Di Princess

Anyone got the sailing dates for ARANUI for calendar year 2016 ?

http://aranui.com/schedule.php?year_id=15

Strange that they are so far behind, unlike others such as Crystal, who has their 2017 schedule posted already on their website. I, also want to book for 2016 and just sent for a new brochure. I guess we just have to keep checking back on their website or we can call them. It may be 2017 before I can go.

CPTM, 2028 El Camino Real South, Suite B, San Mateo, CA 94403

Tel: 650-574-2575 or 800-972-7268

e-mail: cptm@aranui.com

AWWW, But, The Dutchman is Always Watching! :eek:

Every crew member has cabin mates and They will all know when you have extra money. The crew is so scared of losing their jobs, being put off at the next port, and flown home, that this does not occur to them.

I was on the Farewell Season of the Old Pacific Princess from NYC > Bermuda, way back in 2001 and I saw all the cabin stewards lined up on my deck and their officer was shouting at them in Portuguese. The crewmen were standing at attention with their heads down, looking very sad.

When I saw my Steward, I apologized for the way he was being treated. I was still working at Princess Valencia and I was very embarrassed. :o

Cameras watch them constantly and these very hard-working men and women are very trust worthy.

Yes, I will be lost without them for 3 weeks. Nana and I are taking care of Newport, dat standard poodle dawg, while they are gone. Newsies is very old, has arthritis, and Cici puts a blanket on him at night. Nana wants to know what to do if he passes because we can't call. Please pray for Newsies. ;)

Yes. Nobody can trust any Guvment Cheese.

Cici printed everything to put with her passport. Yes, sure wish I were going again. :cool:

It took longer than 5 minutes. Not a user-friendly website. Archaic in that it does not have pull-down menus. She has no reason to know that 1 is the country code for the USA, even though I have known it forever (so she called Mum). She has a doctorate, but travelers have different levels of technogeekism. ;)

What I don't get is: how does that ETA fly into the Passaporte from Oz to Cali?

Maybe I would need to take my Passaporte out of my RFID envelope or it would not attach. :confused:

I think this step by the Government is due to the shoot-up in the Sydney coffee shop last month. :eek:

I Hope my posting sections in "bold" isn't misinterpreted as shouting or being rude - I am a "hilite" type of person.

No problem, Dizzy,

I, also, have been accused of Bolding (usually in black, hard to see the blue).

Thank you to all my Aussie Friends, especially to you, the Dizzy one, for that website link. I did call Helene Quick, my CVP (Cruise Vacation Planner) at Princess today and she checked my DD's booking. She told me that an e-mail from Princess had been sent on 15 December; however, my DD has searched her AOL Hell e-mail spam, deleted, all mail, and she has never received it. DD will go on line to the AU website and do it. She lives < one mile from Princess in Valencia, California.

DD does have a question which maybe someone in Oz will know. IF, she does not get the ETA on line, can she do it at LAX? They are flying to MEL early to see the Open Tennis for 2 days before flying to Auckland to board. Will Qantas do it at the airport?

Thanks again for all your help. We love Aussies (Kiwis too). ;) :confused:

We booked way back in February 2014. Princess is closed today so I shall need to call tomorrow at 5 AM. Since it is the Wave Season, it may be a long wait.

The three of us are leaving 19 January LAX > MEL to see the AU Open Tennis and then flying to Auckland to board the Diamond Princess for 12 days. This is scary when we thought that we automatically already paid Princess for the ETAs. :eek:

After booking 11 months ago, Princess is just now telling us this ? :confused:

My DD, S-i-L, and Grandaughter (24) are on the Diamond Princess (Auckland to Sydney) next month. We need your advice, please.

The 3 of them are staying in a hotel just down the street (a bus-ride away) from the Tennis venue to see the Tennis championships on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 January.

Their QANTAS PLANE LEAVES AT 6 PM. I guess they will need to go back to their hotel for luggage after leaving the tennis match. How long should they allow for a taxi to get to MEL airport? Is it 2 hours or 3 hours prior to flight time because this is an international flight?

Thank you very much for your help.

Donna, Princess Commodore

We just returned from the Bragi yesterday 12/13. The Quiet Vox device on this boat is proprietary and normal headphone plugs will not work. Jerry at Crusinskier took pictures of his Quietvox and you could see it was a "normal" 1/8" headphone jack. So.....to answer your question....depends on which boat, I guess. They were both Viking. Not sure what kind of hearing aids were used but "Over the Ear" hearing aids will NOT work. The actual microphones that pick up sound are in the portion behind the ear. I tried cranking it wide open and it still wasn't satisfactory. At the Celestial clock the Quiet Vox's were all over the place. Some retained the proper frequency and some didn't. Not sure what the solution would be but I didn't care for them.

Thanks, rothbury. I do not use a hearing aide. I was talking about a Boss-like earphones, sort of like what you get on the aircraft. I am on the VIKING VAR next November. I sent this thread to my Agent at Viking and received this reply:

DONNA: Since this is my first River cruise, I am wondering if VIKING plans to Upgrade their QuietVox equipment. Can you find out for me? We don't want the competition to get ahead of Viking (see cruise critic thread, below).

Thank you very much for your help.

JILL: "Donna, Viking does keep up to date with all the latest equipment. Since you are not traveling till Nov of 2015, we are not sure what the equipment will be at that time. Be sure if there is a lot of noise we will not continue to using that equipment. Let me know if you need anything else.

Thanks Jill"

I guess we will just have to wait and see.

Has anyone been on the Viking Var that would know? Thanks, all, for your help.

We are using the Quiet Vox on viking now and think they work great. Cross over has not been occurring. The ear piece does not fit into the ear canal opening but over it, hanging on a loop that loops around the ear. This design allows for use with hearing aids. I like them. m--

Can I use my Earphones that go over the ears like I use on my Apple Laptop? :confused: Thanks!

You're welcome. Mom will just love having one, I am sure. I even take mine around town with my daughters in case I get bored while shopping or we have to stand in a line. ;)

Hi, Zoom,

I just love Cyprus. You live in a very lovely place in the world. River cruising is totally different from Ocean cruising. I have been on 37 ocean cruises but my friend and I will take our first River cruise a year from this month on the Viking Var ship, on the Rhine River.

Jazzbeau is the Moderator of these "River Cruising" threads and I suggest you read his "Stickies" at the top of these threads:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2046067

Donna

There are lots of different styles so look at all these photos. Mine has been on 37 Ocean Cruises and she is going on the Rhine next year. ;)

I think I will buy the cushion. Carry on aircraft. Goes free as a handicapped appliance.

http://www.travelsmith.com/sport-seat/601080

$29 - SPORT SEAT - 9"W x 1½"D x 34"H; seat: 21" H. 1 lb., 12 oz.: Take-along seating for long lines, tours and family outings, this multitasker quickly transforms from a walking stick to a seat. The most stable and lightweight of its kind, it's built of extra-strength anodized aluminum that can support up to 250 lbs. Add a reversible cushion to enhance comfort and a nylon shoulder case for transport [Don't need this!] (both sold separately). Polypropylene handle; stainless-steel hardware. Made in USA.

http://www.travelsmith.com/sport-seat-cushion/travel-accessories/health-personal-care/601097?isCrossSell=true&strategy=142

$10 - Sport Seat Cushion. Best Seat in the House, Airport, Museum, Park, Etc. This reversible cushion enhances the comfort of your Sport Seat. Polypropylene. Made in USA

http://www.foldingsticks.com/Seat-Canes.html

$35 to $44 - Seat Canes: Cane seats - going to attend an outdoor event but you’re dreading standing and walking all day long? Need to rest while standing in lines? Worry no more! Watch that event in comfort and conserve your energy while waiting in line, by using a cane seat. Our folding seat canes and walking cane seats provide a comfortable and stable seat, and easily fold when not in use.

There is an interesting review of an AmaWaterways Douro River cruise on the 2013 AmaVida in the latest issue of Cruise Travel magazine (November/December 2014). It includes lots of detailed information and pictures about the river and ports as well as the ship, so it is a great resource for anyone planning a Douro cruise.

I just received my Cruise Travel today, 5 days after your post. I guess California is a long ways from this publisher. Jazz, thanks for the Heads-Up.

Donna

Thanks, Jazz, for those links, especially the PDFs. I have been reading"Rivers" for months but never thought to read your Stickie.

Anthony, I would call around to different Agencies because some have group bookings that have amenities like OBC. We are doing the 7-day Rhine with Viking because my friend picked the company and I picked November 2015 (Viking Var is the ship). I also need a full balcony. We are also doing 3 nights pre-cruise in Prague and 2 nights post-cruise in Nuremberg with Viking's package. With air, it is $5000 each. I intend to pay the extra $50 each to customize our air. Just a warning that you need to book > a year out, or more, to get your desired cabin.

I would go on line and order brochures for all the river cruise lines. Lay them all out on the bed and study the Deck Plans. I had to go to Office Depot and, for $10, I bought a page-sized magnifier. Useful for map-reading also. It takes a lot of study but fun, fun, fun.

Thank you for the review. My mom has some mobility issues as well, since shattering her ankle three years ago. I think she should be okay for most other than the castle, with the slower group. Do you think a knee scooter would be useful on this trip? I've read so much about cobblestones that I wonder if a knee scooter would be worth bringing.

My Daughter broke her ankle a few years ago playing tennis. Thin & active, she is also self-employed and, therefore, had to go to work. She is a dentist and employs 6 other ladies. I took her to get a knee-scooter and she never missed a day of work.

However, having lived in Germany 50 years ago for 2-1/2 years, I think that cobblestones are just to rough to manipulate these tiny knee scooters. I always take a Sports-Seat (Magellans) for when we must stand, listening to a tour guide and in museums. I used it all over Dublin and Ireland. :D

Take good care of your Mum. She is very precious. ;)

Thanks, Joanne.

That gives me some idea about the extra costs. ;)

I am planning our Budget for our cruise and I need to know how many Euros, Kronas, and Dollars to plan for the Optional Shorex on: Your Heart of Germany Itinerary, Viking Var.

I have titles and descriptions for these tours; however, no clue to pricing:

1. AN EVENING OF CZECH FOLKLORE: 3-Hour dinner outing & transportation, 3-course meal with unlimited beer, wine & soft drinks, folkloric entertainment. WHAT IS THIS PORT-OF-CALL ??? PRICE?

2. FORMER **** PARTY RALLY GROUNDS & COURT ROOM 600: 4-1/2-hour escorted tour.

3. TEREZIN CONCENTRATION CAMP: 4-hour escorted tour. WHAT IS THIS PORT-OF-CALL ??? PRICE?

4. ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER: 5-1/2-hour escorted tour includes lunch. WHAT IS THIS PORT-OF-CALL ??? PRICE?

5. KUTNA HORA: 7-hour escorted tour from Prague with lunch. PRICE ???

6. THE COMMUNISM MUSEUM: 3-hour walking tour. IS THIS IN PRAGUE ???

TIA for your help.

Donna

I lived in Pirmasens, nach Kaiserslautern 57 years ago. My first daughter was born in Munchweiler Hospital. U.S. Army (DH). I have not been back since.

Kiyomi and I are taking a 7-Day River cruise on the Viking Var in November 2015. This should be very nostalgic. :D

Does anyone know how far (how many miles) the Port in Nurenberg is from the Frankfurt Airport?

We are on the Viking Var, 27 November 2015. TIA.

Donna

Does anyone know how far (how many miles) the Port in Nurenberg is from the Frankfurt Airport? TIA

DONNA

Thanks for the nice comments. Now, to clear up your confusion: I am Jazzbeau (male); DW is Jazzbelle (female). We both like to cruise, and then we are the Jazzbeaux (couple). Savvy?

Got it. Thanks Jazz-AllYouGuys. ;)

I also bought the StrongHold today cuz they had a sale and if you sign up for their newsletter, you get a 10% off code.

Look at this U-Tube. Lots of funny comments. :eek:

How to disable RFID chip in credit or debit cards

Published on 28 May 2012: In newer credit and debit cards there is a RFID / NFC chip that allows you to use your card at stores without swiping the magnetic strip. It works by radio waves and is usually only good for around 6" or closer to the receiver. The problem with this is it's a security problem as anyone with a small hand-held scanner can grab your information when they wave it by your back pocket. Also, I have noticed that whenever you use this feature, the transaction defaults to credit, not debit. All you have to do is look on your credit / debit card in the reflection, and it will be a small indent in the plastic about 2 millimetre square. Simply punch a hole through it and you will hear the chip crack. Once you do that, the RFID chip is disabled and will no longer function. The magnetic strip will still work.

For years, I have been using the Stronghold for my passaporta. It is getting frayed and now I see they are on sale. Time to re-order. ;)

I have one for my USNR-R I.D. card, which has my entire medical record on the reverse. The Navy gave me the RFID sleeve with my grey card. :D

http://www.idstronghold.com/designer-passport-sleeve-2-pack-swirls.asp

$4.50 - Designer Passport Sleeve 2 Pk Swirls Collection: Designed to protect a single passport embedded with a wireless chip. Protects you against identity theft, tracking and other unauthorized reads. Safe travels: 50% off! Identity Stronghold Secure Sleeves® are listed on the United States Government Services Administration (GSA) FIPS 201 Approved Products List as meeting the requirements of preventing the reading of contactless RFID chips.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Fits ISO7810 ID-3 size passport (Includes US, UK, Australia and others)

Made of high quality advanced paper material

Weather- and water-resistant (within reason)

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Available to Consumer, Corporate, Government, Financial and Education markets

Custom printing available

Dimensions: 5-1/8" x 3-7/8"

Secure Sleeves® for Passports in Great NEW Design Collections: Paper Tyger® Defender™ Sleeves now available in ten (10) new design collections. Each collection comes as a two-pack and each sleeve in the pack is a different design. Choose from: Nebulas, Sunsets, Bubbles, Wood-Look, Safari, Camo, Leather-Look, Floral, Swirls and Damask. Designed to protect a single passport embedded with a wireless chip. Protects you against identity theft, tracking and other unauthorized reads. Note: All US Passports since October 2006 contain an RFID chip that holds all the data from the information page including your picture in digital format.

You're right, I was confused at the time. Chip and PIN is a different technology which cannot be read without the card being inserted in a card reader. RFID is the technology that Chase calls "Blink" and other issuers give other names, which allows you to wave your card near a card reader instead of inserting it. It turns out I have several of these in my wallet, even though I have never used them -- and other than at gas stations don't recall ever seeing such a terminal. But since I do have more than one, the point of the Snopes article is still valid: the potential for thieves to skim this data from my wallet is cancelled by the presence of more than 1 RFID card. So there is no need to replace my wallet. If you Google "RFID Wallet" you'll also find an article from Consumer Reports that compared a homemade wallet (from duck tape and aluminum foil -- if you can pry it out of the hands of your local alien-paranoid-conspiracy-theorist) that was more effective than 80% of the anti-RFID wallets they tested. ["Our reporter offered her own homemade shield constructed of duct tape and lined with aluminium foil. It provided better protection than eight of the 10 commercial products, including a stainless-steel “RFID blocking” wallet selling online for about $60."]

 

At least with a duct tape wallet, I would preserve my macho cred -- much better than wearing a wallet around my neck.

WAIT, Jazz.

I always thought you were a man because of the "Beau." However, I have been reading your River Cruising Blog - so nice, thank you - it is so helpful. In your Blog, you speak of Jazzbelle. You wife? :confused:

Now I am more cornfused than ever. :eek:

It's such a shame though! I love the Coral and Island. I wish they would have built more ships in this class.

I love them too and have only sailed on the Coral through the Panama Canal. :D

I asked at a Technical Conference and was told that these Turbo Engines proved to be highly inefficient in fuel. I wonder how they didn't figure this out before building them. :eek: