Lvteks

We are booked on Ruby Princess on Riviera deck. A balcony near the pool Jlust saw a Lido balcony become available. DH always goes early for coffee on the Lido. Too noisey? Too crowded??? Riviera is a great aft location ??. Comments appreciated.

Blessings,

Gail

Lynn, you are spot on ref this cruise. I was stunned by the changes. What happened to the smiles, the genuine overall attitude of welcome? We had an SY and did not see a room steward until 8pm or so the first night. There was a noticeable language deficit accompanied by a stressful work load.

DD and SIL liked Shane and Jeremy even though they too had very limited staff to expand any programs.

MDR guys were fun but busy busy. How they carry all the trays; thirteen dinners with heavy plates and metal covers is a performance in itself.

As for me, I relished the water and the balcony. My best kept secret is arranging for a lounge chair and spending sleepy late night hours outside drifting at sea with the balmy breeze and glowing moonlight. I am home, refreshed, peaceful, cherishing the times with family and the time for reflection and gratitude.

Looking forward to more of your review.

Blessings,

Gail

Ruth C,

Have you any idea of how many people like me appreciate your CC responses? I had just thought about additional tipping for our Friday cruise. Trying to estimate what cash is needed.....running out of time. Thanks so much.

Blessings,

Gail

DL service sounds great....however did I read somewhere that one must exit the ship by 7:30 AM? That is tough for 6 PM flight. Any info appreciated.

Blessings,

Gail

Dear Davidson Duo, We are leaving soon and have not booked a cruise to follow this one. Would love to be at whatever table YOU have on your next cruise. Great attitude, nothing like a little peace to calm the waters.

Blessings, Gail

I love the towel animals. I wish they would have a "pool party" on the Noordam sailing a Dec 6th. We usually cruise yearly. It would be quite some time in the future to find them boring. For me, cruising is more than an extended hotel stay with dining included. The personal services are meaningful and totally appreciated.

It seems most passengers find ways to avoid undue pressure on the crew. Ice is nice, but for me the pets are better. Besides, I miss my cat. : )

Blessings,

Gail

I expect this to be a highlight on our cruise next month. I found very enthusiastic reviews on the Ports of Call here on CC. Five of us are booked for a relaxing beach private excursion.......with a dive shop nearby. Take a look then see what appeals to you.

Blessings,

Gail

I want to second or ? 3rd the rollator for cruise and port. It allows you to sit when tired. There is a Drive model which incorporates a Rollator and wheelchair so you could be pushed as needed. I have a Medline which worked well for me after TKR in April. I've used it on cruises and it is very convenient but it is like most others not designed to be a wheelchair.

Blessings,

Gail

In addition to extra tipping, mention those special people by name when you complete your cruise evaluations. This is a personal benefit for each one.

Blessings,

Gail

Correction: My monocular was from National Geographic Society catalog. It is 7x and weighs 2 oz. Obviously not intended for all types of viewing. However it was also useful with the penguins in the Faulkland Islands. DH simply changed lenses and shot any other distance scenes. The wonderful world of digital. Not sure of the quality but there have been binoculars with cameras.

Blessings,

Gail

I used a small monocular on Med. cruise. I believe it was from Magellan' s. The best use was observing the incredible detail of immense art works in Istanbul. I'm not sure if it would work for you, but it was adequate in many other circumstances. And so easy to carry even around my neck. Heavy doesn't work for me.

Blessings,

Gail

I own an incomparable Aztek. It was love at first sight. An '01 bright shiny white: loaded with future technology, on screen info and all. It is like climbing into an aircraft cockpit, with amazing visibility. I know, some call it a butt-ugly dustbuster.....I'm still thrilled after 12 years...So I am Lvteks same as my license plate.

Blessings,

Gail

Holland America Noordam Dec. 6 2013, FLL to So. Caribbean. (10 days) We are 5 with one solo DD. Other DD and SIL are serious divers. We like large tables for late leisurely dining in MDR. They are 49-53, we are 70+....

Lois R would you agree HAL is smiley, friendly and has an outstanding crew?

Blessings,

Gail

Rollator made great difference on my last cruise. There were enough that the AD could have set up a race. NEW ITEM I don't know how much more it weighs, but Drive has a Wheelchair/Rollator model. Really can safely push on or walk.

If not for this Board I wouldn't have known about a Rollator. Mine is a 11# Medline. Costco and Walgreen stores usually stock them.

Happy Sails,

Blessings, Gail

Hello to YYZBXD,

How is your Spring in Toronto? Today in Winchester the daffodils are racing for the sky and our pear trees are in full blossom. Too beautiful for any negative thoughts. Taxes are filed too.

So I just have to focus on food diary and Apr. 30th. Then gear up for Dec. Cruise. I'm reading catalogs so I know what to look for on sale in Fall.

New meds may cause some weight loss stall but only temporarily. They increase appetite. Besides no sin goes unforgiving with repentance. I think taking pictures to keep in my phone might be a new idea in motivation. Wouldn't it be fun to be mistaken for a Palm tree. :)

Blessings,

Gail

WOW!

Gail .....and blessings too.

Hi Kim and a welcome note to Barlee! Believe it! One is a whole number (no matter what size) I can add this because I bet I am more than twice as old as you :).

My good news, all is OK on tests. Found out one of my meds is considered a "weight gain" pill. Doc had already decided to discontinue it and use new one. This may explain why trying seemed to get nowhere and in fact I was gaining. So far seem stabilized and perhaps a pound down. I need a new scale that records in tenths of pounds rather than half pound weights.

BTW surgery upped to April 30th. More recovery and better weight loss time. Yippee! ( a Texas expression of great joy).

Am back on my laptop, so this post is longer. Am diligently going to keep up the written food record. There are several on line programs I've heard about, but I like the journal....perhaps its just habit.

Kim, my sense of humor really kicks in when I can celebrate.....and you are a celebration!

Blessings,

Gail

Hi Kim and a welcome note to Barlee! Believe it! One is a whole number (no matter what size) I can add this because I bet I am more than twice as old as you :).

My good news, all is OK on tests. Found out one of my meds is considered a "weight gain" pill. Doc had already decided to discontinue it and use new one. This may explain why trying seemed to get nowhere and in fact I was gaining. So far seem stabilized and perhaps a pound down. I need a new scale that records in tenths of pounds rather than half pound weights.

BTW surgery upped to April 30th. More recovery and better weight loss time. Yippee! ( a Texas expression of great joy).

Am back on my laptop, so this post is longer. Am diligently going to keep up the written food record. There are several on line programs I've heard about, but I like the journal....perhaps its just habit.

Kim, my sense of humor really kicks in when I can celebrate.....and you are a celebration!

Blessings,

Gail

Great going Kim! You are so wise to celebrate each and every effort and achievement. Haven't been keeping up with my intentions yet I'm not too discouraged. First I found out a medicine I've just stopped taking has a weight gain side effect. This may explain why the rapid increase even though I was watching pretty carefully. Second, the knee problem severely limits activity. However I will have time after surgery. So far it's set for May 23rd. I do check in to see if anything earlier is available.

My P.T. is ramping up but I'm out of commission the rest of the day. Results of cardiac tests may answer some fatigue questions. Is this an organ recital or what ! :)

Anyway one great success.....I managed to switch the Kindle keyboard back to English. Somehow it opened in Japanese! Ah so!

Today I decided not wait until I lost ten pounds, I got a very gentle perm and style. No longer look like Dagwood. New grey hair were sticking straight out from post chemo limp

pasta strands. Somehow one seems thinner when they smile back at the mirror.

My next "cruise project" is learning how to do eye makeup again.

I appreciate all the welcome comments. Many thanks. Blessings, Gail

One more for Dec cruise. Just booked Noordam. Now I have to seriously "weigh" my options. Thought I'd ck CC and here it is. Simply cannot do the diet thing any more.Recent wellness issues including knee replacement by late May. So limited activity, but you have the magic answer! Write it all down.

Since I have to record other info 2 x day, all it takes is honesty. Tomorrow I start a new journal. I splurged for a bound one with magnetic closure that helps me remember this is a daily ongoing life plan. I have set 25# as the most to lose. The remaining time will be to keep steady.

Has anyone used the caloric computation scale? Several reviews say thy didn't work accurately.

Using my KIndle Fire to enter this. Very slow.

Thanks bunches for this forum. Blessings,

Gail

Thanks,

Looks like it will be a new adventure for both Nadia and myself.

Blessings, Gail

First time on RCL, does anyone have a comment about NADIA on the Mariner out of Galveston? Inquiring mind which can't wait to set sail again was ..uh..inquiring. Thanks,

Blessings, Gail

Nothing compares with the men on a MSC cruise. Well, except for the women who also were way oversized (in certain areas) for their attire. Quite a show.

Blessings,

Gail

Check out Holland America Roll Call for Volendam (Jan 22). Not too late to plan a great trip.

Blessings,

Gail

One more for the list of "Extinguished Members". We will be there Jan. 23rd on our Volendam cruise. I talked with a HAL person who said they clean out totally between users. So maybe stickers inside the cupboard would be left if there is a note requesting it.....or a sticky corkboard??

This is the Irish Festival Cruise....so who knows what leprechauns may pass by!

Blessings,

Gail