BBGrace273

Ah, the "start to gather trip items pile" on the extra bed. I 💯% do this too. I already have a pile going, and I don't leave until Sept. Have a blast. I can't wait to hear how your trip goes!

True... but "should" and "will be" are often not the same. 😊 A lot of the threads on here are how different ships seem to be having way different prorocols/standards. Just trying to be proactive, to see if I need to lug a case of soda water on board for myself. 😆

Neither of your future cruises are on the Nova, correct? I'm interested in hearing about this "working" on the Nova, before I sail in Sept. I'm interested to see the likelihood of my request to my TA happening.

Oh my goodness. What fun! Can't wait to read about your adventures. And from the point of view of a solo, no less! (Although I'm not a true solo, as I'll be travelling with my dad. I know there'll be a lot of things that I will want to do that won't be his cup of tea.) Yay!!!

Thanks, @JSR! I do tend to be a pretty, "glass half full" type of gal. Thanks for the tips about joining stuff early. And I am super excited about both the itinerary and the mix of sea and port. Counting down the days!

Thanks for this, @JSR Jean. While I am learning SO MUCH before my first cruise here on CC, I think I might need to avoid any specific SS or Nova "bashing" posts for awhile. It has been making me really nervous to see more and more posts of long time cruisers saying, "never again" and cancelling already booked future cruises. But, since this is my first I really have nothing to compare it too, as many have said, so I won't know what I'm missing. Your reflection here has made me feel so much better again. My dad and I are doing the TP crossing from Vancouver to Japan by way of Alaska. He walks with a cane, and occasional walker. When travelling, he often gets ADA compliant rooms for safety in the bath (I can't even tell you how many times we've been at the ER this year for stiches after falls). In fact, our TA had originally put him into your 9041! I had it changed after all our bathtub-shower conversations from your voyage. I didn't want him to remove the option from a wheelchair user once I found out the showers were all walk in. This trip to Japan was planned right before Covid, but sadly, since then my dad's mobility has lowered, so I thought a cruise might be a great way to still travel, with less... well, travelling. It is DEFINITELY a big splurge for us, and I think I'm mainly worried because HE'S worried he's going to get bored of it all. However, from your original apprehension about sea days during your live post, to you latest reflection here, I really think he's going to end up loving it. He loves to read and complete sudoku. I can already visualize him on his balcony or enjoying his coffee in the Observation Lounge. So basically, this is just a really long winded thank you. Thanks for bringing me along on your GV. Thanks for answering all my questions. And thanks for re-grounding me. I'll be on vacation with my amazing dad for a month! On a crazy, new, gorgeous looking ship. I'm going to have a wonderful trip, even if there's no more foie gras, my bottle of whiskey has to be stored sideways on the shelf, and I have to ask for fruit. 😉 All the best, Grace

Sorry @Lois R to hear you've been feeling poorly. Hope you are 100% on the mend. Also that your experience on the Nova was enough to make you cancel your Ray trip. I really enjoyed reading some of your posts on here. I am so worried about my Nova cruise in Sept. But, not much I can do. Just gotta hope for the best. Glad you found a solo Caribbean trip to your liking!

Quick question. Several of you have referenced downloading hard copy of your chosen excursions. Am I missing doing this somewhere? Or are you just screenshotting each one individually?

I'll be in Tokyo after the 9/12-10/1 Nova Cruise from Vancouver. Would love any info!

So sorry to hear this. I was rooting for you.

Ok @jmalux, I got it. You are onboard right now! Thanks so much for taking the time to send this to me. I hope you are enjoying yourself. Are you getting off the ship in Lima, or doing a B2B? I was in Peru in Dec. 2022. Sadly, that's when the government kinda collapsed for a few days, and there were serious riots that closed all the trains, major highways, and airports for about a week. I was stuck in a hotel in Cusco, with instructions from the US Embassy and State Dept. to not leave for several days in a row. Scary at the time, and most of my trip ended up being cancelled (no Machu Picchu for me 😞) but it's a pretty cool story now!

Sorry @jmalux is this linkable? It seems like it is from the mysilversea website, but I cannot seem to find it on there anywhere myself.

Thank you, @jmalux! This is EXACTLY what I was looking for.

Thanks, @Lois R! I read both @Catlover54 's review thread, and then also yours, and @JSR's live grand journey. (I've done a lot of reading😀) Thanks to all 3 of you for all your insight and help for my preparation. I know since it's my first cruise I should relax a little, but that's just not my personality type. Plan, plan, plan!!! Deep down, I know that I will have fun no matter what, as I, 1) won't be at work, 2) get to go back to Japan, 3) spend time with my awesome dad, and 4) won't be at work. 😉 All the best! BB Grace

I will be on the Nova for the Vancouver to Tokyo Sept 12th, 2024 cruise and I am wondering if there is anywhere I can find info on actual hours of operation for the various bars and restos. I can only seem to find things like, "open for lunch and dinner," "all day," or "open late". I could have sworn I saw the restaurant info somewhere, but I can't for the life of me find it anymore. Also, since this is my first ever cruise, I was wondering about reservations at S.A.L.T. Lab, and the S.A.L.T. Chef's Table. All the info online says to reserve as soon as you board. I don't really have any idea what boarding is really like. Is it like a cattle call wave on board? One group at a time? Since I'm not VIP at all, and just in a veranda, will there even be any shot at getting a spot at either? And speaking of the Lab, is it like a meal, or a cooking class for a particular dish? Does it occur at lunchtime? Dinner? Some other time during the day? And last question, is there a difference in La Dame and Kaiseki on Nova that changes the upcharge from $60 to 160, and $40 to 80? Is it that it doesn't include the drink pairings on the other ships, but now on Nova it automatically does? Thanks for any help!