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trivia addict

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  • Posts

    650
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About Me

  • Location
    Whidbey Island
  • Interests
    travel, history
  • Favorite Cruise Line(s)
    Viking
  • Favorite Cruise Destination Or Port of Call
    St Petersburg

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trivia addict's Achievements

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Cool Cruiser (2/15)

  1. We always go to Clearwater Beach. Far, but quiet, uncrowded and has amenities.
  2. Yes, you will need a TA who is familiar with the countries you are visiting. Very different experiences. And do watch out for pickpockets. Despite its reputation, I never had a problem in Rome, but a I’m sure a family trying to corral 3 children would be a good target. i have had two problems in Barcelona. Once had a camera stolen and once my daughter and I were definitely being followed. BTW, if in Barcelona, I recommend the HopOnHopOff bus. And of course, the Gaudi works of LaPedera and Sagrada Familia are not to be missed.
  3. Maybe no coffee makers in rooms but many of the smaller European hotels have amazing European style included breakfasts. Cheeses, meats, breads, yogurt, pastries, etc. My adult children now probably remember those more than some of our excursions! If you can book one of those you will save quite a bit of time and money in the mornings.
  4. Smilegirl07, have you thought about using a travel agent for your stays in Europe before and after the cruise? i, too, am very hands on when it comes to cruises and travel within the U.S., but when it comes to booking hotels, cars, trains and museum tickets in Europe I find that a good TA knows a lot more than I do about these things.
  5. The company may not be “local” but the guides that are hired at the venues are local citizens who are trained to be guides. Obviously, if you have guides all over the world, your headquarters will not be “local”
  6. Yes, the Schuyler/ Hamilton history is fascinating. There are many good biographies or historical novels of them all that make good reading. Can’t really judge the seating for you, it’s a big theater, but of course, lots of seats! And pictures posted, make me want to take another tour all over again!
  7. For anyone who has not yet seen Hamilton ( in person) I highly recommend you make an effort to see it. Over 50 years and countless Broadway plays in my background, it is my all time favorite. I do suggest though, that before seeing it, you do a little background reading on his life. The music and acting is wonderful, but the dialogue is rapid. By knowing his story it is easy to follow. And if you are in the City beforehand, one of the downtown Hamilton walking tours is very educational and fun!
  8. Check out Tours By Locals. Our family of 6 did a private excursion with them a few years ago in Oahu. We did a complete circle of the entire Island, stopping at places that our guide thought we would like and yet flexible enough to stop whenever we saw something interesting. We have also used that company in Austria and Budapest. Always very satisfied. In fact we had a tour booked with them for Italy for June 2020. Obviously didn’t go and had no problem getting our deposit back.
  9. Add to that list The Painted Desert and Red Rock Canyon. The only time our luggage receipts were checked was back in the 70s. For a time at LaGuardia, the luggage area was fenced in and in order to get out with your luggage you had to show your receipt to a guard at the exit.
  10. I love Vibe, but I have been to Alaska twice in May, once in July, and once in August and I would never consider paying for it on an Alaskan cruise. Thermal pass is a much better idea.
  11. We have used Carmel. We used it once from Long Island to Manhattan Cruise Terminablev and once from LA to LAX. Found it very comparable in price to Lift or Uber. Each time reserved in advance and both times very satisfied.
  12. I might go with the extra space in your case. I am claustrophobic and always get a balcony, but on my 4 trips to Alaska, I used the balcony less than other trips because of the weather. Weather in Alaska can be sunny and warm or cold and rainy. I seemed to get a lot of the cold and rainy. I was more comfortable sitting in the observation lounge with my coffee/ cocktail watching the mountains go by. And if you want to be outside, there is plenty of deck space to find and sit on. And as mentioned, will you be off of the ship on excursions a good part of the time? Will you need to sit on your balcony? On our first trip to Alaska, we were up early and on excursions all day long. A hard choice. If this is your first trip to Alaska and the Northwest you will be in awe of the scenery and use the balcony regardless. On the other hand, I can’t imagine the discomfort of 4 people in a small room for an entire week.
  13. Also would recommend Edmonds. We go there a lot. And the whale watching boat is a bit expensive but is comfortable, educational and great with finding whales. We like taking visitors on it. But if you are going to Alaska, perhaps you already have a whale watching excursion?
  14. Cavalier, please keep us posted on your final decisions. Would love to hear of your experiences!
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