Meander Ingwa

Sounder train only runs limited northbound service during afternoon rush hour .  A great option if the timing works out

I found the food, overall, to be very tame.  As someone who leans happily toward the asian spice palate; Sichuan, Malay, Indian,  I agree that I would bring a bottle or two of my favorite sambal or chili crisp.  Depending on where you embark, you can likely find in a store in the major city

Some Indian dishes did show up in the WC and they were very good, but overall the menu is pretty tame, tasty but not in keeping with my usual diet leaning

yes the Link light rail to Lynnwood station then the number117 bus (every half hour) which sets you down about 1 block from the hotel.

Back to the ferry the same way, though you will have to taxi / call car from one of the downtown rail stations to the pier

 Bus from the link station is about 35 minutes.

Mukilteo is a very small community.

I like the Rome2Rio app for transportation finding.  A must for every traveler, particularly when things go sideways.  I used it extensively in Scotland last month

I did a private, small van tour on Tromso first day.  We had rest stop at a local service station ( 7/11 type).  Small group would always be my choice since they are so nimble.  Our guide said all the local guides are in touch with each other to make sure not to over impact any one area.  We had a nice spot on a frozen lake which made for excellent photography.  If you are a photographer, make sure you have back up battery.  We also lost a full port day in Narvik and very altered port times due to stormy seas.  We did see lights from the ship in Tromso and I saw in Alta with effort

The NL themselves were not at the overwhelming level that some of us experienced earlier this year from our homes.  But they were there

For safety buffer I suggest booking your private night tour for your first port day.  This gives you freedom to stay out very late.  Most of the private tour companies understand the challenges of port time and of the issue of weather.  They offer generous refund policy.

I did London / Bergen circuit so cannot offer that info.  As a dedicated UK traveler, though, get to Gatwick by rail is easy if you are mobile you should have no issue.  Gatwick is served by trains from Victoria.   I would caution, however that it might be wise to build in a buffer day for the end.  A 2023 sailing was 2 days late arriving in Tilbury due to weather 

The distance from ship to the tram stop (Byparken) for the airport is 0.9 miles level walk and takes about 25 minutes unless you are inclined tho stop and look at things.  Fare was about 2.75 us$

I self transported to the airport in January.  Walked from ship to the tram stop.  The ticket loads directly to your contactless credit card.  Tram stops right in the airport which is small and easy / quick to navigate.  You should make a 130 flight easily and the 1030 if you are off at 6ish.  People were leaving the ship as early as 330am for very early flights.

I enjoy trains and trams so this journey was a delight.  There was no issue with seating or luggage space.

18 hours ago, minniegidget said:

Anyone stayed at the Doubletree south center? Cant find much about it. Reviews not great. I figured its only one night. Rooms looked pretty big.

it is a little way from the airport .  My usual go to for hotel reviews is Google maps and it rates a 4/5.  Not sure I would call that a bad collection of reviews.  That said it is another Doubletree hotel.  Attended meetings there, but not stay.  Probably a better deal than the airport one.  be sure to verify how to get the shuttle.  Doubletrees I have stayed at the shuttle runs a scheduled loop most of the day.

My experience getting to Tilbury in January was positive.  If you are comfortable traveling on the underground it is fairly simple, but you will have to do some walking.  I stayed in London a week prior to my cruise.  Fenchurch was a simple walk to from my hotel with  google map nav.  Tap in at the gate, street level, tap out at Grays.  Ramp down to taxi line.  Taxi took cash only, i didn't  bother seeking one that took plastic 15pound.  No waiting or delay.  Train was uncrowded.  Elizabeth Line from LHR to Liverpool St. Then walk to Fenchurch if you are able. 

Elizabeth Line to Canary Wharf (Abbey Wood branch) then walk to the to DLR for a few stops south to cutty sark is also simple if you are comfortable with public transportation.  Certainly a nicer experience than sitting in traffic 

  Make sure in your search you dont have a "use points" feature turned on.  I was able to go to the Alaska web site, inserted a random day, ticked one way and found all the options

it is easy to get a local hotel at airport and use their shuttle .  You may or may not have to double check bags with that long a layover

Seattle has one of the highest COL in the country.  you will need to expand your budget or look for something at the airport, like the La Quinta, for 150 -175/night.  If you are on a loyalty program, this might be the time to use your points

SeaTac wine and liquor is just north of S 188 adjacent to La Quinta and across the street from DoubleTree and Hilton Garden Inn

You can also buy SIM on line and simply install the day you arrive.  I do this as I am usually so brain numb when I get to Heathrow.  I like 3 because they don't push a ton of spam IM at you .

Agree with others you can use your contactless.  I am sentimental about my Oyster which I have used for many years, though

the 8S bus takes about an hour from Kirkwall and the bus stop is at the visitors center at Skara Brae.  You can find out more info from here

https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/B/Bus-Services.htm

You might reconsider the option of the walking tour in favor of the ancient sites tours, if available.  I am planning a trip to Kirkwall in September and plan on using the bus.  I am not tied to a ships schedule , however.  Bus service is not frequent and involves a potential transfer, as you can see from the timetable.  The route is pretty scenic ,though

I personally would not use Thames clippers since you then have to schlep to a station to continue your journey.  Many if not most of the north bank stations have steep ramps ( remember the river is tidal) and are very crowded.  None of them connect easily to the Piccadilly or Elizabeth line which is what you need for Heathrow

To use public transportation, the DLR to Elizabeth Line, as previous mention using West India Key, is my go to.  If you are not comfortable using public transportation then the private car transfer as mentioned

Uber / Lyft or taxi are the basics.  Private car company is your only other option

If you are not familiar with using an app ride service,  like Lyft, then simply get a taxi.  They are all pretty much the same

I am a local and took a Lyft to SEA from Everett ( north of Seattle) last month ,  It was fast , simple,  and just like having a friend drive me.

I agree with everyone who says dont get a car.  You dont need one and the money you would need to spend on parking could cover the prices of Uber/Lyft or taxis.

The Mariner game ball park is a great experience with a lot of terrific food options.  Go very hungry and bring an adventurous appetite.  The ballpark puts great pride and emphasis on having local , small vendors providing unique food options.

A few days before Bergen port they will send around survey for your  desired time.   People got off as early as 230 am for those wee hour departures.  There was food service in WC.

They will color tag your bags by time group to pick up before passport check.  I self disembarked at 9 am and moseyed to the airport via the excellent Tram line

what level of wine do you want?  Use google maps to see based on where your hotel is.  If you are at the Crown Plaza there 7 Days Market across the street.  There are a fair number of corner markets / Bodega type places.  For BevMo or Total Wine level stores, you will need an Uber/Lyft to Long Beach or Lomita / Torrance

The Greenwich tender spot is very convenient to Greater London exploring.  DLR ( docklands Light Rail) station is right there and will take you to Bank station in the heart of The City ( old London)

I found , as well, the transfer from London to Tillbury was super simple.  It is step free in both Fenchurch ( level walk) and Grays ( ramp) train stations.  The train takes about 40 minutes and runs frequently.  Your can tap in  / out with your credit card.  There was a cab line waiting at Grays station and the cab ride to the Cruise port is about 15L with tip.  My cabbie only took cash which I did not object to.

I really enjoyed the Dilmah teas!   The Rooibos was very nice.  The Ceylon was also quite enjoyable

there was a new eruption in the last 48 hours.  It has died down but has done a fair amount of damage to some infrastructure.

To answer your question a bathing suit is all you need.

make good use of the hair conditioner before going in the water.  

Not sure how forward planning your are, but Blue Lagoon may be open or closed at a moments notice.  RUV dot is/english is a good news source site

Just debarked in Bergen.  The North Sea was lively with this storm moving through( Ilsa)   Gusts to 100mph,   swells ...well very very high.  We were 8 hours late into Bergen.

We had beautiful weather in Tromso and Alta with NL visible from deck at night.

Good sailing to all

Yes it is fine.  You are right in the heart of Amazon business center.  Not too far from the Center.  Many people Uber / Lyft as rides are plentiful and can get you where you need, quickly 

They did provide a shuttle on the current sailing.  Alta was a huge surprise and I can see why those folks choose to live there.  The included tour to cathedral and museum were worth it 

In tromso now.  They just told us Alta will be docked, non tender.  Not sure how you can plan.  I didn't book anything for Alta, will look at forecast before committing