shipgeeks

When we sailed on MSC in the Caribbean, we were impressed by how well a great number of pax dressed up, due to the number of Europeans, British, and South Americans on board. Not prom gowns, but very chic and elegant.

Our method is very similar to GTO, but without the cleaner bags. Large items like slacks, jackets, dress shirts, dresses get placed half in the suitcase, half out., most still in their hangers. Top with the next large garment, hanging out another way. Continue with more items, then start folding them across. Thus, no sharp folds. When we arrive, it's easy to open suitcase, hang, and be done. We do wear a lot of linen, cotton, and other supposedly wrinkle-prone fabrics, but we've never had to consider ironing, sending out for ironing, or hanging in a steamy shower, and I've never looked in the mirror and seen wrinkles (apart from the ones on my face).

And that would detract from the appeal to us.

Do you read "To add some humour" on CC? (Cruise conversations, Floataway lounge, To add some humour). There is a hilarious (because true) cartoon about wearing a romper. (page 1343, post 33575). Check it out. I remember in the 80's, Banana Republic claimed that jumpsuits were the perfect travel garment, especially for long-distance flights. What do you think?

After watching a couple, I decided I would never watch another one, and I never have. Reading is my mode of gathering information, and I can be selective. I have no patience for watching a video progress at the pace the maker chose, or sitting through the parts I have no interest in.

Sure, we always did in the past. But this time the wording is different; no link to enter personal info manually on a laptop.

Apparently the app started working, after some hours of delay.

Today, at 41 days out, there is still no option to check in without the app. The booking just says "If not using the app, go to the port, expect delays, and have an agent do everything for you". No boarding pass, no luggage tags, no arrival time? That just doesn't seem right, and it certainly is not what we have done previously. If we are not checked in prior to cruise day, are we even going to be on the manifest?

In our case, we are taken to the port on a bus. It's very comfortable, very reliable, but not as interesting or comfortable as being on a train. I was thinking of suggesting a few days in DC if you ever do a cruise out of Baltimore. But I like your idea of the train to NYC and a transatlantic cruise even more! Some friends of ours have done that but starting in the PIttsburgh area, with Cunard in both directions, and some time in Germany. They loved it.

There has been very little mention of what to do on the outside of the bread. I, for one, do not ever use any butter, mayo, or similar; just toast the whole thing in my little electric sandwich press. And as to buttering the inside?? Not for me. I do love butter, but only as a solid, never melted on anything. I think I'm probably in the minority, though!

I, too, will be interested in hearing from you after the entire trip has been accomplished. We have both stopped driving, and no longer care to fly anywhere. Our solution has been a local travel company that runs trips to Baltimore cruises four or five times a year. I don't know how viable this would be for you, but is there also train service to Washington, DC or Baltimore, from where you are? RC has cruises year-round from the Port of Baltimore, most 9 to 12 nights, with a nice variety of ports. Smaller ship, with perhaps fewer of the snags you've encountered trying to find out more. Good luck, whatever you decide to do!

Yes, that's what we've done for years, but this time there is no option to do so.

Anyone on September 14 Vision still unsuccessful as of Wednesday pm?

I do have to say that when we used a TA who did notify us, automatically, when final payment was due in a few days, we appreciated it. One less thing to worry about.

Final payment date is noted on our initial payment receipt. I write it on the outside of the envelope that holds all my notes for that cruise, along with the booking #, cabin #, dates, etc. I look at that envelope regularly, so I have a constant reminder of due date, and I call to approve the final payment a few days ahead. The agent we are currently using does not send reminders. I sometimes wonder if any of her other clients miss their payment date.

There is a report on Roll Calls of her sailing Bayonne to Southampton in April, 2024. Poster states she is booked.

Re movies in the cabin: I don't know if there is a listing, but on our last Vision cruise, we were both having trouble sleeping one night, and wanted to watch a movie without disturbing our neighbors. Lo and behold, we were just in time to watch "The Artist", a modern silent movie, and then a Bollywood movie with English subtitles. Great programming!

Our booking (on Vision) says "check in now!", but most, among those I'm in touch with, have not been able to do so. Some have been trying since midnight. The format does look a bit different from our previous cruises, and of concern to us, no longer has the option to fill in everything without using the app. Anyone else finding this, or better yet, have a cure?

Assuming your ship will be at the main terminal (Marco Polo), there will be buses right there, as well as a stand inside the terminal, with maps and very pleasant and helpful staff. If your advance planning doesn't work out for you, I'd be comfortable saying you can just do it when you get there. (I do understand wanting info in advance, though!)

It is offered as one of the excursions on our September RC cruise, for $44, available both days we are there. I think that's a reasonable price; if you will be on a cruise it might be worth pursuing through your cruiseline.

OP, are you aware that you shouldn't ever leave the balcony door open? If you do, it will mess with the AC in your cabin and most likely the cabins near you.

And of course there is the option of not buying travel insurance. We have done 50+ cruises, have never purchased insurance, and have never wished we had. It's purely a personal decision. (And it's why I can't answer your question directly!)

There is always a lot of discussion on the Europe boards on CC. You can click on different countries under the Europe heading, and get some ideas of pros and cons of the ports you might be considering. Good luck! Lots of great places to visit.

OP, Have you and your party done the Narrow Gauge Railway and the Casco Bay ferries? Both are right there at the port, so no long walking would be required.

I hope Clo will still be on Vision when we are on the September 14-23 cruise! She was our CD on Regal Empress many years ago; would love to see her again.