JEH106
-
Posts
44 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Posts posted by JEH106
-
-
22 minutes ago, teddy said:
Thank you very much!
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
-
On 7/8/2023 at 8:54 PM, RCL_Cruiser said:
Hi All,
I wanted to ask if anyone can kindly provide me with a mailing address to send a letter of discontent to RCL regarding a recent cruise.
Thanks
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
- teddy and RCIfan1912
-
2
-
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
-
On 7/15/2023 at 9:33 PM, Atlantix2000 said:
What do you click on your phone to reach the cruise planner? A web browser (like chrome, firefox, etc.)? If so, that's no different than doing it from a computer. If not a web browser, than you must have Royal's app.
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
-
On 4/26/2023 at 4:25 AM, Mary V said:
Hi! My husband and I are excited about going on this wonderful transatlantic cruise! We are traveling from NY to London and spending a few days in London before the trip. We have never been to London and I heard it’s a great place to visit. Mary and Bob
Hi, Mary and Bob, See my note to Pattycruise about London.
Jim, cabin 8500
-
On 7/14/2023 at 10:51 PM, Pattycruise said:
Hi Jim,
Im just seeing this.
I would love suggestions for London.
We are not into art, but pretty much anything else is good.
if you have any ideas on places to stay that would be great as well.
we fly in on Oct 11 and are spending 2 full days before heading to Southampton on the 14th, via bus.
I’m from NY but it sounds like you’ve got that figured out with family, but if you need suggestions let me know.
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.
-
On 7/2/2023 at 9:42 AM, Thom Cruise said:
What's the weather usually like on these October sailings from the UK? Does the ship cross at a lower latitude and get some warmth?
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
-
3 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:
The cruise planner is just a section of the RC website. You can't "have it on your phone." Download the actual app.
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
-
1 minute ago, OCSC Mike said:
The app.
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
-
-
On 4/27/2023 at 11:44 AM, TV Couple said:
Has anyone taken the Anthem of the Seas to France and Spain out of Southampton? We are looking for a description of the excursions available and since our cruise is next year, the list is not available to us. Does anyone have this information? Appreciate any help.
Hi, TV Couple,
Check out Anthem Roll Calls on Royal Caribbean Blog and Cruise Critic for suggestions.
Jim
-
Hi, rirby,
If you have not had this trip, I do not believe what you are asking is possible. You have to use your ship pass to get off and return. If you do not get back on board the ship will think you M.I.A. Let us know what happens(ed).
Jim
-
I agree with OCSC Mike. I have used TripAdvisor private tours on cruises and land based trips. Good options.
Jim
-
-
Hi, Mary and Bob,
We will be in London for two nights nights,1-12,2023. Then two nights in Southampton. Check out the Roll Call on Cruise Critic.
Jim
-
On 12/14/2022 at 3:56 AM, FionaMG said:
Sounds like a good plan. I have heard good things about the Duke of Wellington and Winchester, although I have no personal experience of either.
When is your cruise and where is it going?
I will be back on Anthem twice in the forthcoming months, once out of NJ (April, tagging it on the main focus of the trip which is to visit the Big Apple) and once out of Southampton (July, mum + daughter trip to the Norwegian fjords), both of which were zapped by Covid back in 2020.
Hi, Fiona,
Oct. 15, 2023 transatlantic. Thanks for all the info.
Jim
-
On 4/4/2023 at 6:21 AM, SPS said:
Hi Jesse. Welcome to the message boards.
Which ship are you asking about? Only Oasis-class ships have protein shakes available in the Vitality Cafe. They are included in both the Deluxe and Refreshment Beverage Packages. Sample menu attached.
Thanks for the menu. I am on Anthem in Oct. 2023 and like to use the gym at 7 AM before breakfast/shower. On my last HAL cruise, I brought my own protein shakes (Premier brand). I want to do the same thing. Since I am leaving from Southampton, England, acquiring same might be a problem. I get mine at Costco. These should be available on all of the larger ships.
Jim
-
On 3/14/2023 at 10:25 AM, FionaMG said:
Thanks Jim!
You are absolutely spot on. We actually live down in the south, in the Algarve, where all the great beaches are!
Thanks very much for the suggestions. I love reading so I'll be sure to check out the book you mentioned as well as the restaurants!
Hi, FionaMG,
The Algarve has been on my bucket list for many years but as I advance into my mid80s, it is getting further away rather than closer. The book is a mystery. I hope you enjoy it. Bon appetite as well.
Jim
-
Hi, Fiona,MG,
From your description of where you are living my guess is Portugal. Am I right? If so, here is a book you might enjoy: Two Nights in Lisbon by Chris Pavone, a World War II mystery. As to dining in New York City, off the top of my head, there are two that come to mind right away. Both are touristy but serve great meals. Katz's Delicatessen (Lower East Side) and Junior's (Times Square). Both serve traditional NY style Jewish food. Junior's is also noted as having the best cheesecake in NY (I vouch for that claim!). For steaks, I recommend:
1. Keens Steakhouse, 72 West 36th St near the Empire State Building. It has been in business for 136 years.
2. Smith and Wollensky E.49th St. and Third Ave.
3. Peter Luger's in Brooklyn, probably the best and most expensive.
For Italian:
Carmine's Italian Restaurant, 200 W. 44thn St. Times Square.
i hope this helps a little.
Jim
-
On 12/14/2022 at 3:56 AM, FionaMG said:
Sounds like a good plan. I have heard good things about the Duke of Wellington and Winchester, although I have no personal experience of either.
When is your cruise and where is it going?
I will be back on Anthem twice in the forthcoming months, once out of NJ (April, tagging it on the main focus of the trip which is to visit the Big Apple) and once out of Southampton (July, mum + daughter trip to the Norwegian fjords), both of which were zapped by Covid back in 2020.
Hi, FionaMG,
Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you. We had a water leak in December (not weather related) and had to vacate our condo for two months. I am still trying to catch up on missed communications.
We will be on Anthem in October 2023 for a transatlantic trip. We stop in Vigo (Spain), Lisbon, Lanzarote, Tenerife and Bermuda (2 nights). Before Southampton, we will be in New York City for a week, Amsterdam for a week and London (2 nights).
The big Apple is a great place to visit. Do you need any suggestions about what to visit and where to dine?
Before I retired in 2011, I used to go to Alaska three times a year, two weeks each trip for about twenty years. It is a spectacular place. If you put one end of the Aleutian Islands in Seattle (where I live), Ketchikan would be around Houston Texas. That is a long way. When I first started traveling there the state had three different time zones. Now it is two.
Madie and Jim
Travel Insurance
in Royal Caribbean Discussion
Posted
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