3Shelaghs

Ruth is THE cruise guru. I love her responses!

Black fly season usually May& June. Don’t know many Canadians who use fly repellant. What do you use in Maine? They could be pesky in cottage country but mosquitos worse.

I stand corrected 🙂 I have art supplies on the brain or home made window de-icing solutions(it's been cold here...ugh). The hospital had great plastic tubs like Clorox containers with good stuff in it, but $$$$. Wipe on let dry, or spray bottles with Virox, same application. Virox just hydrogen peroxide and ?It was the bubbling action that did the job. At beginning of pandemic, I had followed the "strange pneumonia" arising from China, so I loaded the suitcases with everything known to man kind that could prevent or treat whatever... not doing that this time. Will stick to soap and water and cabin sanitizer and take my chances????? famous last words...............

Looks like 99.9% alcohol based. Same as Purel. Only tried and true solutions I know of are .. beach, and Virox.. Wash your hand & use 99% alcohol sanitizer, &use Virox spray or wipes for your cabin & keep your hands out of your mouth.

Kindred spirits.

Thanks for that link ! Filled it out. I can gauge my own food intake, but the water is a must, and I can't stomach the ship water.

My predicament is diabetic with Atrial Fib... no sugar, no caffeine.... I hope they stock enough beverage pack water or there might be a mutiny. Was hoping to purchase some onshore at ports, but guess not.

LOL.... I'm in the same predicament.... coasters are just extra luggage weight returning home. DH would like a ships tour tho..... think the offer will be extended?? Nah.....hope is eternal.....

When we booked last Sept, for this Aug cruise, the HIA included everything. That sale was over around end of Oct, and replaced with lesser deals since. I was told it was the best sale HAL ever has, and it doesn't come around very often. (Included: wifi, Sig Beverages, 2 Shore Excursions, 2 Specialty restaurants, prepaid Crew Grat. 50% deposit, Sale price, OBC all per person). I continue the "watch"....lol

Cruiser Bruce is correct all round. To my understanding if you turn your phone on while on the ship, it connects to the ship satellite, not your internet provider. The ship Intranet and Internet is different then cell service on your private phone. To save on the big bucks, you need to NOT connect to cell service until you are in a port, OR have oodles of $$ to spend calling via satellite.

I also think it's 18 in Europe, except Iceland, and you are roundtrip in Europe.

LOL.. no shampoo, but edges of pool towel used as a facecloth.

If you have booked your cabin, and its top of the grade for that type, what does CO offer in place of that upgrade??

Rhine- Ama. Thanks for the link.

I''ve read the preamble on web sites, but want a cruisers experiance. What do we expect? What makes this river cruise different from the usual river cruises? I've not seen any changes in ports, but have seen small print that states "there could be changes to itinerary due to wine cruise". If you take a vineyard tour, does the wine expert come along? How many wine tastings? Is the wine on offer really any good?

good ol you tube has video how to use Amsterdam trains.

Reference to the troubles is longstanding reference point for July 12 and the parades. There are always groups of yobs who enjoy this time to cause disruption on small scales. One would be foolish to downsize the possiblity of renewed hatred or anger in "old IRA style", but yes, people have become more educated. And yes, tourists need have no added fear of travel to Ireland or the UK (Northern Ireland)beyond your standard global cautions. I would worry more about the water, the disasterous NHS, dwindling law enforcement officers, and darn it... the cost of food!!! Sounds like us all.

Well... for a self tour.... that's an expensive pint of Guiness at the top. More of a sting if its' foggy and raining while up there...................... Standard ticket is 30E=$32.50 US or 44.Cdn... per person! You'll have more fun if you sling yourself to a local, order a few and talk to the usual bar flies. It's fun. The temple bar area is an easy walk.

We found it boring, except for the pints at the top

Same thing each year prior to the date of the "troubles". No concern for cruisers.

Will my Applepay on my Iphone work at train stations? Or is there a train app I can download and preload an account?

Job well done! It does look like a difficult terminal to get to.

Has your distilled water skyrocketed in BC?? Holy Mackeral, we used to pick up at Walmart or Sobeys in Ontario for $1.50.....NOW $3.99......... !!!!

We picked up car at T5 LHR, and made the circle, therefore dropping it back off at T5. You can cover much more ground if renting vs trains/buses. I am sure there would be a drop off location in Southhampton. Just familarize yourself with parking signs etc, and make sure all your hotels have parking onsite. If you are planning only on Bath, then train might make more sense.

Wonder if they will offer a shuttle??