JohnGinPBG

Still getting rain bands here, but we dodged a major bullet. 

Heading up to Albany tomorrow. Maybe I'll run into JP.

We're shuttered up, stocked up and just watching closely and waiting for the turn north. If we don't get it, we could be in deep doodoo. Fingers crossed.

1 hour ago, Lois R said:

Yes, John, sending you my best as well and stay safe.

Thanks, Lois! Same to you.

1 minute ago, TLCOhio said:

 Good luck!!  Will be following the direction of this hurricane with great interest.  

Thanks, Terry! We've been through many smaller storms hear, but this one is scary.

17 minutes ago, spinnaker2 said:

This am the weather channel put the eye squarely in our neighborhood.  This will likely change but no matter we are in the cone. The only thing we can do is over prepare.

Hope all will be safe.

We are in the bullseye as well. Stocked up, gassed up, freezing blocks of ice. Time to prep outside and get busy on the shutters. Good luck to you and all our neighbors.

30 minutes ago, scubacruiserx2 said:

Frigate flyover

Magnificent!

2 hours ago, Master Echo said:

Apologies are also needed for my photographs.

No need to apologize, Master E. Your photos and video gave me a good indication of how the island looks from the ship and reinforced my decision to go to Oia. I'll report back after our trip.

Thanks!

47 minutes ago, jpalbny said:

We are catching up with the surplus. Today's lunch-time snack.

 

 

The basil is from the garden too. Heavenly. The Icelandic gin and tonic is an odd pairing, but it seems to work. 😂

That looks wonderful, JP! Off-season for us here. I start mine in November and start eating them in March. 

On 8/14/2019 at 9:19 PM, Daveywavey70 said:

It is currently uploading to youtube so will be available a few hours after I get to sleep. Heres the link when it does finish uploading. More to follow soon.

Great video, Davey! Was pleased to see Pan from Myanmar, who is our all-time favorite SS server. We love her!

4 hours ago, Gourmet Gal said:

An advantage of booking through SS is that of there is a problem with your flight they will do their best to reroute or rebook to get you to the ship.  I’ve never had to use this service but I would suppose it would be without additional cost.  Perhaps others can comment.

We had free airfare through SS on a Caribbean cruise in March. Miami to San Juan and Barbados to Miami. The day the cruise started, all 737 MAX aircraft were grounded and that plane was what we were scheduled to fly back on from Barbados. While it took them a couple of days, SS was able to arrange alternate flights for our return. I was relieved I didn't have to work that out myself during a cruise.

31 minutes ago, hsheffield said:

I've never booked a cruise before and am hoping to book my first soon!

 

I've seen some chatter on FB about how a TA can save money and offer on board credits compared to the SS agents. I see we're not allowed to talk about specific travel agencies, but I was hoping some of you could give me some general guidance about pros/cons.

 

 

I can only speak from personal experience, but we have booked four cruises directly with SS and have been very pleased with our rep. Others insist that using a TA is the way to go, but I prefer to deal directly with the provider, whether it's a hotel, airline or cruise - just for peace of mind. 

Our SS rep has gotten us unpublished discounts, what I consider to be generous OBC, prompt answers to my questions and good suite assignments. He also arranged for us to visit a ship in port which included a tour and lunch with an officer. So we're happy.

2 hours ago, scubacruiserx2 said:

We love cruising along with a bird escort .

Brown booby in the Caribbean.

1 hour ago, Master Echo said:

I agree with Stumblefoot.  Many years ago, someone told me I would hate Venice because it smells and I shouldn't go.  My answer was maybe so, but I want to smell it for myself!!!

 

Thank you, Master Echo. We'll plan to go to Oia first thing in the AM and maybe still have time for the volcano trip. You're right. I would have regrets if I didn't see it for myself, regardless of the crowds. Beautiful pictures!

25 minutes ago, Tothesunset said:

I'd hate to sway you one way or the other and I should really add some small print to the effect that all opinions expressed are solely those of the management who take no responsibility for the actions anyone takes as a result of these postings.

Disclaimer noted.

On 8/8/2019 at 8:23 AM, Tothesunset said:

Well let me tell you, I can see why this became an iconic sight but it's utterly ruined by the overwhelming number of tourists.  Do not go there. 

21 hours ago, Master Echo said:

It is such a shame as it is really is a beautiful place, ruined unfortunately by too many of "us"! 

I've always thought it was impossible for a first-and-only-time visitor to Santorini not to go to Oia, but you two are scaring me off. We'll be there on October 24 of the Spirit, but so will 10,000+ other cruisers. The idea of a human scrum just to get a few photos does not appeal to us. So I'm on the verge of cancelling our Oia tour and switching to the volcano hike, where we'll get views of Santorini from afar.

I'm wondering if it's possible to get some nice views of Oia from the ship at sunrise or sunset, which is when we sail in and out. My zoom lens should be able to get some good shots.

TTS, you're a gifted humorist. By the way, we fly though Heathrow on our way home. I'll toast you in the BA lounge and give thanks for only having to experience it for 3 hours.

25 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

Here are three different angles on this classic and proud Bald Eagle we observed with Captain Paul during our Sitka adventure.  Don't you just love these "eagle eyes" possessed by this symbol of the United States?:

Those are awesome, Terry! I just bought a 70-300mm lens that I wish I had in Sitka.

Keep 'em coming!

11 hours ago, Wellseasoned said:

Same with us.  We have started and finished with no problems.  We are starting in Venice again on the Spirit in October, hope it goes as well as before!

Looks like we're on the same cruise. We have two nights in Venice prior and plan to take a vaporetto to the pier.

1 minute ago, Lois R said:

I think folks in San Diego may disagree with you LOL......and I have been out there......they really do have mild temps and NO HUMIDITY LOL...…...as for H season? Please!...…..not this year.

Good point. I spent a winter in SD and it was pretty nice. But too far away for an east-coaster.

3 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Hey John, I am up in North Florida and the heat and humidity in August? It is dripping

Hang in there, Lois! Only two+ more months and then we'll have the best weather in the country. Assuming we get through H.... season. I won't even say the name.

On 8/5/2019 at 12:38 PM, jpalbny said:

It has been a gorgeous day here in Reykjavik. The sun is shining and it feels way warmer than the 60°F that weather.com says it is. Almost ready to sail.

 

How fortunate we CC followers are to have you and Lois, two awesome posters, to sail along with in Iceland! And this on the heels of Terry's wonderful travelogue from Canada/Alaska. Sure helps pass the time in a long, hot Florida summer. I can almost feel the chilly air. We have to wait until next month to cool off in the Dolomites.

Have a wonderful time!

Thanks for "taking us along" on your great adventure. Enjoyed it all!

Looks like you didn't get to see the "big mountain" in Denali - but your great caribou and bear sightings hopefully made up for that. And that's a spectacular bull moose shot from Talkeetna! We've seen many a moose but never a bull up close. 

Hope getting home is not too much of a letdown.

9 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

Such a fun, interesting guy who works very hard to care for the dogs and loves this race that symbolises much about Alaska's heritage.

Martin is a gem! So glad you got to spend time with him and his dogs. I think this is a great addition to SS's Denali trip. Tip : sit on the right side of the bus tomorrow. Not so great on the way out but on the way back you'll have the best view of the park.

2 hours ago, jpalbny said:

Hope this whets your appetite, and that your view is even better!

And another....

Nice forecast! Looks like you'll have a good chance of seeing the big mountain.. Enjoy Martin Buser's tomorrow.

47 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

We used Captain Paul Davis of Gallant Adventures.  He was not just wonderful, but actually SUPER EXCELLENT would describe this trip. 

SO pleased that you had a good day with Captain Paul! When you recommend an independent excursion, you hope for the best.  Super glad that it worked out for you!

Your pictures are great and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the "808". Nice total, by the way.