lisa6191

Thanks, we leave tomorrow! I decided to bring my Dyson, and then I am bringing my collapsible rubber diffuser for before and after the cruise (my Dyson is US voltage so I assume I can’t use it in the hotels in Greece). I’m going to save that diffuser though, that looks like a good option for if I don’t bring my Dyson on a trip. Too late for this trip though. 😊

I have tried to search but I can’t find any info on the Wi-Fi packages available on Encore. It’s not included right? Does anyone know the choices and costs? thanks, Lisa

We have a pool and spend our winters in Panama, so I definitely have more than 9 bathing suits. However, I can’t think of any reason on earth that you would need more than 3 bathing suits max on any normal length cruise.

@Sthrngary We overlap on Athens, Kavala, and Istanbul. Would love any tips on attractions or food options, I am good on the rest. If you have info from other cruises, our other ports are Skiathos, Izmir, Kusadasi, Mykonos and Milos. We are also flying to Santorini post cruise for a few days. I think I have everything pretty well in hand but always like to check to see if I’m missing anything! I am a researcher and planner like you and I love to do it. My family just goes wherever I tell them to and is always happy. 😊

Sorry forgot to tag you. @Sthrngary

We are leaving next week for a Mediterranean cruise out of Athens on Seabourn. Do you mind if I ask what ports you are going to? If any are the same as mine I would love to see your recommendations! Your posts are very helpful! Also is your video public on YouTube? Would love to see it!

It’s not on the prohibited list and I believe you are allowed. Please someone correct me if I’m wrong, don’t want my Dyson confiscated for sure!

What is a BBC?

I so did not intend to start a war! LOL Just being my usual neurotic pre-trip self trying to think of everything I might need.

Yeah, universal usually isn’t lol. I have a collapsible rubber one that stretches, so it has worked on some dryers we’ve encountered, but since I bought my Dyson I take it everywhere with me (the diffuser for that is magnetic so it definitely won’t work on anything else). It’s small but the battery transformer thing is surprisingly heavy, which is why I am trying not to bring it. I’m sure I will though. 😊

thank you!

Back to my original question, I see that people do tip the porters, but what about the room service deliverers? We may do this a few times for breakfast so I want to be prepared.

I know tips in general are included, but do I still need to tip the room service delivery person when they come with the food, and the porters when they take our luggage? Just trying to make sure I have enough small bills with me.

I am trying to decide whether to bring my own hairdryer on my cruise next week. I have a Dyson which I love and which is relatively small, but I travel carry on only and I'm trying to minimize what I take. I have curly hair and need to use a diffuser. Does the dryer on Encore have enough of a nozzle to attach a diffuser (I do have a collapsible travel diffuser)? If anyone happens to have a pic of the dryer I would be eternally grateful (I know, bizarre request LOL). Thanks for any help with this!

@cruisemom42 kind of random question, but will I need insect repellant? We will be in Greece and Turkey, first half of October. I wouldn't think so but wanted to check with someone who has been there!

We are leaving on a cruise to Greece and Turkey on October 1. As of now, the weather looks beautiful, mid to high 70’s during the day and mid 60’s at night. I had originally planned to wear sleeveless sundresses at dinner, but I’m thinking I might be cold. Do you think I will need more than a cardigan/shawl though? Trying to decide if there is any reason I would need anything as warm as a fleece or something like that. How cold does it get on deck at night? This is my first cruise outside of the Caribbean, so I am used to warm nights. Thanks!

It wasn’t working for me earlier but it is now, so maybe try again.

Thank you! The ship excursion for breakfast and Bosphorus cruise was $170/person which seemed outrageous to me. I had also read about the cheap ferries and we plan to do that instead, and maybe get a Turkish breakfast somewhere on our own. Also, the Cistern is on our list for our first day in Istanbul. It turns out that the cruise port is not where I thought it was, and it will not be a big deal to return there before the afternoon excursion. Problem solved. 🙂

Hmm, that’s interesting. They made it sound so beautiful! The main attraction of this excursion was that it was a small group tour, and it also included high tea at a different palace (Ciragan). I did call Seabourn and the woman I talked to wasn’t 100% sure, but she thought we would have to return to the ship to take the excursion. So maybe I need to rethink that entire day. I had originally signed up for two excursions that day (Bosphorus cruise with breakfast in the morning, and this one in the afternoon). But then I was thinking we could do breakfast and a Bosphorus cruise ourselves for way cheaper so I was going to cancel that one. But then the logistics don’t make sense since it will be ridiculous to go back to the ship to come right back to the palaces. Back to the drawing board I think. We are trying to use up a ton of OBC which is why we are even considering these excursions, normally we would do all of it on our own. What were your favorite things in Istanbul? We have two days there and several of the usual things will be covered on our first day.

We have an Seabourn excursion planned while we are in Istanbul that is supposed to depart at 1:30 pm. The place we are going (Dolmabahce palace) is right where we will be doing our morning sightseeing anyway (on our own, not with a ship tour). Is it possible to meet up with the excursion at the palace, or do we have to go back to the ship to be checked in or whatever? If we have to start from the ship I will need to rethink my plans, because that makes no logistical sense. Thanks!

How do you know that leg is sold out? We are on an 11-day sailing on Encore at the beginning of October, so maybe right before you. Hopefully no large groups! (Or white fluffy dogs!)

Kindles are far superior to iPads for reading outside, no glare. I still use both for that reason.

Thanks all! I couldn’t imagine I was the only one who liked flavored liqueurs.

Awesome, thank you!

I’m noticing that I don’t see any of the other liqueurs I like on there either (Kahlua, Baileys, peppermint schnapps for hot chocolate) so this may just be a more refined alcohol experience than I prefer. I like my alcohol to taste like anything other than alcohol lol. I’m sure I will be fine but it will be good to have realistic expectations before boarding. Is there a limit to the amount of alcohol you can bring on board with you?