Markanddonna

I did a nerdy analysis of the MSC Divina and their ratings in the last year have dropped a full point.

I was on two different cruises, one last November that ended in Haifa. Why don't you take a day trip to Masada and the Dead Sea at the port of Ashdod? We took the train to Jerusalem from Haifa- not recommended as you have great difficulty with luggage. It is more of a commuter train. Find shared vehicles instead. We stayed at Shamai Suites in Jerusalem, which was a good, walkable location with lots around. We took a taxi to the top of the Mount of Olives, walked down into the Kidron Valley, and then to the old city of Jerusalem for a short walk. Hopefully, the war will be a distant memory when you travel. BTW, don't think too harshly of the ship's decision not to let you off early. Israel, as you can see from the news, has many security concerns. We were stopped on route to the Tel Aviv airport near the Palestinian areas and the Israeli police were very assertive. After examining our passports, we got through. We were also in the Golan Heights at a kibbutz and traveled close to the borders. I shudder now thinking of the difference a year makes! There were times when our driver would not stop because of potential snippers from Lebanon and Syria. If anyone is thinking of taking a cruise or visiting Israel in October 2023, I would say you will be forced to cancel. You also don't want to be a burden to Israel. Wouldn't Hamas or Hezbollah love an American held hostage! Pray for the peace in Jerusalem and all of Israel.

In the end, it worked out great. I had three flights and was given all the boarding passes at the first gate. I was one of the few fortunate ones to have all three middle seats free so I could stretch out on the red-eye flight. I had a free seat into me on another flight. If I was traveling with someone else, I would have ponied up for the fare when I could select my seats. I consider this just another travel experience and I would do it again to save a few hundred, but only if flying alone.

The Alliance seems to be quirky. I have to get my seat at the airport for the leg to BOS but Air France issued my seat and boarding passes for the other two legs. The Delta app isn't showing my boarding passes at all. Ugh. So, printing out passes is the way to go for these flights.

That's what it sounds like. Hopefully, since there are seats available, I should be okay. Lesson learned...after about 100 flights under my belt.

I am traveling solo so booked Delta Economy to Europe which stipulates I can't get my seat assignment until check in. I have three legs to this trip and have to get the seat assignment at the gate and also don't seem to be able to check in for the 2nd and 3rd leg. Advice?

Our bank does notary services for free.

I didn't notice personal care items not available- that will be the most expensive sunscreen you ever bought, if needed, though. It is true that most lines do not sell OTC meds anymore. Some are in the medical center in a machine or behind the counter.

I've been on seven MSC cruises. It is just a very different cruise line, and the passenger composition very much depends on the embarkation port. We decided not to cruise out of Miami (too many rude, loud, and sometimes violent passengers (fights at the pool- security called- from central and South America) but found the crowd out of PC were just all quite happy and polite. You just can't compare it to a more refined line like Celebrity, for instance. If I am with my family, MSC is fine (but not out of Miami!). Have traveled in both inside to balcony on MSC. The crew and cabins are just fine, and the ships are lovely. The food is fine but not exceptional unless you go to the steakhouse.

We are looking at a transatlantic that will dry dock immediately after we dock in Europe. What are some issues that affect passengers? Here's what I thought of: * I suspect that some work is done while the ship is sailing during those 15 days. I recall on one TA where new carpeting was installed and the fumes were very bad. * Some supplies will not be in stock (food items at the buffet/restaurants, at the stores, etc.) * I know some features are shabby and dated (I can live with that.) * Most crew members are at the end of their contract. Anything else?

We are looking at a TA that is the final sailing before their drydock. I know the cruise line won't tell you about the plans, but has it been your experience that lots of work is started on the drydock renovation on the TA? I recall all the carpeting being replaced on one and how the corridors smelled of heavy chemicals. Do you think it is more typical than not to start the renovations early?

The answer is so variable. On our first transatlantic, we rarely used the balcony because of "sea spray." The constant mist from the ocean sometimes combines with the ship booking it across the ocean, making sitting on some balconies not a pleasant experience. The worst was in the front on a very large balcony that was a deck below the bridge. While sailing, it was extremely windy, but of course, quite nice when docked. The secret is to search reviews to find balcony experiences.

I find that the folks on this site have been my best teachers and advisors. I also ask questions on sites like Rick Steves and Trip Advisor forums. My experience is that the majority know less than I do about the general ins and outs of cruise travel. When I ask a pointed question, I hear, "I book many of my clients at..." They are dodging the reality that they have little experience in travel. Most travel agents only wish they had as much travel experience as some of you cruise critics!

The only time it is problematic is when people give advice like, "the experience outside a suite/YC, Haven, etc is so inferior. I would never book outside of these more elite experiences." That gets quite obnoxious.

This is exactly what will happen because we will become like that frog who became desensitized while the pot was heating. The items and services that have been taken away will be added for additional fees.

We won't ever know the break even point. Instead, we will just be used to less service and lower quality food and details.

You have received some good advice, but may I offer another point of view? There comes a point in everyone's life when we have to scale back travel. My DH became ill in Europe this past May, and we needed to visit a hospital twice. He now realizes that his conditions may limit future travel. Your passing out if overheated is perhaps the most serious of all your concerns. You are putting not only yourself but your husband and anyone around you in a difficult situation and could injure others. A very large woman fell on my grandson and caused an injury that has complicated his young life, with him experiencing more injuries to the same physical area. All caused by a woman who accidentally fell on him.

Everything depends on how many prescriptions you take. I have only one, so I bring them in their own bottle. I then place all my over-the-counter supplements (calcium, multi, Vit B, C, etc.) in one or two different bottles. I bring one of those seven-day containers filled with the first week's dosages. Then, each week, I refill it. I only take one of each supplement, so that is easy. I have a description of what each is in case I need to know.

If your insurance includes medical, your doctor's letter stating that you are not well enough to take the cruise should be enough. Does your policy cover preexisting conditions? That might be the sticky wicket since yours was.

We are looking at a 15 day cruise out of Sydney to Singapore. Am I correct that the school holidays will be over by July 21 in 2024? The weather seems fine for traveling. Any other considerations? Thanks.

A transpacific is most often a repositioning cruise taking place in the spring and fall. Both nice times to visit before their winter and not during the hot season when you will see lots of families.

The voice of logic and reason. Problem solved.

I like narrated, concise videos. I don't need to see every detail in the room. We know there are plugs and hairdryers.

Is the weather in Scotland much different in late April versus mid May? Three weeks difference. I am trying to decide between two transatlantic sailings. Thanks.

I think the new e-visa begins in 2024 but no official date has been set. It has been delayed a few years now.