wcook

I think the correct answer is “yes dear.” And try hard not to visibly roll your eyes.

I’ve gone snorkeling a few times. Had fun, but I’m very casual. Pretty much just “look, fishies.” Just booked a cruise which will have one (maybe two) snorkel stops. But then remembered that all my snorkeling was done back when I wore contacts. I switched to glasses a few years ago. I am quite nearsighted (-7.0) so I have to do something. Option #1: Visit doctor and get some contacts. I’ve been thinking about doing this anyway. But I’m lazy. And cheap. Option #2: Buy a prescription mask. Again, been thinking about buying my own mask/snorkel anyway in this post Covid world. Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated

Just my opinion, but when it comes to first cruises: Rule #1: Get your butt on the boat. Read through all the paperwork, have whatever documentation you need, shots, Covid tests, etc. Know when and where you are leaving from, how you will get there… Rule #2 : There is no rule #2 You’ll find about a million tips and “things you need to do” on the internet. It’s good info (usually) but (again, IMO) nothing that’s critical. Have a great trip!

When we do some thing “risky” on a trip I think through what happens if something goes wrong. Often the answer is “we’ll have an adventure.” We came close to missing the boat once in Barcelona. The downside would have been “forced to spend a few days in Barcelona.” I was almost sad when we made it back in time 🙂

I just booked a cruise last night, and according to the booking engine insurance is required for US citizens sailing out of non-US ports. Recommended, not required out of US ports. Of course, the rule could have changed July 1 and the booking engine not yet updated. This is MSC we are talking about.

Sounds like an amazing place. Oh, and completely off topic, but Gqeberha would be an amazing (if illegal) Scrabble word.

Beautiful ship, wonderful cruise. Go and have a great time. If you want to second guess something, I wouldn’t worry about cruise line, but I would think about a round trip out of Seattle or Vancouver rather than one way cruises that start or end near Anchorage. Unless you particularly want to visit Anchorage or the interior before/after your cruise of course. Note, whenever anyone insists on only picking a cruise that goes to Glacier Bay, be sure to read it with a snooty British accent overemphasizing their belief there are three syllables in Glacier.

Also keep in mind ship excursions are willing to schedule later returns to the ship.

I always try to do “everything” on a cruise and often come back dead tired. My last Med cruise had a couple forced “sea days” (thanks COVID) and while I was disappointed to miss what I planned to do ashore, I “vacationed” - relaxed, actually read the books I brought to read, etc. It was nice. Going forward, I’m going to limit myself to four port visits in a week, regardless of the actual number of stops.

Both would be amazing and are more similar than they are different. Me? Kotor is the port I most want to visit, so I’d take that itinerary.

Assuming you are from the UK, ask over in the UK Cruisers forum. In the US, almost everyone I know is using the at home, monitored over the internet test from Abbott. A six pack of tests is usually about $150.

MCS has a good amount of younger people and has great nightlife with dancing etc. The only issue (which may not be a problem) is that it will have a larger percentage of non-English speaker than Royal/Carnival/NCL. Honestly though, I’d highly recommend picking a cruise based on whatever cruise he wants to take, not what line has a reputation for being good for solo cruisers.

Side note: We really need to give one of the Channel Islands to a foreign country to open a cruise port. Would really open up the west coast options.

This might explain why I wasn’t visited by my spirit animal when I went on that spiritual camping retreat. Oh well, at least I didn’t get carsick on the bus ride out.

Good grief that’s lot of stuff. I’d have no problem if it was “50 things you might enjoy having on a cruise.” But essential?? The problem is there are first time cruisers who see such lists and really think they everything. Of the 50, three are in my basic pack kit: - packing cubes - water shoes - Bonine, though get the generic stuff from Amazon for a fraction of the price. The generic name is Mescaline (or something like that.) Some of the other stuff is ok, but a bit was just off. For example, the vast majority of people these days need a usb hub, not an extension cord.

Different people like different stuff. I find the cemeteries at the beginning of the freedom trail to be the best part.

Wow, thanks for this post! I have a bunch of points from years ago, but I’d completely forgotten about myVEGAS. Had no idea MSC was included. All the rewards seem to be for cruises out of Florida. Do they ever offer discounts/free cruises for elsewhere?? Or onboard credit?

I’f you have your heart set on Niagara Falls, flights from Montreal to Toronto can be dirt cheap.

To the aquarium - silver line to south station, then walk the greenway to the aquarium. If you are at all an engineering geek, read up on The Big Dig beforehand.

Note that the LL Bean complex is in Freeport, surrounded by mostly outlet shops. Portland itself had a ton of interesting shops, restaurants and bars in the port area. If it’s me, I’d explore those over taking some sort of excursion.

You can rent a car - I have no idea how much that would cost, but it’s a super easy drive For what it’s worth, I’ve been to Freeport and to Portland many times each. Unless you are some sort of LL Bean groupie, Portland is the much (much!) more interesting place (IMO)

Favorite cruise: my next one 2nd favorite cruise: my last one.

Not a lot of ships cruise to Gettysburg, but I think you guys would love it. It’s one thing to read about Picketts Charge. But it really comes alive when you stand where the Southern lines were and look up across the open fields towards the defensive Union positions.

Another option is renting a car. We rented one from a company that had them waiting right at the pier.

Keep in mind threatened transit strikes in Europe are reasonably common. They often settle, or have given enough advance notice that contingency plans are in place. I haven’t a clue what MSC will do for you if there is a disruptive strike occurs in your dates. But I wouldn’t worry about it.