jolim2

Hi. Thinking of booking another Alaska cruise, but this one has an itinerary that includes Victoria, during evening hours.  Is there much to do in Victoria at night? Don't want to waste time in a port we may never get to visit again just staying on the ship. Do the cruiselines usually offer excursions for evening tours when in port at night? 

I like to take photos of birds and other wildlife, but cannot afford a DSLR and the type of lens that would get me the reach the superzoom point and shoots do. I know the quality is less, but I want the range and the light weight, so I understand the desire to extend that zoom all the way. If you're going to be very mobile, hiking or driving around, and you don't want to have to set up a tripod over and over again, try a combination walking stick/monopod. It helps with stabilization and with hiking. You can get a quick release mount for the top. If you are seated somewhere, and there is no convenient surface on which to rest the camera, you can try the knee trick. You bend your knees to your chest, putting your feet onto the same surface as your tush. Then use your knees as a camera support. Last bit of advice. Remember, this is no longer a world in which you need to limit the amount of shots you take. Enough memory and you can shoot without thinking twice. So, if you see something, shoot away. Take many shots. Take shots you don't think will come out. Take sequential shots. Take shots from different angles. Hell, sometimes I take photos without even looking. Just because I can. Many may not be great, but there will always be some that are. The beauty of digital is that you just delete the ones you don't want. Sometimes you will get a great photo that you never expected, and weren't prepared or looking for. Oh, wait. One more thing. too often the one taking the photos is never seen in any. So while you may be taking shots of beautiful scenery, interesting architecture, and wildlife, as well as your friends and family, it may appear as if YOU were never a participant. Make sure someone gets you in a photo or two!

It's an individual decision. BUT I find the naive "assumption" that the "dogs love to run", a feel good idea that may not be reality based. I instead can speculate the reason for running is because they are short tethered for their lives and darn "happy" to finally be loose.

 

It is unknown to say the least. But, I find claiming something that is unknown, talking to yourself.

I am facing the same problem planning an upcoming trip, but my quandary is based upon the daily care for the dogs, whether they have adequate vet care, clean, warm, and dry kennels, socialization, etc. . The one thing I don't have trouble with is the statement that huskies love to run. I've worked with dogs for over thirty years in a variety of positions as veterinary support staff, and I have had the good fortune to own several Siberian Huskies. While distinct from Alaskan Huskies, they share many traits, as do all sled dogs. They DO love to run. Many husky rescue groups will only adopt out to potential owners who have high enough fences, and sometimes those fences aren't enough. Still, I can't believe there isn't a better way than keeping them on such short tethers. A sheltered kennel building with individual runs in probably too expensive.

Hi. Planning a cruise to Alaska at some point, and wondering if Wifi is available in the cabins on the Jewel? We had it on the Epic, but I don't see a wifi package as being available for the Jewel. Am I missing something?

From the NYC area too, and cut meat, or anything else that needs cutting, as I go. The only time I would cut everything up in advance is if I was cutting it up for a small child. I was taught to hold my fork in my right hand, and to use the knife with my right, laying it on the plate when not in use. I also discuss distance in terms of time rather than miles, so I think that it is very much a cultural thing. (Also a personal thing, because the same trip will take me less time to drive than my husband, since I am a little heavy on the gas pedal.) Being that the US is very diverse, with different areas having different traditions, I am not surprised by any of this. After all, depending upon which region you live in , you might have a different word to describe the same item. A hero, for example, can be a sub, a hoagie, a blimpie, a grinder, etc... . As for differences in behaviors for people from different countries, while my husband and I have only cruised once so far, we have taken many road trips, especially to National Parks, and have met a good variety of people from all over the world. One thing that I have noticed is that people from certain countries have less concern about personal space and will stand withing inches of you when having a conversation. Most of us in the USA like to keep about 18 to 24 inches between us, if not more. Also, those of us from the US seem to pile the food high on the plate at the buffet, (no wonder we are a country of obese people.)

I am a Coca Cola addict too, and was very disappointed when I realized NCL was a Pepsi only line and that we couldn't bring our own on board. When I say addict, I mean it. Just the sound of a can or bottle opening and I turn my head. I used to drink multiple bottles and cans a day. Regular Coke is the only soft drink I like. To combat my certain withdrawal, I weaned myself off of Coke before the cruise. Even in port, when my husband bought me a can of coke as a surprise, I refused to drink it as I knew it would make my cravings worse. After the cruise I went back to drinking it, but have stopped again. (My husband recently had bariatric surgery and can no longer drink his beloved Pepsi, so I quit Coke cold turkey out of solidarity. I've actually dropped several pounds and will be ready to face another cruise with no Coke this summer.) I don't like sparkling water, or most flavored water, but one thing we discovered is the flavored water they have onboard in the buffet. It was mango flavored, and not bad when you wanted something a little sweet. My husband liked it so much that he researched it and discovered it was only sold in bulk to food service, so he then ordered a case of the concentrate for home. You can also purchase the bottled water package and bring your own small packs of flavor to add, from brands like Dasani Drops or Crystal Light if you want something with flavor in your room.

I am struggling to pack for my own upcoming trip. As a heavy woman, I am jealous of the young women I work with who can pack for a week by just loading up on tiny bikinis and cover-ups. That being said, a good portion of my packing isn't clothing at all. Camera and medications take up a good portion of my carry-on, and I'm also allowing for the fact that, once I get to the airport, I'm packing my winter coat. I'll need it when I get back home, especially if I need to shovel out my car! Good to know I can bring two full sized suitcases plus my carry-on. :)

You're doing a good thing and it is though it isn't the cruise line's fault that it has interfered with your plans, it is certainly within their ability to bend the rules and somehow fix it so that you can re-book another date. (Especially if their is a wait list for cabins.) Perhaps the cruise line would like the GOOD publicity it could get from helping you out rather than the bad publicity from the current situation becoming public? If speaking with higher levels of management doesn't help, try contacting the local news. Most have an "On Your Side" or human interest spot. You're not trying to get special treatment, just fair treatment due to a special situation. In any business, allowances are sometimes made for extenuating circumstances if the right people are involved. You need to speak with someone in a position with enough authority to make the call.

Is it like this just for TA cruise or always with the Epic? Concerned because we booked a shore excursion for when re return to Port Canaveral at cruise's end.

Hi, my husband and I are going on our first cruise. We've always opted, in the past, to take car or public transit based vacations, so this is very new and different for us. We'll be sailing with NCL this winter.

For the shore excursions where a Tender is necessary, are they boarded first come first serve or do you reserve tender times?

Do people really put their luggage outside of their rooms the night prior to disembarkation? I know there are cameras everywhere, but does luggage ever go missing? We are taking a shore excursion when we get back to the home port, and it says we can bring our luggage with us. Do we still put our suitcases outside the door? Where do you collect your luggage?

Do you take your passport with you at each port, or is your ship ID enough?

Thanks!

Looking to possiblty visit the botanical gardens or other refuges while on a cruise stop. what is the best way to get around the Island? Are there regular bus stops near the botanical gardens?