CathyEM

I was last in St. Thomas about ten years ago, but went directly to St. John. Now I'd like to enjoy St. Thomas. I'm interested in the "Skyride, Drake's Seat & Magens Bay" excursion but I'm nervous about the possibility of spending a couple of hours in the sun while on the beach - I need some shade! So has anyone been on this tour? Are umbrellas available for rental (along with loungers) as part of the tour? How much do these typically cost? How about clean restroom facilities? Thanks!!

Thanks for the feedback on my itinerary. It's a bit ambitious but I'm still ironing out things. Mu boss is recommending tea at Fortnum & Mason, and I would also like to visit the Sky Garden. I've booked another cruise out of Southampton for May 2025, so at least I can pace myself and not try to do everything at once. Regarding Norway, I think I've changed my mind about Olden, and will do the combo transport/Loen Skylift pass instead of Briksdal Glacier. The hike looks like it will be nice, but the glacier looks a bit underwhelming (I've been to Alaska). The views from the Skylift look incredible, and there are some trails at the top that I can check out. I'm not a big hiker, but I'll go for an easy trail with good views! I started thinking about gratuities for my tours, but Matt suggested that tipping is not customary for tour guides in Norway. I was just trying to figure out whether I should withdraw some Norwegian krone. What would you recommend as far as carrying cash in the U.K.? I will have a couple of credit cards with me, but like to keep a bit of local currency on hand, just in case.

Thanks! I think I forgot about this when I booked my train travel to Southampton - I won't even arrive at the port until nearly 1 PM. I'll need to find out if the lunch period is any later on these sailings. If not, I'll have to see if I can book an earlier train. Thanks again!!

My Time Dining room? Thanks!!

Thank you, you're very kind. I'm from the U.S. - Orlando, Florida to be specific. Except for a beach stay, this is my next trip, so I've been obsessed! I booked the following through Royal (I love beautiful scenery, especially mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, etc.): Stavanger: Lysefjord cruise through the fjord Olden: No tour booked... I plan to take a bus to the Briksdal Glacier and hike the trail on my own. If there is enough time later, I may check out the Loen Skylift Geiranger: Mount Dalsnibba Summit bus tour through the mountains with great views Haugesund: RIB Island Safari - a fun cruise around the islands I've got some things booked for London already - I arrive on Tuesday and should get into town mid/late morning. I'm staying near the London Tower Bridge. After I drop my bags at the hotel, I just plan to walk the area - maybe head west along the Thames, or cross the bridge. Nothing too ambitious. I'm having an early dinner with a friend who lives nearby that night. The next day, I've got a full-day tour lined up to visit Bath, Lacock, and a "private viewing" at the inner circle of Stonehenge. On Thursday, I've purchased a ticket for Windsor Castle. With train transport, the grounds, town, and probably a boat ride, I expect this will take the better part of my day. Friday is open so I plan to visit Buckingham Palace and some other London sites. That day, I have a ticket to see "Back to the Future" in the Strand. Saturday is open as well for me to see more local sites, and then I have a bus transfer to Southampton on Sunday. During my free time on Friday and Saturday, I'd like to see the Tower of London, Westminster, one or two museums, St. Paul's Cathedral, one of the local food markets, etc. I may see if I can do one of those "ghost tours" on Friday night, if one is available to book.

Hi, Oli! Yes, I'll be on this sailing. First time in Norway, as well. I'm cruising solo, and spending a few days pre-cruise in London. I've booked my excursions already - how about you? And BTW, Oli was my mom's name!!

I'll be boarding the Anthem in September (first time) and booked The Key. This includes the Embarkation Day "Chops Lunch". I remember having this in the Chops restaurant on the Navigator back in 2018, but since then, I've always been directed to the Main Dining Room. The Anthem has multiple dining rooms. Does anyone know where the Anthem hosts their Chops menu "Key" lunch on Embarkation Day? TIA!! Cathy

For something different, I recommend visiting Winter Park and taking their scenic boat tour. It travels through the canals between the lakes, looking at beautiful/historic homes, nature, and the campus of Rollins College. You can take an Uber to that location, which is just off Park Avenue, full of sidewalk cafes and interesting shops. It's slightly closer than Fun Spot in terms of distance. The boats leave every hour on the hour between 10 AM - 4 PM, and adult tickets are just $14. It's very relaxing and scenic! https://www.scenicboattours.com/