ILCTCRUISER

@LEMJMcC, Forgot to add: we’ve used Allianz and TravelGuard (An AIG company). Over the years we’ve had annual and individual trip plans. Travel Guard has a very basic Pack-N-Go product which we’ve used when we feel we have limited financial risk due to cancellation or interruption; Pack-N-Go does include medivac and medical coverage. Have never used Insuremytrip but it may be a good option. It is a broker and, as a broker, one hopes the agents there work to find you the best policy for your needs at the best price.

There was a time when we traveled (and quite a bit, I might add) without travel insurance. Frankly, we were fortunate; we never encountered a situation for which we regretted not having insurance. We now consider travel insurance a must-have. We were reminded of its importance in Fall, 2022 while on a TA from Rome. We left Madeira and sailed all night. The following morning we were awakened by the roar of a helicopter trying to evacuate a passenger. Not only was there a helicopter but a support aircraft accompanied it for what must have been a rather long flight from its base to the Odyssey. Passenger was evacuated. I believe we heard he did have insurance. Can you imagine the cost he would have incurred if he hadn’t been insured? With travel insurance, one size doesn’t necessarily fit all. It really comes down to how much risk you want to assume and you will find policies that offer various levels of coverage, etc. Here’s a link to a CC document that discusses travel insurance in case you already haven’t done so: https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/travel-insurance-primer-for-cruise-travelers#what-does-travel-insurance-on-your-cruise-cover? If you booked through a travel agent, your agent should have reviewed travel insurance with you. Ultimately, it’s yourdecision. That being said, a good travel agent knows the importance of starting a conversation about insurance.

I know. Whatever. Just doesn’t get it.

Well…I guess most, if not all, of us who’ve had the privilege of viewing your posts over the years, probably could have anticipated a response like this. You know, there’s more to life than Deflect, Deflect, Deflect.

@Jimbo, see @island ladyreply. Love Barcelona! More time there pre or post cruise, the better!

Barcelona. For @island lady, this would be ideal. More time in Barcelona.

Oooh….BARCELONA! Fingers crossed for LATE!

Not on cruise so my opinion is just that. I know which I’d take but I’d like to ask: A vote? Has any provision been made for those who vote but the option they chose is voted down? Can they bail w/ a refund or are they locked in?

We were on the Liberty “test” cruise out of Galveston. While on the shuttle from IAH to Galveston, we found out that many of our fellow cruisers with us were RCL employees. Maybe 400 or so on cruise. Recall having a limit on the number who could be in the pool at the same time. Lounges were closed. They had a happy hour “event” in the VCL but they scheduled half of D and up one day and the other half the next day. Also, no complimentary drinks. They gave a reason but can’t recall what it was at this time. Also did the restart Ovation cruise to Alaska. Maybe 800 onboard.

Correction: Mary Lou Ridinger is an archeologist.

We were in Antigua last March. 2nd time in Antigua. Did anyone sit in for the presentation. We were lucky enough to have the owner give the talk and she was very, very interesting. She and her husband (who’s deceased), both geologists I believe, went to Guatemala to search for jade. Jay and Mary Lou Ridinger. And did they hit the payload! She was delightful. And YES, I knew!

Saw @pstone1post and responded. Then saw your post.

Jade Museum is owned/operated by same owners of museum in Antigua.

Deck 13. No longer called Diamond Lounge; it’s now Crown Lounge.

Sunday disembark. You should be OK with a 12:45 flight. I’d disembark as early as I could, which is what we tend to do anyway.

It will depend largely on rush hour traffic on 405. Do you disembark Sat or Sun?

Booking flights has all to do with schedules and fares. When we can, we really like using Long Beach (LGB) for cruises out of LAX. Hop, skip and jump from ship to airport and usually in morning you’re driving opposite rush hour traffic. Long Beach airport area? Wasn’t that where Steven Douglas worked?

Does anyone remember the movie Moon Over Parador with Richard Dreyfus and Raul Julia?

We stayed in the Barranco district for a few days pre-cruise. If anyone plans to visit again, may I suggest Casa Republica Boutique Hotel.

We stopped at same churro shop. Of course, these Haku tours are uniform.

Isn’t that dome amazing? The grand days of hotels.

A very likely reason.

It’s interesting that these balconies seem much more “open” to the public. Might they have been renovated and windows added?

We did an all day “walking” tour of Buenos Aries a few weeks ago. Booked through Viator. Only three of us. Guide was an English teacher on summer vacation. Nanci and me. Other person was from Andorra. Meeting someone from Andorra? What are the odds? “Walking” because we did use bus system since attractions in BA are spread out.

Looks like a lot of fun. Need to try sometime.