5waldos

Getting new gear for a vacation, cruise or otherwise, is a part of the experience for many people. Alaska or the tropics makes no difference.

We were the ones that started the passport requirement. And until very recently required testing. A visa can also be required. And Canadians coming in are the easiest. For many foreigners coming to the US, or even transiting through the US, it is very complicated.

For those of you complaining about ArriveCAN- have you ever tried to visit the USA as a foreigner? Yes AC can be a tiny bit pesty- but just a tiny bit. And yes- some of the instructions have been confusing. But nothing like the red tape many have to go through to visit here.

Yea!!! The small boat excursion has been fully booked for months now for our July 22 sailing. Reading this I decided to check again and SUCCESS! There were 2 spots available. At a somewhat discounted price and an American Express reward. Still pretty pricey for a rather short excursion but couldn't be happier. Now we need to hope for decent weather but at least we have a very good chance.

I would have been shocked if they had not canceled it. But it is too bad- it is a glorious place.

Bellboys and dock workers might be a problem though. Which is why we carry at least some cash.

I'd check one of the weather websites to see what the weather will actually be (or as best as they can guess). Some years it will be all but snowing, other years it will feel almost tropical. And consider what your excursions are- will you be hiking around glaciers? Or doing high altitude things? The recommendation is always to pack layers to give yourself options. Personally I pack jeans or slacks for excursions (but I no longer wear shorts outside the house) and always have a sweater or sweatshirt with me incase of sudden changes in the weather. Checking the weather websites, they are showing that mostly it will be in the low 60's for much of your trip. BUT, there is also a special weather statement for most ports saying that there will be a heatwave with temperatures in the 80's in the more northern parts with temps in the mid 70s elsewhere. So for sure be prepared for some very warm weather.

That is very very often the case where-ever in the world you travel. Until it isn't. Never worth taking a chance.

That is a pity.

I see listed in activities that there is ballroom dancing every evening. Are there partners available- whatever you might want to call them? For those of us women who are sailing without our men, or for women who's husbands can't/don't dance? I encountered this on another cruiseline and once I got used to the idea- it was great!

Where is the Market Tour advertised? Is it listed as an excursion someplace?

Thanks also Jim- nothing is listed for any day under entertainment. Menus are more or less up to date but at the moment no activities or entertainment is listed. Do hope that is a glitch and not a reflection of what is going on. Will see if I can find an earlier sailing and look.

I can find menus on the app but where do I look for entertainment? When I click on entertainment there is nothing. We sail on the 22nd of July so it is not that far in the future.

A question from one of your southern neighbors- are you required to complete the ArriveCAN prior to sailing out of a Canadian port if you go on without stopping or ending in Canada? For example, a one-way Alaska cruise leaving from Vancouver and ending up in Alaska. I understand that you would need to fill it out prior to returning home but I am wondering about boarding the ship.

Can't say I wasn't somewhat surprised but there it is. What surprised me more was suddenly today being asked for number on a change I made which has not happened even a single time over the past weeks when I made adjustments.

No- I don't mean like Group 1 seating- that is an integral part of the ticket you bought. I mean people being treated as lesser. But I do understand what you are saying. And will end with that.

Not sure why- they have my credit card number on file. But what will be will be- no real expectations at this point. As long as we have a cabin onboard we will be pleased.

To be serious for just a moment- the issue of class really doesn't have a lot to do with the benefits you buy but rather how you are treated. Both by other guests and by staff. The issue of seating in the theater, for example, comes close and apparently did cause problems. The "Oh Mr and Mrs Suite- let us seat you first and those of you who have been waiting patiently in line- well, you aren't as special." I am not saying that this happens. Just wonndering.

I just did change the card- at least for one of the bids. The website seems to have been updated- parts of it look quite different than it did last week.

Do your local grocery stores have scooters to use while shopping? good place to practice although they really are quite easy to use. The biggest safety issue usually comes when she decides to speed down the hall!😜

Request a cabin designed for those with mobility issues. And one midship so no activities are any further away than necessary. And consider renting a scooter for her onboard- and they can usually be taken off for excursions. Ships are big and people with mobility issues will often limit their activities if they have to walk far to get to there. Even people without mobility issues will sometimes skip something if it means walking the length of the ship.

As far title options on Celebrity, someplace I was asked to chose one but the options were only Miss, Ms., Mrs., Mr. I don't think it even included Master. I was a bit surprised at that since usually there are one or two other options including Doc. And a choice was required in order to continue.

I assumed when initially bidding that they would simply charge the card on file. I actually tried to change the card but, couldn't find a way to change it. I'm quite befuddled now but oh well- we will be happy (and a bit richer) with the cabin we chose although a veranda upgrade would be nice.

Well- on checking this morning all of the bids are back to pending. Was rather surprised but oh well. Back to waiting.

Okay- thanks. Will hope for the latter since there was only one Sunset cabin and our bid wasn't all that great.