H20mac3

Thank you both for you information.  Our wonderful TA is moving us to the other side of the ship.  The chair scrapping was also a concern but having asthma smoke is a serious issue for me.  HGC your spreadsheet is amazing!  I did go through it first before I posted my question.  We are very excited for our first cruise on Azamara!  Thank you HGC & SteveH2508!

I have a question regarding the cabins below the smoking area on deck 9 on the Quest - Is there a constant downdraft of smoke or does Azamara have a venting system above the tables?  Thank you all for your help!

We were in MP in 2016 and I have asthma.  I agree that you should check with your own doctor about any health issues you may have before you go.  We were a party of four, two of us had issues and two did not but not bad enough to require medical intervention.  We did bring an over the counter Altitude Sickness med which worked for the two of us.   We planned for a week to explore not only Machu Picchu (amazing!) but the surrounding countryside.  The best thing we did was contract with Kuoda Travel to take care of us for the week.  Our fantastic guide Katarina made sure our pace never stressed me at anytime.  We did climb above MP for the amazing view/photos and a history lesson from Katarina while we rested.  In Cusco we did pay for extra oxygen to be pumped into our room and we slept very well.  We felt better the next day in Cusco as we walked around.  Once we descended down into the Sacred Valley we were fine.  We skipped the alcohol and kept ourselves hydrated.    Drink only bottled water and wash your hands thoroughly.  The food in Peru is fabulous!

Go Bucks you will have an amazing adventure!

Being a fellow Gearhead I have enjoyed your post!  We will be on the PG for the first time in September and will be packing similar items but split between our carry ons.  I have a Monkey Mat instead of the sand blanket.  We are leaving our fins home as DH's fins take up a lot of room in the suitcase but will bring masks & snorkels.  Ditto on the small roll of duct tape plus a roll velcro.  We will have two cameras both waterproof and have decided to leave the big camera home.  We will be sitting in the front of the plane as the other seats do not have room for DH's poor knees so we are ok on baggage fees.  We have a packable backpack that we use for excursions.  Well I pack it and DH wears it!  

I too will love to hear what worked, didn't work and wasn't used!  Thank you for sharing!

19 hours ago, SWFLAOK said:

We're planning to do the coast rather than the middle. We'll be heading to Monterey,  and then head south from there. I'll be working on the rest of the itinerary tomorrow.

It's a beautiful drive down the Pacific Coast Highway.   The Monterey Bay Aquarium is amazing!  It can be a lovely meandering drive if you are not in a hurry.   Enjoy the awesome views!  Sorry didn't mean hijack the thread (oops)

Are you driving down the California coast or down the middle on the I-5?  

H20Mac3, did you fly Norwegian from Oakland to Gatwick? I am considering that for a cruise next June. They have good pricing and decent reviews. You said you had no problems, but overall would you recommend it? And how was flying through OAK vs. SFO?

Hi rocklinmom,

Yes we flew Norwegian round trip from OAK to Gatwick. No issues checking in, they do want to see your passport. My DH & I were in the premium economy and my BIL was in an exit row. my BIL is over 6 feet and he was comfortable in the exit row. My DH is 6'8" and really needs the extra leg room so we upgraded to the Premium. Food is airline food edible but not memorable. Bring snacks. I would recommend it and would fly it again as we have family in Norway. It's a budget long haul carrier so the seats are a little thinner than I like but I travel with a seat cushion anyway for my back and neck. Each of us had 3 bottles of wine in our suitcases and they all arrived in Trondheim, Norway intact! :D

They might make changes to the flight depending on how far in advance you book. If they do make changes they will send you and email and give you the option to accept or rebook. Don't panic - for us the change was a whole five minute difference to departure. Sign up for their loyalty program and you'll receive notifications of sales and specials.

Flying out of Oakland is easier for us as we live in the East Bay. We can take BART directly to each airport but when hauling a lot of luggage we either press a child into service or use a car service. OAK is much easier to drive to and through than SFO plus at least for us we don't have to deal with the Bay Bridge. There are several offsite parking facilities around OAK and a Hilton Hotel & a Holiday Inn Express across from the airport entrance if you need it. However, you can not walk from the hotels to the airport.

I hope this helps with your planning!

We flew Norwegian last year without a problem. When you are emailed your travel docs at the top left corner it will tell you to check in before going to security. Our flight from SFO to Gatwick didn't have any issues. I hope this helps.

This will be our second PG cruise. The first time we took their air. I will never do coach again to PPT. I understand that PG's business class upgrade is no longer a good deal.

 

We are fortunate to have tons of miles and usually do not pay for business class flights but I do not believe I will be able to secure a mileage flight from LAX to PPT. Our return will be from Fiji and mileage flights will be possible.

 

I am going to bite the bullet and purchase 2 one way business class tickets LA to PPT. Can anyone give me advice on which airline has best prices for a direct flight? Are prices better at a particular point in time prior to travel? I would consider 1 stop if price difference is significant. My searches have revealed insane disparity in prices. The best deal I have found so far is Hawaiian via HNL. I'd like to keep it to around 2500 per ticket if possible. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi Bitob,

We are on he same cruise doing the same search for Business Class seats. With airlines reducing pitch they have decided that DH's knees no longer need space in coach. Right now as you stated Hawaiian Air has the best price for Business Class but they only fly to PPT on Saturdays. I am hoping our TA will bring the magic one more time as she did with our first class seats to Lima. We have joined the roll call as well. If you would like to share information as we search let me know.

crewsgirl,

While we weren't on a cruise we did spend two weeks in Norway last June visiting family. Layers are your friend. Good waterproof walking shoes and a lightweight raincoat that you can wear layers under. The weather can beautiful and in an hour rain can fall. We spent time in Trondheim, Brekstad and Stavanger. We had beautiful days, rainy days and some days both. I packed 2 tank tops, 4 long sleeve shirts, 3 turtlenecks, fleece jacket and a rain coat with a hood. I didn't wear the turtlenecks in Norway but I did later in Scotland. Off the coast of Stavanger is a beautiful island that is only open in the summer - Flor go Fjaere is amazing. If you are into gardens this place is what happens when a gardener retires and gets bored. You don't think of palm trees when you think of Norway! The lunch that is included was wonderful. The boat for the island leaves from the same dock as the cruise ships dock. The people of Norway are lovely and the chocolate is sooooo good!. I hope I've helped a little - have a wonderful time on your cruise!

H20mac3 :cool:

Once you get there you will have an incredible time! We are going on our second trip and dreading the economy seats on ATN.

I would not even consider ATN for your husband if I were you. Economy class is terrible unless you are a small person. If I were you I would be looking at all possibilities like we are. We are thinking just for example - Hawaii Air to Hawaii and then Quantas to Papeete for the trip. It is pricing out to about the same for us and yet it breaks up the trip and looks to be very competitive with ATN.

aslew,

Very rarely do we fly economy anymore - it's just too unbearable for my DH. It's the exit row and up for us. Like you I have been looking at Hawaiian Air, Qantas. It is tempting to break up the flight in Hawaii! The upgrade to Business is quite pricey. We don't sail until 9/7/19 so we have some time to see how things shake out with FrenchBee and now United getting into the picture. Thank you for your suggestions! :D

This is such a help for us planning our first trip to FP! We have to fly either Premium economy or business class - DH is 6'8" and in economy there is no room for his knees! If the person in front reclines their seat - well it gets ugly fast. From the descriptions of FrenchBee it almost sounds like Norwegian Air. While not a luxurious First Class it's almost like a posh Premium Economy. Very doable. Fortunately we have some time so I'll be waiting for the reviews! Thank you all for making my research so much easier!

We are also looking at this hotel - any reviews? :D

We used Kuoda in 2016 and had an amazing experience - one that we will never forget. It was just the four of us with our wonderful guides. We weren't crammed into a tour bus with other strangers. We had told them what we wanted to do and they made suggestions and the plan came together before we left the states. The guide we had from Cusco on lived there, was raised there and shared her passion of her heritage with us. Katerina walked us through Machu Picchu and explained the buildings and their uses. She explained how everything was built by hand. How the dirt for terraces was brought from lower elevations one basket load at a time so the crops grown at the higher elevation would have a more fertile soil. We climbed above Machu Picchu and sat while she explained how the city and it's society worked. Were we rushed? Not in the least. When we boarded the train back to Cusco (our choice not the tour company's) the train broke down - twice. Katerina was on the phone with not only the office but with our driver to make sure he was waiting for us no matter what time we arrived (10:30pm!). We were so happy to see Samuel's smiling face waiting for us to take us back safely in the dark to our wonderful hotel. We explored Cusco with Katerina and on our own. I celebrated my birthday in Cusco and learned that you get your birthday cake for breakfast! It was delicious! The restaurant they recommended for my birthday dinner was outstanding! On our last day in Cusco Mery Calderon (owner/founder) came to the hotel to say good-bye and thanked us for choosing Kuoda. She gifted each of us with a lovely handmade Peruvian mug to take home. When we returned to Lima again and another wonderful guide (and our hysterical driver Jorge) a museum trip, a awesome water/light show park that is only open in the evenings and more food! On the day we had to board the Marina they drove us directly to the ship. During our time in Cusco/Sacred Valley/Machu Picchu/Lima we learned so much, tasted amazing food, fed llamas, watched amazing women weave family patterns into beautiful textiles - I could go on an on. Yes, you can do Peru on your own - but I am so glad we didn't!

Thank you so much for sharing you wonderful journeys with us! We had the absolute pleasure to meet Peter and Jenny when we were on the Marina Lima to NY a couple of years ago. We were the Californians with the spring loaded shoes! Jennie was so kind and patient with all of my questions (we are new to cruising). CBB, you have wonderful joyous writing style thank you again for sharing!

We are doing this flight in March 2019. Both of us always wear compression socks. In my carryon for long flights I always have Rosehip oil for moisturizing in flight (hands and face). I decant mine into a one ounce bottle. Water, water and water. Get up and walk and a few yoga stretches you can do in your seat. I have my iPad loaded with books, games and movies. My favorite neck pillow and light blanket (Travel Smith). I also pack Yes to Cucumbers facial wipes. I find them very refreshing at the end of a long flight. I do not react well to sleep aids so I bring peppermint tea and camomile tea and a toothbrush and toothpaste. Don't forget your Clorox wipes for the controls and tray table. Enjoy your cruise!

There is a slim chance they have been hacked - don't open any attachments

Will definitely be on the look out for those squares. Thanks for letting me know they worked for you. Norway is on our bucket list for a future cruise after we do the WC.

 

So glad you're enjoying RoundTheWorldWriter. Thanks!

Aquadesiac,

It's just a roll of sticky plastic wrap. I then cut it into squares to fit the various bottles. You will love Norway! We have family there and look forward to each trip. The chocolate in Norway is to die for. :D

Have not had an issue. But everything that could or be a problem we place in individual zip lock bags ... sometimes even using saran wrap ... then everything goes in bigger zip lock bags. Unless we have an overnight before or after a flight that requires travel size toiletries, we've always put everything in our checked bags.

 

I just checked out the recommended Glad mentioned by H2Omac3 ... will definitely use on our next trip.

Just to let you know I used the same squares through out our three week trip. There were 7 different flights, 2 ferry rides and a 5-day tour through Scotland. Plus 6 bottles of wine made it to Norway just fine . . .;p

By the way I have thoroughly enjoy both of your blogs! Thank you for letting me tag along!:D

Re: packing enough toiletries for a WC. I'd love to bring some of my favorite brands with me from home on the theory that I may not find exactly what I want in our embarkation city, but since we're flying to the port city, aren't I likely to have toothpaste and shampoo oozing from their containers into my neatly packed checked bags? My carry on will be filled with three months worth of our prescription meds, so toiletries would have to go in the checked luggage. Baggage compartments on planes aren't pressurized like the cabin is. Has anyone experienced catastrophic leakage? Or am I borrowing trouble?

What I learned from the wonderful posters on the Caribbean-Cruising Fashonista thread is to take Glad Press N'Seal put a square over the opening of your shampoo/conditioner etc and then screw the top on tight. Last spring we flew to London, Trondheim, Stavanger, Edinburgh and home and nothing leaked or spilled. It can also be used to pack long pendants to keep the chains from tangling. As an extra precaution you can then place the containers in a ziplock bag. I also used it to wrap the wine we were taking for family before I placed them in the wine packs. That way if the bottle does break the press n'seal keeps it more contained in the wine pack. I hope this helps. Have a wonderful time! I'm only a little jealous!:D

Mura is right, Kuoda will pick you up at the airport and when it's time to board the ship they will safely deliver you to the dock. The food in Peru is wonderful as well. I seconded Mura's suggestion of taking extra time in Peru if you can. Even if you only stay in Lima, there are museums, a park with multiple amazing light shows, horse shows and of course shopping. Plus on your birthday you get cake for breakfast!

Hi ToxM,

We did the Lima to NYC on the Marina in 2016 and absolutely loved it! We were very fortunate that our TA got us First Class flights on sale on Delta. However we flew from the California not the UK - sorry. Are you planning on flying in early? If you are Kuoda Travel will take excellent care of you and your marital unit. They are a Peruvian owned company and we spent a week in their care. They took care of everything for us - I would use them again in heartbeat. Feel free to contact me at macgranitravel at gmail dot com. I too, have had to travel with a bear at times. :D

Thank you so much for sharing your insights and amazing photos. We are planning our first trip to FP in 2019 for our 40th anniversary! We love the water and snorkel whenever we can so an OWB at the Hilton for us! :D

My skin is so sensitive, I could never use a ship's laundry service--- when cruising on ships that have self service washers and dryers, I always bring the chemical "free" laundry pods with me. I understand that Celebrity provides their own detergent- does any one know if it is hypoallergenic?

I too have an extreme sensitivity to dyes, perfumes and fillers in laundry detergents. When we were on the Marina last year I used the self-service laundry soap without a problem. I used half the amount recommended and the clothes were clean and I did not have any skin or respiratory issues. I hope this helps! :D

Can I also sing the praises for Kuoda? We used them pre-cruise on our Lima to New York cruise last year. Everything was top notch and Katerina, our guide through Machu Picchu was amazing. We let them pick our hotels and have absolute no complaints! Our only regret was that we couldn't stay longer! Take your time when you go to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley and Cusco it should be savored and enjoyed!