mozfoz

What is "above and beyond"? If a person does something beyond their scope of duties, than that is a very nice gesture. Or it can be in hopes or earning a bigger tip. And if a passenger feels inclined to add additional "gratuities", than that too is fine. But then you are really just paying for that addition service, and is really a "payment for services", not a gratuity. At what point does "above and beyond" kick in? Let's say I ask for a drink and the bartender does a spectacular display of craftsmanship in making the drink and even sings while doing it. Is that above and beyond? If I tip additional money, than all I did was pay for entertainment that I did not ask for. There is a difference between gratuity and a payment for services. Maybe dishing out money makes you feel good, thats great too. Tell me where the line forms.

"Just a couple of comments today. It is the 30th so tomorrow is what the English-speaking countries call Halloween. Never was a tradition here but it has caught on so there are parties and decoration in some places. Protestant areas of Germany observe Reformation Day tomorrow. All Saints on 1 November is observed as a public holiday in parts of Switzerland, in France and along the Rhine area in Germany. Shops are closed in Germany." I followed you all of 2022 leading up to our Oct. 30th,2022 Rhine cruise. I wish I would have known this prior to booking. Though the cruise was good, it definitely got off to slow start with the observation and closing of shops for 2 days. Live and learn. Thanks for all your information you provide.

There is a very small gift display case on the Maria Theresa and a small shop on the Antoinette. There are spa services. We were forced to use ours rather than leave them. We did use them on the ships dinner and behind scenes tour ($75pp) and an excursion to Hiedleberg ($80pp). Ask you TA to apply the credit to you final payment.

Based on the deck plans the stairs are midship, behind staff doors, and not intended for passenger use. Ocean ships have multiple stairs behind hallway walls. They are not indicated on deck plans since they are not intended for use by the public. Sometimes on largeocean ships you get to see them as the quickest exit route during a life boat drill. Staff could never be expected to constantly transverse the length of a ship all day long. Food for room service and housekeeping would never work. Were you ever curious why some doors on ships are not labeled or unlabeled areas on a deck plan.

Our first cruise with UW was in a Classic cabin on the MT. We had no issue with engine or water noises. However we had a great deal of noise that was initiated by the crew. We were in Cabin 205, close to the separation door. Apparently the crew is housed in the aft at this level and used the main stairs, rather than the staff only stairs, located mid ship. The constant opening and closing of the hall separation door was very noisy and bothersome. The staff used the hall for coming and going to their stations. They were always in the hall. Never heard of this issue before, and hopefully it was a one-off occurrence.

We done both tours in October 2022. The Vinegar tasting was great and was included. It's so different than what you might imagine. Google 'Vinegar tour Germany". Heidlelberg was just like any other old town. Actually, not as good as many others. Too much money $75pp for a long bus ride, too much castle tour time, and not enough free time. Of course that is just my opinion, along with others on the tours. Regardless, you will enjoy your sailing.

I have not sailed on the SS Beatrice, but have sailed on Uniworld twice. In both cases, you are correct about selecting your excursions once onboard. Some have a guest maximum, but usually seen to have the maximum limit lifted, if enough guest sign up. Only the onboard Progressive Dinner option, which is limited to 10-12 guest, and only offered for only one night, needs to signed for immediately after the first night presentation talk is completed. Snooze and you'll lose.

We actually done it twice. The first time was on the SS Maria Theresa while doing the Danube Christmas Markets cruise in 2017, and again just this past October onboard the SS Antoinette, Castles Along the Rhine. Not worth the price to do it a second time, but our friends never did one so we thought we would go along as it is interesting and were able to use our cruise credits towards the cost. I would recommend it as it fun to see the operations and of the different delights offered at each station. Slightly different each time.

We done the PD on our Uniworld Danube cruise. The dinner is announced, as an option during the first nights welcome talk before dinner, and cost about $75pp. The dinner only is offered for one evening, and for only 10 or 12 guest. The night of the dinner is announced when you sign up. If you think you are interested, be ready to sign up possibly before the talk or immediately after the talk. Guest meet at a designated area and are led through the ship for a view of all the behind the scene operations. All the ship officers make an appearance and are personable. Each stop on the tour offers a different appetizer, wine taste or cheese offering, with a special dinner served at the conclusion, in a reserved dining space.

First time I went to Pompei was on my own, and the city appeared lifeless. It just seemed like a bunch of ruined buildings. Which it is. The second time was with a private tour guide, and the city seemed to be so vibrant. The guide was able to point out details that explained the buildings and ruins and how everyday life was at the time of the volcano that buried the city. My advice to anyone intending to visit the site is to hire a private guide and to visit as early in the day as possible. It gets very hot in the afternoon and there is no shade, plus the crowds grow. Hat and umbrella may sound funny, but useful.

From Port of Ashdod to Jerusalem is the line 5 bus which costs ₪ 21 and takes about 90 minutes. Easy and reliable is questionable. To get from Port of Ashdod to Jerusalem with a taxi takes 50 min and costs approximately ₪ 400. If a taxi driver were to wait around for you to return there will be cost added. Your best bet for a reliable, easy and cost effective ride is to a hired driver and divide the cost among your 4 person party.

Google private tours in Jerusalem, then look for reviews. Also note that most tours are priced for pick-up from a hotel. Tours from the port are more costly.

We have a booking for next October that includes Egypt. It's way too far out for the excursions and pricing to be published by Oceania, but just find a cruise with similar ports during a month in 2023. The excursions with duration times and pricing should be available. Costs of course may not apply to your dates, but it should give an idea of what to expect.

All the above comments are great. I would highly recommend the helicopter with dogsled excursion in Juneau. The cost is pricey, $650ish, but worth every penny. The thrill, pictures and memories will prove priceles especially for you you dad and daughter. Not strenuous. The best singe travel experience since walking the Great Wall in 1986. We privately booked it, with pick up and return to the ship. The lumberjack show is fun though corny, but cheap and next to the ship, a short walk away. Have fun.

You are correct. I was not playing a game.You win. I was just trying to advise on ways that may be helpful in case of an emergency.

And if your phone is is lost or stolen? The point being is to keep your documents accessible without relying on a hard copy or your phone. A computer at an embassy, maybe a police station, will enable you retrieve vital information in an emergency. Delete them upon return from you trip.

Also, may I add, send an e-mail to yourself of the photographed documents. That will enable you to always have access and provide a source of retrieval from any computer without having your phone.

Looking into the future and exploring the excursions offered in Cairo and other ports, there appears to be 3 different costs offered for each excursion. Could someone please explain the differences in the following example: Medieval Cairo (POS-003) Tour Length: Full-Day (Approximately 12 hours) Tour Price $259.00, Your World,$194.25, Unlimited$109.00 Also, what type excursions would be included in the "FREE - 6 Shore Excursions" O Life offe

Maybe you actually were next on the waitlist. Of course, you can always call Oceania and refuse the cabin and get back in the queue. Or just keep the cabin and consider it your reward for being diligent. Same thing happened to me for a Rivera OV. The system is very wishy washy.

Another thing about bidding is that you do not have a choice of cabin location. The cruise line assigns the cabin if your bid is accepted. So you ask "is it worth it"? For us it was, we ended up with an upgraded category for $610, and were lucky to get a great location. YMMV

Suites were also available for bids., starting bids I think about $1100pp.

The minimum asking bid by Uniworld was $300 pp. It was for a one week sailing. Our bid was $305 pp. So the total upgrade was $610. I think the minimum bid for a Balcony was a couple hundred dollars more, but we would rather have a French balcony. Both the offer and notification of acceptance occurred about 90 days prior to the sail date. The cabin location was at their choice, which was a bit of a concern, but the location could not have beed better In our opinion, either one was a good value. We prefer a French balcony over a Balcony. While the cruise was the last of the "Castles on the Rhine" sailing for the 2022 season, the ship was at capacity and the food and service were up to Uniworlds reputation.

Not sure if you mean the ability to "bid" on an upgrade or just "purchase" an upgrade. Regarding a chance to bid, I was successful when given the opportunity. I bid just a few dollars above the minimum and the bid was accepted. Went from a Classic to a French Balcony for $610.

We just booked a 2024 cruise that includes Cairo. While information on excursions to Giza is vague at this time for Oceania Excursions, specifically their pricing, I am asking for any recommendations from those who have experienced them or can recommend a private driver and guide. Of course indicating cost you paid would be helpful. We normally do not use cruise excursions and do our own private car and guides, we are concerned with the shady reputation that encompasses the area, though not all true. We were wondering if a ship excursion is worth the piece of mind for safety and guarantee of not missing the ship, or if it is no worst of a concern compared to any other port. We prefer a private car rather than a bus, but either is acceptable if reputable.

I do not like disappointments, especially ones that I could have avoided. And a river cruise is far too expensive for me to be disappointed. Thats why I feel research is paramount. Cruise Critic is a great resource. I wish I enjoyed wine, I do not. I am sure there is more than wine on the cruise, but I now feel I would be setting up a disappointment if I did a Douro/Bordeaux cruise. I will find another river or ocean.