Lois R

Hi Sue, good to see you again. I am going on OCT 13th for 8 nights. I am actually flying out on Oct 11th and I arrive on Oct 12th so have 1 night pre-cruise in Venice. Booked my flights and hotel as well

Terry, the food photos are fantastically fabulous...…….had to use that alliteration.

Hi, ohh....you are away for a good long time.....glad it is wonderful. Hope you will remember to come back and post for us when you eventually get home

Well, it is now May 18th...….I think you cruised last month, right? How was it?

I have always packed my make up in my carry on bag...…..I don't wear a lot of it and it just easier to have it with me.....my toiletries, makeup and jewelry all go with me in my carry on.

Welcome to the world of cruising....most of us LOVE IT.....me included in that category. I have not done a land trip in many years. 2 years ago was my first time with Silversea and then I sailed with them again last year so, yes I love their product. (I have multiple cruises with other lines over the years but SS is my fav) As for packing? I have been to Alaska (on cruises) 3 times over the years. One of my suggestions is to layer....it is the best way (in my opinion) to pack for that climate. As for what to pack? Daytime, long pants (jeans, casual stuff), long sleeves, sweater and/or jacket...….throw in a pair of gloves and remember to pack socks too...….daytime I wear a walking shoe or sneaker. Evenings, I wear nice slacks with nice tops, some jewelry and a flat or low heeled sandal. I cruise on my own so nobody else is part of my radar about what to bring. Dinner? I agree with the other folks, if you want to dine in your cabin, talk to your Butler. They are usually very accommodating. I have not sailed to Alaska with Silversea but I am quite sure it is wonderful. I hope you love cruising as much as the rest of us!

Good morning, I have heard of Road Scholar....I think they used to be "ELDER HOSTEL".....funny how life is...….when I was younger, my folks traveled with The Elder Hostel group to different places...….my folks are gone now...….does that now make me feel old? …….where are you going with them?

Good morning, I stayed a "The Beekman" which is in lower Manhattan. I was able to walk to the 9/11 Museum and yes, I would say go see it. And yes, I would highly recommend the hotel. It is beautiful Inside. It is not inexpensive but it was so worth it (to me). I splurged and had the car service pick me up a the airport and take me to the ship the next day. I booked both through the Hotel's Concierge. Hope you have a great time

JP....do you and Chris leave tomorrow? Wishing you a wonderful trip and safe travels

There is not "One cruise line for all"...…….depends on the person. I always sail solo but no longer like the "Big Ships" so NCL doesn't appeal to me. There are a lot of cruiselines out there...NCL, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Princess, just to name a few. There are luxury lines, Seabourn, Silversea, and Crystal.....to name a few. I would say to have your sister-in-law speak with a Travel Agent who specializes in cruising. We cannot name agents on here but Google is a good search engine.....or find a local TA and go see one in person.

I just sailed solo out of Manhattan last month. I took a car service (not a taxi) but a car...…..it was an SUV...…..excellent driver. He picked me up at my hotel and took me to the ship. Company is called Paris Transportation. Yes, it was more money but it was worth it to me.

No pressure.....I am sure it will be fine for one night. I may pay the extra $$ for a private water taxi to the hotel. Last year I shared a ride with a couple who were staying at the same hotel. I have time to decide. I am pretty good with directions (after I get to the hotel) and hopefully I will be able to walk around, find a place for lunch and find my way back to the hotel LOL. I know it is on the canal but not sure the distance from area to area...….if that makes sense. It will all work out

Hi Roz, I know you really enjoy the line...….I am sure I will too

I love Barcelona...….never been to Lisbon before. When in Barcelona, Las Ramblas is the fun/funky Ave with lots of vendors/restaurants/etc. And of course there is Sagrada Familia (famous church). Hope you have a great time

Good morning coolers, well, after much thought and more research, I decided to cancel my booking at The Marriott. I am staying in Venice proper now and will be staying at the following smaller, boutique style, property. https://www.hotelantichefigure.it/ It was recommended as well and it is quite a bit less $$$ and looks like it will be quite good for one night.