5326jan

Hi everyone! Reporting in from London to let you know that black is not uninspired!!!!! About 80% wearing black, 10% in navy and another 10% in various shades of grays and other colors. I see very little khaki, almost no pastels and a very few crazies in neon. ;)

Black is paired with blue, maroon and more black. Pops of color mostly come with scarves, although bags are brighter colors and most surprising to me are the rainbow shades of hair color! Bright blue, fushia and lime green seem to be "in".

For shoes, mostly flats. We have seen some platform heels, but noticed when the wearer turns off the main street, the heels go into a tote and flat shoes go on. Despite the fact that it's June 5, there are still a very high percentage of ankle and mid-calf boots being worn. Most are flat but some wedges.

Interesting to watch fashion from sidewalk cafe with a glass of wine knowing I could report my observations to someone who cares! :D DH just looks uninterested when I point these things out. :rolleyes:

I don't understand why one would make a comment like this -- if you have nothing constructive to add to the conversation, why bother to post? :cool:

 

Besides, what's wrong with easy? When I'm traveling in Europe, I'm not there to put on a fashion show for anyone. If I'm appropriately dressed, comfortable, and don't stick out like a sore thumb, I'm happy. I've got better things to think about than whether I look....interesting.

Some people are "hit and run" posters, that don't ever really enter a conversation, just want to get their two cents in! :rolleyes:

My packing is done and we leave in the AM for our Midnight Sun/Arctic Circle cruise. My bag is full of black! Various shades of blue for color and layering, but I'm inspired by my range of choices based on black foundations!

Haha! Love the leopard cuddlduds. Mine are "uninspired" black. :D

Lets say the sofa is 80" long (just a guess), the bed is only about 40" wide. Part of the sofa is a platform and part is a pull out bed. I can't tell you if they are comfy or not. Just surprised when I saw that it was not a typical sofa bed.

Yes, I follow Vivienne Files and several other blogs on packing light like Travel Fashion Girl. Some good ideas (though TFG's outfits aren't quite my style - too young - I can get good ideas from them. None of the cruising threads here have dealt with a winter itinerary so they're not quite as helpful for me.

 

Janice (VF) just had a post on how she went to Florida with a small backpack for 5 days. But again - summer, florida, so the issues are not the ones I'll be facing. I have good ideas - it's translating what I see online to what I have in my own wardrobe that is taking time. But hey - I have a few months to change my minds;-) I won't be all black, but it will be mostly black because that's what I like, it looks good on me, and I have a lot of it in my wardrobe. Some of the layering shirts are other colors, and my scarves will be bright. But I'm trying to keep it simple to avoid the overpacking temptation...

 

Hi Jan! How was your Baltic cruise - was that last year? I really want to go back to Alaska but we opted to do the river cruise this year so we could invite our parents while they're still quite mobile (my in-laws and my mom & her husband are all on the river cruise with us:p) I'm still not sure how I'll feel about the river cruise - in Europe, I really prefer to be on my own - but I'll try anything once. Hope you and the family are doing well!

We leave on Tuesday morning for the Fjords and Arctic Circle! I can't believe it! We're packed now and believe me, with the layers it's a lot harder to pack small. We've cut down, but still at about 40# in the big bag and 20# in the carry on. That does include binoculars, make up mirror, toiletries, etc.... just hard to go for 3 weeks in a carry on even though I used to be able to do it without a thought. :o

Hi Kelly! I'm sure you can do it! Especially since you don't have to bring your own wine on a river cruise!:D;)

I can't wait to hear about it. We're debating a river cruise next too.

Say hi to Dane!

I do a modified bundle method. The video is great and teaches you how to do a bundle. I make a separate bundle for the "pre-cruise" portion of our trip the and the full bundle for the main part of our trip. For instance we leave on Tuesday, so I'm just finishing up packing. I have a bundle for London that has everything I need in it from underclothes to jewelry. That way, I can leave my main bundle intact. I'll do the same on the back end of the cruise when I repack. This method has worked the best for me over the years.

I"'ll be on my kindle in Bermuda reading about a murder in Bermuda. I also downloaded a few books (well may be more then just a few) about suspense and thrillers either on cruise ships or in the Caribbean.

I like to do that too! For anyone going to Alaska, Sue Henry has a series of murder mysteries (tame enough for young adults) that not only have a plot, but a ton of Alaskan history. Excellent, fast reads. Also good for Caribbean is Skinny Dip by Carl Haisson. :D

I called specifically as well. they sent out my card post haste! I also work for State Employee's Credit Union (it's actually on the list!!). We are now offering the true chip&pin.

Yes, they are a wonderful company to deal with! We've been with them for about 35 years and before that I was on my parents' USAA account. One stop shopping for everything. They also have great travel insurance!

I'm leaving for the fjords in a few days and am debating the sandal question myself! So far, they're not in my suitcase. Once I've gotten all my layers in, I'll decide if there's room. I have a pair of flats that I'm taking for evenings, but sandals don't take up much room and would give me another option. :confused:

Looking at the temps for the next 10 days, it will be in the 60-70 range with rain likely for most of our itinerary. Sea days will be the coldest and we're going up to the Arctic Circle, where the highs will be about 40. Hmmm. What to do, what to do...:p

I must be a very lucky person. I've used my AMEX card many, many times over in Europe (Spain, Germany, France, Italy. Great Britain, Austria, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium). It's my primary card. I do have a VISA card from my credit union that I carry just in case I go someplace that my AMEX isn't taken. Both have $0 transaction fees and my CU doesn't charge for ATM usage.

 

Another thing: Not calling you out specifically, but for general info: Just because your card has a chip on it and you have a PIN to use at an ATM, that does not mean it is "chip & PIN." It may still require a signature for all other transitions (a "chip & sig" card). This is what probably 95% of the cards issued in the US with chips are...

We also use USAA and they do have chip and pin cards. I called specifically to get one for our trip and there is no charge to have standard card converted to chip and pin. USAA is a large institution dealing with the military, many of which are stationed abroad, so it's no surprise they would be among the first to make this technology available to their customers. :)

I am out a loss as to what I should pack for the last week in Oct. then 2 weeks of TA from Southampton. Open to all suggestions...I am an over-packer and REALLY want to do this right:)

This woman is a genius when it comes to mix and match outfits. Here's one example, but explore with "key words" in the search window and you'll find much more. http://theviviennefiles.blogspot.com/2013/06/multiple-city-travel-navy-grey-red-and.html

I agree with Mousey about layering and a waterproof coat with a zip out lining. This is what I did on my last cruise (and then two weeks in London) and we had temperatures ranging from 30 to 100 degrees.

 

Depending on what cruise line your TA is on you might want some mix and match clothes for formal nights. A black skirt can be worn with a few different tops and/or jackets for different looks without having to pack as much.

Welcome home!!! I followed your travels! Loved it! :D

OP, sorry for interruption! :o

5326jan, Really would like to do the Ultimate Tour. Our plane doesn't land until 12:30 so probably won't be boarding very early. Wonder if they ever do more than one tour on a cruise. Oh, well, if we don't make it on this one, we will just have to take another cruise and try again! :p

When you board, just go to the passenger services desk. You could get lucky! :) I don't know if they do two per sailing. Maybe if there are a lot of sea days they would offer a second. If you can't do it on this sailing, try again. It's really worth it! I've read that if they have a huge number signing up they will do a lottery for spots. Good luck and enjoy your cruise!

We did the tour during the full transit on the Island. It was great! Sign up as soon as you board. Don't go to your cabin first. It's first come/first served and we boarded early (among the first group in priority area) and there were already 6 people on the list. They only took 12 on our tour.

It was great! You can see so much sea life from the bridge! They serve champagne and canapes while you tour the kitchens. The tour is long, ours was several hours. Be prepared to walk up and down narrow stairs and you have to wear closed toe shoes.

Be sure to keep spare room in your suitcase because you will be given gifts. They put my suitcase over by 5#! :)

If you think you'd use them in your "real life" a set of silky long underwear make a great base layer. If you live in Florida, it wouldn't be worth the money, but they are extremely warm and light weight.

My husband likes these: http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=hot+chillys&tag=googhydr-20&index=apparel&hvadid=32857959509&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11176678979407719524&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_25gcd1utux_b

I like these: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_19?url=search-alias%3Dapparel&field-keywords=cuddl%20duds%20climatesmart&sprefix=cuddl+duds+climates%2Capparel%2C158&rh=i%3Aapparel%2Ck%3Acuddl%20duds%20climatesmart

We're packing for the Norwegian fjords and arctic circle and they're definitely going with us.:)

We did an independent tour to Ljubljiana and Lake Bled. If you go to Bled Castle there are quite a few steps going up to the castle. Everyone in our group of 8 was fine, but I saw some others struggling with the climb. In the city there were plenty of places to "hang out" if you don't want to walk with your tour. We were there in September and there was a beautiful Farmer's Market in the square.

Just wanted to add that Koper is also a nice little town to walk around. We loved Slovenia and plan to return when we can spend more time. People were very friendly and the country is beautiful and spotlessly clean!

I drink white wine and the range is $24+. I think the cheapest is a Woodbridge chardonnay. I like Sav Blanc and can get it either for $28 or 32 depending on brand. Don't forget that you are allowed to bring on one bottle per person, so avail yourself of that benefit. On Princess you can bring on more than one by paying a $15 corkage fee. The price of your wine plus the $15 is still probably a better deal than what you can buy on the ship. I'm not sure about Celebrity's policy.

We also bring Propel and Crystal light packets to add to tap water for something different. :)

If you feel an obstacle, just lift the bed slightly and push them under. As someone else stated, the closet is huge so you can also store it there :)

What will I be reading? Anything that BookBub has that's free. I'll download a bunch of books before leaving home, mostly mystery and romance, sometimes historical books or biographies.

Look for the Royal Spyness series by Rhys Bowen and the Daisy Dalrymple Series by Carola Dunn. They are a fun combination of historical mysteries with a little romance thrown in. I love reading books that have a series so that I get to know characters. If you like Downton Abbey, you might like these too. :)

I have read that the penalties/fines are high in some ports if you are caught bringing food off the ship that isn't pre-packaged. You'd be wise to bring granola bars, peanut butter crackers, etc that you've brought from home. :)

I doubt any of the outside cabins will change. If you're looking to see which are covered, this is very useful: http://mysite.verizon.net/res76zxu/princessbalconies/

We did the full transit last year and loved it. We got a covered mini suite in the 700 area. It was perfect! :)

Thank-you I will take a look at them. They might be the one I have seen one of those two post about.

I'm not sure if I have seen them specifically post about this company, but a couple of the other "well traveled" that do live posts have used them with rave reviews. Check this link: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/search.php?searchid=50573188

I have heard a number of people recommend RomeInLimo.com and TripAdvisor also gives them 5 stars. Good luck! :)

I have a Kindle Fire and a Paperwhite. I love the Fire, but the battery life is way too short. The Paperwhite can go for ever. If I'm going to be near a plug and want to play a game (love scrabble) I prefer the Fire, but for reading the Paperwhite wins every time! DH also has a Paperwhite.

My sister and I traveled to Italy for a great "sister trip". When we arrived at FCO in Rome, we were so excited to be in Italy that we rushed to pick up our rental car, loaded our (overpacked) luggage and off we went on our grand adventure. We were heading to our first destination of Orvieto and when we tried to get off the "interstate", there was a toll booth...... an unmanned toll booth. Oh No!!! :eek: In our excitement, we had forgotten to stop by the ATM to withdraw Euros!!!:eek: We tried to feed the toll machine dollar bills, a credit card, coins etc. All had the same result. Nothing. Traffic was building up behind us, horns were blaring, fists were shaking out of car windows and we just sat there waiting to be arrested and taken to jail. :( Finally, the gate lifted. :D There must have been someone operating it remotely that either got tired of watching our panic, took pity on us, or was afraid of a riot breaking out from the people behind us. :o

Needless to say, I am a firm believer (now:rolleyes:) of taking some money with me.