Around the Seabourn Water Cooler... Off topic and fun posts here!- Updated

[OrpingtonT]

What do you think of this new passport application form?

 

http://papersplease.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/ds5513-proposed.pdf

 

 

Is this a joke? Or do the "authorities" want US citizens to stay in the US. And this from the "Land of the Free"

[OrpingtonT]

What do you think of this new passport application form?

 

http://papersplease.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/ds5513-proposed.pdf

 

 

Is this a joke? Or do the "authorities" want US citizens to stay in the US. And this from the "Land of the Free"

[JaneBP]

I checked Snopes and didn't find any 'urban legend' references. But I can't believe it's not a hoax. I think we lost the 'land of the free' moniker ages ago.

[JaneBP]

Here is a good guide for T5 at FCO. T5 is for outbound US flights.

 

 

***************************/transportation/terminal-5-at-fco

[JaneBP]

For those stopping in Copenhagen: Noma

 

http://www.parlafood.com/chef-john-regefalk-reports-from-noma/

[JaneBP]

For Trivia Lovers

 

http://macguffinandpuffin.wordpress.com/2011/05/14/1406/

[JaneBP]

I clicked on the wrong link here and found this list. I have only been to about half of them, but no doubt, cruisers here have hit them all, and occasionally more than once.

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/TCDestinations

[JaneBP]

For those cruisers who may be starting or stopping their cruise in Barcelona:

 

http://www.parlafood.com/the-barcelona-binge/

[Roxburgh]

For those cruisers who may be starting or stopping their cruise in Barcelona:

 

http://www.parlafood.com/the-barcelona-binge/

 

Also, American Express have an arrangement with the HN hotel chain who have hotels in Barcelona which may be of interest to cruisers:

 

http://www.nh-hotels.com/nh/en/hotels/spain/barcelona.html?action=search&stype=default&fini=&fout=&nadults1=2&nchilds1=0&services=&maxPrice=&searchLauncher=home&stext=

[JaneBP]

For those cruisers who may be stopping in Iceland, John Mariani, the food critic for Esquire and food author has a 2 part article on dining in Iceland. This is the link to part 2, scroll down to the end to link to part 1. Looks divine.

 

http://www.johnmariani.com/current-issue/

[Winner]

I doubt that Iceland is on anyone's immediate wish list--volcanic eruptions tend to discourage travel at the moment. (maybe next year?)

[JaneBP]

Many of us will be stopping there on the Sojourn TA, hopefully, it will be all clear by September. But the articles ARE interesting.

[Seabourn-nail]

Iceland is really beautiful and different!

I hope all will be normal soon and people won't have to miss ports (or cruises even...) due to nature circumstances. But I'm afraid there will always be difficulties somewhere in the world....

Marja

[Seabourn-nail]

I would like to invite you to join my group "Seabourn Friends" on facebook (if you are a facebook member/user). It is absolutely safe and no competition to Cruise Critic!

I just need some action there at the moment, because otherwise the group will be "archived" instead of "upgraded" and I will lose all my friends:eek:!

Thanks in advance!

Marja

[Seabourn-nail]

The link to facebook group "Seabourn Friends"!

Thanks!;)

Marja

https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18229408892

[JaneBP]

This may be of interest to some who will be in Italy.

Great help from my friend Katie Parla who lives in Rome and travels and writes extensively.

 

http://www.parlafood.com/tips-for-tipping-in-italy/

[Seabourn-nail]

I wonder if Seabourn will lose guests to Crystal, now that line will be all inclusive starting next spring.....

Have a good week all!

Marja

[lord of the seas]

I wonder if Seabourn will lose guests to Crystal, now that line will be all inclusive starting next spring.....

Have a good week all!

Marja

 

The sensible traveller will try all luxury lines and then make their choice.

[Seabourn-nail]

The sensible traveller will try all luxury lines and then make their choice.

Exactly. It may be a reason for us to try Crystal if the itinerary suites us.

Marja

[kiawahdon]

Everyone has their own preferences, but for me, I won't be going back to Crystal until they adopt flexible "anytime dining" and get rid of the silly reservation system they now have.

The flexibility of deciding when to eat and, who to eat with, while you are having your pre-dinner libation is true luxury. Eating at a set time or making decisions early in the day is not my cup of tea.

[Seabourn-nail]

Everyone has their own preferences, but for me, I won't be going back to Crystal until they adopt flexible "anytime dining" and get rid of the silly reservation system they now have.

The flexibility of deciding when to eat and, who to eat with, while you are having your pre-dinner libation is true luxury. Eating at a set time or making decisions early in the day is not my cup of tea.

 

Thank you for sharing this... I had not looked into that yet! In that case.... we'll stick with Seabourn;)!

Marja

[JaneBP]

OH, the shame of it all!

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2008021/Filthy-Queen-Mary-2-cruise-liner-fails-sanitation-inspection.html

[JaneBP]

Phobias for the Trivia Buffs:

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/30/unusual-phobias-odd_n_887984.html#s301163&title=GELIOPHOBIA__Fear

[redheadednancy]

Jane, do you or any other traveler have a recommendation on luggage...one that is very lightweight. We have had our Hartmans so long and we need to replace the large one that is wonderful but is too big and weighs too much. Does anyone have a recommendation? I have some of Rick Steves that I have had for 10 years and still using but my husband needs a lighter weight and not so bigIIII

[JaneBP]

hi Nancy, I agree. I ditched my Hartmann a while ago. I bought several items from Eagle Creek luggage. I like it every much. One bag is large and it's the one I send, I cannot manage it myself if it's full. I have two smaller carry-ons, one I check occasionally. Then a small duffle which can double as a purse and/or overnighter. I bought them on sale, discontinued items, but they all match. (Grey and wine). They get good reviews. The larger suitcase remains packed, I just send it on ahead and then send the items for pressing when I get onboard.

 

http://www.eaglecreek.com/bags_luggage/