Chat Noir

I am on a really tight budget...

I really hope you budgeted trip insurance into your travel expenses. If the $5 is an issue, then I hope you have plans in place for emergency as the onboard medical clinic isn't inexpensive, and an emergency disembarkation can be very costly.

I know this from experience, and will never cruise without insurance... we are finding out just how nice it is to have had it this last cruise.

Just a thought...

I have a question....have any Canadians ever done this. I see on Murray's site that we can not rent a car and drive into Canada from the USA we do have one American in the group can we get around this this way??

Yes, have the US citizen rent and drive the car. I believe the regulation is only for the person renting/driving. :)

I only have the guide from 4 years ago, I understand it's been updated... but it definitely added to our road-trips into the Yukon.

We've driven the Klondike Highway a couple of times using the guide and an Avis rental, and we've also taken a guided tour on a small bus. I much prefer to rent a car and use the guide going at our own pace.

I "discovered" Greg Iles two months ago and I have been scouring used book stores ever since trying to find all his titles and have been reading them sequentially. Before my cruise in Aug. I am going to spend a few days in Natchez, mostly because his books are peppered with references and the city sounds fascinating.

I'm really quite envious of you. :) You still have some of his books to look forward to... I can only reread them. :( At least until the next new paperback comes out!!!

Have you checked ebay? The last of his I read, True Evil... had quite a plot. Some Iles books are better than others, but all have been worth the read.

Greg Iles... Black Cross. http://www.gregiles.com/blackcross.htm

Haven't read it in a while, but still remains a top favorite. Most of his books are great reads, and quite a variety of themes.

Ann Rule, any. Not a fan of true crime, but her writing style is amazing. Read one of her books years ago, and anxiously await each paperback. She draws you in.

Michael Palmer and Robin Cook... both are physicians who write amazing medical mysteries. I do admit I'm having a difficult time getting into Michael Palmer's latest, The First Patient, but that's an exception rather than the rule.

Just finished the book Marley and Me. Hilarious, and much, much better than the movie.

My opinion... For cruise-ship sailing, Glacier Bay! If you can swing a Tracy Arm via small boat from Juneau, you'll have the best of both worlds. After 3 cruises, it's still my favorite excursion, but the Juneau timing has to be right or else chartering is needed if interested.

Oh, please don't ask your title to be changed. I'm sitting here all glum and bummed because our cruise is over, and I don't have another booked... just wishing... I ran across your post and it truly made me laugh. Then, your reply when you caught it is just the icing on the cake.:p You've got a great sense of humor it seems, and your little typo brightened my day.:)

That said, my teenagers and DH who are ice-cream-aholics didn't bother with the free ice cream after the first couple of days. Just didn't think it was worth it to wait in line. I never even tried it. They loved the soft serve on the Carnival Spirit last year. But we all loved the 'dessert' ice cream offered following supper in the dining room while on the Princess Sapphire this year.

Our TA recommended Carnival for our teenagers. My teens didn't find the on board activites to be what they expected, but bought board games and had plenty of fun playing while watching the scenery. They also enjoyed the 'non-stop' ice cream! I went for the glaciers, and the TA again recommended the Carnival itinerary with College Fjord. Nevermind that we didn't even make it there... We also particularly wanted to go to the Tracy Arm/Sawyer Glacier area and Carnival was in Juneau at the right times.

We're planning to go back next year, doubtful it'll be with Carnival. Perhaps Celebrity or NCL. And I'll absolutely book at least one glacier viewing excursion independent of the ship.

I don't know what prices are in Alaska personally. I do know that they vary widely simply by the composition, style and quality of the knife. Check out the online prices then compare when you get to Alaska, you can always order after your trip. You would have a better idea of what you really want after you've had a chance to 'fit' it in your hand. You might like the one-of-a-kind handmade knives better. I'm happy with my Alaska-made yet mass-produced ulu and cutting board, but I use it everyday and don't feel like I have to be especially careful like I do with the one I have made of bone. Good luck finding the one you like! Either way, they're awesome:) .

Sorry, I haven't been back to this thread for a while... the bowl I have fits with the ulu I have since they're sold as a set. You can purchase different sizes of ulus with the bowl sized in proportion. Mine is the large size that the Ulu Factory advertises on their website. I use it almost daily! In fact, I gave one to a friend last Christmas and she has requested that I pick up 8 sets for her as she now wants to give them as Christmas gifts this year. - I wonder if they're cheaper by the dozen? - ;)

I've had an Ulu knife for a couple of years and I LOVE it. After using a friends, I ordered one through the Ulu Factory in Anchorage that has a wooden handle, then saw one with a black plastic handle (made in China) at the local Walmart for $8, but recently visited a store in Branson, MO called Alaska Down South and picked up one with the handle made of bone. My hubby put it in the dishwasher....and EEEK, it really dried out. I've oiled it but, sadly it will never be quite the same. The knives vary in price depending on the composition, whatever you choose it is worth the money. I think the set I bought with the wood handle and wood chopping block/bowl was in the $30 something range. I ALWAYS use the chopping block/bowl when using my knife. They work well together.

I hope this doesn't sound like an advertisment for any store. I'm affiliated with none, but just wanted to share my thoughts. I am thrilled that I'll have some time before my cruise begins this June to visit the U.F. and pick up some unique gift items!