rtdiva

Have been on a half dozen cruises on four different lines, this past 18 months. Most MDR meals were beautifully plated, however…tasteless…I’m bringing garlic salt on board for an upcoming world cruise. I’m not a foodie, do not eat dessert, thus the main entry is important. I’ve actually ordered two appetizers in place of the main tasteless serving. Oh no! No appetizers? Surely ships can afford seasoning.

We took a train to Jerusalem via Tel Aviv 2020 from the port of Haifa on our own. I am not surprised the ships are cautious going through the canal area. I am surprised Israel was caught off guard as a train load of kids with military arms was common.

Well said to all of you. Conclusion: If I won’t wear the no longer loved clothes at home, why take them on a cruise and feel uncomfortable? At one port I watched a local worker go through the open bins of discards from the ship taking out clothing and other smaller goods. Thus my idea of leaving a bag of clothing in a taxi or other place. I’m enjoying the search for thrift shop clothes, finding high quality pieces among the rest. Sadly, I dislike supporting a company who isn’t really a charity. In my area there are only two thrift places to shop. On that note; if I like it enough to buy it, it will stay in my closet. Hmmm…maybe I’ve not come to a conclusion. I don’t want to add to the landfill. The cruise is a World Cruise to many low income ports who may appreciate free items. I’ve a couple of months to figure it out.

Great recommendations from CC. Most importantly before you leave home double check that you have your passport and a credit card. I always bring a lightweight unstructured backpack. It is used regularly for water bottles, sweater or windbreakers, leaving your hands free, and often on the plane used for carrying iPads etc. I always have an under the seat roller bag for my wallet, boarding papers, jewelry, cosmetics, extra “ just in case” clothes. Like others we cross pack. A couple of more suggestions - often ships are cold, bring something warm to wear and something for cooler days off board. EXTRAs: A highlighter is good for highlighting activities on the daily flyer. Magnets for attaching papers, which there are many on the wall. A couple of hooks with magnets for hats or neck things for your room card. Finally I always take sunglasses and a hat.

Living close to the port in SFO for an upcoming cruise, Ive the opportunity to pack all I want for three months onboard. In general I use “a capsule wardrobe” to limit luggage handling. Originally my goal was to emulate another cruisers basic wardrobe with only a few accessories to add interest. Our cruise ends in England, where we fly back to the states. What’s your thoughts on buying thrifted clothes or wearing clothes no longer loved, leaving them in a port or taxi or donate in an other country?

My husband is bringing his small “ travel bass” with a bass in a box amplifier and headphones. me…some small packets of food seasonings. Since covid foods aren’t tasty or could be the ships meals look lovely but taste bland. I’ve never tried bringing my own spices, should be an interesting challenge.

First of all I’m sorry that your first cruise made you doubting yourself. Second I’m glad you didn’t give up on cruising. That said- Cunard has a dance floor full of unusual clothing on quirky people. That sounded judgmental, I like quirky people. However then there is a matter of taste. Tastefully quirky is not the same as “scandalous”. I must admit I like artsy clothing but hesitate to wear them, I don’t know why. A couple of women wore exactly what I like, on the last cruise, I was on, made me have second thoughts. I promised myself to wear what I’m drawn too regardless of the occasion. I bet fifties style cotton thin strapped dresses or two piece short sets will be comfortable in the Mediterranean. Enjoy!

We were in ported in Colombo 2020 on a World Cruise just before the “ shut down “ . A tuk tuk took us to the local museum which was worth seeing, there an tourist had just arrived from China escaping Covid. It is a crazy busy city, this time we plan to take a tour, thanks for suggesting Blue Lanka. Back to 2020, after Sri Lanka, the ship sat in the ocean waiting for instructions as to where to sail next to flee from the pandemic. Hooray! We circumnavigated Australia for a month before the oceans and skies were closed. Unfortunately we missed the rest of the WC. Wayfairers do you have a specific tour you would recommend? We are there for one day.

From Southampton we took the Red Funnel fast ferry. We walked, mind you we are 80 years old, kind of decent shape, however, I’d suggest you to take the bus. Why? The ferry is on one side of Cowe, the Osborne - located in East Cowes, the other side of the bay. We walked maybe a mile and a half, from the Red Funnel then caught the “ floating bridge” - a second tiny ferry, finally gave up and caught a bus to go up the hill to the summer palace. Egad! Then there is more walking to the Osborne, than of course walking the house and gardens itself. We came home by bus on the pale purple line to Newport transfer on the red line back to the Red Funnel ferry. There are restaurants near the Red Funnel. We ate at the Osborne as we were too tired to look elsewhere. There are two dining venues at the Osborne. We ate at the cafe. Do not be deceived into thinking The IOW is a small Alcatraz sized island. There are a lot of things to do for all ages, including animal sanctuaries, kids parks, hotels and like any other populated island; countryside, suburban, tiny bergs. Alternatively going: I suggest after leaving the terminal turn left to catch a bus which is located a block up to the right. Sorry I don’t remember which street. I’m an Wightman, many generations back, some say to the island, 1640 immigrants to the colonies. Today, in Southampton we enjoyed the Solent Sky Museum, filled with WW1 British AirCraft and history of Southampton. Incidentally SH has historical Mayflower in its life too. Remember Pricilla and John Alden?

Sorry as I’m in Southampton at the moment the locals say this weekend is a bank holiday. We spent a lovely day on the Isle of Wight via the ferry at Queen Victorias Osborne House. Speed boat races too . Yesterday the museums were worthwhile as was the going ons with lqbq . Premier Inn has basic accommodations with decent food at a fair price. Actually the breakfast and dinners surpassed Cunard.

Please check rail schedules, for interruption as mentioned above, and bank holiday this weekend 9/27/23

My favorite alcoholic drinks are kahlua served in coffee and Fireball cinnamon whisky, are they offered as part of the offers onboard? I didn’t see either listed.

Azamara Journey Intensive Ireland overnights in both Dublin and Belfast: August 29 2023

Great! I read the Pursuits roll call, then posted on the Journeys page.

Thanks! Very helpful information from you. It states on the web boarding is staggered according to deck around 1:30. As with other ships I’m sure it’s allowed to board when you arrive.

Thanks, I just checked AZ web - check in is staggered depending on deck cabin placement 1:30-4:00. Could be the port may have restaurants nearby; “whatsinport”.

We arrive before noon in Dublin, I read boarding is at 4:00. Does Azamara allow early luggage drop off? Do you think “lost luggage” could be a problem? Or does anyone know of a luggage storage place in the port?

Thanks for the humorous tale and honest review. That said, I’ve only read reviews that have nothing but praise for ports in Africa and would do it again. However, the ports you described are probably as reported, not the run of the mill. We were booked on HAL’s Grand Africa, but canceled due to rampant Covid in the ports. Your story was fun to read but is a reminder that our world has different values and cultures that may not always align with gawking tourists. My Irish cousin in law feels in her hometown, she is viewed as a curiosity. Love your Mark Twain style.

How about a white shower curtain? White robe? A towel? 😁

As with many of us we are jumping from one ship to another including land tours in between, in my case in the winter, white bottoms would be worn twice, then repacked. White top with black pants it is. Tks.

Thanks!

How casual or dressy is White Night? White jeans or white slacks?

With twenty years of cruising in my suitcase I’ve found “ good TAs, not so good and the best”. “Good” just do their job, not so good don’t promptly answer their phone, and bug you every time they see you to sell something, the best got a business class flight from Europe for thousands less, know our preference, our lifestyle and do it all with a smile in their voice. That said - traveling still takes your own personal touch, it helps to have someone like a TA on your side. I no longer use friends or acquaintances to do business with. Cause you know why.

I use YouTube often along with CC to make travel plans. Kellybegs population under 2000 is a deep sea port exporting sea food around the world.

As an American who has sailed Cunard’s World Cruise, Alaska ( yes, dress is more casual) and East bound, dress attire can be easily misunderstood via customs & language. Living in a small river community between Napa and the San Francisco Bay Area, dressing up for a nice restaurant, the theater, funerals, some weddings almost always means in today’s lifestyle jeans for men of all ages up until age 70. Language and clothing continue to evolve. I was particularly puzzled by the use of the word “gown”for evening dress for women suggested a few years ago by Cunard. “ Does that mean Cinderella” I thought? No, it means an evening dress of any length. My experience along with others to lessen packing is to bring a little black outfit and a white outfit to wear with a “kimono” type wrap, shawl or jacket (keeps out the chill), adding appropriate color to the themed look. A set of long pearls, with a feather on a headband in your hair works fine for Roaring Twenties. White night, will require white. Tops that shed are not a good choice. A good quality fabric is what makes any outfit comfortable and attractive. Black shoes of any type works. No, not plastic flip flops. Cunard is above all transportation from one place to the next. Characters and a character can be found everywhere. Kindness counts.