StollyBolly

You can organize us. We’re pretty lazy travelers. 😂

We did AMA years ago and got off in Budapest. Beautiful city. Enjoy

Jsn55. I like the way you think!

Anytime I have bottles I wrap in a plastic bag and then place in a T shirt or something pretty easy to wrap tightly around possibly even double wrapping, and then place in the center most place of the suitcase with padding to keep it tight. It’s when it can move around you risk breakage. I learned that lesson in my 20s bringing rum back from Jamaica! I have friends who have bought special wrappings for wine. I guess it depends on how much you are carrying, Cheers!

All good answers here. Since you don’t say where you are cruising I presume mostly countries taking Euros. Agree the ATM is the best way to go locally. We were recently in Lisbon and taxis would not take cards - only cash.

So many cruise lines to choose from. I’d narrow it down to itinerary/date, size of ship you prefer and then read reviews on this site. We love the smaller ships. We have friends who rave about Celebrity and Viking. We did the Adriatic last summer. It was fabulous. Montenegro was an unexpected surprise. Absolutely beautiful. Enjoy the birthday celebration.

There is always an ATM for back up if you really need local “cash”

I know a passport can be put on a rush if proof of travel is provided. Have you tried this?

We’ve done Miami to Montreal and Montreal to Boston. I loved them both. The second was a little exciting as we ended up avoiding a hurricane that pushed up the eastern seaboard causing a couple of changes in the itinerary. But the Seabourn captain was fabulous and I never felt unsafe. Flying in and out of all the locations was easy since we use DFW. I would suggest find the ship and itinerary that suits you. Being in So Cal I would think non stop service would be good. Bon Voyage!

We have found cruising in the Med in November can be a little cool. May be luck of the draw or location. I agree with the comment to go a few days early for a 7 day cruise then return directly. It helps with any jet lag I suggest using a travel agent who can help coordinate it all. And tell the cruise line it’s a special celebration! Congratulations on your anniversary.

49 days. Seabourn Venture.

I would think MSC could answer your questions and would be happy to help a group of 14! If you used a travel agent they should be a good point of reference to liaise with MSC on your behalf regarding drink packages and rooms. I’ve never known a cruise line to need reservations for shows. We always use an agent. They seem to have good relationships with the lines and often get answers faster than I can. Bon voyage!

We’ve done it twice and I’d do it again!

Anadi, Yes. We had a tender to the ship that was anchored next to the Belfast that we accessed the ship from. I’m unsure how it would work if you overnight at port for going off ship. Enjoy the Thames experience. The bridge raising and the entire trip down the Thames is memorable. sorry if this duplicated. I’m learning doing threads on this site

Anadi, Yes. We had a tender to the ship that was anchored next to the Belfast that we accessed the ship from. I’m unsure how it would work if you overnight at port for going off ship. Enjoy the Thames experience. The bridge raising and the entire trip down the Thames is memorable.

I agree with cruisemom’s assessment of lines. We like the smaller ships. They don’t appeal so much to families because of cost and the lack of activities that cater to younger passengers. It can be debated if you get value on the Luxury brands, but if you take into account buying drinks and tours you may find that headline price on the higher end lines increases quite a bit.

We usually do the day before especially if we are doing our own flights instead of through the cruise line. I would say it depends on how many flights per day to a location that gives you “wiggle” room.

What’s nice about cruising is you can do as much or little as you want. We have friends who did their first cruise with us. He took a huge book and 4 days in he said he didn’t have time to read! He found things he liked to do on ship. Just enjoy!

Having a picture of the meds and doses is a good idea. I take my vitamins in small snack bags that I can easily fold into my makeup bag or carry on. Could you do this with the prescriptions to then use to refill your pill box for the next week? Those Costco size bottles are ridiculous! That pharmacy printout is a great idea.

We did Norway out of London on Silversea. The added bonus is departing from Tower Bridge. A fabulous experience.

I’ve never found they roll up the carpets at 9 on any cruise I’ve been on. The factor is usually passengers who want to partake. It is a cooler climate so remember there won’t be as many poolside activities. But I’m guessing that depends on the ship and weather.

We have friends who did this last summer when the airlines were experiencing delays at Heathrow, etc. They said it worked great. One thing to be aware of - she forgot about the limited liquids on carry on and was caught with some that had to be tossed.

Have you filled out the pre cruise info and advised this is a special occasion? I know other cruise lines ask if it’s an anniversary, birthday etc to help you celebrate in style. if tips are included in your cruise a little something extra for your suite attendant is a nice gesture and something to the Crew Fund that can be put on your credit card. This fund is shared amongst the crew you may not see, but keep things running smoothly. My understanding is the ship uses it for outings or if a crew member has a hardship. Congratulations and Bon Voyage! Cruising can become addictive.

I agree. It broke my heart when cruising was stopped for nearly 2 years and the hard working people who rely on those jobs were unable to earn a living. We missed our vacations, but they suffered hardship. We are lucky enough to afford all inclusive cruises but always leave something extra for our suite attendants and have learned that giving to the crew fund allows you to say thank you to those you don’t always see who keep the ship running, safe and clean.