some of the credits. I also use the spa once or twice, DH buys wine and an internet package, and we buy some things in the gift shop when we can.

     

    So far, we have managed to use up all of it on each cruise but it is getting harder as we sail more and earn more at each new level.

     

    Billie

  2. Yes it does look good...

     

    I haven't yet received them from my TA -- is there a place on line that I can go to get a sneak preview? I know that as a Silver member of the O club, I am supposed to get advance notice but I am always looking to see the new itineraries ASAP :p.

     

    Thanks, Billie

  3. I definitely was able to order my sautéed spinach in the GDR. And after mid cruise, when I really complained about the lack of actual vegetables on the salad bar they miraculously appeared.

     

    We cook very healthy at home also and when I'm eating at the salad bar in the Terrace, I always go to the steamed veggies and add those to my salad. It gives me more veggies without a lot of problems. Many times the other vegetables are marinated and I am allergic to vinegar! I also make my own salad dressing since all of the dressings are made with vinegar. I use lemon instead of the vinegar and add oil and "Splenda" so it has some flavor. On O, they call me the "Splenda" lady since I use it for every salad I have on board.

     

    bktravels:

     

    I have ordered the Canyon Ranch menu items many times for dinner and have always enjoyed them. They are all very tasty and if I didn't know better, I would swear they are off the regular menu (except for the lack of sauces). I can definitely recommend that you give them a try and decide for yourself.

     

    Billie

  4. Hello Mountain Grandma,

     

    Just came back from my 5th visit to the beautiful Santiago de Compostela (I was doing part of the Camino de Santiago). Last year I visited during a cruise stop at the port of Coruña. We opted to take the train which was a very easy, cheap and fast option so can't comment about your questions regarding driving.

     

    The Cathedral doesn't close during lunch hours and doesn't charge for entrance. Be aware that if there is Mass going on you're not supposed to be touring the Cathedral but of course can attend mass. I highly recommend that if you go in and see the huge incense burning urn hanging over the altar you stay for noon mass (the Pilgrim's mass) to see it swing. It's a sight to behold. They do it at the end of mass, which takes about an hour. The best place to seat is in the pews on the side of the altar(especially the left side). Another beautiful church/ museum worth a visit is San Martin Pinairo, close to the cathedral. There is a small entrance fee. I believe they do close for lunch hours so I suggest you ask at the Visitor's information office or google their hours. Just walking around the old city is a joy, its mainly pedestrian and full of stone buildings.

     

    Seafood, including octopus is the specialty in Galicia. There are many restaurants on Rua Franco, off the Cathedral, but also elsewhere. One we like is nearby , called Bierzo Enxebre on Rua La Troia http://www.bierzoenxebre.es/localizacion/index.htm. If weather is nice you can seat outside. Another is in a garden a bit further down on this street called Casa Felisa.

     

    I also love visiting their market, called Mercado de Abastos http://www.mercadodeabastosdesantiago.com/ Actually, if you're there close to lunch hour they have several restaurants around it. We had lunch in one we liked, Cafe El Hispano

    http://www.paxinasgalegas.es/el-hispano-19398em_79ay_461ep.html

    There I had the "Menu del Dia", which included a choice of a starter (I had their typical Caldo Gallego soup), a Second (I had octopus, very yummy) and dessert and wine, all that for 11 euros.

     

    If you like wine make sure you try one of their local wines, my favorite is albariño (white).

     

    Good luck!

     

    Thank you, Cruiseluv for the information -- especially the restaurants! We are so looking forward to this port of call!

     

    Billie

  5. Hi Keltic,

     

    Thank you so much for all of your wonderful information about Santiago. It really created an interest for us to read everything and since we will be stopping in La Caruna on a cruise in September, your information is very valuable to us.

     

    We had a few more questions if you don't mind. We have decided to rent a car for 4 of us in La Caruna and drive ourselves to Santiago. We found a Hertz office very near the port with a reasonable rate for Auto Club Members (AAA).

     

    1) Is it difficult to find our way out of La Coruna?

     

    2) The main highway is by a toll road and we are curious as to how much we will have to pay in tolls. We would like to take that road as it is shorter than the other suggestions on Google maps.

     

    3) Is there a charge to park at the San Francisco Parking and, if yes, how much will it be? Will the car be safe in this place?

     

    4) Do we have to make advance reservations to see the Cathedral or any other wonderful building?

     

    5) Do you have a suggestion for a restaurant/cafe for our midday meal that would give us a sample of typical Galician food?

     

    Thank you in advance for the answers to our questions. We appreciate your help.

     

    Billie

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