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Everything posted by CPT Trips
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We’ve gone a month with next to no measurable rain. I’d love to have to deal with muddy soil and shoes.
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First Galapagos Cruise: What's Your One Best Piece of Advice
CPT Trips replied to kvalenta's topic in Ask a Cruise Question
A few good items to have: polarized sunglasses, good sturdy supportive shoes, trekking poles, and a polyvinyl sport towel for wet landings. https://www.swimoutlet.com/collections/shammy-towels-20799 -
My experience with European airports has been good, with the exception of transferring at DeGaulle. Originating and arriving there was okay. Signage is generally clear and easy to understand and many/most of the people working in the airports speak English. I recommend you have the address typed out if you are going to catch a taxi or use mass transit to get to your ship or hotel.
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Evolving German language. I doubt that it will matter to us tourists/travelers. https://www.dw.com/en/german-language-body-enshrines-idiots-apostrophe/a-70435316?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter
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It’s always wise to have some Tinklegeld. 🤷🏻♂️
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You should try the singing kind . . .
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Lumberjack style, just buttered, on Wednesday
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DO NOT BUY FROM DIAMOND INTERNATIONAL
CPT Trips replied to mMissMeowMeow's topic in Ask a Cruise Question
We took a cruise with our cousins . . . a jeweler. Based on the responses he got to a lot of technical questions he asked in several jewelery stores his conclusion was that not one of the sales people or mangers knew more than the basis, if that, about jewelery. They were really great at selling, knew all the tricks. Also a lot of what they were selling was misrepresented, and in some cases were knockoffs. Then the last sea day he went to the art auction and bought a painting his wife liked and was “the perfect replacement” for a painting in their house. None of the hype mattered . . . they liked it enough to pay the price. -
Actually he was taking a photo of some of the others in the group. The traffic cop part of him just left his coat opened and walked into the street. Traffic stopped. As an aside, don’t rent a car. Cairo traffic is insane.
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We were there with OAT in December’23 with a small yacht for the Nile from Luxor to Aswan. No issues with the War then, I agree that crossing the street in Cairo is the most danger we encountered. Fortunately the armed tourist policeman escorting us ran interference.
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The part of an “English” breakfast that I always skip - blood pudding Haggis? Bangers?
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In the event some of y’all want to try . . . it’s easy. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/20075/basic-biscuits/ Try jam, marmalade, or honey. Then, if you dare . . . https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/17495/sausage-gravy-i/
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I don’t recall those cabins being aft facing. The balcony is on the side, but as it is the last one, you can get a view aft. The curve shown on the deck plan is noticeable inside the cabin and it reduces the space somewhat. Most people use the interior stairs.
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Which river next for 2025 - Moselle or Elbe?
CPT Trips replied to Bake apple's topic in River Cruising
My first thought is that Elbe is more likely to have water level problems. Does the Elbe itinerary have pre/post stays in Berlin and Prague? Combining these cities with Dresden makes for a great trip. That said, I wouldn’t think twice about repeating the Mosel cruise we did several years ago. Trier is a gem and visiting the American cemetery in Luxembourg was a very special experience for me. Then there are the small towns among the vineyards that are also special. -
What are typical mealtimes on a river cruise?
CPT Trips replied to Chicagomom's topic in River Cruising
@pontac makes a good point about checking where the ship docks. That’s one of the reas I asked OP for the exact cruise they were looking at. If it’s the itinerary I am thinking of, many of the docks were directly in town The times we stopped in Strasbourg we actually docked in town, and just a short walk from the terminus of a tram line. We used that line to and from our walking tour of the town. -
First time planning a large group trip - need advice
CPT Trips replied to MrDannyOcean's topic in Ask a Cruise Question
Interview several TAs. For a group of 40, the TA should kick in more than simply the perks that the cruise line will offer. We had a group of about 30. TA provided a welcome aboard and a farewell cocktail party with hors d'oeuvres. -
What are typical mealtimes on a river cruise?
CPT Trips replied to Chicagomom's topic in River Cruising
We cruise GCT regularly. Are you doing “The Great Rivers of Europe” cruise? That was our first river cruise, booked on 8 days notice. Talk about clueless. If I get my act together I’ll look at the itinerary and see what I remember. Are you staying additional days at either end? Typically the morning excursions end in the city/town center and allow about an hour of free time before heading back to the ship. Lunch is a buffet, with a few plated options, from noonish to 2ish. A couple of points about doing your own thing. You aren’t required to go back yo the ship for lunch. We frequently stay in town, grab some street food (a brat, doner, or frites and a beer), and head off to a museum or just wander. Or, you can grab a quick bite on the ship and head out. The pre-dinner port talk typically is 6:30ish and then dinner. DIY is really easy if the ship is docked within walking distance of the city center. When they bus you into town from the dock, shuttle buses are provided. If this happens, just ask your program director for the schedule and where to meet to catch the shuttle back. Also, one or more of the program directors often conduct impromptu afternoon “tours” at just the cost of transportation (usually public, but on occasion a van or large taxi) and/or admission. -
And add Trevi Fountain to the list of sites considering limiting access for visitors. https://www.afar.com/magazine/rome-considering-paid-reservation-system-for-trevi-fountain?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=091124CopenhagensOldestHotelJustGotaMajorRefresh&utm_content=C&utm_term=Daily Wander Newsletter Updated 1/23/24
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The ones we cruised on were. We use magnetic clips to hold the various paperwork we accumulate and will need from time to time.
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I can not take credit for that photo. I assume it was from a drone that had a sophisticated camera. It is spectacular!
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River cruise ships for the most part have compact kitchens and have a small number of staff. On many lines, once the orders are in, the appetizers that has been mostly premade or is quick to make and soup are served. The mains are prepared during the time pax are enjoying the first two courses. If one chooses to skip a course, it’s still necessary to wait for the main prepared. The alternative is significant waste. Based on the sample menus I’ve seen from a variety of lines, 3 or 4 choices of mains that change daily seems routine. Then, in addition, there are available every day choices that don’t change.