9tee2Sea

I stayed at Pullman Blue Lagoon. They have shuttle to/from airport. I think the shuttle drive had a side hustle of taking folks to the POM, but dont know the price he was charging.

the only rough seas you will probably encounter is when you get out of the Inside passage and get back to Vancouver. The inside passage is surrounded by Mountains, so it's just basically the ups/downs of the tide. I get dizzy looking at rollercoasters, but have done Alaska cruising at least 5 time. Only take my bonnie on the first day

I purchased a nice pair onboard ( used my On Board Credit). I think the brand is Vortex? Good sized, HD lenses for crisp viewing. I wish I paid extra to get the No Shake feature ( my hands vibrate when holding things). So farther came in handy. Saw whales while cruising the Mexican Coast. Alligators on the banks while going thru Panama Canal. The most vivid blues on ice floats while cruising Alaska. Comes with a case, but the neck strap to attach requires a degree in physics ( you just don't hang it around your neck...there is a waist holster and shoulder support). I just put it in a crossbody day bag for excursions.

I've got enough points for a $1,000 statement credit. I will probably book a nicer balcony ( I don't want the upgrade option because I don't know where they might put me) and use the credit to off set the cost.

I used two CruiseNext certificates ($500.00 total) for a deposit on a cruise for March 2025. If i cancel the cruise ( before final payment obviously), how is the deposit refund handled? Is it refunded back to CN certificates? If refunded as CN's, does the expiration date then go beyond the original date of expiration? just asking now, because it looks like I will be cancelling the cruise, but I want to wait until the last minute, just incase things change by March 2025

before I left on the cruise, I put my Haven tips in three different labeled envelopes ( concierge, butler, and cabin steward). Much better than having a wallet full of $$$. It also gave me a chance to adjust my tips before I handed them the envelopes ( I gave my cabin strewed more than I had originally planned).

you can cancel on line ( except maybe in the chat bubble). Once you board, go to the Specialty Dining area that is set up in the lobby and cancel the reservation.

Hater is a very strong word. I find it to be a silly game, that I don't partake in. But like in life, to each their own. I can do what I want, without hurting anyone in the process.

I believe there are walking maps located in some, or most of the hotels. Just go into the lobby and pick some maps that are to your liking. If you take the trolly into the Garden District, I believe there are maps on board as well ( with routes to take, and what to see). I think there is even a map of the cemetery's. I would also look online for "walking tours of New Orleans". You might find some very interesting routes online. If Bourbon Street is too hectic, just keep walking up ( its a very long walk) to Frenchman's Street. Defenitly more quiet than Bourbon street. 1 more tip, check out ( on the internet) the sites to see while cruising out of New Orleans. A few important civil war battle sites or located along the Mississippi.

i enjoyed my aft balcony during the entire transit. It was interesting to see the "mules" ( the little trains) go thru the tie up process. It was fun twitch the gates close, and see the ship slowly rise up to the next lock, then watching the gates open back up. You can always watch the bridge cam station for the entry views of the canal. I left the that station on during the entire transit, so I could hear the narration. Being in aft, sure beat out standing in the hot sun for hours ( In my opinion). AND, I had access to a bathroom without having to "save my place".

I thought Gibraltar was really interesting. Not so much for the British feel, but for touring the military formation carved into the mountain. I last visited there about 10-15 or more years ago ( just after OBL was killed). You hear about terrorists living in caves, and you think it's just a hole in the ground. Not so. The "complex" in Gibraltar had a mess hall, living areas, etc. Its was very interesting to see the massive complex, and have it so well hidden in the mountain. But those Monkeys will steal anything that is not securely fastened ( hats, glasses, wallets)

I found one once, didnt know what to do with it. Gave it to the first kid I saw. From what I have heard, I think you are to post a pic on social media of the duck and where you found it. It seems the game with the ducks is to have a traveling profile of the rubber duck. Kind of like the Traveling Gnome thing a few years ago. I choose not to partake in the duck hunt game. Next time I see one, I will tell someone where they can find a duck

check out Home and Poetry Hotel. Right around the corner from Plaka area. Close to a Hop On Hop Off stop, close to subway to airport. Good free breakfast Made to order omelettes) on rooftop with great view of Acropolis. 2-3 days will be enough. Traffic in Athens is really bad, so travel time by road sometimes takes much longer than expected. And DONT get me started if there is a strike, and then ALL the roadways will be jammed

Try looking into MSC. Very different feel than NCL. A very European crowd on board.

that would be sad if they did that to al the ships. I cruised on Bliss earlier this year ( first time), in Haven ( first time). I enjoyed the "regular observation lounge" more than the Haven Observation Lounge. the Non-Haven lounge was HUGE, and did not feel that you were in a stuffy library where someone will SHUSH you for talking to loud. But, things change, and cruise lines know what they need to to. Maybe they will re-arrainge some outdoor space where folks can sit, protected form the elements ( be it heat or cold)