ssawjo

On our last O cruise last summer, the regular coffee in the Terrace and the GDR was absolutely undrinkable. My DW always ordered a cappuccino in either dining venue and no problem. So I am sure you can get a double espresso if you wish.

The GDR and specialty menus are on the TV for that particular day. We check the GDR menu, if we don't have a specialty reservation (the menus for them rarely change). If we don't see something interesting, we go to the Terrace for dinner. On some sail away evenings we go to the Terrace, hopefully grab a nice table, and just, sit, drink, eat, and watch. Sailing out of St. Petersburg in the evening on the Terrace was fascinating. Same with Stockholm. Enjoy!

My suggestion would be, if the cruise overnights in, e.g., Bangkok, then get a private tour from the port and stay overnight in the city. That eliminates at least five hours (to/from) on the road in a crowded tour bus. We have done that several times in the past at different ports. I would do the same for Saigon. A good opportunity to experience the city at night. Just a humble suggestion. Have fun!

Agree. Good way to try a particular cocktail that you heard about. If you don't like it, leave it and get something you like.

We were in Honfleur twice. The first time was an excursion off of a river cruise and the second was part of a private tour that included two other French towns. You can take a taxi if you wish but look at the other posts here or in the British Isles/Northern Europe board. The market was very easy to find. It is in the town square. There are several bakeries if I recall for your daughter. Nice town, enjoy if you go. Your boys will love Normandy, also.

Last summer we were in LeHarve and visited Honfleur on a Sunday, a beautiful day. It was our second visit there. Our Sunday visit was not enjoyable due to the crowds. You could not get a seat at any of the restaurants in the harbor area and the shops were packed. We were the only cruise ship in LeHarve that day. So, it was all local folks. Our first visit was on a Saturday. It was from a river cruise ship. Much better experience. The local outdoor market was thriving and not many tourists. We love Honfleur and highly recommend going. But it may be crowded, so be forewarned. Enjoy your day there.

If you have travel insurance, try making a claim for "trip interruption". No harm in asking.

I'm afraid I would get lost if I just decided to walk around. LOL Enjoy your cruise!

Well, I have no other suggestions. Are you on the Oceania Riviera in January 2024? We are flying into Mumbai on Jan. 4/5, resting the fifth, nothing on the 6th at this time, doing the Elephanta Caves on the 7th, and boarding on the 8th. We will be staying at the Taj Mahal Hotel. If you think of something to do, let me know. Can you provide details of the public transportation/train tour? Thanks Bill

I'm sorry, it was the Crawford Market, not Stanley. I suggest a tour of Dharavi, the "largest slum in Asia". I was very leery at first, but we were so happy we went there. It was fascinating. It may be a slum but everyone is working hard to make a living. Bill

Yes, and if you order online you will receive your card(s) in 10 to 14 days. Like we did. Prevents standing in line at the train station to buy a ticket.

I would do the walking tour. It will be very hot, so be aware of that. The Stanley Market is very interesting and bustling. Or do a tour out to the Elephanta Caves in the bay. Long day but worth it.

We have cruised on Princess at least 20 times over the years and have two booked for the near future. However, we have sailed on some "luxury" cruise lines, e.g., Silversea, Regent, and Oceania. The way Princess is headed, you might as well price out the same or a similar itinerary on one of all-inclusive cruise lines. Oceania is not all-inclusive but have some very interesting itineraries and great food. Oceania has changed up their pricing scheme but I don't know how that applies here.

Today is also National Chicken Wings Day and, according to the local TV station, National Burger Day. Which would you prefer if you had a choice? I would select a burger but I love chicken wings.

Thank you for your excellent review. One question: In Belfast, you stated that the Titanic Museum is a 3 mile walk from the cruise port. Were there taxis available to take people directly from the ship to the museum? Our time slot is 9:30 AM. DW cannot walk that far. Our plan was to walk to the museum, do the tour, and then take a taxi around Belfast to see the wall, etc. and return to the ship. I guess I have to think of getting there another way. Thanks, Bill

Today is also National Hot Fudge Sundie Day. Invented in 1906 at a LA ice creme shop.

Too bad there are no In-&-Out Burgers in the UK. Otherwise, I would bet you would have a different answer. But I like McDonald's also.

Today is also National Drive Through Restaurant Day! What is your favorite drive through restaurant? Mine is In-&-Out Burger.

Another question: Does Princess provide a shuttle bus into Weymouth from the Portland cruise port? If so, do you know where it lets people off/on? Thank you and I am happy to see that you are having a great cruise. We will boarding on September 5. Bill

Could you tell me, please, which MDR is/was open for lunch on embarkation day? I dislike the crowded buffet on embarkation day and we prefer the leisurely atmosphere of the MDR. Thank you.

Not sure what to say! I checked spam and everything. ssawjo@cox.net That should work. Try one more time. Sorry about that. Bill

It is also National French Fry Day! I like mine crinkle cut.

It was an FCCertificate purchased on board.

Well, that's a bummer. Fortunately, my TA is having it applied to a cruise we are on in January 2024. The FCC expires at the end of August 2023.

If it is not used or extended, do you receive a refund or is it lost money?