Doctor G

Suzanne, I talked to Linda yesterday. She and Beth stayed with friends in Lehigh (sp?) and weathered the storm ok. Luckily when they returned home there was minimal damage in their condo areas and no water in their homes. Still without power last night. I don't know about today.

Carolyn

I'm relieved that all the Florida folks seem to have gotten by with minimal damage from Irma. Hopefully it won't take too long to restore electricity.

How 'bout them Cowboys!!

Carolyn

I can't think of a worse place to be during this storm is on a boat.

The best experience on our cruise was a tour to Volunteer Point on the Falkland Islands to see the penguins. We went with Patrick Watts, and his tours fill up very early. The tour involves a very rough ride over the farms in a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The tours to this spot are limited by the number of 4 wheel drive vehicles available on the island. But, it is well worth the rough ride. Thousands of penguins that you can get very close and personal with. Antarctica is a wonderful cruise. I would do it again.

Carolyn

I, too, always have my reservations with a travel agent, but she is a private agent. What I like best is that she does any work needed with Celebrity. It saves me having to spend time on hold with Celebrity, and she really goes to bat for me if there is any issue with what I want to do. Another thing to look into is how available the agent or company is. I've heard that some can't be reached at times (like night, Sundays, etc.) I can contact my agent anytime day or night. If she is traveling she has colleagues who handle anything I need. I guess the disadvantage of a private agent is that she cannot offer group rates, but to me that is not a big concern.

Happy sailing to you,

Carolyn

Lois, here's hoping this is a temporary condition. You have had a lot to contend with in regards your health. I'm sorry you are going through this and I'm sure you are very frustrated. Stay strong.

Carolyn

Well Suzanne, the gas lines have now formed here. I think people are over reacting. A lot of the reason for the shortage is the number of people racing out to fill up their cars. Nevertheless, I am glad I filled up my car before the run on gasoline began.

Carolyn

I recently changed my cabin from one category to another and kept the same booking number and perks. This was done by my TA. In my case it was a downgrade, but from Concierge to Family Veranda (much bigger cabin and huge balcony!) This was after final payment and I did not pay more for the Family Veranda. It was an even $$ trade.

Carolyn

I always keep a small flashlight on my bedside: home, cruise ships, hotels, friend's home. It's handy for night bathroom trips, but also handy if you have to evacuate a room. I have had to evacuate a hotel room on two different occasions and was glad to have my own light.

On the M class ships not all the walls are metal in the Sky Suites. I was recently on the Summit, and the only metal wall was behind the cabin door (when the door is open). The magnets do work on that wall, but it is a bit inconvenient. I also found this on another ship, but don't remember which one.

Carolyn

Suzanne, I have not seen any gas lines at this point. I did go out on Tuesday and fill up because I assumed that gasoline prices would spike. There has been some news coverage showing gas lines in this area of the state. Dallas and Fort Worth are getting quite a few evacuees. A cruising buddy of Linda and I lives in Port Arthur and was evacuated to the shelter which then flooded. My niece, who lives in Houston, is dry but has 11 people and 5 dogs living with her right now. It's an unbelievable mess.

Carolyn

The rains are going to continue to be bad for several days. I hope the cruise ships go to another port. Even if they could dock in Galveston, the passengers could not get home right now. All the freeways in Houston are flooded. Hobby Airport is closed for the next several days. Those cruisers waiting to embark are now stranded in Galveston. Harvey is going to continue for several days and may circle around and land again.

Carolyn

Lois, unfortunately some people have chosen to "ride this out." I'm watching the local news, and Harvey is now a Category 4 hurricane reaching land sooner than expected. They just showed a man in Corpus Christi down by the water where the winds are ferocious, the rain is heavy, and the ocean is surging up over the land. This idiot said he had never seen something like this so he wanted to see for himself. The Governor is begging people to put their lives ahead of property.

Carolyn

I'm back folks. About 10 days ago I had a TIA ("mini" stroke) and was in the hospital 4 days and then in a rehab facility for 4 days. I am extremely lucky that it was very minor, and I have no residual effects. I will continue in outpatient PT for awhile to help strengthen my legs (which were't very strong to begin with!). I will now have to take a blood thinner for the rest of my life. I feel very, very fortunate that this was so minor.

Lois, I'm enjoying catching up on your posts about Silver Seas. I know nothing about them.

Carolyn

I was on this street when I was in Barcelona in May. Linda and I will be there next May. Very scary stuff.

I just finished accessing my reservation and printing my Xpress Pass. To find my reservation, I followed the same process that jelayne posted earlier. Good luck.

Carolyn

Good for them!

Carolyn

Thanks ----- how do you take it on the ship though? We will be in Venice for 3 days before the cruise and know that Celebrity are not too good when it comes to allowing drinks on the ship at embarkation. I don't want to spend 3 days in Venice hunting down decaf Coke .....

I'm glad to hear that Celebrity seems to have caffeine free Diet Coke. I'll have to look for that on my next cruise. From ports in the US i put a luggage tag on the carton, and it is delivered to my cabin. So far, I have not found Caffeine Free Coke Zero in Europe. It's fairly easy to find Coke Zero, but I haven't seen the caffeine free version. Have a great cruise. I'll be in Venice next May.

Carolyn

I drink Caffeine Free Coke Zero and have never found it on a Celebrity ship. I usually bring a 12 pack on with me. I don't know if they have any other caffeine free diet sodas.

Carolyn

Have a great trip, Lois.

Carolyn

In Belfast we had a private tour with Paddy's Black Cabs. It was all day and we drove along the coast to Giant's Causeway--definitely worth the trip. Later we went to the Titanic Museum in Belfast (where Titanic was built), and I thought it was one of the best museums I have been to. In Liverpool we took a tour to Northern Wales with Busy Bus. Again, it was all day, but I really enjoyed the scenery in the country side.

Have a great trip.

Carolyn

Lois, I'm glad you took care of the will, etc. Too many people wait until it is too late. I think it is easier to do when you are younger and don't think you are likely to die soon. I have some older friends who have difficulty getting this done, and I think it is because they are too near the end of their life. I have had mine done for several years now.

Carolyn

Debarkation procedures probably depend on the Michael's Club Concierge. One of them walked me all the way to the elevator and said goodbye! One of them took a group of us off the ship and though the customs line where she took us to the front of the line. I'm sure you can guess which was the best concierge throughout the cruise.

I think it would depend on what is in your carry on. I always keep mine with me because I have valuables like jewelry and a camera in my carry on.

Carolyn

Lois, good for you. I have used private car service in Barcelona (Sun Transfers), and it has worked quite well. As I have gotten older and don't want to handle my luggage too much I usually have a car service when I am arriving and departing from a foreign airport.

Carolyn