Lady Hudson

Good morning, all. Prayers for all in need. Thanks to all who contribute here. Hot and humid herebagain in SE PA. Will be staying in except for a quick run to get some takeout. Had a surprise dinner with twin and her DH last night as she had found a fabulous seafood sale at a local grocery (really - $.75 for 8 breaded shrimp, $1.00 a piece for crab cakes and $10.00 for 4 small lobster tails). We ate some and froze a lot. Today we will get together for baseballs games - the second half of one that was rained out last night and then a night game. My twin has been on a tear with cruising a lot lately. She spends some time in the casino so gets some deals. She is “dragging” us along. Next up — Vision of the Seas on 8/17. Have a great weekend everyone and stay cool! Katherine

Happy Anniversary! Have a great voyage.

Wow! Thank you. I haven’t been on here for a bit. 54 years! Katherine

Someone posted a bit ago that there is a way to input name on luggage tags before printing. Think I can remember where I saw that? No. Anyone here who can help me out — either pointing me to the right post or give directions for printing name? Thank you.

No, just the usual fees. Because of family issues I may not be available for this cruise. I may end up being a no show.

Hey, Gayle! My sister has never had a problem before either. Who knows — maybe if she called back she would have gotten a different answer! Are you cruising soon? We will be on Vision in August and then the Greenland cruise in September. Hope to see you soon. Katherine

So — I am going on a 9 day cruise with my sister because — the casino folks would not allow my sister to book a solo balcony cabin. So as a solo you are denied a balcony cabin even though you received an offer. If my sister took an inside instead it would have been ok. Strange.

Nice to hear from you. Hope you had a great time. I really want to schedule a QM2 soon! Best wishes. Katherine

Just a quick question. On another line when I purchase the internet package I am able to use wifi calling to keep in touch with home. Is this available on Cunard ships? Katherine

Trying to look up a particular member to see if she is still cruising but I really can’t seem to do that. Either the procedure has changed or I am a forgetful idiot! Can anyone help? Thank you. Katherine

I am a bit annoyed that Giovanni’s (which ever) menu has changed after we paid many dollars for the ultimate dining package. DH is a particular eater but he could always find something to eat at Giovanni’s. Now I am not sure. And the trip we purchased the package for is 14 days!! Many concerns. Katherine

I do miss the twice a day cleaning but have adjusted to once a day. We had evening cleaning and asked for extra towels (accessible cabin so a lot of water can get on floor). I also take a shower am and pm while cruising. DH drinks a lot of canned soda so there was an issue with overflowing trash cans. On our next trip I will be bringing plastic bags for the excess trash. I am one who found it ironic that just about the same time the gratuities went up the service declined. And don’t get me started on the new menus!! Some will say switch cruise lines if unhappy. Easier said than done. Royal does have a great loyalty program which we enjoy and do feel we paid for by being loyal (over 70 cruises). I just hope that Royal does not downgrade the experience too much. Costs now are too high to be concerned about product when on vacation. Katherine

Absolutely - except the first year. My sister and I did the QM2 4th of July cruise every year from 2004 to 2016. The first year we were to sail into NY Harbor to see the fireworks and leave the harbor shortly after. But Homeland Security had other ideas. If QM2 had gone into the harbor we would have had to stay there until the next day. Instead we went to Newport. No one could get off because we were just anchored. No entertainment except for the group of men on a yacht who decided to moon us! The fireworks at night were spectacular because Cunard had paid many dollars to Newport to upgrade their show. Champagne was served and a good time was had by all. Katherine

Happy Fourth and prayers for our country as well. Not much going on but twin and her family bringing the gourmet hot dogs and ribs to barbecue. I will supply apps, potato salad and dessert. Looks like rain again — we got a fair amount yesterday. Going the at home therapy route with DH again through Medicare. Have already had 3 home visits from staff but no actual therapy sessions yet. Hopefully that starts tomorrow. Praying that this time will work and DH’s legs will strengthen. Have a great day and comfort those puppies around you. It will be a difficult day for some. Katherine

Karen — so sorry to hear of your loss. The next days will be challenging so be sure to take care of yourself. It sounds as though you have a wonderful family and you will remember all the good times. Blessings to you and yours. Katherine

Thank you!!

Wonderful review and your pictures are lovely. I do have a few questions about the casino if you happen to go there. Busy or are people having fun elsewhere on the ship? Are there many blackjack tables? Thank you.

Well — I am looking forward to a change in ships and have heard that Odyssey is very nice with a few different restaurants. We really spend very little time in the solarium and can’t remember when I have been in a Royal pool or hot tube. Again — time will tell. Katherine

Got it. Let’s hope those watching the solarium area keep the kids out. I have, on occasion, seen the staff allow kids in solariums when the weather has been really cold. Time will tell.

Odyssey is quantum class, correct? Lots of indoor venues. We have been on both Quantum and Anthem out of NJ - Anthem many times. Never have seen a problem with kids in solarium — possible because of the indoor family pool? I am looking forward to Odyssey out of NJ — already booked. Katherine

We do not need the “amusement park at sea” experience but we don’t mind sailing on them. I would think that all cruise lines will continue to need a few smaller ships to continue sailing to ports that can’t handle the “big girls”. I also am questioning —maybe it’s rumor — that some ports that may be closing to ships (think Bar Harbor, Key West) because of the increased size of ships. Hope any new build will have retractable stacks for ports with lower bridges. My two cents. Katherine

Thank you. We are safe. No damage that I see. I went to the basement for a bit but my darling ❤️ DH refused to join me. Katherine

Have a great day!

I appreciate you doing this. I have done Arctic Circle trips a number of times on Cunard. This will bring back great memories. Loved Honningsvag, Flam and Geirenger. Traveling for the first time on Jewel in September. May have some questions about the ship if you can answer. Thanks. Katherine

Good morning. Thanks to all who contribute. Weather today is a high of 74 degrees. We can smell the smoke from Canada and air quality is poor. Cleaning folks coming today after illness and a car accident. Woman with accident spent two days in hospital. That is bad but glad she is ok because she has 3 small children. Have to pay remaining balance today on September trip to Greenland and Canada. Yikes — fares are very high now. Prayers for all in need. Katherine