Critically Cruising

Those CLEAR people paid for that privilege to "cut" the line. Don't like it....sign up for it yourself.

Dont worry about the time. Plain coach will be more painful than PE. If you take the "shortest" trip, it will also be the more difficult one. Or so you will know afterwards.

Did you check on Newark to Singapore? That way, you could fly United from Atlanta - all on Star Alliance.

$200 differential for Singapore PE over coach is a no brainer in my book. I'd have thought the difference would be a lot more. Your body can thank me later.

And we prefer Indochine over the pretentious SALT. To each their own. In regards the OP questions -- was recently on Spirit. A few hiccups with leaks and maintenance that I noticed around the ship, but all were fixed along the way. Service was superb, especially at the bar in Dolce Vita. As for needing a "refresh", as long as the furnishings are still in good quality, I'm not as concerned if they aren't trendy, lighter or prettier. I look for a solid, reliable product delivered consistently and professionally. That I found on Spirit.

Well, that explains it.

Two words: Bluetooth Jammers.

It only requires the will and commitment of the hotel director and his staff. Enough complaints and the offending items WILL be removed. Tell the HD that a big reason for your cruising is to enjoy the pool deck, not to be faced with a sea of books and sunglasses soaking up the rays. And that unless the chair hogs are dealt with, you will cruise elsewhere. One particular cruiseline even sets up a table near the pool and has a large sign that says "Lost pool deck items". They publicize a 1 hour time limit, then things get removed to the table. And they apply the policy ruthlessly - regardless of how VVVVIP the offender is. Plus, they have someone from security doing the removal, so the "lido boys" don't get dinged for the actions. Just remember....if a cruiseline doesn't address a problem, they don't think it's a problem. Now you decide if they should get your travel dollars.

Beg to differ. Hawaiian operates 28 mainland – Hawaii routes. Alaska Airlines serves 12 of those routes. That’s overlap on 43% of Hawaiian’s mainland – Hawaii routes, and overlap on 25% of Hawaiian’s total route network.

Try looking here: https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/assuntos/portal-consular/QGRVsimplesing30OCT23.pdf Seems to me that citizens of Canada and the USA are exempt from needing a Brazilian visa. This is the official government website, not a service, and is updated as of October. NOTE: This is not to be construed in any way as legal or immigration advice or counsel. It is merely for informational purposes gleaned from a reading of the government website. https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/assuntos/portal-consular/vistos/informacoes-sobre-vistos-para-estrangeiros-viajarem-ao-brasil

Remember that those other websites are merely front-end processors for your visas. If you are getting an electronic visa, your most effective and least expensive option is the immigration/customs ministry of the country itself. Just research to find the country's website for electronic submissions. And be VERY aware that there are many websites out there purporting or implying that they are "official" ways to get your visas. Don't fall for that. Further, I don't know why you are wanting a visa to both Brazil and Cape Verde, as both of them have a visa waiver in place for Canadian citizens. (Note: This is NOT legal or immigration advice, but merely my reading of the appropriate government websites. Do you own due diligence to comply with all relevant laws)

Interesting. When I applied directly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a transit visa, there was no provision or mention of any kind of insurance. Only a US$10.50 fee. Could this be because you indicated residence/citizenship in Canada?

Reason being is that you can use 3 devices with a standard account, just not simultaneously. So unless she is a serious multi-tasker, she would be fine as it logs you into the new device and disconnects the other. This is in contrast to some cruise lines where it is one dedicated device per person - as opposed to one login per person at a time. And for the times where two might be needed simultaneously, she could always use your login for one of them. (Why does this remind me of the days of drug dealers with multiple phones AND multiple pagers?)

The trick is to order one thing, and instead of waiting for it to be finished, go off and order your other items. And a third if you wish. Now, this does result in multiple plates at the table, but you get your food about the same time so the temps are consistent. And of course, you just have the hosts carry the multiple plates.

I'll take the don't side of that bet.

Looking at the photo of the program, note the box titled "Reimagine Entertainment". And its contents. But I don't think that's what you had in mind.

Be careful that any OBC given for the first segment is not lost if you don't use it up by the end of that part of your B2B. Don't know if that is the case here, but I've been on another cruiseline that did that - and you had to complain vigorously for them to manually reset the numbers.

All of which reinforces my contention.....everyone was focused on how can we make the ship attractive and different than other vessels. NO ONE was actually focused on "how well will this work?" And in so many areas, it doesn't.

Power on the side of the bed closest to the window. Interestingly, our room "host" told us that extension cords were not allowed - so I hid mine running under the bed to power my CPAP. I think he knew, but didn't rat us out. But OTOH, none was provided by the ship - luckily I always have one with me.

Note, it's the sales team that is considered excellence. The IT team? Well....

Here's a thought for you to consider: 1) Current onboard management is unable to make changes because of rigid policy directives from HQ. 2) The wonderful Heike is supposed to come onboard soon. 3) What is the realistic likelihood that corporate HQ, which has continued to hold tight reins on ship management, even in the face of customer feedback, will suddenly reverse course because of the presence of one person? The level of optimism being shown around here is amazing.

That's the one. Ordered the Tanqueray gin and got Pink Pepper instead. Told that Tanqueray was not available, even though it was on the list.

There was a short listing of available spirits that was in our room on boarding. No one mentioned ordering anything other than what was offered on the sheet.

I cracked off the "hook" to make it easier to pack along the side of the suitcase. Still long enough to use. And the ones sold in the USA are only 2 feet long.

Environmental reasons. Along with "supply chain issues" it's another way to cover up cost cutting. Apparently, if you, or your agent, have enough pull, they can supply it. How "environmental" of them.