GregD

We dropped our luggage at the hotel in Southampton. We are staying in the Novotel across from the port. I didn’t get a chance to grab a picture of the room before bags were strewn everywhere, but it’s a standard room. Beds, bathroom, espresso machine (best day ever). When we got here the room wasn’t ready, so the front desk stored our bags and we went exploring. We started at the Seacity Museum that has an interesting Titanic exhibit. (Photos to follow) After this we were feeling tired and calorie depleted, so lunch, or whatever meal our bodies felt we were on was required. There was a place close by called “Slug and Lettuce “ I love weird names, so that’s where we went. Following this, we felt a little recharged and ready to rally. We wandered around the city center and marveled at the modern buildings being built among the original walls of the city. we wandered long enough for the room to be ready. We are now in the room, ready to crash. Tomorrow will be fun when the kids find out we are star class. They still think we are in a small room. Here is a little photo dump for you all.

Despite the long line, it only took us about 20 minutes to get through border control. We then had a nice surprise at baggage claim, the app was wrong and all of our luggage was on the carousel waiting for us! we also booked blackberry cars for a ride to the hotel in Southampton. It was super easy. Our driver met us outside baggage claim and whisked us off to our hotel. We landed in London at 7:35 and we’re at our hotel by 10:30. Rooms weren’t ready so we ventured off to keep ourselves busy for a while.

We have made it! Currently snaking our way through the long customs line. Johnny is too young to use the really fast E-gates. Only 3 people checking passports.

Welp…….we have made it to Philadelphia. We are currently relaxing in the admirals club and I think we have just encountered our first travel hiccup… there are supposed to be 4 bags there. We watched them unload our luggage, and my garment bag with our fancy clothes did not come off the plane. Oh well, there wasn’t anything important in there so all is not lost. Maybe we will be surprised when we get to London.

The other neighbor (neighbour?) is on the way!!!! Currently sitting at the airport waiting for our flight. So far everything has been smooth sailing. we started our morning with 4 negative tests!! brought this goofball to the boarder…. My dad picked us up to bring us to the airport. All morning the kids believed our white lies about why they were taking COVID tests and everything else. Conveniently my son didn’t notice that we weren’t loading up any of his TaeKwonDo gear for summer camp. Once we got to the airport, we let them in on the secret! needless to say, they were a little shellshocked! Next stop Philadelphia!

I’m going to need to find some of these! @JLMoran I am fully on team malt vinegar!

All our bags are packed. Checked in for our flights and hotel. Practice COVID tests all negative. Surprise is still intact. 17th hrs until we board the plane!

The people who tend to be in the loudest group are the ones that leave the negative reviews. Most people won't go out of their way to write a positive review, but will to complain. These same people, I think, are also ones that will have unrealistic expectations about everything and are immediately put off as soon as those expectations aren't met. The flip side, don't get too caught up in it. I think of it this way. On say a smaller ship there are roughly 4000 passengers that can fit on Adventure of the Seas, a "smaller ship, not amplified, an easy target for bad reviews. Of those 4000 people and 100 are complaining with bad reviews, that's still 3900 people that had a good time.

Just had a moment of panic. Remember how earlier I mentioned that the times were off for Alesund and might interfere with the Stranda Mountain Explorer? Well I just opened my email and saw 4 emails from [email protected] with the subject of change confirmation…… with trepidation I opened it to find this phew…..now I can relax and go back to packing. 28hrs 42 min until wheels up.

Me leaving work this morning one more sleep then it’s time to get on the plane!

I woke today with a message from Leroy wishing us a Happy 4th of July. I just have to get through my 24hr shift at the firehouse today and then I’m officially on vacation!

@Lovetocruise2002 Have a great flight!

I’ve made progress in my packing!! I got my suitcase out of the closet…..baby steps….

@Bill Johnson Welcome!! Typically you can order as many appetizers and desserts as you want, but only 1 entree per person. Sometimes people have reported they were able to order more than 1 entree. YMMV.

My 9 y/o likes them, but I’m not sure my older back would. Like others said you can get pads/toppers from the stewards, but I have seen many people brining their own things on board. If you can fit it in your luggage, I would think that would be one of those items that fall in the category of better to have, and not need vs need, and not have.

I agree, fly out at least a day early. Try to be on the first flight out in the morning. Have plans b-z as well. Travel insurance is highly recommended too, and do make sure to read the policy and understand it’s provisions and limitations before purchasing to make sure you are covered. Prepare to be flexible. I know I’m doing this for my trip next week. I’ve been monitoring the flights and working my way through the backup plan.

Hopefully I’m just a few days and a couple flight behind you!

Remarkable bird, the Norwegian Blue, idn'it, ay? Beautiful Plumage!

Ughhhh, I'm loving these pictures. I can't wait to get to Norway....1 more week.....

I have not started packing yet either. I'll eventually get to it. We have to be at the airport around 2pm on Wednesday. I'll pack that morning.

I’m not getting one. The IDP basically translates your US license information into the language of the country you are visiting. Since it’s the UK, a translation isn’t needed. Other members of my family have rented cars in the UK without an IDP. I’ve booked with Enterprise too to keep it simple/familiar.

whoops....pretend you didn't see that

it’s nice in here!

I keep saying everything will go according to plan, though to say I’m not stressed about it too would be a lie. I keep monitoring the flights we are taking since the schedule is the same for the next few weeks, and they have all been leaving on time, or within 20 minutes of the scheduled departure. @Lovetocruise2002, while I know it’s not Delta (that’s your typical airline of choice, right?) if you do encounter issues, and you can get to Philadelphia, American has three direct flights to LHR on Sunday. I would say for your flight arrive at least 3hrs early, if not even earlier. I feel we do have a good omen for our sail away tequila shots…We won a bottle of tequila at a fundraiser raffle today, so I think that means it’s meant to be!