Host Jazzbeau

@Piaa not denying any of your observations, which I'm sure are accurate. But – Emerald is Scenic's second line and you are comparing it to SeaDream which is an ultra-luxury line. Isn't that like buying a Chevy and complaining that it isn't a Caddy?

If you write to them again, you might want to suggest the sights featured on this Pearl Seas Cruises email:

For next year: Tauck will sail Christmas market cruises in France next year

I'm not sure about that. It definitely saves work for the cabin attendants (or allows them to assign more cabins to each steward). Room service is already geared up. My guess is the 'trial' is to see if the cabin attendant savings are greater than the added room service workload, and with the bars open most of the time my guess is the answer will be yes. Plus, of course, your point about people taking minibar bottles home.

Another Two Ronnies memory: A lorry carrying sponge cake has collided with a lorry carrying custard. Traffic has been delayed by a trifle.

News for JP and Chris: Delta to open premium lounge in Boston Logan I guess we'll be seeing less of you in Queens, even with your expanded travel schedule...

How does your onboard experience seem in view of this response? Does the 'trial' have possibilities, or is it "bean counters strike again" ?

If I go to Antarctica, it will not be on an expedition cruise – knowing how DW and I feel about cold weather, we would only want a 'drive by.' Of those, Azamara seems the best. But as with any super-popular itinerary, you must book early to get reasonable prices.

If you want to avoid the carpet shop [we did] get a private guide – then you can dictate the itinerary and use the time saved to do something else you want. Make sure you include the Terrace Houses on your tour of Ephesus.

The only sane thing to do! Hope you have a quieter winter...

That sounds like a Two Ronnies news update gag. A tanker ship carrying red paint has collided with a tanker carrying blue paint in the English Channel. Both crews were marooned...

Hm, Xanadu – Citizen Kane – Orson Welles – Paul Masson "we will sell no wine before its time" Hopefully not...

DW and I were raised on them! [Full disclosure: I thought vegetables grew in cans...]

We are doing a 10-night tour in January, with Odysseys-Unlimited. Their description is very detailed and we are happy with the itinerary and hotels. If their dates line up with your cruise, this is another option: https://www.odysseys-unlimited.com/tours/central-south-america/costa-ricas-natural-heritage/

Try these: https://shedrain.com/collections/vortex-v2-compact/V2

But if the main sun deck is closed, that area will get very crowded!

I was hoping to read: "Skipped Johnny's house. Johnny was Naughty this year!"

Will Santa be doing a "live from" on Cruise Critic? 🤣

Welcome to the world of bag checkers! When you get tired of lugging the duffle, I recommend TravelPro. Really well designed and has survived airline handling better than anything we ever owned.

I normally tell people who are retiring to travel more. In your case, I think I should remind you to check in on your house from time to time! 😁

Good for you! We've been trying to pass that baton, but so far it has been a boomerang!

I wouldn’t go into an airplane bathroom wearing socks! Not my socks anyway. I bring a pair of disposable socks (saved and laundered from a hospital) to wear over my socks.

Went on the British Airways website to confirm a flight change, and this was the splash screen. It might make us rethink the decision to stop renting cars!

We got plenty of that from the local tour guides, but maybe the shorex offerings have been dumbed down since our SS cruise.

at least a list you can post here?