JEH106

I have done this a few times but only had to use the insurance once due to back surgery. Everything was repaid for that cruise plus. My travel agent has been supportive of my decision to double insure. Many You Tube cruise bloggers also recommend it. Jim

Where in Maine? I went to Colby in Waterville, class of '64. Jim

To all who called it Pike's Place Market (or variations of that), it is not. It is Pike Place Market (no "S"). I live nearby. Here are some tips: The market is a wonderful spot. The Aquarium is well done. The Seattle Wheel is also on the waterfront. Chihuly Glass in Seattle Center is worth a visit as is The Space Needle nearby. Also close to those is the Museum of Popular Culture. Food at Seattle Center may be found in the Armory. Pike place Market has many food places. The wait can be long at rush hours but if you eat a little earlier or later than Noon-1:30 the wait is a lot shorter. Anthony's at Pier 66 has two spots there (Pier 66). Great food and view. Great dining at Pier 57 where the Wheel is located. Elliot's Oyster House is the best waterfront restaurant (more than seafood but pricey). The Seattle Art Museum is worth a visit if art is your thing. Close to the Market on 1st Ave. At the North end of the waterfront is the outdoor sculpture garden. If you like cheese, visit Beechers in the Market. If you like coffee, one of the first Starbuck's is in the Market. I cannot speak to taxis or Uber/Lyft since I do not use them. Hotels on the waterfront include a Marriott and The Edgewater (built over the water and where the Beatles stayed). If you have more time, the Museum of Flight is worth a visit (close to SeaTac Airport) or the Boeing Company tour in Everett is worth a visit. Also in Everett is the home of Funko who makes all types of collectible figurines, such as bobbleheads. Also, worth a visit for longer stays is Snoqualmie Falls especially in the late spring (think early Alaska cruises) when the snow melt is in effect. The Lodge there has awesome food and views. Hope this helps. Jim

RCL_Cruiser, If you have not done so, use Priority Mail and address it to Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal. Jim

I have not sailed on Icon or any Quantum ships. II know that Eastern Caribbean cruises usually one or more days at a private island. To me those visits are worthless and I consider them sea days. On the other hand, I used to travel to Hawaii for business for more than 20 years, 6 weeks a year. Hands down, Hawaii is the better destination. Factor in the price differential, it becomes a no-brainer. I am going on Anthem in October for a transatlantic cruise. I think the ship is special from prior comments on this blog and other sources. Jim

When in the New York City area including Newark, I use Carmelo. It was recommended to me by my brother-in-law in Manhattan. They are always on time and seemed to be the least expensive. Jim

I always buy trip insurance when I travel out of the US. I use Allianz through my travel agent. I also take on the cruise line insurance. ALWAYS MAKE SURE IT INCLUDES MED-EVAC FEES COVERAGE. Jim

I have a Royal Caribbean icon I click on. When it opens, there is all my info as described above. I opened it today with no problems. It is a Samsung phone running Android (I think). I may have gotten the link from the App Store (but I do not remember since it was a long time ago). Jim

Hi, Mary and Bob, See my note to Pattycruise about London. Jim, cabin 8500

Hi, Pattycruise, For what is worth, Madie and I (both in our early 80s) are staying at the Ridgemount Hotel, 65-67 Gower St, London. The price we are paying for a twin bed room is about US$294.00. The hotel was built in 1786 and the building is owned by the Duke of Bedford (in his family the whole time) but is run by a family. Here are places to visit based on prior visits (in no particular order): 1. Tower of London: especially the Crown Jewels collection. 2. The Houses of Parliament: book ahead so that you can see the House of Commons if they are in session. Great cafe there. 3. Westminster Abbey: next to Parliament. 4. Underground War Cabinet Rooms: nearby. They were closed in 1945 after VE day and never opened until 1977 so they were left intact for nearly 30 years. Still are. 5. The Changing of the Guards: There are two locations, the more popular one is at Buckingham Palace but equally good and less well known are the Horse Guards near the previous three items. 6. The London Eye: expensive, slow. Never did it. 7. Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street: if you like that sort of history. 8. The British Museum: the Rosetta Stone and so much more archaeological history. 9. The British Library: a Gutenberg Bible and more historical books and documents (Magna Carta, etc.). 10. Ye Old Cheshire Cheese: one of the oldest functioning pubs in London. Touristy but good food and history. 11. Covent Garden: shops and food. 12. Carnaby Street and Soho: just because! FREE! These should keep you busy for two days. Jim, Cabin 8500 P.S. Grew up in Westchester County, born in Brooklyn. Lived in Manhattan until I was five.

Hi, Thom Cruise, Look at the itinerary for the cruise - Vigo, Lisbon, the Canaries and Bermuda. This looks like a mostly southern route from Europe to the US. We have done two previous trips from Europe to the US, both times ending up in Florida. Both were early November trips in 2008 and 2016. This is not quite the same route but close enough for me to expect better weather than a North Atlantic crossing. Jim

I am now thoroughly confused. On my phone, in my Royal Cruise planner, I have booked dining, shore excursions, on board gifts and more. Is that the app or is it the cruise planner? There are two pages, Daily planner and My Calendar. There are 3 icons at the top, a ship, a calendar and a profile. Jim

Hi, OCSC Mike, All I have on my phone is my cruise planner. I do not have the RCCL app anywhere. Jim

Are you talking about the RCCL app or the cruise planner for a specific cruise (excursions, dining, etc.)? JimJim

Hi, deep1, I have never cruised to Juneau but used to visit the city on business three times a year for twenty years for business. I visited Mendenhall every trip. Take the taxi. It is about 14-15 miles and twenty - twenty-five minutes each way. Rental cars can be expensive in Alaska. Jim