navybankerteacher

Where do you stand when the discussion turns to turnips?

My childhood was also plagued with calves liver - which is acceptable only when outweighed by the accompanying onions and/or bacon. Okra is only acceptable as a traditional (minor) ingredient in gumbo.

Covid didn’t kick in until 2020, but decline in life expectancy started in 2018 - so it’s drugs and violence (self- inflicted societal problems) as much as anything.

But, in spite of the decrease in infant and childhood mortality, overall life expectancy is now declining—- which seems to indicate that, once we are old enough to be responsible for our own health, we are not doing as well as put predecessors.

Actually, my VERY first was on the Nantucket, when just over a month old, from Woods Hole to Oak Bluffs, both in MA, about a 45 minute ride.

Of course life expectancy in the US peaked in 2017 and has been declining slightly each year since then. Do you suppose it might be too much of a good thing?

None nowadays - but about 20 years ago the trivia prizes were worth keeping: HAL gave away Mag lights, one of which I still have as a souvenir of that cruise.

I do not feel that the addition of intervening electronic filters enhances human interaction —- but I agree: they are certainly doing it differently.

Agreed - but I do not think we are a coven of Luddites here- simply some who regret the waning of human interaction.

A problem with poetry, music, art and literature is that they make you think - with technology you only need to comply.

You really saw that implication?

Good point - and I don’t think OP was suggesting the “significant other” would want just one drink the whole cruise - more likely one drink per day. Of course, OP could solve the problem by booking separate cabins.🤣

If an establishment is interested in providing service as much as streamlining their operating system, they will continue to serve their customers the way very many of them want to be served. The way I see it: they are in business to serve their customers more than their customers exist to facilitate their systems.

Agreed.

I am pretty sure they will tell you that a drinks package is just for you. If you want to ask Celebrity about how to cheat on one of their drinks plans, I suggest you use an alias - you don’t want them to flag you.

If you are traveling light, you could take the water shuttle from the airport to Long Wharf, then a ten minute walk to the hotel.. Otherwise a taxi is probably easiest. p.s. As a senior citizen myself, I decided to learn about Uber - not that tough to master, and a VERY convenient alternative almost anywhere in the US.

Yes - but we cannot name them here. Try googling various topics: “cruises”, ocean travel”, etc. Something is likely to come up.

Mass market lines appeal to the masses - who seem to want low prices and glitz above all else. Anyone who experienced cruising before about year 2000 must be hard put to recognize what is now offered. Well prepared meals, well served, itineraries which included ports not overrun by thousands of budget-minded day-trippers, various types of live music in various venues, thoughtful lecture programs - keyed to the itinerary of the cruise. What is now offered is a totally different product. Yes, cruising is more affordable to more people - but only because much less is offered on cruise ships. While I earlier found value on lines line Princess, HAL and Celebrity I now only see low fares for cruises which are less worthy of my time - and, regardless of the low prices, not worth the fare required.

Seconded — I am inclined to think that a major reason people want (think they need) to “stay connected” is that they are afraid to be left alone with their thoughts.

Why ? The Bahamas are not tropical. And it is quite possible to have high temps in the 60’s from mid November.

Until I remarried, many of my cruises (at least 8 in the first five years of this century) were booked within a week of sailing. When I had a lull in my consulting work, I’d immediately see what was available and grab what looked good - often at very low cost (important, because I was sailing alone).

And, would it even be deductible as a medical expense?

Agreed, I think he misread the post to which he responded.

If your line of choice starts to charge extra for basic menu items, you might want to choose another line. If you let them get keep getting away with micro-surcharges, you will wind up paying for tap water.

If you look at deck plans and pictures of the ship you should be able to see which deck's balconies are covered by those on upper decks.