highplanesdrifters

Speaking of the Commonwealth Games......did anyone catch HRH at the helm for the Commonwealth SailGP race against New Zealand?

Hmmmm, we are now being told by some that it is not a recession, it is a "transition". Just like "transitory" inflation, time will tell this tale.😉 We are transiting through Heathrow Wednesday on our way to join Seabourn Venture in Longyearben via Oslo. We shipped our bags which are already at our hotel. Will our flights & connection be travel fortune or mis fortune. 🤞

Fair winds! May all your flights go, lines be short, and luggage make it all the way.

I wonder what the refi interest rate was.

Thanks for the report. Look forward to hearing and seeing more.😃

JPMorgan estimates that its customers account for one of every three dollars spent on leisure travel in the U.S., though those customers book only a tiny amount on the Ultimate Rewards website. One out of three? If true, that's a big number. I'm wondering, where the heck are they going to squeeze in all these airport lounges?

Keep the posts coming!

Thanks for taking us along!

Yes we paid in full. I had read somewhere on the SS boards that they were making TAs whole on commissions for canceled cruises. When I asked her if this was true she died laughing. Perhaps they have changed their policy or will now do it under select circumstances. I'm curious, so will re visit the issue with her.

This speaks volumes about how much money is still sloshing around out there.

Interesting. Our TA was not paid commission on any of the Silversea Covid canceled cruises. We did our best to compensate her.

Before you know it they will be charging extra for a bed and pillows.

Thanks Gary for that Covid info. CC Intelligentsia to the rescue. Google tells me it is only 900 meters from the Grand. SLSD - I promise to start a Live thread and folks can join in if they are in the mood. I'm holding back my initial aesthetic reservations until I see her in person. ;-). We were on Silversea Muse last September and the thing I really disliked about the ship were the low ceilings and cave like atmosphere of most of the restaurants.

"Dumb" is being kind.

Perfecto! Thanks for the Covid info. Will track you down for that cocktail. Knowing how things work we'll probably bump into each other at the hotel.😀 Safe travels.

Drinks, of course! Yes we are at the Grand, but perhaps we can wait till we are onboard. Our schedule is a bit up in the air. 😉 We have packed online Covid tests, but looking for physical back-up too. Let me know what you find. Our bags were were picked up yesterday and enjoyed lunch at Chick Filet. First time using smart tags. 🤣

Don't worry Terry you are not alone in the 'body parts not preforming as we would like' category. With the Feds rate decision due tomorrow time to look at the crazy action in the 10yr. If this head and shoulders pattern holds it forecasts 10yr at 2%. I have a hard time believing that forecast, but it is staring me in the face. Ecb went 50bps instead of the expected 25bps last week. Cats sleeping with dogs. Gaps to be filled.🤯 At least Bitcoin is dropping. That always makes me happy.

So perfectly said. I worked there a lot in the 80's and 90's and was able to immerse in local culture and food. One favorite was a weekly food/cultural gathering for families of Indian decent. A dozen mother and their daughters cooked their regional dishes. Just heaven. During recent tourist visits I've succumbed to the quick and easy hits readily available with occasional exploring of neighborhoods. Next time I'm going to slow it down like we do for most of our travel. Thanks for the nudge. Being an avid gardener, will probably return to MBS for the proximity to Gardens by the Bay. Yes it is a bit Disney meets Botanic, 😉, but there is always the Botanic Gardens for the purist in me. Thanks UKJeff for dredging up memories from long ago. Rambling right back atcha!

We loved the Marina Bay Sands. So much at your fingertips. Yes there is a kitchy aspect and the area can be a bit busy with tourists but once you are in the hotel system all is wonderful. Architecture spot on. Breakfast near the pool fabulous, as are the other restaurants on the top level. We especially like the basement food mall. They recreated the famous outdoor food hawkers inside. A foodies delight. The underground walkways also link to the big indoor shopping mall if you're a shopper. The other bonus is a short stroll to Gardens by the Bay, museums, etc. We like the Bay/Park view. Hop On bus can be caught just outside the hotel. A very different experience from the Ritz if you're in the mood. A View of MBS from the city Infinity pool does get crowded mid day with the selfie brigade. It can be entertaining to watch. Room view Room view Lobby

Last I read, submarine stays, helicopter gone.

All in due course.....exactly! If it is a 5:45, perhaps the Fashion Police can chime in about wearing PJs, robe, and slippers on the flight.🤣

So far so good! Bar code and boarding time showed up on the app!!!

You are so very welcome. I've gotten so much helpful info from the CC Intelligentsia, just trying to contribute. I understand there will be a QR code at some point available to expedite boarding. Not sure where, maybe the Seabourn app? Will let you know if I find it. 😀 We are also heading to Oslo 4 days ahead. Whether we get there 4 days ahead is another story.🤣 I'm really looking forward to exploring Oslo especially the ship museums. Sadly The Viking ship museum is closed. With the help of our Goddess TA, we have changed our flights twice, switched from AMS to LHR, building in larger connection cushions, booked a refundable backup LHR-OSL, and shipped our luggage. Will see if that helps, or perhaps I have over obsessed. We were in Oslo for one night in June. The airport was quite nice and efficient. Let's hope it still is. It will be interesting to see how Seabourn herds us on to the charter. In case you haven't found it yet, The Oslo Pass is a great app. So much info on it even if you don't buy the Oslo pass. Your wife sounds brilliant! I too am prone to travel related shiny things. I could never be as cool as Clint. See you onboard. I'll be the one in black.

Thanks for taking us along Sharkb8! Love the pics.

Thanks for the heads up. That was a fun time sink watching her leave on all the web cams.