shipgeeks

I think greed - people grabbing dozens of bags at a time - killed this amenity. In more recent times, one could ask for a bag at Park Cafe (on Vision ships, at least), but perhaps that is not even the case any more.

The article said an existing tourist rail group has acquired (or will be acquiring?) buses to provide a full package for cruise ship visitors to Portland. I wish I could find that article again!

Thanks, everyone. The article said it's "in the planning stages", so I guess we'll learn more in the months or years to come. I agree, it will have to be pretty good to lure us away from just spending our time on foot in Portland itself.

I saw (and then lost) an article about a scenic rail trip that will be offered as a tour for cruise passengers, from Portland, with a one hour bus ride each way, to link up with the train. I believe it might be the Green Mountain railway. Anyone familiar with that rail line?

"No towel animals" is one of the first things we say to our cabin steward when we meet him.

Good question! I wonder if my eyeglass cleaning spray would be a good choice to use? I should probably accept the fact that my wedding band gets wet/soapy/moisturized all the time, so no cleaner is going to hurt it. But after ruining a pin in high school by trying to make it sparkle more, I have a concern mostly about costume earrings, metal plus stones. Will toothpaste and old toothbrush lead to the stone getting waterlogged and falling out, for example?

I have to take exception with those who say "No one notices what you are wearing". I sure do! It might be to think "That's great how she combined X with Y; I'll have to try that", or "That dress is perfect here", or just enjoying the scene. I would not look down on someone who wore the same thing for all 12 nights, or chose to wear things that I wouldn't, but overall, I really enjoy the whole visual. More variety than any fashion magazine.

Well, I for one was not overly shocked (and I know now it was a misprint). I go back to my cabin a number of times per day anyway, and if the weather has changed a bit, or I'm going to be doing something different, or changing from indoors to outdoors, it's so easy to slip on a different top or whatever. I can do Europe with just perhaps three fully interchangeable tops and bottoms, but doing that on a cruise would take away a lot of the fun. I enjoy going to breakfast in a long-sleeve top because MDR is chilly, changing into short sleeves, with sunglasses, to walk the Promenade Deck.....later dressing for the evening......

Colon has, for years, been a place in which one does not get off the ship. (A long time ago, we neglected to read our daily planner before walking ashore. We found out why there was an advisory to that effect.) I guess this is the flip side of passenger demand for cruises to the ABC islands. Partial or full transits of the Canal are fascinating, but Colon as a departure/disembarkation port would not appeal to me at all.

CntPA, Vision is scheduled for her regular drydock next April/May.

We have sailed on Enchantment and Vision a number of times in the past two years, and I would not call them neglected at all! Viewed from the outside, of course you might see some rust, but that is no indication of the state of the interiors or decks.

On pancakes, I like dark brown sugar if I'm not using maple syrup. Re French toast, which I understand the French are not familiar with, I'm wondering if it was based on Croque Monsieur, which has thick bread soaked in eggs and milk before adding the fillings. Anyone know? Re ketchup and eggs, we made breakfast here for some friends a number of years ago. As I was setting the table, the wife said "I can't find the ketchup in your fridge". I didn't know why she would look for ketchup for a breakfast. "For the scrambled eggs." ??? I had never heard of that. And I have no interest in trying it! DH reminds me that we've never had ketchup in the house.

OP, I might not be the best one to help, as I can pack for a month or more in Europe with one medium suitcase for the two of us, but nowhere near that for a cruise! However..... While I no longer pack ballgowns, nor dresses and hats for afternoon tea, nor shoes to go with each outfit, I do still dress up every evening. Some of my strategies for decreasing the load include coordinating colors, as noted by others. I mostly wear separates, with a pair of black pants starting the list, along with compatible tops for them. Black shoes for those. Then two other color pants, with tops (frequently interchangeable), and one other pair of shoes for evening. Day outfits are likewise coordinatable. Linen shorts go with just about any top, and any shoes. I have used compression bags (zipper, not vacuum cleaner type) for undies, jerseys, etc. I would never pack a sweatshirt for a cruise. If it's going to be cold, then I choose wool, cashmere, silk, or fleece. Warmer, less bulky, and dry more easily. I have never felt the need for the "things" that some mention taking, such as laundry hamper, clothes lines, electronics, night lights, mattress topper, pillows, hair dryer, magnetic hooks, snacks..... I might wear my bulkiest shoes (sneakers), and perhaps bulkiest jacket if appropriate, for boarding, and then change shoes for the evening.

I have never sent postcards during a cruise or other vacation, but I used to go looking for postcards with pictures of old ships while in ports. (I am a ship geek.) I have a nice collection now. I never had an interest in shopping for jewelry, liquor, shot glasses, magnets, etc., so the old postcards were a neat goal.

Yes, it is an excellent itinerary. And it will be hot once you ease out of the cold! Always a nice group of passengers, too.

With a break, apparently for a drydock, in April-May, 2024.

We have cruised out of Baltimore in January and February many times, including days with a lot of snow and ice. We board in winter coats because we like to be outdoors for departure, especially going under the bridges. The coats go under the bed as soon as it gets warmer, which is probably day 2. Then we might wear a fleece while temps increase. I can't recall the seas ever being rough, but like any cruise in any part of the world, that is always a possibility.

m, thank you for posting. I'm sorry your cruise was not as flawless as the five we did on Enchantment just before she went to the Med. We did not, however, have to deal with a wheelchair; I imagine that can open up a lot of challenges in any part of the world. I'm surprised at your mention of the Latino community. Are you referring to a large number of Latino passengers? Entertainment in Bolero's? I, too, would be unhappy with the two security issues you mentioned. I've never heard of either happening, and we have been in several connecting (but not connected) cabins over the years.

This has been discussed a number of times, with no satisfactory answer. This has been discussed, with many saying they would not go there. We sailed out of Philadelphia twice, years ago. For whatever reason, it was not kept on as a departure port.

Captains have stated, over the years, that RC is committed to Baltimore for the long term/indefinitely. It's a very popular departure port, and ships invariably sail full. NCL has added several Baltimore sailings this year and next.

It has occurred to me that with a few of our invitations, they came from the Social Hostess, a position that I haven't seen for years. Card signed by the Captain, but probably co-signed by her, and met by her for the pre-dinner chat and introductions.

In my case, platinum or gold with diamonds, sterling silver, steel(?) with rhinestones. I want more sparkle and shine, but am apprehensive about damaging something. Any recommendations?

Two things I would recommend: Read up on the four "experiences" on MSC. Each has its own price level, and its own benefits. For example, Bella and Fantastica have set dining for dinner, and Aurea has anytime dining. If you have a strong preference, choose accordingly. Other things, such as room service, also vary. If you have a loyalty level with one of the other lines, it can be worth applying for status match with MSC. That can give you some nice benefits. We think Ocean Cay is the most wonderful private island in the Bahamas. However, it is mainly a beach place, although we loved just walking around. No animals, apart from the snorkeling, and turtle hatcheries. We really enjoyed our MSC cruises. Ours were 7 nights. I've read that the shorter ones tend to be more party/booze cruise atmosphere.

Yes, it seems that it is a thing of the past. That big table just sits there, unused, during cruise after cruise. We had several such invitations back in the 90s and early 2000s. All very nice experiences. It appears that in those days, there had to be some evidence that the man had a tuxedo, and perhaps that the invitees were capable of good give-and-take dinner conversation. Then high-end cabins became more numerous, and invitations more frequently went to passengers in suites. Then it just faded away. I don't foresee it coming back.

CG inspection was announced a day or two ago; pax told not to arrive earlier than noon, regardless of their checkin time.