wcook

One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble Not much between despair and ecstasy One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble Can't be too careful with your company I can feel the devil walking next to me

Chip and pin will be universally adapted in the US right about the time the rest of the world has abandoned it and gone fully contactless.

Yep, it’s cold in Norway. You might even say it’s “Frozen.” But you can’t worry about what other people do or don’t pack, post etc. You have to, um, what’s that phrase that means to give something up, to stip thinking or worrying about it?

They can hold on for a while, but at least when it come to cruising the technology will be harder and harder to ignore. Already today I can browse the daily planner on my phone, mark items I’m interested in, have a reminder pop up a few minutes before the event, bring up a ship plan showing me where I am, where the even is and how to get between the two. Can’t wait to see what technology brings tomorrow.

Probably best to spend a little less than $49k on the car so you’ll have money left over for tolls.

Parts of the Philippines get a pretty serious warning from the US state department. Of course, these parts aren't Manila or where cruise ship Exercise increased caution to the Philippines due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel to: The Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, andkidnapping. Marawi City in Mindanao due to terrorism and civil unrest.

Given the number of random shootings here in the US, there’s not a foreign port I worry about. And to be honest, I’m not really scared in the US either. We live in an era of super low crime rates. Unfortunately, we also live in an era of ubiquitous sensationalist media.

If I spent $50,000 on a cruise I would want things to be perfect. Antarctic cruises are always going to have issues. If I’m you, I’d get my deposit back.

Note: MSC has plenty of Americanized food if that’s what somebody is looking for.

Isn’t asking here “doing homework”? Besides, this is meant as a social board. A way to interact with people.

Me? I love being able to text and chat with friends and family. Take a quick picture of a tasty beverage or snack I’ve just gotten and send it off to see who wants to join me.

Actually, I was a fairly normal kid. Then I discovered alcohol and it’s been all downhill since 🙂

Usually on MSC if you get a drinks/WiFi included package it’s the middle tier drink package and the low tier WiFi. You can pay to upgrade ahead of time, but as mentioned you pay full price + 15% for any drink above the package cutoff.

Who hoo - free dinner!

Yes.

Just our family (lots of nieces, nephews, cousins, etc.) but the requirement for teens is they present themselves for dinner. On time. No whining. If they’ve booked a shoe excursion, they have to take it. Other than that, they are responsible for themselves. If they want to skip sleep, or sleep the trip away that’s on them. Obviously not all teens are the same. “Teen” doesn’t necessary mean the day they turn 13. Some will need more supervision. But - again this is just our family - cruises are a great opportunity to give kids more freedom and let them grow. Soon they will be off at college and have to fully manage their time. It’s interesting watching the choices they make. Some stick with the family and follow the adult schedules. Some get involved in the ship activities. And some just disappear, magically appearing at dinner and then disappearing again. Note: there are of course rules - no going in anyone’s room for any reason, never accept a beverage from anyone but crew, etc. But that’s different from time management.

Obviously somebody never flew People Express.

Generic foreign currency exchange tip: Don't stress. I’ve seen people jump through all sorts of hoops to avoid a 3% fee. On a $600 exchange. On a $10,000 vacation. That said, here’s one “scam” that seems to be growing: The ATM machine* or credit card reader offers to charge your card in US dollars rather than the local currency. Don’t do it. It will undoubtedly use some god awful exchange rate. Just get charged in the foreign currency and let your bank do the exchange. It may not be the best possible rate, but it will be much better that what the ATM will use. * redundant, I know. Don’t get me stared on needing a PIN number to use one.

This thread will end. Eventually. But as long as Cruise Critic exists, this topic will never die.

Keep in mind when you get a package you have to order off the package menu. Or get something off the regular menu and pay 50% of the menu price. The package menu does generally include the kinds of thing most people want, but if you like to be adventurous probably don’t get the package. You should be able to find pictures of the menus with a simple search.

There usually going to be a big 70’s/disco/flower power night if you want to dress up and play along.

One of the crazy things about technology is how fast we go from “Sci-fi dream” to “this sucks.” A connection to the internet, every computer, business and every person in the world (sort of.) On a moving ship. In the middle of the ocean. We are docking in Rome tomorrow. Buy train tickets into town, see when the museum opens, and find a restaurant that serves Ossobusco. The magic lasts for a few years. Then we take it for granted. And when the speed isn’t quite up for streaming Matlock reruns, it sucks 🙂

I’m a carry on only guy, but like flying on Southwest with its free checked bags. Because checking a bag is free, people carry on less and there’s more room in the overhead for me.

Now that’s one ship I could never sail on. Too tempting to get separated from my wife and go around yelling “Marco” and listening for her reply. But in any other ship, I’d love to do a SE Asia River cruise.

Yes. I know there have been lots of cancellations that have screwed people. But I didn’t have a cancelled flight and the experience was as good as ever.