Keroppi2011

I realize a woman's shaving needs are different from a man's, but years ago someone recommended to me to use conditioner rather than shaving gel. Still follow that advice as conditioner products are more readily available, cost much less and do the job just as well for me.

Another vote for Alhambra. You won't be disappointed.

At that time of night, road traffic will be light, border crossing should be quick. Less stress than "same day" scenario. Have a great trip.

You will definitely be off-roading, but we found it fun and exhilarating. Water shoes were very useful for a safe entry over the slippery rocks. I enjoyed the whole experience.

Even in the rain, Alaska is spectacular. Have a great time.

bessinfl has already outlined my thoughts in recommending those beautiful Spanish cities. Even with 2-3 days in each you won't be able to see everything. Big advantage limiting your experience to one foreign currency and one foreign language for your first trip. Leave the more distant destinations for your next trip. Trust me, there will be a next one!

Also stayed at the Best Western City. Selection was based on moderate price and convenient location. But the best features were the amazing breakfast buffet and the very helpful desk staff.

I'm in the same boat as Sail (actually, I would like to be). Life is short and there are no guarantees. Go and have a trip of a lifetime.

We carried two notarized forms - one issued by the cruise line and another (slightly different) obtained from the Border Services , in addition to passport and original birth certificate to take our little one from Vancouver to Alaska. Cruise rep. photocopied both forms for their records at check-in. Border Services at American customs gave them a cursory glance. Re-entering Canada, we were only asked if we had the form. Nobody actually looked at it.

Although we didn't NEED waterproof boots, I was glad three times over that we had them. Travelling with a curious 10 year old, she was able to stand at the lakeshore edge at Nugget Falls without reprimands about getting wet.. We walked back via the unmaintained beach trail rather than on the main trail and had to splash through three small creeks - an bit of an adventure. In Ketchikan, we waded into the creek edge for a closer look at the salmon "corpses".

Agree with Budget Queen about heading out to Nugget Falls first on the nice flat trail. Best views of the falls and glacier are from the gravel beds in front of the falls. Use any extra time to walk down to covered viewpoint for a look at glacier from across the lake. Also, at this time you can see bright red salmon in the creek next to the bus drop-off. Note - many steep steps up to the visitors centre, if that is a consideration. Enjoy your time there. One of our favourite outings.

Enjoyed every day of our Alaska experience - even the rainy ones. Have a memorable time.

Yes, a challenge for sure. No meat, no wheat products, no dairy! Plenty of fruits and vegetables, rice and legumes. Think of the ingredients in each of our favourite HAL specialties. She can't have most of them. But it is well worth the extra effort in order to have such quality time with her.

We are travelling with a 10 year old whose diet is vegetarian, gluten free and casein free. Did I mention she's a kid - i.e. picky? HAL has been very good at working with us to meet her needs but we will still carry a few sealed items aboard to make sure she has some special treats that match the rules.

Yes, I am a card carrying member (that would be my Visa card) of the Shoe Diva s club. If I live to be 100, I will never wear out all the shoes I own. Confession: I bought one new pair today. Personally, I could do a one week cruise with just one basic black dress - and a dozen pairs of cute shoes to go with it!

We did the 49 day Singapore to Rotterdam segment of the Passage to the Far East. Loved the itinerary. Loved the extended time in warm (sometimes downright scorching) temperatures. Had most of our breakfasts out on the back deck, after picking our own selections from the buffet and most of our dinners in the main dining room.Also ate in the Pinnacle Grill. No food complaints at all except for the new brand of tea. Take your own if it is important to you!

Many fellow passengers had already done the initial 39 day section from Rotterdam or Southampton, with different ports and experiences and I loved hearing their stories. There were 3 different guest speakers on for various portions of the trip. Dr. Stu Sutherland, a paleontologist from the University of British Columbia was outstanding. Also impressed by the water colour painting classes which were closely tied to the sights we saw ashore.

Highlight ports for me were Komodo Island and Petra. So glad we just paid the price because both days were once in a lifetime experiences. Can't begin to describe how many wonderful days you will enjoy on this itinerary.

Ship was in good shape. As above poster mentioned, the back deck "wading pool" was something of a conundrum. We had our pictures taken there as a joke. Never saw anyone else use that space the whole trip.

Staff was superb. Special mention to the dining room staff,the young girl who serviced the public washrooms and the fantastic captain.

Enjoy. I'd do this one again in a heartbeat.

Another Stryker "groupie" here. If I had realized he will be on Volendam the cruise after ours, I would have changed my date.

Luckily we will be aboard Volendam in just 12 days, so I can sample all those dishes. But will a week be enough to have one of each? Delicious photos - thanks.

Two weeks into a 49 day trip we went ashore and stocked up on enough quality tea to see us through. Didn't want to spoil an amazing cruise experience with mediocre tea. Next trip I'll just pack our favourite from home.

And in some bars a good selection is laid out in glass cases. Again - just point.

Love my Bernie Mevs for comfort - and the fact that they weigh almost nothing. High on cute factor too.

Steve,

I couldn't begin to count how many people I've told you father's story to. He really was an inspiration. So many of us have stated "I want to be just like Egon... when I grow up".

A couple we met through Cruise Critic took a small group of us on a walking tour through the main downtown area. One of the biggest surprises was the extensive Roman and Greek ruins which have been excavated under a major church - billed as "Naples Underground".

For Babyclaytonmom,

Wow! I have learned a very valuable lesson. My recommendation was based on our 1 day personal experience 2 years ago. Fabulous time. No issues whatsoever. I did not stop to think that other cruisers may have had concerns. I guess that's where the YMMV (your mileage may vary) comment I first saw on CC comes into play. I'll be much more hesitant to offer an opinion based on a single episode. I'm glad Arubalisa chimed in with more extensive knowledge and experience. Hope you have a great day at the natural pools, however you get there.

I want the Parrot and the Angelfish and the Bird of Paradise and..........