coolbluegreenseas

Thank you! Matrix ITA is a good view into what is available. Also, here is some updated news:

https://euro.dayfr.com/business/amp/517128

If that news is accurate, it may be close to concluding.

Thank you for the information. I have found the same news sources as mentioned above. There is something of a communication hole with this strike, but gleaning from the nuggets, it does not look like there is progress towards a resolution.  Since I am still 35 days out, I will see where this stands at the end of the week. If this looks like it is going to drag out, I will work with Windstar to get me on the AF flight from LAX. Or worst comes to worst, I do it myself.

Air Tahiti Nui is currently in the middle of a cabin crew strike. Unfortunately, information is sparse but what is out there does indicate this could go on for sometime. I am on the August 17th Tahiti cruise and chose to book the air through Windstar. I know there is still time, but I have found alternate flights using Air France or United out of SFO. If this strike drags out, I will probably look to cancel TN for AF or United. With that being said, does anyone know how Windstar will handle this or will I more or less be on my own? I have trip insurance, so I can always lean on it. Also, any additional info concerning the strike that does not come from Reddit or Air Tahiti Nui would be lovely.

Thanks.

1 hour ago, mnocket said:

Interesting.  Why is that?  I understand that light packing is considered a virtue by some, but to me it's not really a concern.  For the most part, my luggage is handled by others.  The only inconvenience is waiting to pick it up at the airport baggage carousel -  a very minor inconvenience as I'm a relaxed traveler who doesn't schedule myself such that I must run from place to place.  An inconvenience to me would be having to worry about laundering clothes in order to dress for dinner, but that's just me.  Everyone is different, so there's really no need to feel sorry for people traveling with giant suitcases.  We get along just fine🙂

 

Hey, whatever floats your boat (hehehehehe).

For me, I just hate carting stuff around and it is more likely I’ll lose something. I’ll check the backpack and have a medium-ish tote for the stuff I need want/need with me. I am taking multiple types of transports for this trip (train/plane/sailboat) and like to toss it on my back opposed to dragging it. Anyway, your points are valid about not handling it often for the flights.

And light packing a virtue? Nah, just a way of looking at things. 

5 hours ago, makai 7 said:

Does wind spirit offer buoyancy compensation vests- inflatable vest to help you stay on top of the water?

Best bet would be to chat it up with Windstar directly. I have not seen anything mentioned, but, hey, what do I know?😊

Well, I guess not as I see the linky above. Here you go:

https://a.co/d/aKPf9ew

1 hour ago, Piaa said:

 

Do you have a link to the one you purchase please @coolbluegreenseas

I think the forum will redact the URL, so here is the description:

bought from Amazon

Tessan

US to Europe

European Travel Plug

2 pack

20.99

You should be able to find it.

😀

Thanks for reminding me about the AC converters. Just bought one.😀

Just another reason to not use the printer.

Thank you!

LOL to the "what's one more dress..." I did that on my first cruise which was Celebrity. My hubby and I had one of those stupid, huge bags and a carry on. I did not end up using half the stuff. I think I really learned how to pack light when I did a Paris/India trip  for 3 weeks on one backpack. My apartment in Paris had a washer/dryer. I stayed with friends in India and used a service.  The way I understand Windstar for dressy would be linen skirts and easy, pretty blouses with dressy sandals. For the guys it would be cool, light weight pants with a simple, neat button down shirt and good shoes. Tasteful, nothing fancy, but still elegant.

You might want to start another thread asking about how dressy it really is.

2 hours ago, Piaa said:

@coolbluegreenseas - you are going on a cruise with Windstar to Tahiti with only a backpack??? PLEASE tell me how (my husband will love you forever 🤣)

 

Thank you for the ear to ear grin today. How do I go on one backpack? A willingness to do laundry and bring clothing that can double from day into night. For example, I have a black skort that easily can be used for a daytime excursion with a tee shirt and sneakers. Take that same skort, pair it with a dressy blouse, evening sandals and voila, a night time outfit. In general, most of my stuff can double from day into night depending on the accessories. Also, I roll my clothes so it takes less space. Furthermore, I make a list of must have and likes. If the likes do not make it, so be it. But, the biggest thing is the willingness to do laundry. I am taking the train from Chicago to LA and before I get on the plane for Papeete, I will do a load. I plan on using the service onboard. I absolutely hate carting around lots of bags and if I buy anything that can be shipped, I do that, too.

So, lay out what you think you want to take, and compare the size of the bag. Begin the cull that way. Also, you will find half the stuff you thought you need you do not need at all.

By the way, which cruise? I am on the August 17th sailing.

Thank you! I really hate printing out stuff when the softy will do.

Received my cruise documents a few days ago. Is it still necessary to print the packet out or will a soft copy on my phone work? I do have transfers from Windstar, but would they need the coupon? Any information would be great.

Thanks.

5 hours ago, SailingHigher said:

The complimentary snorkel gear is not high quality, but it is adequate. We found the fins to be a bit marginal. They tend to be bent due to long term storage standing on end. I regret not bringing my own flippers.

Thank you for that piece of information. I am going on one backpack as I am taking the road less traveled to reach LA for the flight to Tahiti (I am on the East Coast). I will not bring my fins, but my snorkel and mask just might make it provided there is room. Otherwise, I will just deal with what they have.

Thank you for the information!

Looking at my itinerary, it would seem boarding is at 1:00 PM. But, what might be best is to reach out to Windstar chat and ask about it.

Enjoy the trip!

As per Lonely Planet and Google, there is an Avis office on Tahiti. The website indicates there is hotel pickup. Google "car rental Papeete" and it will be towards the top of the results. I do not have any experience with anyone on the island as it is my first time there, but Avis should be reliable.

Thank you for the pointers on the snorkeling. It is good to know about being able to store the suitcases under a bed, but I still think we are going to stick to the plan of packing light. Looking forward to this trip.

Shout out to anyone who will be there in January!:)

I booked this first time Star Clippers trip in November of 2016 and now I am finally allowing myself to look forward to it. The plan is to pack light (a backpack and a shoulder carpet bag), a reader loaded with books and a camera. I have my own snorkel gear and I do plan on bringing it unless someone tells me it is not necessary. Also, I did see the comment several times to bring a flashlight(torch), so the red mini one will make it into the bag. Would love to hear from other people booked for this trip and any ideas, comments, suggestions or viewpoints would be welcomed.

The Embassy Suites in Newark is just fine. There is also a shuttle to the port.

The Embassy Suites in Newark is just fine. There is also a shuttle to the port.

Rhapsody in Dec 2018.

So, here is how I plan on dealing with the uncertainty: set a Google alert for Rhapsody of the Seas, pay absolutely nothing more towards the cruise for the next 16 months and not purchase airfare before final payment. There is an article about the sale of Legend that indicates the lead time is about 6-8 months between sale of the vessel and when RCI turns over the keys. If we get to September 1, 2018 and the ship has not been sold, it should be safe to make final payment and purchase airfare for the trip. No need to give money to RCI that may as well remain in my back account until the last minute.

Article about Legend of the Seas and the lead time between sale and when new owners took possession:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/tourism/fl-royal-legend-ship-sale-20160602-story.html

Interesting thread about Rhapsody being up for sale. I put down a deposit while on board the Anthem for the Dec 2018 transatlantic from Barcelona to Tampa. Taking a wait and see attitude.

Yes, that's indeed what you were stating by saying that you respond to cold, hard facts the way the typical American consumer responds to marketing language. Perhaps you meant to say something else (like there is nothing they can say that would make you feel good about this change)?

Well, my interpretation of Ocean Boy's remark was not the same as yours. You might want to tone down the arrogance a little bit.

The point is that you claimed that you respond well to the hard, cold truth, but the response that the cruise line is going for is, as I indicated, getting more money from people. Your response now indicates that you wouldn't respond to the hard, cold truth that way, so therefore you're effectively saying that the cruise line cannot make inclined to give them more money in light of this change. So they focus on making other people feel good about this change instead, since that's going to be more profitable.