ssawjo

The last time we shared a table with a couple from Canada, Ontario, I think, all they wanted to talk about was gun control and what "we" were doing about it. I really don't think it is any of their business. If afraid, then don't come to the states. Turns out, the husband has a gun in his home. A bit hypocritical, IMO.

Regarding currency, when we landed in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe many years ago, they wanted only US dollars. It was $30 in cash per person. Their currency is pretty bad, exchange wise. I don't think you can even get Zimbabwean dollars in cash in the US anyway and I would not trust their ATMs. Otherwise, enjoy your trip. It is beautiful there.

Gilly, if you could, please post the daily menus for Compass Rose and the specialties. We will be boarding on Nov. 12 and just want an idea of what they are serving. This will be our first Regent cruise. Thank you in advance. Bill and Kathi

We will be in Yangon (formerly Rangoon, Burma) for three days in January 2024 on the Oceania Riveria. I am looking for tour suggestions since it is three days. I am willing to travel upriver, so to speak, and visit other parts of the country. Thanks, Bill

Yes, Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax, St. Johns, Newfoundland, and Qaqortoq in Greenland (the others were fogged in). There was an NCL ship in Bar Harbor also.

My DW and I both contracted Covid on the Insignia in August. We were isolated for six days each before being freed from covid jail after testing negative two days in a row. Treated well, no complaints. We have had worst head colds. Fortunately, we had a veranda. Anyway, both of us received FCC for our stay in quarantine before we even left the ship on Sept. 10. We had our TA apply the FCC to a future Oceania cruise that we booked onboard earlier. I think if you had a negative covid PCR test prior to boarding then your claim for FCC will be easier to make. That is, you did not bring covid with you but contracted it from someone else onboard. We tested negative, as did everyone else who boarded in New York. Our theory is that someone who boarded in Reykjavik, where testing was not required, brought the virus onboard. Just a theory. I hope you get, and you should get, at least FCC for your stay in covid jail. Bill

We were probably on the same cruise, having disembarked on September 10, after 46 days. I found the pasta dishes in Toscana to be excellent, especially the pasta of the day, BUT I was very disappointed with Polo. The steaks, other than the filet, were not really that good and the sides were only adequate but I loved the onion rings and their clam chowder was really good. The GDR was sometimes not that great but we were satisfied. The staff in all of the dining areas were wonderful. I did find one or two of the wine stewards to be sometimes put out by our requests (I wouldn't go into details). Food tastes are very subjective so these are only my opinions.

Just off the Insignia after 46 days. Toscana was excellent the several nights we were there. Polo was hit or miss, usually overcooked steaks, especially the prime rib, cool potatoes. Had to send meals back twice. Appetizers were good and the clam chowder was very good, IMO, in Polo. The GDR was uninspiring, but the service was very good. The menu repeated itself too often. The Terrace was good and relaxing. They had the Red Ginger menu a few times and it was good. No Sea Bass however, they used other fish. The hamburgers at lunch seemed "different". Not as good as before. However, my biggest gripe was that the pizza is terrible, and the coffee tastes like last night's dish water. Worst coffee and pizza on the high seas. Food is very subjective and I am not a foodie in any sense. I didn't starve that's for sure.

Are there any tours available at the pier?

TSA pre check is great. HOWEVER, if you are returning from overseas you cannot use pre-check at any US airport to continue onward. A good example is IAH. American and United, and possibly other airlines, are routed through TSA at one very small TSA checkpoint. There is NO TSA pre-check. It does move quickly probably because TSA puts their more experienced agents there. So, you have to do it the usual way: shoes off, liquids out, etc. Also, however, Global Entry is worth every penny and you get TSA Pre-Check automatically.

That is good information about leaving the Manhattan Terminal. Our ship will be heading east, I assume, with a destination of Boston. What is there to look out for once we are out of the NY harbor?

You would be surprised to hear/learn about what is happening on the cruise ship, especially longer cruises, while hanging out in the laundry room. I have seen fist fights, women accusing husbands of cheating on them, and other more mundane things. The knitting group, aka: Sitch and *****, is also enlightening as a crew member, usually one of the entertainers, runs the group and you ladies can get a lot of insight of the crew gossip. Or you can send your things out and be in the dark. LOL

We were on the same cruise and based on the canceled ports and, IMO, radical change of the itinerary, we canceled. Disappointed.

Just want to know if this statement is accurate. I will let my travel agent know about this before booking two cruises for 2024. OR should I wait until I am actually onboard before talking to the cruise consultant? Thanks.

Just received a new brochure from Oceania, "Discover the World, a Collection of Grand Voyages 2023-2024". At the bottom of each page of an advertised voyage, there is a notation that reads, "BOOK NOW! Fares Expire June 30, 2022". Does this mean that ALL fares are likely to increase that date? Or just for that voyage being advertised? I was hoping to book two 2024 cruises on my upcoming sailing in July 2022 and I don't want to have to pay an increased cost to what the fare is priced currently. Thanks to anyone who can provide some clarification. Bill

I agree totally with your comments. Wasted too much time already with covid.

Will do so this week, thanks for the email address.

YSOLE: FYI, we received our flights just yesterday for a cruise from Lisbon to Cape Town in November. Our routing is British Airways to LHR and BA to Lisbon. Our return is CPT to LHR via BA and then LHR to Phoenix via American, all four segments are non-stops. You can get anywhere in the world it seems from Heathrow via BA. My guess is your return itinerary will be basically the same, except a flight from BCN.

Thank you very much for your summary. We will be on our first Regent cruise in November on Voyager. Question: We both use CPAP machines. Should/can we order distilled water ahead of time via our travel agent or just ask our steward for a gallon or two when we get onboard? Thank you. Bill and Kathi

But then again, if someone loves cruising but wants to stay off of the sauce, then a Saudi cruise would be right up your alley. LOL

Not sure about this dining policy either. We are on a 46 day cruise, New York roundtrip, July/August/September 2022. This is on the Insignia and we are in a concierge level cabin. We are allowed to make seven (7) reservations in both Polo and Toscana. So, I think it depends on...well, actually I'm not sure. Luck of the draw? But I made reservations, 60 days out, at both but still have one left at Toscana. We like the MDR and Terrace for meals. But everything is subject to change. Just my two cents. Bill

Your response missed the point. If cruise ships go to designated ports, then you have to be very aware of the cultural aspects of Saudi Arabia if you decide to get off the ship and visit the area. They may not allow anyone with an Israeli stamp in their passport to visit. (I think the Israelis don't stamp passports for that reason.) Just because Arabs own a piece of a western corporation means nothing. Gates and the Prince don't give a hoot about alcohol or religion at a Four Seasons Resort in say Europe or the US. It is for profit only and booze is a big contributor to their profit margin.

You all do realize that you could never get to Mecca if you are not Muslim? Medina may be off limits also, not sure. Also, no alcohol at all and don't bring your bible or other religious symbols. Saudi Arabia, while fascinating, is very restrictive and very wary of outsiders, especially Christians and Jews. There are stories about Arabs on Saudi Airlines, especially women, that once the plane leaves Saudi air space, rush to the lavatories to change from their required garb to much more western attire. I doubt if alcohol is served on the planes. Another thing to consider is Ramadan. DON'T ever visit the Middle East during Ramadan. Restaurants are not open until sundown and then are very crowded. Most of this is from personal experience. There are or were direct flights from IAD to Riyadh. Not sure of their "luxury" aspects.