Kathie859

First of all, I’m old.  Having said that I’ve been cruising since the late 80’s on various cruise lines.  If I had to count maybe 20-25 times over the years plus numerous land trips, domestic and abroad, and I only remember 2 incidents of what another cruiser or traveler was wearing.  1) in the 90’s on a Carnival cruise a morbidly obese gentleman always wore shorts to dinner in the MDR.  I only noticed because my table was in direct eyesight of his spread-legged approach to sitting and 2) a few years ago (2012 or 13) on a Uniworld cruise, a couple stood out—she in silks and fur and lots of bling and he in a tuxedo.  Since Uniworld  is country club casual they certainly were noticeable.

So wear your fun sweaters etc. and have a good time.  Don’t be concerned with another person’s angst over your wardrobe.  Except for the elf speedo—leave that at home 😁

This is so bizarre as I was just thinking this weekend, upon receiving the mail, about the problem of receiving so many brochures and books of various sizes weekly from Oceania (the main offender).  Now I admit, I like receiving the occasional brochure but it seems that there’s a lot of repeat in their brochures.  I mean, the list of sailings is NOT infinite.  I get the occasional HAL and NCL and Uniworld smaller communications and even Regent and Viking (never sailed either).  I wonder if it’s an “all or nothing” situation?  I’m obviously falling into the ALL category.

I’ve been on this riverboat—The staff on this ship is excellent and kudos to the reactive crew member was in this crisis.  I can only imagine how scary this was.

Lois—-First let me say how jealous I am.  We took the Italy Uniworld cruise the first year it was offered and did the after cruise visiting Florence and Rome which was offered at that time.  It was a fabulous trip.

We’ve taken 4 Uniworld cruises and have met a few solo travelers who never seem at odds as, generally speaking, I find the Uniworld crowd to be a friendly group of travelers.

On only one cruise did we have anyone consistently dress up and it was a couple who truly were over the top—think furs, silks, jewelry, tux etc.  The rest of us embraced the “country club casual” look.  

i don’t know if Uniworld gives suggested reading for this cruise but when we went to Italy Donna Leon’s books were recommended reading.  She writes detective/mystery books set in Venice.  She’s a prolific author and a fun read especially as she writes about daily life and the perspective of the Venetians.

i hope you enjoy this trip as much as I did.  I’ve been looking at it again as they’ve changed some of the itinerary since that first year.

Would love to know your “screw up” and how Seabourn helped you.

I’d visit the Giant’s Causeway again in a heartbeat!  The Titanic Museum, while interesting, doesn’t compare.  Side note:  the huge blue stone jewelry, like that in  the movie version of the Titanic, in the gift shop make me laugh out loud.

The subject of indifference front desk staff was noted on our survey last year.  I didn’t have a huge problem but a question and was given an answer but not in a friendly way. 

I felt like I was bothering the staff member and he certainly managed to convey his lack of interest.  It seems like the same old, same old attitude prevails.

The big question question is......Do they still grill lobster tails every night in the buffet?

I took advantage of that several times.

Shymedic—I’m nosey. How did the accident happen and how was Carnival at fault?

I certainly understand buying an inexpensive trinket as a trip souvenir; however it simply blows my mind that someone would pay $1000’s for jewelry in ANY cruiseport. Most of us have access to a local, reliable, honest jeweler and when I buy any sort of fine jewelry I want to KNOW I’m not getting ripped off. And yes I’ve read testimonials online of cruisers who got great deals—I’ve also read those where people were duped.

Good info!!! Thanks for posting this. We’ll be on the Insignia 11/2.

Did anyone buy a good pair of binoculars for the trip? Was it worth it? Any recommendations?

I have a pair of binoculars (I’m a birder) and never travel without them. I used them extensively in Alaska but there always seem to be something I want a closer look whatever the destination.

I like my Nikon 8 x 40’s.....but I’d recommend going to a sporting store and trying out several pair.

Hobbes67 I so agree with you!! I’m not overly vain but I want to look my version of decent while traveling and not like some wild haired, ill-groomed person. This issue is one of the reasons I choose Uniworld.

Same result here—I’m on an iPad and logged in fine; however my booked cruise has disappeared :o.......

It depends on where you’re going and what you plan to do. I.e., whale watching? I’d want my own binoculars. Ditto on if you plan on participating in an excursion. I want my binoculars with me.

If you’re just sailing and planning on sitting on a beach as your main activity—I probably wouldn’t bother.

This seems to be a hit or miss thing. Last month I flew—At one airport the TSA agent asked me to take my iPad out and at another the TSA said to leave it in my carryon.

Just go with the prevailing flow.

ding ding we have a winner !

Unless you’re buying a $100 trinket as a trip memory I second that! Why not support a reputable local jeweler? The internet is full of horror stories about jewelry purchases made while on cruises. Plus, unless you’re a gemologist, how do you know the quality of the stones, lab-enhanced or natural, etc.

Just ate there 3 weeks ago with a party of 9. We easily were out within and hour and a half and that included time for an after dinner coffee and a birthday cake (compliments of the restaurant) for our youngest member.

My suggestion would be to visit a sporting goods store to get a feel for the different optics available. They will probably be under lock and key but it’s nice to actually hold different ones and look thru them to find your personal sweet spot. Also, before you go to audition be sure you know the correct way to adjust binoculars. Google it if you don’t know.

Happy shopping!

Check out the West Coast departure forum. You’ll find some suggestions there.

Having been to Alaska in both July and August, I definitely prefer August.

Thanks for posting. I hope you find time to share more of your impressions and experiences as your cruise proceeds. We’re sailing on the Insignia less than 3 months and this will be our first Oceania experience.

Wishing you smooth sailing......

Depending on your itinerary, you may want to check with your phone carrier re: services available by location. Also, by “constant contact” do you mean a call a day or will an email suffice? I’ve not cruised with Princess, but all cruises I’ve taken (RCI, HAL, NCL) have provided an emergency contact number for the ship.

I hope you find an affordable solution.

This is a great thread! Thanks to all who are sharing.

I’m a miserable overpacker and when we came home from a cruise just last month, I made myself a promise to pack smarter and lighter for our November cruise.

You have the right to be angry—-at yourself— for not booking the cabin you want instead one you may get.

You took a roll of the dice with a guarantee. In your mind, you lost.

I’ll add my shout-out for SAS. We used them both to and from the POM and appreciated the help with luggage and their timeliness.

Don’t fret about not booking Moderno. Consider it a bullet dodged.

I know food is subjective but Moderno’s method of service and quality of offerings, with the exception of the salad bar, isn’t worth worrying about missing.