mjldvlks

The captain said that one of the engines failed. . .

If the captain said an engine had failed as in your first post, it would appear the azipods are fine. According to what I have read, the ship has 6 engines [i have read elsewhere it is 8 but the engine manufacturer says 6 so I will go with that] so it could easily make normal speed without one of them. Indeed it is my understanding that they rarely run all 6 at the same time.

Try this:

https://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0LEV1HPT59TnjcA_FxXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTB0N2JpMjJwBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2JmMQR2dGlkA1ZJUDQ2MV8x?_adv_prop=image&fr=yfp-t-255&va=inside+allure+of+the+seas+lifeboat

Actually the original statement is correct - that a majority of the US population is east of the Mississippi. While the center of US population is west of the Mississippi, that location is affected by distance. In other words, most of the people living west of the Mississippi live a lot further from it than those that are east of it.

 

As of 2011, 58% of the US population lived east of the Mississippi:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_United_States

touché, you got me, mea culpa -- but it's relatively close to the Mississippi.

I just recently learned that Virginia also issues a Veteran card also. I may get one. Both legs of my B2B next year have a military discount.

Notwithstanding that I have only gotten a military discount a couple of times and have not yet been asked for proof of service, my concern about these State issued IDs is that they are not on the list of acceptable documents published by RCI. I have a continual fear of running into the overly assertive agent at the pier who insists on exactly what is on the list. I have a similar problem in that my ID as a "gray area" retired reservist is not on the list. To make sure I get the discount I carry my DD214 from my 4 years of active duty even though I have 20+ years of active reserve service after that. You want something from the list? Here's something from the list.

. . . the majority of the US population lives east of the Mississippi . . .

From my point of view, the distance to either is coast about the same. But my OCD requires me to point out that this statement is inaccurate. The center of US population is now in Missouri which [while east of me] is west of the Mississippi. It continues to move west and south.

Personally, I enjoy the west coast sailings. However, DW enjoyed a girls cruise this spring on Princess from LA -- so options remain.

. . . We are visiting the Normandy beaches on our TA. . .

Are you visiting on a shore excursion during the cruise or a pre/post cruise augmentation? On our TA aboard Independence in 2009, we were originally scheduled to stop in Cherbourg. We [maybe more appropriately I and my DW with a bit of arm twisting] selected this cruise because of this port with the idea of visiting the beaches. Literally the day after we booked [about 14 months out] Cherbourg was deleted as a port of call. After fussing and fuming for a few days and considering cancelling the trip [and writing to Adam Goldstein] I realized that we were much better off taking the ferry to Normandy after the cruise and spending three days in Normandy instead of an 8 hour or so shore excursion. Turns out to be one of the best things that could have happened. Even my DW [not a particular history buff] considers it a trip of a lifetime. As far as cruise augmentation trips it was also not that expensive. The ferry from England was very reasonable and we stayed in a B&B that was not too expensive and got to meet the host family -- all around a great time. So if you can, I would encourage you to spend more than the shore excursion in Normandy.

But if the shore excursion is all the time you have, it is still worth it. As with any shore excursion, pick two or three things you want to see and don't sweat what you are missing. I would suggest Pointe Du Hoc and the American Military Cemetery [combined with Omaha Beach] may be all you have time for -- and I think our group was unanimous that Pointe Du Hoc was the highlight of our trip. But the Cemetery alone is worth the effort. Honestly, the exhibits at the Cemetery may be one of the best museums we saw.

Whatever you decide, enjoy your cruise and whatever time you can spend in Normandy -- you know what they say about those who forget history.

This is a nice thread - lots of experience, and relatives to remember!

 

Can I interject a personal request here.. My DW, DS and I are heading to Normandy and then Belgium (Ypres) area in a few weeks. I have visited before, but want to make sure I am not missing anything. Sounds like many of you have also visited.

 

Here is my must see list. Please let me know if I am missing some very obvious "must see" site(s) . . .

It looks like you have a pretty complete plan. As with almost any trip, it is impossible to do everything so fill your time with as many of the things you want to see as you can and don't look back.

We did a self guided trip and patterned it roughly after the chronology from the movie The Longest Day.

We stayed in a B&B in Carentan and saw some of the airborne battlefields [including St Mere Eglise [where they still have a paratrooper mannequin hanging from the church steeple] on our way in. Being Airborne qualified myself, that was of particular interest to me

Our actual sight seeing began at the Orne Rive [Pegasus] Bridge ["Hold until relieved, hold until relieved"]. Keep in mind the current bridge over the river is a replacement. The actual bridge from the battle is still there but away from the river a little north and east of the current bridge. There are trees screening the old bridge so you have to look carefully to see it from the river. It is only a short walk so don't miss it. We then followed the river to the north and took a left at Ouistreham to follow the beaches to the west.

For me, the highlights were the Pegasus Bridge, the American Cemetery, the beaches in general and what I think was the big highlight for our entire group -- Pointe Du Hoc. I also enjoyed seeing the remnants of the Mulberry harbor [i think off Gold Beach at Arromanches] and thought the museum in Caen was well worth the stop. There are thousands [well at least dozens] of museums. Check for reviews because not all are worth the trouble and time.

We rented a car and had no difficulty getting around, although our wives got a little lost while we were waiting to be picked up at the museum in Caen.

Remember there are things in Normandy not associated with D-Day. I see you are going to Mont St Michel. I think the Bayeux Tapestry is also worth a stop. Because (a) then Norman conquest was a pivotal event in the history of my ancestors [i have namesakes who were with William -- we assume that is how we got to England], and (b) I have been to Hastings in England, this was a must on the other side of the Channel.

Here are a couple of pictures from our trip:

Pointe Du Hoc [with shell craters still clearly visible]:

Memorial "Les Braves" on Omaha Beach:

And to honor those who didn't return:

Enjoy your trip -- it was one thing I have now crossed off my bucket list.

Thank you so much for posting this link!

 

The copies I have in my cruise folder were obviously made from an original, but I honestly don't remember if I copied from a copy or an original. The ones I have were made for a cruise we took a few years ago on Carnival, and I don't think I ever used them.

 

Heading to the safe deposit box this morning because this is bugging me. I'm sure it's got to be there, but if it isn't at least I know I can at least get a certified copy.

You are welcome -- I try to post it from time to time when this issue comes up. I have my "original" [which is really just a carbon copy] but when I found this site I ordered copies. They send two. When I got mine a few years ago, they had raised seals -- my original doesn't even have that. The site says allow up to 6 weeks. I think I got mine within a month. It is not an emergency service, but it is free. I think there are private for pay services that will walk it through and get it immediately but I don't think it is worth it. Anyway -- for vets worried about losing their "original," this is some insurance.

I need to put copy in my wallet, went for a tour of the Intrepid in NYC and didn't have prof that I served , but at least I got my senior discount.

That reminds me that I was able to get a discount at Battleship Cove in Fall River because I had my documentation with me. The guy I was with [also a Vet] didn't have his but they gave him the senior discount. The bad [insulting] news was that the attendant said she didn't need any documentation to show we were eligible for the senior discount -- never been more insulted. I don't think I look a day over 54 and 1/2.

We toured Normandy after our TA aboard Independence in 2009. If you are interested in doing something like that post any cruise ending in Southampton, the ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg is very reasonable. And the Royal Navy museum in Portsmouth is worth seeing if you have some time waiting for the ferry.

And I add my thanks and respect to those who participated 70 years ago.

Photo copy will do, but so far they have never asked to see anything. If you are active duty or retired your ID card will do.

I have never been asked, but have been told an official copy is required if they do ask. For this reason, when this topic comes up, I try to post this link to the national archives site where you can get official copies free and fairly quickly. I carry one with me just because I can.

http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

That's why I'm using the "Ding Runners".

won't that make the naughty room a noisy place?

Removing the sounds is another cost cutting move.

Now you have to smuggle your own on! I just picked up some "Poiiii Poiiii Runners" although "Ding Runners" will also work.

 

I just fill them with these: https://sites.google.com/site/soundsfromrci/

 

That way I can enjoy the sounds anytime I want, even in my cabin. ;)

 

Eric

I have heard that on Quantum, Anthem and maybe Oasis 3 & 4 they will have specialty boarding with a nickel for one ding and a dime for both for each time you board. You can buy a package to allow specialty boarding for the whole cruise and the D+ and up coupons [OK -- electronic equivalents] will include a BOGO offer. I think suite guests will be comped.

I'd like to strap the baby on the back of my jon boat! :eek:

LOL -- with that thing on it would be your jon submarine.

From your tone, it sounds like you've been hassled on a prior post about you searching for the lowest price(s). Hey, I do the same and enjoy snagging a good balcony price. I got a great deal on our upcoming Oasis for a C1 cat. for less than $800 per, plus OBC's and Specialty Restaurant for 2.

There are suite snobs, there are balcony snobs and many other flavors of snobbery. I am pleased to meet another committed price snob.

Congratulations Rangers fans -- I have been rooting especially for Dominic Moore after what he's been through. He had a pretty good game last night.

. . . I still perplexed as to why the ships do not incorporate certain sections of cabins w/ balconies that are designated as "Smoking" balconies. These could and should be strategically placed and would appease many cruisers. If non-smokers knew where these cabins were, they would not book a room near this area. Likewise, smokers would. . .

two reasons this is a non-starter:

1. Every cruiser has his/her favorite location. Designating a smoking area would simply start a new argument by non-smokers about how they have now been shut out of the prime real estate or by smokers about how they have been relegated to the worst areas.

2. Smoke still travels -- you would still have complaints by non-smokers who are in any position to smell the smoke.

Keep in mind that most electronic devices [phones, cameras, etc] are dual voltage in that they can be charged with either 110v or 220v. This will allow you to use the 220 outlet with a simple adapter as opposed to a voltage converter/transformer. But always check the data plate on the device/charger to make sure.

". . . they will make an exception and pay my claim. . . ."

Insurance speak for "we screwed up -- please don't sue us or tell the regulators or anything."

Just renewed my passport since my passport will expire within a month of the cruise.

I lost my time and the new expiration date was approximately the date they processed the renewal . So I lost several months from the actual expiration and the new expiration for the renewal.

Note Spurschick has a UK passport so rules may be [likely are] different.

One thing about renewing your passports is you lose the time that you had left on them as when you get the renewed passports the expiration date is based on the day they were reissued. I still had 5 months left on mine and basically lost out on 4 months of "paid" time. And they ARE expensive to renew in my opinion.

The renewal fee is $110 -- less than $1.00 a month. You got shorted out of around $3.67. And keep in mind it is not the State Department or the cruise line cost you this money -- it is the country you are trying to get into that determines whether it will honor your passport or not.

OP -- the reason there may seem to be different answers is because the answer depends on where you are going. Certain foreign countries require the passport be valid for six months beyond the date of entry. To get the exactly correct answer, you have to determine the rules for the places you are going.

Anyway, getting the passports gives you one less thing to worry about. And hopefully it will encourage you to use them repeatedly in the future. Hope you have a great trip.

No worries - you will be fine. (This is the Princess Alaska cruise that is in your signature? Thanks for asking on the Royal Caribbean board! ;) :D )

It just dawned on me your back -- tell us about the TA.

Strike that -- just checked the website that shall not be mentioned and realized you're not quite there yet. Let us know about it when you get to Southampton.

Hope you are having a great time.

Yes, I'm a US citizen and we are going to Canada (just one tiny short stop in Victoria, otherwise the rest of the cruise is US)

I don't recall having anything other than my sea pass checked in Victoria. Sure you'll have no problems. Victoria is a great place to visit. Enjoy your cruise.

IOS is a great ship and crew!! :)

The tickets are for any seat and there is a line up at the door before it opens usually. It is a great ice show and most seats are very good to see the show.

 

Formal nights can be from smart casual to very formal. Which ever you would prefer. Even seen less than smart casual.......

Have a great cruise!!!

LOL -- imagine running into you an Independence thread. Maybe this would be a good place for that picture of you [both of you] my DW and a few others enjoying the music [in the Pyramid Lounge I think].