'The Bear'

I concur with 'shrimp--'Avoid flying from the US through Pearson (Toronto), he is not exaggerating, book a direct flight to Trudeau (Mtl.).

I used to be forced through there on business and seldom was it enjoyable, or even tolerable!!

If forced through Toronto, I would fly to Logan and take the cruise the other direction.

No matter which you chose, enjoy your cruise!!

For the first time in over a dozen years I have no cruise booked; and I don't think I'll hurry to book one.

While working I flew frequently around North America; but I'm now retired, and I will also avoid flying in the near future. I would have severe concerns if I were still working and had work commitments around the continent ---- just sayin'!! Strangely though, if this had occurred 20 years ago, I'd probably not have been nearly as concerned as I am now ----- I have become much more cautious!

But, each to his own level of concern ---- I wouldn't presume to impose my nervous concerns on others. Thankfully, I can now drive south for the winter!!

Kazu---- As much as I'd like to, we've got family coming to visit at our rental house in Florida for 3 weeks in April. :(

Hopefully we can make it happen in the fall of 2015, or 2016 --- it would be nice to meet the 'NB connection'!! :)

Yes, being that close to CFB Gagetown concerned me; especially with the large contingent of RCEME stationed there.

I'm happy now that I didn't follow through with the introduction ---- that would have gotten uncomfortable very quickly!!;)

Perhaps we'll meet another time, probably on the high seas!:)

Sapper ---- I was at Costco in Fredericton yesterday and saw a charcoal Hyundai Tucson with the license plate 'SAPPER'. The owners were getting in the car and, although I wanted to approach and introduce myself, I would feel so foolish if indeed it wasn't you! [it might appear that I was some sort of stalker ;)]

If indeed it was you, I regret not approaching!! :)

Sapper1 -- I never considered that, but it makes a lot of sense to control congestion at the elevators!! (by the way, you're up early this morning!! :))

I would be quite disappointed with no tablecloths --- we eat all meals off tablecloths at home, and I would fully expect the same or better on a cruise ship!!

I would be quite disappointed with no tablecloths --- we eat all meals off tablecloths at home, and I would fully expect the same or better on a cruise ship!!

------- Paying more for fewer choices at the Pinnacle ..... alas a sign of the times!!

We have sailed 84 days on the Noordam and an equal or greater amount of time on the Maasdam ---- they are our two favourite ships!! Like the others, I would choose based on the itinerary. Both ships have a friendly, hard working staff --- you will have no problem with either ship!!

As an aside, on our trips to Samana we simply went to Caya Leventado, not a great beach, but the property is neat and the vendors are not aggressive; but I concur with the others that no one that I met was satisfied with the town of Samana, for all the previously mentioned reasons .

Have a great cruise, no matter which you choose!!!

RuthC ----- Many thanks for the detailed comparison of the 2 lines. My wife and I have been considering sailing with Oceania, like many others, due to declining food quality and service cutbacks. I've been waiting for a comparison from someone who's opinion I value and trust ---- Kudos for this detailed report!!

The lack of an outside deck, along with the difficulty of getting inside cabins will probably rule out our Oceania trial --- I would never have known without this report!! ..........Perhaps Azamara???

Many thanks again Ruth!

Thanks folks ----- it must be a TSA/Customs requirement!

Actually I'll be staying at a friend's condo in Indialantic for a few days, and I don't know the address. I can drive to it but I've never noted the address, and the owner is on the road driving down there, as we speak.

I'll run him down by email tonight.

Sapper --- We've had a couple of snow storms already, with snow still on the ground, and its frigid today!! Thank goodness I can have warm thoughts of my cruise in less than 2 months!!

Inquiring minds want to Know -----

While filling out cruise registration for our January 17th Maasdam cruise, HAL requested our Post Cruise Lodging details. I don't remember being asked this on previous cruises (but I am ageing and forgetful ;)) The only reason that I can fathom for this is in case of lost or unclaimed luggage, but they already have our home address.

In our case, and I know that we aren't the only ones, we happen to be driving north towards home, and haven't made firm reservations.

Is there any other reasons for requiring this info ------- am I missing something!!

Thanks for your helpful replies!!

I have a couple of questions about these cabins from you experienced cruisers.

First, do the lifeboats restrict the sea view, and, being at the bow of the ship, will sea-sickness be an issue, and thirdly is the verabdah excessively windy being at the bow?

Thanks in advance!

Sail ---- We are considering Grand Voyages, but a WC would certainly be too long (even if we could afford it!!)

We still have three of our parents alive so being away two months would be about the maximum we could consider. I would probably become homesick for our grandchildren, three of which live in the same town as us, because that has happened previously on our 28 day voyages.

'InnLady' -- Sheila, my ankles were also extremely swollen on this same cruise that you took, and they started on the previous cruise. My lower legs were extremely itchy as well!

I haven't ever noticed this on previous cruises,; but the good thing is, that everything returned to normal within a few days after disembarking!