Di Princess

There aren't a whole lot of good, full service TAs around. And, they are difficult to find.

You have to kiss a lot of Frogs to find your Prince. ;)

I am actually planning ahead for a 2017 cruise and just trying to get some decision points so I can be ready, or close to ready, once the 2017 schedules come out. I need to go over some time in the next week or so and sit down with my TA and go over all of this to see what info she can provide. Seems to me that today TAs are more a booking agent rather than a travel agent. And, for the major cruise lines, that is pretty much what I use them for as I have done almost 40 voyages on cruise ships so I know what I want there. That's why I'm looking at 2017 for my river cruise as I already have 2016 filled with the major cruise lines and need to decide if I'm doing a river cruise before the cruise lines remaining 2017 schedules come out and I book myself full.

Hi, SS,

I, too, have been on > 40 ocean cruises and taking my first river cruise in November on the Viking Var for 7 days (Rhine), doing 3 days pre-cruise in Prague and 2 days post in Koln with Viking. The Viking Air was a good deal so we took it and able to choose our itinerary, airline, and seats for $50 each.

I think that you should consult with your T.A.; however, with your travel experience, I would book directly with the cruise line (unless the T.A. can give you a big discount and/or on-board credit) because you will have good results calling the Viking Agents directly.

Hi, Go.

I am so glad you are having such a good time. ;)

How much did you tip your Viking Guide for this great Private Tour? :confused:

I love the 800-pax R-ships and think they are perfect.

Actually, it was just recently announced that Carnival Corporation has a new cruise line with one of them and she is going to do Cuba next year. ;)

How can that happen ?

"Did Not process the credit card?" :confused:

It seems that their Social Media Hack has abandoned Cruise Critters. :eek:

I would just call up all the river cruise lines and ask the agents.

Same deal with the Pearl Seas company Q & A. :rolleyes:

Where in the world do these cruise lines find these "Social Media" specialists ? :eek:

Any kid on Facebook could do a better job.

I guess their limitation is that They Just Don't Have Any Answers. :confused:

Hello, Go.

Thanks for your very well-written review. I am so impressed that the Viking representative spent so much time with you (I guess because there was nobody else there).

We are staying for 3 days pre-cruise in Prague in November and I am thinking of what will happen at our hotel and the included city tour. We really appreciate your keeping us informed. ;)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knock,_Knock,_Ginger

 

There you go.

Yes, British origin. I don't ever remember this happening when I was a child, nor did my children nor grandchildren do this. I guess we had better things to do. I have had my door knocked on in the ships. Bad Boys! :eek:

This forum has become so hilarious. ;)

Was Ginger aware of this? At least it was down and not up.

What is that game: "knock down ginger"? :confused:

Something British ??? ;)

The CAPT lives in Melbourne, FLORIDA, not Australia.

Wow! This is like reading an exciting mystery novel. Although I am fairly Air-Dumb, I was going to make the suggestion that he speak with the Flight Attendant (as someone else mentioned) and request a Golf Cart.

HeadHunter: Do they use the golf carts at Brussels?

They can drive faster than I can run. ;)

I have been on > 40 cruises (1 or 2 a year) and I also take only cash in USD, Euros, whichever country's currency I will need. I have always used the silk underwear wallet. I just bought a new one for my traveling partner for $11 with the 20% discount at Bed, Bath, & Beyond and no shipping costs.

I have never been stopped nor questioned about my money wallet. Just think of it as part of your underwear and DO NOT TAKE IT OFF!

I don't think these other posters have actually used it. ;)

I have no problems with the shorts - even if the guys are older and legs aren't great. It it the issue of "just" shorts, which I take to mean WITHOUT a shirt - that would upset me. And, I guess I may be a considered a prude if I say that tank tops on men (or "wife beater" t-shirts as the undershirt version is called in my area) don't count.

Fran

:eek: No shirt ?

No, Fran, you are not a prude. I also think it obnoxious to appear in public in your underwear, and that is what the wife-beaters are. They should never go out of their house in those. I saw my GrandSon wearing one once and was surprised but he works out and is a real hunk. In his home, however. He is an attorney and wears suits, ties, & cufflinks. Got his first tux at 12 years old for a cruise.

People who don't dress nicely (even if it is K-Mart or Target-smart) are just lazy.

Originally Posted by jvalastro: If we do this, will they be the only children on board?

Who cares? Our first cruise with my GrandBabies was when they were 9 and 11 to the Med. Jen, Steven, Cici (my DD) and me. They were Never interested in finding other kids but wanted to stick with me and Mum for Trivia, swimming, dining room, and are still interested in History, architecture, culture, and art. Jen is now 24 in Medical school in Chicago (starts this month). Steven received his Bar Card in November and starts his new law job this month. However, he now vacations with his wife of 2 years. She is a nurse.

I think we don't give kids enough credit for being interesting and interested people.

Take those teens and don't worry about any other people. You will have a great time. ;)

I agree, Jane. Old Guys should NOT wear shorts unless they are Bermuda with the correct high socks & nice shoes; however, they don't know enough to do this. Young guys with cute legs - O.K. ;)

Hi, Robert Lockwood,

We are all very worried about you. What happened when you called your credit card bank to ask them to delete the $450 charge? Are they gonna do it? :D

No. That's the typical fare differential for PHL - it varies depending on airline voodoo and phase of the moon. Lots more thinking before we book. There is also a GCT trip, extra days in Paris and a 43 pax ship, on the table.

VOO-DOO is only allowed out of New Orleans. :eek:

I have been in Myanmar this year in January. Cruising on Sanctuary Ananda and it's been one of the best cruises in my whole life. Pure luxury and satisfaction. Have a look and book it yourself! I am going again in October.

http://www.sanctuaryretreats.com/sanctuary-ananda-myanmar-cruise-ship-burma

Thanks for the Link, Tricia. There are hours and hours of fun with the videos on this website. True Luxury. I wanna go! They really do Exotic. ;)

This is my next river cruise (2017) if I can convince my spouse that it's safe.

Why would it NOT be safe ??? :confused:

Happy birthday to all my Emerican friends.

Would that include European-Americans ? :confused:

Robert Lockwood,

Coral and Mark T. are correct. It all goes back to an Inferior T.A. Threaten a Lawsuit! :eek:

I hope you take Mark up on his offer of trying to figure out the Flight problem. I think he knows what he is talking about. ;)

However, UBER is now allowed into the Port at FLL. ;)