jamessemaj

Rather than worry about what smart casual means, another way to view it is what it isn't, which would be mostly shorts and t-shirts. Jeans are on the line, depending on condition, torn and raggedy being exclusions. You will see some coat and tie but not the majority. A jacket can do wonders in upgrade if in doubt. For example, nice jeans and a stylish non-gaudy t-shirt can be enhanced and saved by a jacket. You will know smart casual when you see it and you will know those who have no clue, but they will not likely be denied entry.

The way courts have been ruling and with the expectation that the Supreme Court will wade in, being optimistic, national marriage equality may be instituted before the Fall of 2015.

I haven't gotten sick on a cruise, but different people have varied susceptibilities to illness. Air travel is probably more likely to cause illness than a ship. On one cruise I was on a friend came down with "walking pneumonia", whatever that means, but didn't find out until returning home. If I did often experience illness on cruises or other activities, yes, I would consider not doing it or finding an alternative. At least giving it thought.

My partner and I are sailing out of Galveston on November 9, in past cruises from Galveston we always meet others like us. We always have a great time

My first cruise was a transatlantic out of Galveston in 2010, it was about 75% Texans, many of the others foreigners trying to get home due to flight delays from a volcano in Greenland. There was a noticeable gay contingent on board. Although Texas has a well deserved conservative label, it's a big state. Houston's mayor is openly gay and both Houston and Galveston have gay communities to rival Castro in SF. The previous shots at cruising from Texas are not well informed.

I wouldn't sign up either. There is little difference between most cabins other than having an outside view or a balcony. I would be curious to see the few more lavish suites, but then think, for what?, I will never have one. Makes me think of the Titanic and having a cabin crawl from steerage to upper class.

My cruise starts when I am through the getting there including transport to the port, registration, and finding my cabin. I am preoccupied in a negative state getting there especially by air and all of that hassle and discomfort. As for bus transport, I would just hope for a comfortable space and little waiting time, just get me where we are going in some comfort. Special services and stopping to shop en route, no, I won't ride that bus.

Could be psychosomatic, emotional or otherwise related psychologically. Just a thought, since the primary care dr. didn't get into physical issues. Maybe ask the dr. about it or more importantly, ask her about it and if she has a problem with cruising other than motion sickness, such as family dynamics on the cruise.

The ship is the place for me. May get off, may not. Some ports I know it will be not, some I'll think about it.

We've done both a TA and an Alaskan cruise. Interestingly, we had booked the TA first, but, since it was almost 2 years out from that cruise we booked an Alaskan cruise in the meantime. We'd do either one again.

 

As for figuring out which one to do first, I'd have to look at costs (including airfare, pre & post cruise stays, and actual cost of cruise). Plus I'd have to find out which one would have the room type that I want to book at a cost I can live with. Then, what ports & port times each has.

 

Then choose.

My view exactly. I sure like transatlantics but hate flying, even one way. I agree that I would weigh all of the costs and the horrors of flying to decide. I am not as enamored as most with Alaska, been once, not sure I care to do it again; don't like cold, even that in the summer in Alaska.

Where you got the understanding is a mystery. Where did you get this idea? I seriously doubt it and you need not worry about being a senior single on this cruise. "Young families" dominate very few cruises during school holidays. They are rare.

I too was not aware of the members list and fail to see the significance of it.

It seems to me that the more active roll calls are dominated by only a few people who run up the number of posts with chit chat not really related to the cruise. The posts will increase in proportion to the number of people who already know each other. And then there is somebody who takes control and posts activity reports, etc. continuously.

How many packs of cigs. Can u bring on board or is it cheaper to buy them on board?

 

 

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No limit to carry onboard and yes, it is cheaper to buy onboard. Only limit is taking off ship. Carry tax paid cigs onboard, but save them and buy duty free onboard.

Totally different issues.

Dog issues are dog issues, although I admit this is far off the original thread, but that is where you went and I followed.

Under the ADA and in about 25% of the states, it's illegal to misrepresent that an animal is a service dog. I'd like to see the law enforced and people prosecuted. It should quickly resolve that problem once people are fined several thousand dollars and/or tossed in jail for up to six months.

This would be far down my list of dog owner prosecution. First would be loose dogs and attacks on humans. I won't mention the pit bull controversy, except I just did.

Never experienced one, but have seen the videos, and often think of it when outside, especially on the promenade deck. I would think it would be bad news, but never heard of people going overboard when one hits.

I have experienced this but I am not prone to seasickness and would not take medication for it. I don't see it as a reverse seasickness at all, just a minor sense of movement. I have seen people suffering from seasickness who are fine after going on solid ground.

Have you flown on an American airline lately?

Visiting St. Petersburg was the topic of a very contentious thread here some time back, me being an admirer of the place. I still maintain that what homophobia exists in Russia pales in comparison to the Caribbean. I see nothing here that is very accurate in response to your post, OP, and would just suggest that you peruse the St. Petersburg and Baltic boards which unfortunately won't offer gay advice. To stay on the ship in St. Petersburg would be denying yourself a wonderful travel experience of a great world city.

What I see here are control issues, which tend to get nasty. The OP expected control of the agreement for a 2 or 3 couple anniversary cruise. The other couple did not comply. I would expect that if the original agreement were abided by there would still have been discord for control issues on the cruise, so it's probably just as well that it won't happen. It is the grounds for the end of friendships. The other couple cancelled, not the OP.

I did Alaska in July on Celebrity from Seward to Vancouver. There were very few kids, maybe 20 at the most. I have done RCCI more than any cruise line, but not Alaska, and their big ships have a lot to appeal to kids. Don't know, just saying that Alaska cruises may be more adult oriented.

It might be more accurate to compare the small luxury ships to a staid old folks home.

I think it depends largely on the CD and Captain. Some have no clue to how irritating the announcements are. I just smirk at the suggestions to go with the luxury lines as happens for every inconvenience, this one, too many kids, smoking, free chairs, et al. Thanks, but I can't afford it and I can deal with some inconvenience for what I can afford. I even endure flying in the economy goat pens rather than business or first class.

You need not worry over this. There is absolutely no need for separate dress for each formal night. I hesitate to respond due to your even thinking it. We may live on different planets. It is not prom night. It is just dressy. Some go full formal, some less. If I need to explain dressy, forget it, I can't help.

Traveler's checks are just too inconvenient to me, and they are not accepted in many places. I carry some cash and count on ATMs. The last time I used them I had to stand in line forever in a bank in Spain, where it was the only place to cash them. Never again.