mchell810

For dessert we had a panna cotta with berry compote

Had a small dinner party last night with a couple of friends. Miso glazed sea bass with black rice

Really enjoying your photos. Thanks!

When I travel I am always impressed by the multi-language skills so many have. When I was in Croatia the guide explained their system where most people had solid skills in 2 or 3 languages by the time they graduated high school. Charlotte really should not stress about her English language skills; she is leaps and bounds ahead of most Americans who have no second language at all and/or make no effort when not in an English speaking country. So good for her for making the effort (and thus building her skills).

uktog did a comparison last year:

Ditto!

Yes, you could use the cruise terminal address -- I have read of others doing that. I would have done the same; instead, I used the hotel where I am staying a few days before joining the ship. Yes, you do have to enter some address, but I don't believe they are checking for a reservation -- the address would be a potential point of contact if needed. The Australian ETA is only good for 1 year (NZ is two years).

Not @possum52 but I can answer a few of your questions. I completed my ETA a week ago. It is my understanding that you must use the app for the tourist ETA for Australia (NZ gives the option of the website and provides specific information as to photo requirements). There isn't a lot to type in as the app scans your passport so all that data is imported and you just agree if it is correct (or make a change if needed). Mostly you are answering yes or no to questions and then have to input the address of where you will be in Australia. The app will take the photo in moment. As you mentioned, once it is approved the ETA is electronically noted on your passport so any border official scanning the passport will have that information. The email they send includes a PDF stating approval and other details. I have saved this document to print. I am sure this is what others refer to when they mention printing. It's not required to have a print copy; however, I'd rather have something to show if anything goes awry. Also, the app saves your approval so any time you open it you can see your ETA status there as well. I hope this helps.

I hope they are safe. My cousin who lives in North Carolina lost her shed and pool deck; luckily the giant tree that fell did not hit the house. She is safe but it was a rough night.

When I canceled in July the refund showed on my credit card within hours (despite my SS rep saying it would take 2 weeks.)

This seems to be the new trend with SS; yet, how can one rebook when the new routes are not provided. In June they cancelled my 2026 Whisper cruise simple bc they decided to adjust the schedules. About 5 weeks later when they finally revealed the new plans, even with the 15% off offer I couldn't find anything I liked, so I booked the cruise elsewhere.

I'll add one more thing to your list of troubling changes: tours. One of the things that drew me to SS was the wide selection of included tours. They were interesting and varied -- offering something for everyone: wine tours, significant historical sites, outdoor adventures. Now when I look at cruises now there is just one tour offered in each port and it is almost always a "highlights" or panoramic tour. If I have to add the cost of tours, and all the other little downgrades mentioned above, then the value for money equation does not work for me especially with the ever increasing prices.

Your pictures of the aqueduct are particularly lovely! Glad to see Charlotte getting her double dose of flair. 😉

Once you have completed the first application the NZeTA app will give you the option of adding an application for another person. Thus, you can have the app on just one phone. I just completed mine a few days ago. While the eTA is electronically linked to your passport you will receive an approval email with your specific reference number.

Loving your report as always; especially the cat photos 😻

Thanks; one more question if you don't mind: Would the cab have accepted a credit card (if you know). I, too, prefer to get local cash from my bank if I need it and ofc try to minimize the need. 😉

@richwmn, @WriterOnDeck and anyone else onboard: When paying for meals, cabs, purchases, etc are you using Yen or credit cards? Do you feel you really need to have Yen for the larger costs? Thanks for any information.

I started using my bank's app specifically due to long trips. With the app there is no issue regarding location when logging in. My bank requires 2-factor authentication when I login via web browser but it does not with the app so the VPN wouldn't be necessary. (I am assuming you will have ship wifi) I also have all my regular bills sent to email notifications so I get the information to pay the water, electric bill, etc. Of course, you could set these payments in advance with a bit extra to ensure you've fully covered the payment. Finally, I also set up the app for my travel credit cards so that I can easily monitor them.

At least you know one thing on the list will get done: Pet the cats 😜🤣 Looking forward to reading about your adventures.

I'd be packing my bags rather than logging into cruise critic. 😀 Do let us know what you decide.

@PinonNoir Your point about the lights is right on point. As Les noted there is an outside forward deck on the Dawn; one can access it from the Observation lounge. Ofc, if the staircase is closed off one would be sorely disappointed. I enjoyed the sail out from San Juan in March.

If you don't mind: will yo ushare the name of the company you used (and what year did you do your tour?) Thanks,

Silversea, Oceania and Azamara have the separate bedroom. Ofc, for all of these it's not the entry level rooms but the upper level suites (and each line uses a different name for them.)

I had the twin bed set up on Dawn earlier this year. Somehow we forgot to take picture of the full set up; however, I do have the one below. The plugs do not move; they will move the nightstand that would be along the bathroom wall. The plugs on that side are thus behind the pillow. The nightstand nearer the sofa does not move so there is normal access to those plugs, visible in the picture below.

I believe this is the trip report @Port Power referred to.