cruising Katie

To @ger_77 a very happy birthday for dear HB. My late husband was also my Hunny Bunny. High school sweethearts and a wonderful marriage until cancer took him. One year on our anniversary he gave me a charm bracelet with a playboy bunny on it. He said it was the only bunny he could find. My parents were appalled. We had many laughs about it over our years together. Take care Kate

I have been travelling solo for a number of years, and find most cruise lines will make an effort to have some sort of single get togethers, but I have found the best trips are those, that you sit with a large table for dinner, for 8 not 10, (too hard to talk across a much bigger table) and get to know the people around you. I have made life long friends from just sitting at trivia games, libraries, or pool side. and sometimes its just nice to sit on your balcony with a glass of wine by yourself. Happy Cruising Kate

I love my sea days, gives me a chance to sleep in, if I want to, eat or not at any specific time. I love to read, but after a busy day of new ports and tours I just want to have some dinner, and go to bed. On a sea day, I can walk around the ship, meet up with new or previous met passengers, or just stay out on my balcony read or just watch the waves. I can always find something to do, like taking pictures of the ship and your favorite staff. Kate

Bruno My sincere condolences to you and your family. I have enjoyed reading the many trips you and your Dad have taken over the years. I hope your memories carry you through the hard times. While time does not take the pain of losing your father and best friend away, it does change. It has been almost 20 years since the early passing of my dear husband, and have found the joy in memories and have been travelling alone for some years now. I always sit out on my balcony with a glass of wine, and say a little toast to him. Always know that the Daily family is here for you. Kate

Does anyone know if the Ziederdam has any classical music on board. Going on her for 35 days July 20th. I too feel that any talking or laughing from any other passengers spoils the show. Two years ago, when a lovely evening on the Noordam was spoiled by a noisey group, when others turning and giving stares, I just finally got up and whispered to the loudest to please move to another location, where they were not disturbing others. It actually worked. Kate

Enjoy your trip, my trip is already on your list. I hope your pain levels are down and you can enjoy all the cruise has to offer. Ivan will miss you but your neighbour will make up for your being away with toys and treats I am sure. take care Kate

I was on the Noordam 2022 Circumnavigation and it was amazing. Every stop was so interesting and fun. Of course the heat was something you had to beware of. In Broome it was over 100F, and when I returned to the ship, a cool shower was needed. We missed Komodo Is. due to some ship mix up. In Freemantle I got off the ship, walked along the dock to the ticket office, and took a ferry to Rotte Is. Most amazing day. The quakas (little marsupables ) not rats, everywhere and so cute. Bus trip around island and only wished I could have stayed longer to try out fabulous snorkeling sites. You see more of Australia than locals. Kate (please excuse my spelling, no coffee this morning yet)

I have not been able to get any emails from Cruise Critic since Friday? Is there something wrong with their site? anyone else having the same problem Kate

I was on the Noordam last year for 69 days, on 8th deck. It took me the whole trip to get used to the chairs, trolly's, food carts and staff every early morning and late evening. We had several nights of rough weather and although I was not sick, woke next mornings, to find ipad, stuff on the floor after a good rock and rolling. Will never take that deck again.

In Ontario, in Major Cities, we have currency exchanges. If they don't have what you want for whatever country, they can order, only takes a few days. You can return any paper money, for a refund, but no coins. I always ask my cabin staff if the South Pacific is their regular route and if so, leave coins for them, along with extra tip. They are so amazing. Only big stores will take Credit cards, and in places, it is just locals, selling their crafts. Kate

Roy, I am lerker and sometimes poster. I have enjoyed for many years your posts. Your wealth of world information, photo's and of course your menu selections have been one of the many reasons I continue to read CC every day. Part of my morning routine, coffee, toast and CC. Your latest illness on cruise was quite a concern to many of us, and your recent prostate treatments. Please continue if you can, to post, we all love your sunrises and sunsets.too. Kate

I am sorry for your loss. I have been widowed for 18 years,, and some things never get better. I started solo cruising on smaller ships, Azamara and Emerald River Cruises. I loved the size and the number of cruisers. Once I had a few under my belt I tried bigger ships, like Hollands. I am not into the glitz and glam of other lines ships, and prefer the elegance and familiarity of Holland. I have made wonderful friends over the years, and cherish them all. I have found that when dining in the MDR I always ask for a 6 person table with others. Each night is fun, meeting new people, and by the end of the cruise you have another great bunch of new friends. A table of 8 is a little too big, harder to talk across. Holland ships have lots of quiet places to be alone if you want to be or your stateroom can be a haven for sad memories. Kate

I agree with Crystalspin, I have always used the same PCC and as a 4 * now would never consider a TA. She always calls me back if I email her. She gets me the best price, with the best credits and bonus's. Sorry you have had an unfortunate experience. They to me, have been a wonderful company to deal with, when I have had the occasional issue. I hope it works out for you. Kate

Hi Jacqui Could you please add me to the list for July 20 24 to Aug. 24 24 35 Day Voyage of the Vikings. So looking forward to this trip, There are a number of stops I have not been too. Hope volcanic eruptions and repair to their infra-structure in Iceland allows us to travel there. Thanks for all you do, big hugs to Ivan. He seems such a gift to you and your hard work. Cruising Katie

Hi Jacqui Please add me to the list, already there, for the July 20 - Aug 24 35 days Voyage of the Vikings. Looking forward to many ports i have not been to. Hope Iceland is still able to accept travelers, after all the volcanic disruptions. May you find this difficult holiday season gives you some peace and good memories. I too have my sad times, even 18 years later. Thanking all who report, share and all those wonderful photos. Take care Kate