Jim_Iain

My Motorola Android has Hot Spots designated under Network - It also list USB Tethering and and Bluetooth Tethering but all force the phone to turn off WiFi I have however found many citations on rooting (jailbreaking) the phone and sideloading un-official software to override the phones restrictions. I really only do this when security testing. Not disagreeing with your interpretation of needing two WiFi signals but at least not my understanding. I can create a WiFi hotspot on my Windows PC and only have one network card. Just simply press the Mobile Hotspot icon to activate. True I have a 2.5 and a 5 ghz card but even works if I disable either one. As a 'ol hacker, WiFi signals need to both transmit and receive and validate each packet to the router password - each packet bounces back and forth for authentication thus a primary hack location. Lots of my security testing was intercepting the validation packet and decrypt the password to the router's network.

Probably any app that uses location control. I disable it on my watch and keep it live on my phone. I would rarely use any of the GPS functions on my watch. One of my older Fitbits used the GPS on the phone. When walking unless I want it to map my walk it is pretty much useless for walking. I've compared the calculated distance vs gps location distance and they are withing 1%. I guess you would loose mapping and directions but something I wouldn't use while on a ship. Easy enough to turn on and off at will.

I've listed what is normally done on my thread under the same subject. I also have some pictures (limited) that have shown up.

All of the wait staff regardless of location, often are assigned to the Ocean View when not working in their primary location. I have seen the Luminae MD, Waiter, Assistant Waiter and Sommelier on port days in OV when Luminae closed. One day I was shocked to find our Assistant Waiter flipping burgers at the Grill.

While aboard I have seen that they carry some Local Currency of major currencies - Dollars, Pounds, Euros and Yen. Never seen less used currency. BTW the exchange rate is terrible and you would be better served to use an ATM connected to a bankcard that does not charge ATM fees. You can tip in Shore Excursion Guides in Dollar, Pounds and Euros. They will gladly accept them with a thank you. Tipping is not as common a practice in many countries but they gladly accept them.

I've seen a separate Kid's Menu in Tuscan so assume (and we all know what that means) they also have a different one in Murano

On Apex they had the Magic Carpet (special dinner) scheduled on all three of our B3B. Due to the winds they relocated it to the Spa. Yuck... just what I want sitting at table clothed tables with the wonderful fragrance of Chlorine. Like you Terry - I've never seen more than a hand full of people on it except when something interesting to see - about the closest many have for a forward facing view.

The setting is to turn off GPS Location on the watch possibly on the iPhone itself. I have a Fitbit so can't test an Apple Watch. I would start with the Watch. Where is the GPS setting on the Apple Watch? On Apple Watch, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services to turn location services on or off.

You can't using an iPhone. If you are in airplane mode and turn on hotspot it turns off Wifi and turns on Celluar. Could be costly. Some have said you can do it on a Android but I have been unsuccessful. It reacts the same as an iPhone but I understand if two Androids are Close by you can share a wifi connection using bluetooth. I only have one so unable to test. I only use my Android for Security Testing.

About $29 up. You can also create a Hotspot using your PC but in my experience you loose more speed using a PC

I turn off GPS to get calculated distance by my stride x steps. I do the same even on land as the GPS burns the battery faster.

Sounds like quite an adventure on your New Zealand cruise. Hope we never have to deal with another Pandemic. I now many people that got out on the last flights from Australia. We will be doing the Sydney to Vancouver B2B in April. I ended up buying a round trip Air Fare from Sydney to San Francisco and got a much better rate than a Round trip in the opposite direction. We were able to get a Non-Stop that makes it a little better.

I didn't catch the humor -

Not an expert meteorologist but a great resource is Windy.Com they also have and app and many crew also use. Currently shows the Hurricane (now downgraded to Tropical Storm) came ashore yesterday in Sinaloa to the east of Cabo on the mainland. No major damage or deaths. On Windy choose either winds or waves and you can move the time bar at the bottom. Currently looks clearing for Cabo and Mazatlan. Looks like you will have beautiful weather and relatively calm 2 meter seas.

Recently read and article on PointsGuy - Major cruise line to cruisers: We're done giving you last-minute deals. Wonder if it will spread. Looking for a last-minute deal on a Princess Cruises voyage? We have bad news: You're probably not going to find one. In what it's calling a dramatic shift in its pricing strategy, the world's fifth-largest cruise line on Thursday said it would no longer offer last-minute discounts for cabins on unsold voyages. The Los Angeles-based company said in a statement that for all 2024 and 2025 sailings, the current fares available for cabins are the lowest it will offer, and they will only rise over time.

Understand completely. I will never carry my Passport while out sightseeing. Pickpockets are a major problem in many locations - Hot spots are La Rambla in Barcelona and most tourist intensive areas of Rome.

Would recommend checking via Cruise Planner. They often have it on-sale. Also if you are a CC member there are discounts - they do not stack on top of sale price.

Would definitely point out to the Retreat Manager so he can properly train the Butler. I had a security guard stop me once to ask "What's a Zenith - I've never seen one of those cards before." He was just interested and when I told him joked that next time he would salute me. LOL

The drydock include sandblasting and usually painting the hull if needed. I'm sure the barnacles will be removed as I understand that is a requirement to sail in New Zealand waters. That is pure hearsay and welcome correction. They usually also service and rebuild the azipods and then they do sea trial before re-entering service. I wish more pictures would be posted. Normally the Captain and the Crew are out shooting pictures as well as some of the staff at the Dry Dock.

Hope you and @calicakes have a wonderful trip. If you don't have anything planned try out WhaleWatch Cabo https://whalewatchcabo.com/ I booked via Expedia "Things to Do" Best Whale watching I have ever had. They also give you a link to the photos and videos their photographer takes during the excursion - for FREE

John you are so right. I must be getting old as on my last cruise I just couldn't get my router to logon on, after and hour the light bulb went off as it was set to auto connect by default.

You never know. We were on a ship once and at our first stop on Prince Edward Island. We saw the ship swarming RMP (Royal Mounted Police). They took 4 people away. Later read in the newspaper they had smuggled 14 Chinese "immigrants' in and they had taken a runner and were never caught. So much for a boarder wall when you can come in First Class.

I have used VPN with Starlink on at least 5 ships so far and no problem at all.

So happy to see your post. Really looking forward to it as we know so many aboard with you. I will definitely pick up where you drop off (32 days from now- but who's counting). I was hoping that you would continue you journey so we could finally get to meet you.

He is in for a treat. I have to say that is my favorite dress you wear. Looks like it was made for you.