port msp

The one I have is marketed under the brand Einskey, but the same hat can be found on Amazon under other names. https://www.amazon.com/EINSKEY-Waterproof-Outdoor-Protection-Fishing/dp/B01J1GQ1HY/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=einskey%2Bsun%2Bhat&qid=1692738361&sr=8-3&th=1 It's not very stylish, but it definitely does the job of protecting your face, neck, and ears.

I'll second this solution, although it isn't exactly what you asked for. I got tired of getting burned because I missed a spot with sunscreen or I sweated it off and didn't re-apply soon enough. UPF 40-50 shirts from Orvis/Patagonia/Columbia/etc have kept me from getting burned for years now. I've also become a fan of big sun hats. Around home and at our lake place in the summer, I like big straw lifeguard hats or toquilla cowboy hats. Traveling with a formed/blocked hat is a pain, so I went on a quest for a good travel hat. I found a wide brimmed bucket hat on Amazon that I really like. The crown is crushable and vented but the brim is quite rigid, but foldable at a seam, and it packs flat. It doesn't flop down in your face in a headwind, which is kind of a must for me. Free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it.

I think if you truly only need/want Global Entry for one trip, you're going to spend more time and effort getting it than you'd expend just going through Immigration the one time. But, I understand wanting it. We've had it and used it multiple times and it really has been a breeze coming back into the country. We renewed online during Covid and didn't have to do an interview. It was nearly effortless. Having said all that, if you do want Global Entry, a little creativity can go a long way. For multiple years now, CBP had interviews at AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI. I didn't go through that building this year, but I'd bet they were there again. Perhaps they do the same at other big events that have a travel theme? Maybe Fun 'N Sun AeroSpace Expo in Lakeland, FL 4/9-14/2024, or some big travel expo in FL might have a booth. A flight where you could do an interview on arrival might be worth exploring. Good luck. Free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it.

Thanks for the link! I've been thinking about doing some exploring by Amtrak and that website should help answer a lot of questions. We took the Empire Builder from St. Paul to Seattle a number of years ago on a planes, trains, and automobiles (and many other modes of conveyance) trip and really enjoyed it. I liked the pace of Amtrak, just sitting, reading, and watching the world go by. A roomette would be about perfect for one, for two it's a little tight, especially in sleep mode. We've also traveled around Europe and Japan by rail and had great trips. My advice based on our Europe/Japan trips one Amtrak trip; 1) pack light in a bag that's easy to move up and down steps/down narrow corridors, and 2) don't plan a tight connection based on Amtrak's timetables. We got into Seattle many hours late. What was planned as an all day visit to the Museum of Flight on arrival day turned into a 1.5 hr mad dash through the exhibits before the museum closed. Because of work schedules, it had to be a very tightly scheduled trip. We were able to string together 16 modes of conveyance on that little adventure. After the leisurely Amtrak leg, the rest of the trip was pretty frenetic! I hope your test run to St. Louis turns out well.

I've read most of the posts in this thread and it seems most have given you the 411 on weather/clothing needs. If you pack for a cool wet fall day in your home area, you'll be covered. Waterproof/breathable hooded jacket and a fleece jacket and/or fleece vest are all you'll need. I'd add a pair of rain pants to your day bag if you're doing anything outside for any duration. The weather can change by the minute. I forgot my rain pants for a whale watch excursion in Juneau, it started raining really hard, and I spent the rest of the excursion and a couple hours at Mendenhall Glacier in soaked jeans. The rain pants with side zips are much easier to get on/off. A fleece beanie and a light pair of gloves are never a bad thing. If your concerns about outlets at the bedside are for a CPAP machine, give guest services a call and let them know your needs. It's a really common request that they're used to accommodating. The times I've sailed with my CPAP, they've provided an extension cord (if needed) and distilled water (for a charge). A couple other thoughts; get some gaffer tape. It holds almost as well as duct tape, but leaves no residue. Wrap 5-10 ft. of it around an old plastic gift card/credit card. It works great for taping down an extension cord if the need arrises. If your magnetic hooks slide down the vertical metal surface, put a small piece of gaffer tape on the wall/surface at the level you want the hook. It'll work like a curb/bumper and the magnet won't slide down over it. Good choice on a Neptune Suite. We booked one for an anniversary cruise to Alaska and it was a wonderful treat. A suggestion for your photographer bride; make sure to be up on deck when steaming out of Skagway. The scenery is particularly breathtaking. Also, Eldred Rock Lighthouse is about 35 miles south of Skagway, and even leaving port at 8p, there may still be some backlighting as you steam by, depending on cloud conditions. Google it and take a look. Enjoy. Free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it.