worldtrekker
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Posts posted by worldtrekker
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Goodness! What a fun post, but I cannot decide. I was filled with joy while going through my mental catalogue of all the wonderful places we have had the privilege to see.
Top 3
Private sea kayaking tour in Alaska with my Mom, Aunty, children and husband. Glided over crystal clear water, saw heaps of wildlife including Bald Eagles nesting, held starfish, watched waterfalls.
Small group (8) tour of Montenegro eating local ham and cheese and drinking local wine. Toured medieval villages and learned so much I didn't even know existed. Our guide gave us a historical and modern cultural perspective of the region, with a few funny anecdotes thrown in for entertainment. A lovely day with a group of travellers.
Eight hour walking tour of Kyoto with a private guide for our family. Pricey, but also priceless.
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Hello!
I thought I would offer an alternative that worked well for our family when our son was 9. We went to dinner together in the MDR for the first night, which after about an hour our son found pretty boring. He did not act out, he just found the sitting to be long, while we enjoy lingering over dinner during a cruise. He was having a great time in kid's club, and preferred eating in the buffet (pizza AND sushi!), so after that first night, we would take him up to the buffet and sit with him for dinner, then take him to the kids club for the evening activities while we went to dinner in the MDR.
I hope you enjoy your trip and time together. Cheers!
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Hello all,
We are boarding the Millennium on 18 September in Tokyo (Yokohama cruise port) for an 11 night sail. The ship remains docked the first night and sails out on the 19th. We have plans to tour Tokyo on the 18th and would like to know what time we would need to be on board to check in (preferably at 5pm). I could not find the information anywhere on our reservation or the website.
I would appreciate any advice!
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I was having trouble as well with the same message (not able to register until booked); I tried about 10 times over the last 2 weeks.
I tried again this evening and it worked! I did nothing different than the previous attempts and have been booked fully since January.
Perhaps the issue is resolved?
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We sailed on the Solstice to Alaska during a July when our children were 9 and 13. There were over 200 children on board. They still talk about it being one of the best holidays they have had, and preferred that cruise to RCCL.
I agree with the poster that described the teens moving in small clusters of 4 or 5, eating together or hanging out playing cards. They did not seem intrusive on the ship. Our 9 year old prefered to stay in the club area with the games and activities.
They opened the indoor adult pool to children for 1 hour once or twice a day; the times were noted on the daily activity sheet. The rules appeared to be followed as I was there for lunch one day and there were no children during that time.
Enjoy!
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I agree with the reality of economics. It is unlikely Celebrity will make organic, free range, hormone free a priority in the near future. It will only become a priority when the market drives the issue.
As to evidence vs opinion:
Population studies combined with research from mice models suggest obesity is related to low level use of antibiotics as in antibiotics from animal consumption. Of note, antibiotics for use of animal growth is not allowed in the EU (due to concerns regarding antibiotic resistance), but is allowed in the US.
Here is one peer reviewed journal that discusses various hypothesis. There are several if you do a pubmed search.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3867737/
A podcast that discusses this further from NPR On Point:
http://onpoint.wbur.org/2014/03/11/anti-biotics-food-meat-obesity
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We did the ghostly walking tour while on the same cruise and loved it - more historical than spooky.
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I think this is a fantastic and pertinent question.
For me, the simple answer is yes. Every trip our family goes on is paid for in advance (except for food/incidentals for which we budget). We travel extensively as a family and live outside the US (we moved abroad 3 years ago).
The complicated answer is that this was not always the case. It seems several people answering your question are either retired or do not have children, which is a different situation than you described. We are in our 40's with 2 children (and several pets ugh). When we were in our 30's we were in similar circumstances to you. We made a really good combined salary, yet money was tight. Much of this had to do with how we defined success and what our lives were "supposed" to look like. Also, I blame Target (just kidding).
I watched a TED talk on minimalism and was inspired. I could really go on forever about what it took to get to where we are, but essentially we gave up everything that made us feel weighed down and moved to a small house where our mortgage is about 8% of our income. I still have a student loan, but those are our only two financial obligations, which leaves heaps for regular savings, retirement savings, good food and travel!
I found my anxiety was so high with managing our previous lifestyle, so this works for us, but I get it wouldn't be for everyone.
Cheers!
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Hello,
I had a couple of thoughts, though I am not sure how much of your decision is pre-determined.
We did an Alaska cruise - myself, husband, and 2 children in one balcony cabin on the Solstice with my Mum and her friend in the next door cabin.
I really appreciate a signficant amount of alone time daily, which I was able to find on board in various nooks/crannies of the ship (library) or on the verandah as our children were involved in activities.
Of cruises, I think Alaska allows you to get away from the crowds very easily. It is so big and empty. In Ketchikan, we did a kayaking tour that only allowed 6 - which was our group, so essentially a private guide, a big empty sound and so much quiet and wildlife. It was amazing. In Juneau, we took a taxi to Mendenhall Glacier. Most people go on the nugget falls trail (we also did that) - but there are heaps of other trails around the area. My husband and I hiked for over an hour without seeing anyone. It was a very tame trail. We rented a car for the day in Yukon and beat the buses/trains to the Canadian border - we did not deal with traffic or see many other people.
Our family still talks about how much fun they had on that trip, though we are not avid cruisers. My husband is no fan of Disneyland, but he has gone a couple times to participate in the family fun. It makes for worthwhile memories.
As for the sea-sickness, because you were in port, I wonder if there could be an anxiety component? I get nauseated in big crowds, so just wondering.
I have used scopalamine patches in the past, which require a prescription and are placed about 12 hours prior to boarding. They do have side effects of dry mouth and drowsiness, which affect some more than others. I also do not regularly take medication, but needed these when I did field work on smaller vessels. I did not need anything in Alaska, but am not very sensitive to motion sickness.
We were on the Celebrity Solstice, which had 2 formal nights. These were only pertinant if you went to the main dining room. Specialty restaurants and buffet had no dress code.
As for activities, I was attending a medical conference, so did that during sea days. I did participate in a dance class with my son which was fun and really enjoyed the naturalist lectures. However, as the times conflicted with my conference, I watched them re-broadcast on the cabin television. I only went to one evening show with my family - the cirque de soliel one - it was very good.
This is just my experience, but I hope some of it helps. If not, there are many ways to journey to the Great North! (cruises are just really easy IMO).
Cheers and good luck!
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I would second Alaska as a destination, though May would be the earliest and ice may limit transit. We did a 7 day round trip from Seattle and spent time in Seattle afterwards - it is one of my favorite cities for music, art, tech and food. Heaps to do there. Alaska trips are day-time intense - we kayaked, hiked, explored and were pretty tired by evening.
Another thought is a Mediterranean cruise as European ports are awesome and you could get a taste of what you liked in Europe.
I would also mention that my Mom and I did a Rick Steves tour in Europe (9 days in Italy). There were several people on their anniversary trip. We LOVED that holiday. It was guided, but with free time to explore as well. We stayed in boutique hotels, had amazing guides and tours and wonderful food. Some examples include a party night in Rome, day trip to Sienna, learning to make pesto in Cinque Terre, a guided tour of the colloseum and the vatican in Rome and David in Florence. Our guide also helped us make reservations to go to other museums we were keen to see. I look forward to going on one of these trips with my husband for an anniversary as well :D
So those are a couple of options. Congratulations on 15 years and enjoy!
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The responses to this thread have been very amusing :p
I would not expect any venue that serves hundreds or thousands of people to be 5 star. I have not tried HAL yet, but the other cruises I have been on have food which is perfectly acceptable for what it is. We recently went to a land-based resort for holiday and it was lovely, but the food was super mediocre AND I had to pay extra for it. The amount I paid for my teen alone could have funded her spot on a cruise! So, the fact that the food is included, I don't have to make it, or clean up after it, and it is served with a smile makes it wonderful. I do not cruise for the food - I go for the adventure!
I also wonder if our collective palate is changing as specialty foods become more prevalent. My 11 year old will comment on the "nutty quality" of maasdam cheese. Gosh, at that age I think I knew cheddar and colby. Perhaps that is guiding expectations as well.
And, finally, what is up with those prunes? I never buy them, but I cannot resist them when they are on a buffet. My family mocks me, but am weak in their presence. :D
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I moved from the U.S. To New Zealand due to work. I work in healthcare and would say 2 weeks off annually is fairly typical for the first few years of employment in the U.S. As many here have stated, their holiday time increased after 10-15 years at the same company. Since I started in NZ, I get 6 weeks a year paid holiday and 2 weeks a year of paid educational time.
Everyone's circumstances are different, but I have much greater job satisfaction since leaving.
Just one opinion
Cheers
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Thanks for the replies. I will request a change, but I noticed there are no longer verandah rooms for sale at this point. I was just a bit miffed as 5105 is a VA category, while some seemingly better rooms are "lower" category (or, at least priced lower).
Regardless, we have a cabin with a view booked on a lovely cruise and I doubt once we are sailing it will bother me at all :) But good to note for next time!
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I'm looking for reassurance!
It is probably a bit late, but I have cabin 5105 booked on the advice of our TA for our upcoming cruise. I looked up the location and it seems that verandahs on this area of the ship are "tucked in" and situated just over the life rafts. How is the general view from this location? Is it better to be more forward or aft on the verandahs that "stick out"? We enjoy having a verandah for gazing out while cruising and often have breakfast out there. Is this a favorable deck on this ship?
I tend to get nervous before a trip and check out all the minute details that amount to little once we are on holiday :p
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I have only been on 2 cruise lines (RCL and Celebrity), and will be trying HAL on an upcoming cruise. I chose them for the itinerary and medical conference on board as that gives me the ability to combine work and holiday.
RCL - Nice ship, mediocre food, lots of activities on board (rock climbing wall, mini golf, ice rink). Average service.
Celebrity - good food (for the MDR I would place it at a 3.5/5 - good for mass production in my opinion). Beautiful ship, elegant, good service. Entertainment was decent on both - the cirque de soleil style show on Celebrity was great. This was an Alaska cruise and the naturalist on board was Ah-mazing. I definitely preferred Celebrity, and, interestingly, my children far preferred Celebrity over RCL, though the ship had less structured activities.
We always choose anytime dining and dress up and attend formal nights. That may not be for everyone, but there were always alternatives like the buffet or room service. Fewer people dressed up on RCL.
The upcoming HAL cruise is just my Mum and I - a port-intensive Med cruise, so I don't think entertainment will be too important as i will likely turn in early and be busy most of the day. I am looking forward to giving it a try.
Good luck finding a cruise line that suits you!
Cheers
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Now if you want a pastry to go with your tea, you will have to fill out the card the evening before if you want faster service. First delivery time is 6 AM. No biscuits.
Coming from the UK, I assume by biscuits the OP meant "cookies", rather than US-style biscuits (which are more like what we would consider scones). We have ordered cookies/biscuits in the afternoon with tea, but not in the morning. Perhaps if you wrote it on the room service tag the night before, they could bring some. They have never been the traditional shortbread type, however. Hope that helps!
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This sounds really nice! Does anyone have an idea of how much an 11 night cruise would be for a couple? And do you go directly to the spa on the first day to purchase?
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Thank you for the responses and photos. We are looking at 1138. I strongly considered 1139, but in Alaska the overhang is helpful during those misty days when I would like to be on the dock, but with a bit of shelter.
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Thank you for the tip on the aft cabins. I have placed my deposit and picked my perk for the cruise :D
We decided to go with the AQ deck 11 aft. Our TA has recommended 1130, but 1138 is also available. I see that 1138 has a larger balcony, but is also tucked in a bit, with the sail shade from the bar just below. In Alaska, we used the balcony on Solstice to eat breakfast, enjoy coffee or a cocktail and watch the scenery while curled up on deck chairs.
I would be keen to hear your opinions and preferences.
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So that is the end of the journey.
Researching our Alaska trip, I found several opinions that Celebrity is not best choice for an Alaskan itinerary, particularly as there are no cruises to Glacier Bay or Hubbard.
Once again, I can only answer in a limited capacity having no comparison. While I have no doubt that Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier are stunning, and I would love someday to see glaciers calving, I could not imagine having had a better trip. Alaska is beautiful in so many different ways. The towering walls of Tracy Arm Fjord as we traveled toward Sawyer’s glacier were breathtaking. Our excursions brought us up close to the land, the sea and the wildlife of Alaska. The ship that took us there was an elegant home for a week, keeping well fed, entertained and pampered.
One day, I hope to return to Alaska. Perhaps then I could see glaciers calving and fly over rivers and streams, oceans and mountains. One trip does not always have to be better than another, but I am always up for another adventure – just to see ;).
And so we returned to New Zealand. Next month, so will the Solstice. Perhaps we will meet again.
Solstice in New Zealand
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Back to Seattle
I do not remember much about leaving the ship. It must have gone smoothly. We had arranged to meet the same shuttle service to return back to Kirkland and they were there when we arrived. I remember I really wanted to eat a salad and could not stomach another rich meal for a while :)
As I mentioned previously, we did stay in the Seattle area for a few days after our voyage. We rented a car to do some of our favorite things. This included Pikes Place Market - because it is amazing - as well as my favorite museum the EMP. (http://www.empmuseum.org/) Definitely include that in your trip if you have time.
We also did a few other things I haven't seen posted here. These are great options if you have a car and can get out of the city area.
1. Blueberry Picking in Bellevue http://www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/blueberry_farm.htm
2. Wine tasting in Woodinville (we really enjoyed Forgeron)
http://woodinvillewinecountry.com/
3. Hanging at the beach in West Seattle
4. Museum of Flight - this was AWESOME. http://www.museumofflight.org/
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Thank you all so much! I am putting in the request for deck 11 aft - I hope there are some still available. Do these tend to cost more than other A1 cabins?
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Thank you all so much! I am putting in the request for deck 11 aft - I hope there are some still available :)
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EatSleepCruise - I think you got even closer than we did to the Sawyer Glacier at the end of Tracy Arm. Your review is very pro :) We missed Miss Amanda last year. I am not sure if she did not have a show, or we just missed the show that was available. We did meet her in person, however, and she was so gracious.
For those who would like to check out an awesome review of the Solstice Alaska Voyage from this year -
Describe The Very Best Port Tour That You Have Ever Enjoyed?
in Celebrity Cruises
Posted
Hi Betty,
My mom and I joined others for that tour so we did not plan it, but the itinerary was this:
00:00 – 01:00 Kotor walking tour
01:00 – 01:30 Panoramic ride to Budva
01:30 – 02:30 Budva walking tour
02:30 – 03:30 Driving to Cetinje, photo break
03:30 – 04:30 Walking tour of Cetinje and some free time
04:30 – 05:00 Ride trough rocky mountains to Njegusi village
05:00 – 05:45 Snack in local restaurant, visit of the smokehouse
05:45 – 06:30 Ride back to Kotor, amazing view to Boka Bay
If you Google, Medieval Montenegro tour for cruise, you should find it. The max guests are 8. It was a beautiful day in great part to the people we met in the tour and our lovely guide! We got back to Kotor with enough time to wander the walled city there as well.
Cheers