I will be flying Europe’s Easyjet for the first time in June and would like to get advice on the size of cabin luggage allowed.  Since it is almost impossible to contact Easyjet from the USA (the phone is always busy), I cannot get an answer from them.  I would like to know from the following list of approved items, the size allowed and fellow passangers experiences in this area.  I do not want to check luggage because it might delay me catching a train from the airport area.   Easyjet allows: Cabin bag of 45cm x 35cm x 20cm – wt = 5 kilos – which is not very heavy – the bag alone would weigh almost 5 kilos.  Do they weigh all these bags and charge the overweight fee – which is very high Handbag – how big can this be? Clutchbag – how big can this be? Duty Free goods – what does this mean – items in sacks, etc. Small items of camera equipment – how many items can be brought – would several 35mm SLR cameras in a camera bag with a lens be ok (the camera bag would be about 12" x 10" x 8")? Is there any flexibility for carryon luggage? Thanks for any advice on this.  I am sure after flying once I will know how this works. Rick

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> I will be flying Europe’s Easyjet for the first time in June and would like to > get advice on the size of cabin luggage allowed.  Since it is almost impossible > to contact Easyjet from the USA (the phone is always busy), I cannot get an > answer from them.  I would like to know from the following list of approved > items, the size allowed and fellow passangers experiences in this area.  I do > not want to check luggage because it might delay me catching a train from the > airport area.

Why not just read the following: http://www.easyjet.com/EN/book/regulations.html under baggage. You’ll probably find that some checkin operators are more flexible than others, but there’s nothing worse than getting on a plane when every other passenger has the same idea as you appear to have that they can take all manner of bulky and weighty items on board, and fill up all the overhead locker space around them to the discomfort of the fellow passengers, and the dismay of the cabin crew who are required to see that such clutter doesn’t obstruct potential emergency situations. Unless things have markedly changed since my last international jaunt you’ll find that airlines outside the USA are much more stringent with the weight and bulk of items allowed in the cabin of the aircraft. Regards David Bennetts .

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David: Thanks for the reply but I read the EJ link on luggage(not very clear-thats why I asked questions). I was trying to get experiences of EJ travellers.

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> I will be flying Europe’s Easyjet for the first time in June and would like to > get advice on the size of cabin luggage allowed.  Since it is almost impossible > to contact Easyjet from the USA (the phone is always busy), I cannot get an > answer from them.  I would like to know from the following list of approved > items, the size allowed and fellow passangers experiences in this area.  I do > not want to check luggage because it might delay me catching a train from the > airport area.  

How might it delay catching a train? Won’t you have some checked luggage? If it is going to be that tight of a connection to a train, you might consider taking the next train.

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>You’ll probably find that some checkin operators are more flexible than >others,

I doubt it. Easyjet are very strict in the enforced of their carry on limits. You will be very lucky to get more than the allow in size or weight. — Lansbury www.uk-air.net FAQs for the alt.travel.uk.air newsgroup

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I will be flying Europe’s Easyjet for the first time in June and would like to > get advice on the size of cabin luggage allowed.  Since it is almost impossible > to contact Easyjet from the USA (the phone is always busy), I cannot get an > answer from them.  I would like to know from the following list of approved > items, the size allowed and fellow passangers experiences in this area.  I do > not want to check luggage because it might delay me catching a train from the > airport area. > Easyjet allows: > Cabin bag of 45cm x 35cm x 20cm – wt = 5 kilos – which is not very heavy – the > bag alone would weigh almost 5 kilos.  Do they weigh all these bags and charge > the overweight fee – which is very high > Handbag – how big can this be? > Clutchbag – how big can this be? > Duty Free goods – what does this mean – items in sacks, etc. > Small items of camera equipment – how many items can be brought – would several > 35mm SLR cameras in a camera bag with a lens be ok (the camera bag would be > about 12" x 10" x 8")? > Is there any flexibility for carryon luggage? > Thanks for any advice on this.  I am sure after flying once I will know how > this works. > Rick

As an  Easyjet customer, who only ever takes Hand Luggage, my advice is to always wear/carry your heaviest clothes. I have a wheelie flightbag made of fabric which I underpack, so it looks lighter. I carry a daypack/rucsac with my cameras, makeup etc, slung over one shoulder. Touchwood, I’ve never had anything queried. The secret is to make more appear to be less . I don’t buy duty free so I have one less bag than most at the airport door- where you can also be stopped for to much baggage. The return check in from Madrid/Barcelona is much more casual than Stanstead, I’m sure I bring back double what I take out!! BTW There are always people that appear to carry on more than me. Jan

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>I will be flying Europe’s Easyjet for the first time in June and would like to >get advice on the size of cabin luggage allowed.  Since it is almost impossible >to contact Easyjet from the USA (the phone is always busy), I cannot get an >answer from them.  I would like to know from the following list of approved >items, the size allowed and fellow passangers experiences in this area.  I do >not want to check luggage because it might delay me catching a train from the >airport area.   >Easyjet allows: >Cabin bag of 45cm x 35cm x 20cm – wt = 5 kilos – which is not very heavy – the >bag alone would weigh almost 5 kilos.  Do they weigh all these bags and charge >the overweight fee – which is very high

In 4 out of 5 flights I have taken with EZY they have weighed my cabin bag. Assume they will do so with yours, and that they will impose the limit, probably allowing up to 6 kg. You should think about getting another bag if it is so heavy. >Handbag – how big can this be? >Clutchbag – how big can this be? >Duty Free goods – what does this mean – items in sacks, etc. >Small items of camera equipment – how many items can be brought – would several >35mm SLR cameras in a camera bag with a lens be ok (the camera bag would be >about 12" x 10" x 8")? >Is there any flexibility for carryon luggage?

Very little. EZY will have the last say, be prepared to check anything over the limit. >Thanks for any advice on this.  I am sure after flying once I will know how >this works. >Rick

–==++AJC++==–

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We just flew EasyJet CDG to LHR last week.  The carryon backpack was weighed at 7 KG and I thought they would ask for money but they let it go.  Also had some other lighter plastic bags that weren’t bothered with at CDG.  As said before, make it look light and if it turns out a bit over odds are they won’t charge.  But they could…. Rick2 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I will be flying Europe’s Easyjet for the first time in June and would like to >get advice on the size of cabin luggage allowed.  Since it is almost impossible >to contact Easyjet from the USA (the phone is always busy), I cannot get an >answer from them.  I would like to know from the following list of approved >items, the size allowed and fellow passangers experiences in this area.  I do >not want to check luggage because it might delay me catching a train from the >airport area.   >Easyjet allows: >Cabin bag of 45cm x 35cm x 20cm – wt = 5 kilos – which is not very heavy – the >bag alone would weigh almost 5 kilos.  Do they weigh all these bags and charge >the overweight fee – which is very high > In 4 out of 5 flights I have taken with EZY they have weighed my cabin > bag. Assume they will do so with yours, and that they will impose the > limit, probably allowing up to 6 kg. You should think about getting > another bag if it is so heavy. >Handbag – how big can this be? >Clutchbag – how big can this be? >Duty Free goods – what does this mean – items in sacks, etc. >Small items of camera equipment – how many items can be brought – would several >35mm SLR cameras in a camera bag with a lens be ok (the camera bag would be >about 12" x 10" x 8")? >Is there any flexibility for carryon luggage? > Very little. EZY will have the last say, be prepared to check anything > over the limit. >Thanks for any advice on this.  I am sure after flying once I will know how >this works. >Rick > –==++AJC++==–

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> We just flew EasyJet CDG to LHR last week.  The carryon backpack was > weighed at 7 KG and I thought they would ask for money but they let it > go.  Also had some other lighter plastic bags that weren’t bothered > with at CDG.  As said before, make it look light and if it turns out a > bit over odds are they won’t charge.  But they could….

Wrong.  They won’t ever charge for overweight cabin baggage, simply tell you to check it in.  End.

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>>We just flew EasyJet CDG to LHR last week.  The carryon backpack was >weighed at 7 KG and I thought they would ask for money but they let it >go.  Also had some other lighter plastic bags that weren’t bothered >with at CDG.  As said before, make it look light and if it turns out a >bit over odds are they won’t charge.  But they could…. > Wrong.  They won’t ever charge for overweight cabin baggage, simply tell you > to check it in.  End.

If you have to check it, then it is no longer overweight cabin baggage.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I will be flying Europe’s Easyjet for the first time in June and would like to > get advice on the size of cabin luggage allowed.  Since it is almost impossible > to contact Easyjet from the USA (the phone is always busy), I cannot get an > answer from them.  I would like to know from the following list of approved > items, the size allowed and fellow passangers experiences in this area.  I do > not want to check luggage because it might delay me catching a train from the > airport area. > Easyjet allows: > Cabin bag of 45cm x 35cm x 20cm – wt = 5 kilos – which is not very heavy – the > bag alone would weigh almost 5 kilos.  Do they weigh all these bags and charge > the overweight fee – which is very high

No overweight fee.  If it’s over 5kg, it gets checked.  End. > Handbag – how big can this be?

That’s a purse to you. > Clutchbag – how big can this be?

This is probably instead of a handbag. > Duty Free goods – what does this mean – items in sacks, etc.

One plastic bag of stuff such as alcohol, perfume, etc. > Small items of camera equipment – how many items can be brought – would several > 35mm SLR cameras in a camera bag with a lens be ok (the camera bag would be > about 12" x 10" x 8")?

How many is several?  2 would probably be fine, any more and you’re pushing it.  The bag size sounds OK. > Is there any flexibility for carryon luggage?

Very little, and with good reason.  Oversize carryons delay both boarding and deplaning, and this can impact EasyJet’s very tight turnaround times. So, they strictly limit carryons, which keeps them on schedule, which keeps fares low.  Makes sense to me.

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> Thanks for the reply but I read the EJ link on luggage(not very > clear-thats why I asked questions). I was trying to get experiences of EJ > travellers.

If it’s largish, then they’re almost certain to ask you to weigh it. If it’s not excessively large, then in my experience it depends on how you carry it. If it looks light, then they usually won’t bother. With my backpack, for instance, if I put it on one shoulder and make sure I don’t list off to one side, then they don’t say anything. If I wear it on both shoulders or look like it’s weighing me down (unavoidable at a 6am flight!), then they raise the issue. miguel — Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu

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We are cruising on the Dawn and in the past with Disney and Royal Caribbean we had no problem walking on with beer and wine.  Has anyone had problems with Norwegian? Scott

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We took it in checked luggage in Jan.  I understand they will take it from your carry on.  You can not bring it on to the ship from the islands. Also the duty free shop on the vessel will not deliver it to your cabin until the night prior to disembarkation.  I saw NO ONE carrying liquor out of that shop. They want to sell those drinks in the lounges!!!

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Although I don’t know this firsthand, on the cruisecritic.com message boards it appears that all luggage (including checked luggage) is being scanned for alcohol.  If they find alcohol bottles, they tag the luggage and make you pick it up at the purser’s office, then make you give them the bottles which they hold till the end of the cruise.  People suggest taking alcohol in other types of containers (i.e. mouthwash, toothpaste….).  Don’t know how accurate this is, but it is of interest to me!  Some people still say they are able to occasionally slip one through.

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We also heard they would scan the check in luggage and tag it, take it away until the end of the cruise. They speicifed the deck where it would be.  We took a chance put it in checked luggage and then checked that deck out of curiosity looking for the dreaded RED TAG on the booze luggage.  Never saw anything!!  This was in Jan on the NORWAY. We utilized the lounges, it was just nice to have a pre cocktail prior to dinner in our cabin.

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> We are cruising on the Dawn and in the past with Disney and Royal > Caribbean we had no problem walking on with beer and wine.  Has anyone > had problems with Norwegian? > Scott

I brought some on a few weeks ago in checked without a problem. I bought a gift set on St. Maarten, & the xray DID see it when I returned to the ship, they examined it, and decided that since it was obviously a gift it would be allowed.

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Onboard the Carnival Legend  in Costa Rica recently I brought a bottle onboard in my camera bag. Sent it throught the x-ray machine without any problems. Also, plastic bottles do travel well in checked baggage. You may wish to pack these in a one zip  in case of spillage. My wife really hates to wear Canadian Club Cologne!

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Sailed on the Norwegian Sea in November.  When we got to our door, our luggage was right there with the dreaded red "liquor" tag- but all contents were undisturbed.  So they tagged it but did nothing about it. Lynn

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We are cruising on the Dawn and in the past with Disney and Royal Caribbean we had no problem walking on with beer and wine.  Has anyone had problems with Norwegian? Scott

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We took it in checked luggage in Jan.  I understand they will take it from your carry on.  You can not bring it on to the ship from the islands. Also the duty free shop on the vessel will not deliver it to your cabin until the night prior to disembarkation.  I saw NO ONE carrying liquor out of that shop. They want to sell those drinks in the lounges!!!

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Although I don’t know this firsthand, on the cruisecritic.com message boards it appears that all luggage (including checked luggage) is being scanned for alcohol.  If they find alcohol bottles, they tag the luggage and make you pick it up at the purser’s office, then make you give them the bottles which they hold till the end of the cruise.  People suggest taking alcohol in other types of containers (i.e. mouthwash, toothpaste….).  Don’t know how accurate this is, but it is of interest to me!  Some people still say they are able to occasionally slip one through.

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We also heard they would scan the check in luggage and tag it, take it away until the end of the cruise. They speicifed the deck where it would be.  We took a chance put it in checked luggage and then checked that deck out of curiosity looking for the dreaded RED TAG on the booze luggage.  Never saw anything!!  This was in Jan on the NORWAY. We utilized the lounges, it was just nice to have a pre cocktail prior to dinner in our cabin.

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> We are cruising on the Dawn and in the past with Disney and Royal > Caribbean we had no problem walking on with beer and wine.  Has anyone > had problems with Norwegian? > Scott

I brought some on a few weeks ago in checked without a problem. I bought a gift set on St. Maarten, & the xray DID see it when I returned to the ship, they examined it, and decided that since it was obviously a gift it would be allowed.

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Onboard the Carnival Legend  in Costa Rica recently I brought a bottle onboard in my camera bag. Sent it throught the x-ray machine without any problems. Also, plastic bottles do travel well in checked baggage. You may wish to pack these in a one zip  in case of spillage. My wife really hates to wear Canadian Club Cologne!

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Sailed on the Norwegian Sea in November.  When we got to our door, our luggage was right there with the dreaded red "liquor" tag- but all contents were undisturbed.  So they tagged it but did nothing about it. Lynn

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{ snip } > Alternatively, go to the huge, f**k-off bus terminal that is next to the > m

Hi, I’m going to visit South Africa : CapeTown, Kruger Park, Johanesburg, Okawango, Victoria Fals (one-month trip) I’m taking my Nikon D100. Can you tell me how difficult is to find any place where I can burn CD with my pictures? (I’m not going to take my notebook). Thanks Bart

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I spent a month in August/September in South Africa and took my Canon D60. I took an Image Tank and downloaded my pictures on to that each night. There is no way I would have taken enough Compact Flash cards or Microdrives to save all my pictures take in parks until if found a place that could burn CD’s.  Besides, vacation time is better spent out taking pictures instead of touring computer and camera stores trying to find ones that can burn CD’s. The Image Tank is easier to use.  You simply plug it in (get a 3 prong South African adapter plug) the charger can handle 110 or 22 volts, turn it on and put the CF card in.  It downloads the contents of the CF card when you push the CF button.  More recent versions even have a LCD screen to allow you to view your stored pictures.   These Image Tank devices are compact and easy to carry in your camera bag. I did take my Image Tank to a photo shop in Port Elizabeth, about 1/2 way through my trip and have them burn CD’s of the contents of the Image Tank for archive purposes.  I had about 1,500 pictures at that time and it took them the better part of a day to get them all burned.  They were running Windows 2000 and were able to use the USB connection and the computer recognized the external drive without installling any drivers. You should be able to find either photo or computer shops that burn your CD’s in the major cities.  Even Victoria Falls has some good photo shops. Most should have a CF card reader, but it would not hurt to take your own with a USB connection.  I would be a little nervous about finding a shop in the parks where you are likely to take most of your pictures.  I did not spend much time in the shops in Kruger, but I don’t recall seing any advanced photo shops.  There certainly aren’t any in the smaller camps. Scott Elliot http://www3.telus.net/selliot/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi, > I’m going to visit South Africa : CapeTown, Kruger Park, Johanesburg, > Okawango, Victoria Fals (one-month trip) > I’m taking my Nikon D100. Can you tell me how difficult is to find any place > where I can burn CD with my pictures? (I’m not going to take my notebook). > Thanks > Bart

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In BUF I was able to carry a nail file, scissors and a large safety pin into the aircraft. In LGA same thing plus as I later noticed I forgot to take out bunch of change out of the pockets – metal detector never went off. Some security, eh?

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>In BUF I was able to carry a nail file, scissors and a large safety pin into >the aircraft. In LGA same thing plus as I later noticed I forgot to take out >bunch of change out of the pockets – metal detector never went off.

Wow! Last checkpoint I went through the MD’s were tweaked so sensitive the foil from my cigarette pack went off….and loudly. You would have thought I had a bag of bolts and washers in my coat pocket by the sound of it. Made me wonder why the fillings in people’s teeth weren’t setting the thing off….. Val

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> In BUF I was able to carry a nail file, scissors and a large safety pin into > the aircraft. In LGA same thing plus as I later noticed I forgot to take out > bunch of change out of the pockets – metal detector never went off. > Some security, eh?

I recently returned home from vacationing in Florida. When I was at Disney World, they searched my camera bag far more thoroughly than it has ever been searched when I board a jet. They took out each item and looked at it, but did not turn it on. When I visited Kennedy Space Center, they took out each item from my camera bag and asked me to turn it on. I carry at lot of electronic items so this took about five minutes. No one at an airport has ever looked in my camera bag, other than scanning it. This is as true now as it was prior to Sept. 11. When I took a flight home, the Argenbright security guard that was stationed at the carry-on checking line at Orlando couldn’t possibly have looked at my photo ID, he barely even moved his eye in my direction. There was no excuse for this because there was only a few people in line before me so the place was not crowded at all.

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> When I took a flight home, the Argenbright security guard that > was stationed at the carry-on checking line at Orlando couldn’t > possibly have looked at my photo ID, he barely even moved > his eye in my direction. There was no excuse for this because > there was only a few people in line before me so the place > was not crowded at all.

In many places, the security line no longer has an ID check. The purpose of the ID/ticket check was to reduce the number of people in the line.

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Thank you for the many replies. I called the airlines again this morning and spoke with a super. The word is that some security personal will allow it on and some will not. There is no written rule so you are at the mercy of each individual security and their discrestion. Remember they can pat down whoever they want just because they say so. Off the record I was told it would be better to put them in your bag and send it through the x-ray instead of keeping it in your pocket. No need to let them see it when you are asked to take all metal out of ypur pockets and so many so-called weapons get by x-ray anyway, so putting it in a bag should be much less of a hassle. I’ve heard from a few more flyers and even one flight attendant who this happened to so looks like it is true but very sporadic.

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I have had a remote for my car since I bought it 6 years ago.  Since 9/11, I have been thru Pittsburgh,Greenville SC, Akron, Columbus Oh, Ontario CA, and Omaha security with no problems.  Each time I put it in the basket with my change and nothing was ever said.  Even at the Columbus airport where the security was especially nazi-like.  Of course, all it looks like is a cheap piece of plastic on my key chain, heh. George

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thank you for the many replies. I called the airlines again this morning and > spoke with a super. The word is that some security personal will allow it on > and some will not. There is no written rule so you are at the mercy of each > individual security and their discrestion. Remember they can pat down whoever > they want just because they say so. > Off the record I was told it would be better to put them in your bag and send > it through the x-ray instead of keeping it in your pocket. No need to let them > see it when you are asked to take all metal out of ypur pockets and so many > so-called weapons get by x-ray anyway, so putting it in a bag should be much > less of a hassle. > I’ve heard from a few more flyers and even one flight attendant who this > happened to so looks like it is true but very sporadic.

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>Thank you for the many replies. I called the airlines again this morning and >spoke with a super. The word is that some security personal will allow it on >and some will not. There is no written rule

Yes there is. There always was under the FAA and there still is under the TSA. Here is the FAA prohibited items list http://www.faa.gov/apa/tipbroch.htm which AFAIK is still in force. "Some do, some don’t" is not an acceptable response, in my opinion. You could print out the above pages, or better yet……. ‘Please address requests for assistance or questions/comments concerning the purview of the TSA to Ms. Mirian Edwards, either by email or FAX. ….and print out her response too (assuming you get one). I thought the TSA was supposed to bring some consistency to this (insert noun of your choice). Brian

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This shouldn’t be too much of a problem My dad flew to Dallas yesterday and Washington DC last week. He has an Audi; if anyone has ever seen the keychains it is like an oval with an unlock button, a lock button, and a red panic button.  You press a button and the key comes out like a switch blade.  At first, he was questioned he said, but they put it through the X-Ray machine and it was fine. Audi sure doesn’t make air-travel friendly keys; the damn thing is like a switchblade. -Jake

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Am booked on a flight in a couple weeks and have been told that one cannot take > their car remote past the security check point. (The one that stays on my key > ring) Any truth to that? > I’ll need the remote to turn off the alarm when I get back and do not plan to > check any bags. Only taking one small carry-on. Would not want to check the > remote with any luggage anyway since the airlines have lost three of my bags > already and not ready to take that gamble on this trip. > Any comments will be helpful.

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>Am booked on a flight in a couple weeks and have been told that one cannot take >their car remote past the security check point. (The one that stays on my key >ring) Any truth to that? >I’ll need the remote to turn off the alarm when I get back and do not plan to >check any bags. Only taking one small carry-on. Would not want to check the >remote with any luggage anyway since the airlines have lost three of my bags >already and not ready to take that gamble on this trip. >Any comments will be helpful.

I’d verify this with the airline you are taking, although I can’t fathom this as being true. I can’t say from experince since I never take my car to the airport and therefore don’t take my car keys with me (I separate them off of my ring and leave them home so that I *don’t* lose them).  Best policy is check with the airline before you go. Even though you’re not checking luggage, I would not put it in "checked" baggage anyway – not so much for it being "lost," but for security scanning. In many airports, you are not allowed to have any device in your checked baggage which has batteries in place. They make you take the batteries out of the device and carry the batteries separately if you want to keep the device in checked baggage.  Narita (Japan) is notorious for this.  I would carry it on, and be prepared to demonstrate it to the agent at the security check point. I can’t see them banning these devices as that would cause a great deal of inconvenince to passengers in the same boat as you.  But again, check with the airline beforehand. Good Luck. Regards, Arnold.

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>I can’t see them banning these devices as that would cause a great deal of >inconvenience to passengers…

A major consideration of course.

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>I’d verify this with the airline you are taking, although I can’t fathom this >as being true.  Best policy is check >with the airline before you go.

Thank you for the advice. I have called the airlines on four different days and got different answers. 2 said yes and two said no. Called our local airport and security said they could not discuss their rules. Posted this to see if anyone else had this problem since a friend of mine had to turn hers over to security or not board her plane.

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>>I’d verify this with the airline you are taking, although I can’t fathom this >as being true.  Best policy is check >with the airline before you go. >Thank you for the advice. I have called the airlines on four different days and >got different answers. 2 said yes and two said no. Called our local airport and >security said they could not discuss their rules.

Unfortunately, this is the problem with security today. No one knows up until the point at which one passes through the detector what will happen, especially the agents themselves. Frustrating, I know.  My motto now is, "plan for the worst." >Posted this to see if anyone else had this problem since a friend of mine had >to turn hers over to security or not board her plane.

May I ask which airport that was, and from which airport you are leaving? I’d be currious (especially if it’s a US airport) since I’m sure there are many people in the same predicament. Myself, if I ever do drive my own car to the airport, I’ll have to consider it since I hae those same kind of keys. I’ll ask my carrier. Regards, Arnold.

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> You can take a cell phone, portable DVD player, CD players, laptops, MP3 > players, etc, I don’t even think they will notice a remote unless you hold > it up in front of them and say "This is a remote, it’s for my car, but I > could have rigged it for a bomb in my luggage too, can I bring it?"

worse case, you may offer to remove the batteries and give the batteries to them to give them more confidence that you do not indend to use it while in flight.

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> Am booked on a flight in a couple weeks and have been told that one cannot take > their car remote past the security check point. (The one that stays on my key > ring) Any truth to that? > I’ll need the remote to turn off the alarm when I get back and do not plan to > check any bags. Only taking one small carry-on. Would not want to check the > remote with any luggage anyway since the airlines have lost three of my bags > already and not ready to take that gamble on this trip.

Where did you hear this? It makes no sense. I fly about three or four times a year. The previous trip I took by air was between Philadelphia and Las Vegas. I just dumped my car’s key fob, pocket change, pager, and cell phone, in my camera bag with my digital and 35mm cameras and other stuff. I then put the bag on the carry on inspection conveyor belt and walked through the checkpoint, no problem at all on both the flight to Vegas and the flight home again.

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Am booked on a flight in a couple weeks and have been told that one cannot take their car remote past the security check point. (The one that stays on my key ring) Any truth to that? I’ll need the remote to turn off the alarm when I get back and do not plan to check any bags. Only taking one small carry-on. Would not want to check the remote with any luggage anyway since the airlines have lost three of my bags already and not ready to take that gamble on this trip. Any comments will be helpful.

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:Am booked on a flight in a couple weeks and have been told that one cannot take :their car remote past the security check point. (The one that stays on my key :ring) Any truth to that? : :I’ll need the remote to turn off the alarm when I get back and do not plan to :check any bags. Only taking one small carry-on. Would not want to check the :remote with any luggage anyway since the airlines have lost three of my bags :already and not ready to take that gamble on this trip.         No one has questioned my or my husband’s key-ring remotes (I have two; he has three.)  We’ve been through DFW, ATL, and CVG in the past three months.         We both put our key rings in our carry-ons, not our pockets. — Wendy Chatley Green

Response:

You can take a cell phone, portable DVD player, CD players, laptops, MP3 players, etc, I don’t even think they will notice a remote unless you hold it up in front of them and say "This is a remote, it’s for my car, but I could have rigged it for a bomb in my luggage too, can I bring it?" Stick it in your carry on and it will go right through most likley.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Am booked on a flight in a couple weeks and have been told that one cannot take > their car remote past the security check point. (The one that stays on my key > ring) Any truth to that? > I’ll need the remote to turn off the alarm when I get back and do not plan to > check any bags. Only taking one small carry-on. Would not want to check the > remote with any luggage anyway since the airlines have lost three of my bags > already and not ready to take that gamble on this trip. > Any comments will be helpful.

Response:

the checked stuff gets one HELL of an x-ray and exposes it (bomb detection and all that)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> As an aside, I just ran a test to see if hand inspection of film is > really necessary. On a 4 week trip through Asia, I had my hand luggage > x-rayed 13 times. I kept three rolls of film in the camera case (Provia > 100, 400, Velvia 50) and let them be x-rayed along with everything else. > There was no evidence of any x-ray exposure to the three rolls. > What about putting film in checked luggage? I’m going to be taking a > lot of film to Tokyo next week. Would prefer to check the film, for > convenience’s sake.

Response:

> As an aside, I just ran a test to see if hand inspection of film is > really necessary. On a 4 week trip through Asia, I had my hand luggage > x-rayed 13 times. I kept three rolls of film in the camera case (Provia > 100, 400, Velvia 50) and let them be x-rayed along with everything else. > There was no evidence of any x-ray exposure to the three rolls.

What about putting film in checked luggage? I’m going to be taking a lot of film to Tokyo next week. Would prefer to check the film, for convenience’s sake.

Response:

> > As an aside, I just ran a test to see if hand inspection of film is > really necessary. On a 4 week trip through Asia, I had my hand luggage > x-rayed 13 times. I kept three rolls of film in the camera case (Provia > 100, 400, Velvia 50) and let them be x-rayed along with everything else. > There was no evidence of any x-ray exposure to the three rolls. > What about putting film in checked luggage? I’m going to be taking a > lot of film to Tokyo next week. Would prefer to check the film, for > convenience’s sake.

only if you want it fried.  The Xrays on checked luggage are much higher than the carry on machinery and will ruin film.

Response:

> haven’t travelled since 9/11 > i generally carry a bag on with my clothes, and bath items and an extra > camera bag > and that is all. > Will I expect major hassles from the security people with this combo now?

I have traveled United States domestic twice since 9/11 with a camera bag loaded with a camera, accessories, cell phone, pager, pocket change, my prescription drugs, and some film. No problem at all.

Response:

haven’t travelled since 9/11 i generally carry a bag on with my clothes, and bath items and an extra camera bag and that is all. Will I expect major hassles from the security people with this combo now?

Response:

> i generally carry a bag on with my clothes, and bath items and an extra > camera bag and that is all. > Will I expect major hassles from the security people with this combo now?

I also carry a camera bag (body/3 lenses/spare battery/5 rolls) inside a backpack, and post-September, I’ve had the bag pulled aside for hand searching all 3 times I’ve taken a flight ex-United States (EWR-bag well searched, EWR-bag somewhat searched, PHL-bag not searched).  It hasn’t been pulled aside as of yet in 3 passes ex-Canada, nor was it searched in 25-ish pre-September ‘01 passes through American, Canadian, or Israeli airport X-ray machines. Matthew

Response:

they didn’t like my tape measure (25′) last saturday in SEA until they looked at it.  BTW – if they told me what they were looking for I could have just pulled it out a lot faster.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> i generally carry a bag on with my clothes, and bath items and an extra > camera bag and that is all. > Will I expect major hassles from the security people with this combo now? > I also carry a camera bag (body/3 lenses/spare battery/5 rolls) inside a > backpack, and post-September, I’ve had the bag pulled aside for hand > searching all 3 times I’ve taken a flight ex-United States (EWR-bag well > searched, EWR-bag somewhat searched, PHL-bag not searched).  It hasn’t been > pulled aside as of yet in 3 passes ex-Canada, nor was it searched in 25-ish > pre-September ‘01 passes through American, Canadian, or Israeli airport X-ray > machines. > Matthew

Response:

> haven’t travelled since 9/11 > i generally carry a bag on with my clothes, and bath items and an extra > camera bag > and that is all. > Will I expect major hassles from the security people with this combo now?

I don’t see why you would. I generally travel with 2 bodies, several lenses, U/W strobes, etc. and have had no real problems. They frequently want to look open the case and look under the lenses and stuff, but once they’re satisfied that it’s just camera gear, they let me go on my way. Be helpful and nice, and make their job as easy as you can, and you shouldn’t have any problem. As an aside, I just ran a test to see if hand inspection of film is really necessary. On a 4 week trip through Asia, I had my hand luggage x-rayed 13 times. I kept three rolls of film in the camera case (Provia 100, 400, Velvia 50) and let them be x-rayed along with everything else. There was no evidence of any x-ray exposure to the three rolls. Alan

Response:

> http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfrhtml_00/Title_14/14cfr108_00.html and > click 108.209 and read paragraph (e), which says among other things … "If > requested by individuals, their photographic equipment and film packages shall > be inspected without exposure to an X-ray system. " > The problem is that the screeners in many airports either don’t know the rules > or refuse to follow them.

And either way, 9 times out of ten, quoting FAA regs to these dolts guarantees you will get the ‘full treatment’ from them and their guardsman buddies. I carry film in a transparent zip-lock bag, removed from the canisters. To be fair, the majority of screeners are OK with this not going ‘inspecting’ it, then I just politely remark they are wrong, shrug and let them do their thing. No worse off than having left it in the camera bag to start with. B.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> here’s an exerpt from FAA/DOT Reg. 108.209, which covers the right to hand >> inspection of film & cameras: >Is there a place to find this on a website in an offical PDF or something? > http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfrhtml_00/Title_14/14cfr108_00.html  and > click 108.209 and read paragraph (e), which says among other things … "If > requested by individuals, their photographic equipment and film packages shall > be inspected without exposure to an X-ray system. " > The problem is that the screeners in many airports either don’t know the rules > or refuse to follow them. > Here’s an article in a Phoenix newspaper describing the claims of numerous > women that they are singled out for "hand" inspection and groped, fondled and > basically sexually assaulted by screeners.  No wonder screeners are too busy to > bother with wasting time hand-checking film when you can cop a free feel on a > good looking woman.

The Transportation Secretary has no problem with opposite gender intimate searches. It has I must confess turned into the ‘let me feel your body and I will tear up the traffic ticket’ kind of scenario. It is another sad chapter in American policing, it is a type of policing. However opposite gender intimate searches are not against the DOT or FAA rules.  They might be vile and disgusting, illegal, unlawful, sexual abuse or unconstitutional, they’re almost certainly a violation of both the VCCR and ICCPR treaties. However they are part of the official program. Sex predators became aware of the opportunities and were giving each other career advice as to their best options, they work nursing homes, schools, jails and juvenile facilities and boot camps and so on and so forth. THe airport scam was a flash in the pan thing for them – or so it seemed. Seemingly the authorities are not going to close it down. All DOT had to do was say STOP! However that is not to be. It will have to go to court. Trying to complain about a sexual assault by an airport security guard was virtually impossible, even female flight crew were sexually abused.

Response:

I’ve cruised many many times on RCCL and Princess but never on NCL.  We’ve booked the NCL Sky for and Eastern Carib trip in January. I’ve never had a problem buying at the duty free and carrying it on ship for consumption there.  Will I have a problem on the Sky?? Thanks, -Mark

Response:

YEP, you will have a problem!  NCL thinks we are all in high school and there is no drinking without adult supervision.  Get plastic bottles or poor it into one and stick it into CHECKED luggage, they USUALLY let that slide.  BUUTTT if you try to carry it on they will take it away from you.  I did one time on the Norway buy a bottle on ship and they let me take it, but usually they still won’t let you take it, but must bring it to your cabin the last night of the cruise.  I spend enuff in the bars as it is, and just like a night cap in my underwear.  They frown on that in the bars!  NCL is not the only cruise line doing this however.  In fact I think most are.  It really is a stupid policy, on the other hand it’s not often at 53 years old you can feel like a teen ager sneeking booze on board!  All in all, NCL is great we have been on them many times and just getting ready to go again on 12/15 on the SUN.  Plastic bottles and plastic flasks already full and ready to pack for Saturday.  Have a great cruise. CT

Response:

As far as I know, no one has reported booze being seized when brought aboard in your checked luggage.  Pretty well everybody does it, as far as I can tell.  Where there’s a will, there’s a way.  JOHN (who has learned a few tricks by age 55!) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’ve cruised many many times on RCCL and Princess but never on NCL.  We’ve > booked the NCL Sky for and Eastern Carib trip in January. > I’ve never had a problem buying at the duty free and carrying it on ship for > consumption there.  Will I have a problem on the Sky?? > Thanks, > -Mark

Response:

My expierience on the SUN (sailed 11/24) was that you can pack a couple of bottles in your luggage (unbreakables). I also brought a bottle of rum in Belize and stepped right off the tender through security with the bag in my hand. I did send my camera bag throught the detector. In Cozumel, the Kalua prices were $8.95 per liter. Again I boarded the ship without any hassle with 2 bottles (these were for taking stateside). The duty free store remains (we’ll deliver it to your stateroom the last night). I found the costs in the ship’s stores to be extremely inflated! Bon Voyage! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > As far as I know, no one has reported booze being seized when brought > aboard in your checked luggage.  Pretty well everybody does it, as far > as I can tell.  Where there’s a will, there’s a way.  JOHN (who has > learned a few tricks by age 55!) > I’ve cruised many many times on RCCL and Princess but never on NCL.  We’ve > booked the NCL Sky for and Eastern Carib trip in January. > I’ve never had a problem buying at the duty free and carrying it on ship for > consumption there.  Will I have a problem on the Sky?? > Thanks, > -Mark

Response:

I’ve cruised many many times on RCCL and Princess but never on NCL.  We’ve booked the NCL Sky for and Eastern Carib trip in January. I’ve never had a problem buying at the duty free and carrying it on ship for consumption there.  Will I have a problem on the Sky?? Thanks, -Mark

Response:

YEP, you will have a problem!  NCL thinks we are all in high school and there is no drinking without adult supervision.  Get plastic bottles or poor it into one and stick it into CHECKED luggage, they USUALLY let that slide.  BUUTTT if you try to carry it on they will take it away from you.  I did one time on the Norway buy a bottle on ship and they let me take it, but usually they still won’t let you take it, but must bring it to your cabin the last night of the cruise.  I spend enuff in the bars as it is, and just like a night cap in my underwear.  They frown on that in the bars!  NCL is not the only cruise line doing this however.  In fact I think most are.  It really is a stupid policy, on the other hand it’s not often at 53 years old you can feel like a teen ager sneeking booze on board!  All in all, NCL is great we have been on them many times and just getting ready to go again on 12/15 on the SUN.  Plastic bottles and plastic flasks already full and ready to pack for Saturday.  Have a great cruise. CT

Response:

As far as I know, no one has reported booze being seized when brought aboard in your checked luggage.  Pretty well everybody does it, as far as I can tell.  Where there’s a will, there’s a way.  JOHN (who has learned a few tricks by age 55!) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’ve cruised many many times on RCCL and Princess but never on NCL.  We’ve > booked the NCL Sky for and Eastern Carib trip in January. > I’ve never had a problem buying at the duty free and carrying it on ship for > consumption there.  Will I have a problem on the Sky?? > Thanks, > -Mark

Response:

My expierience on the SUN (sailed 11/24) was that you can pack a couple of bottles in your luggage (unbreakables). I also brought a bottle of rum in Belize and stepped right off the tender through security with the bag in my hand. I did send my camera bag throught the detector. In Cozumel, the Kalua prices were $8.95 per liter. Again I boarded the ship without any hassle with 2 bottles (these were for taking stateside). The duty free store remains (we’ll deliver it to your stateroom the last night). I found the costs in the ship’s stores to be extremely inflated! Bon Voyage! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > As far as I know, no one has reported booze being seized when brought > aboard in your checked luggage.  Pretty well everybody does it, as far > as I can tell.  Where there’s a will, there’s a way.  JOHN (who has > learned a few tricks by age 55!) > I’ve cruised many many times on RCCL and Princess but never on NCL.  We’ve > booked the NCL Sky for and Eastern Carib trip in January. > I’ve never had a problem buying at the duty free and carrying it on ship for > consumption there.  Will I have a problem on the Sky?? > Thanks, > -Mark

Response:

Yes, 11/22 was Thanksgiving, yes they had the huge presentation in the Atrium & the pumpkin fiasco for dinner.  But at Breakfast, we let Carlos & Dianele know that We HATE PUMPKIN!  So dinner was pumpkin free, Beef Tenderloin, 2 shrimp cocktails (red & caribbean) and swans on chocolate lake & the Princess Dream both wonderful & pumpkin free. Great cuppuccino also! Then I also remarked that the dining room coffee was so good! I am told it is the same coffee at lunch & the buffet.  I shook my head in disbelief since the buffet coffee was horrid!  I learn that the china cups at dinner are heated, at lunch are not & the buffet is plastic mugs – thus makes for lousy coffee.  So at lunch in the dining room we requested heated cups & wahla!  Good coffee! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >11/21 This was Stingray Day & I was quite excited!  We had breakfast on the >balcony & we very taken by the see-through waters below us.  We saw a few Rays >swim & a team of 7 groupers (so we learned) tagged behind as we docked.  Amazing >that any human can navigate this enormous shopping cart into postion, especially >backing in.  We were down of 4 to board the tender which wasn’t the orange >lifeboats, since they we security, but a large 2 story board that held approx >100 folks.  Then we walked to the Aqua Mall to meet Ruth from Capt Marvins.  We >booked the 10AM 3 hour trip which was 45 mins with Stingrays which was so great >with they enorous bacl creatures, who a the females, rubbing up against you as a >hello.  You feed them squid by the bucketful.  Some navy blue fish about 2 feet >long also steal food from my hands in record speed. Then we glide over to the >coral reef for snorkeling which was being live on a National Geographic Show. >After 45 mins you are signalled to return to the ship (we had 40 total on the >trip on a 3 story cruiser). The we went to the Coral Gardens which was a feast >for the eyes.  The crystal clear water, the colors of the coral, fish, and other >living manner which included a morey eel.  This excursion booked online was well >worth $35.  Princess’ excursion for $50 was a glass boat that you watch the >folks play with the Ray & see Hell & some turtle farm. They pointed it out with >150 folks crammed on it.  Aqua Mall has sharks in a tank, turtles and other >interesting things to see besides shop.  Back to the ship by 2PM, shower & relax >before dinner.  Then another Vista Lounge show with a juggler.  We lasted 15 >minutes here.  Sorry to say the entertainment in the theatres wasn’t worth >sitting thru.  So to the Atrium (which is much smaller than the Sun Class ships) >and the best pianist who really works his Mozart & Chopin playbooks.  Again we >see Kim, who has some prices for Med, Russia, British Isles so we can use the >2nd cruise deposit purchased before we sail on Coral.  She told us we were to be >receiving paperwork by Saturday in our stateroom (which we never did by >disembarkation).  She also told us that Coral must like us already since we were >upgraded from BF to BD for the 12/14/02 cruise.  This ship will have so many >balconies that the categories are BA-BM! >11/22 this is the day for the much mocked Costa Maya aka Majahual.  The Spa had >Costa Maya specials good only on that day. A Mariachi band came aboard to play >in the Atrium, and as we went ashore to look around we noticed that the Grand >was the only ship there!  Very pushy folks to make your visit irritating.  A >mall with a show that plays twice in the 8 hours there.  Prices were too high & >they do not bargain.  Getting back on the ship was a breeze with no purchases & >they knew our camera bag so we were waved past the area onto the ship.  Lunch at >DiVinci was fun.  Chili Con Carne in a bread bowl was excellent!  Had the >cinnamon ice cream with another scoop of mint chocolate chip with carmel over >it.  Then as we went through the Atrium a string quartet (3 gals with a guy) >entertained. So we sat & enjoyed them.  Then decided to do High Tea also in >Davinci.  Excellent white gloved service, the pianist entertaining with more >Chopin, and some nice folks to chat with all agreeing why Princess stops here. >BORING!  All loved PC Dining tho none of us had the need for reservations if you >dined by 7PM.  After 7 it was a zoo!  The Head Waiters had told us how pushy >folks were to get a table when all they needed was a reservation for late >dining.  We asked if anyone was eating in Borcelli’s for traditional & yet, it >was full too!  At dinner that night, a honeymooning couple who we had chatted >with earlier showed for dinner with about 200 other folks who decided to eat >early.  We had our table & were seated & as we watched them waiters in line be >awarded their guests, who they took to the stated table number, our honeymooners >stepped up in line.  We told Carlos to bring them over.  They were so excited to >eat in our area, basically the same folks at the same table with the same >waiters.  She loved being walked with her hand held high to the table & seated >so respectfully.  They told us this didn’t happen in either DaVinci or >Michaelangelo on the previous night.  Then Daniele shows with a large plate of >thin sliced veal with greens surrounding it, again beatiful presentation.  Then >I freak at big hands on my shoulder & it is Josef, the Executive Chef, stopping >by.  So I introduce him to our friends & he invites them to his cooking show >tomorrow at Noon.  He makes sure we are coming & then leaves.  Veal was the hit >tonite with mashed potatoes high on cream & butter, presented thru a pastry bag. >The roasted tomato was carved into a rose.  BEAUTIFUL!  After dinner we walked >around the shops that had what resembled a sidewalk sale along the atrium >railings on both floors.  Gold-By-The-Inch was the hot place & I got a 18 kt >gold plated bracelet for $40. >11/23 as Cozumel Day.  We were greeted again by crystal clear waters with many >rock formations in it.  So the snorkel bag goes with us as we explore the area >with at least 5 miles of waterfront shops.  Diamond Int’l have 6 shops down the >street.  2 in the opposite direct where Carnival, RCI & Celbrity are docked. >Grand has it own spot.  So we hit the 4 stores getting 8 pairs of diamond stud >earring for FREE.  A great lead to get golks in and very few knew anything about >it.  Princess passed out the coupons for them, but if a couple, give 2 different >stateroom #’s.  St Thomas has them also with the same offer.  Right in front of >the stores is the beach, rocky but all sorts of folks snorkeling with >interesting fish in the beautiful bluish-green waters. >Then over to Carlos & Charlies & I just loved the bolts & nuts tables & chairs, >then very funny waiters who also perform jokes on folks (such as changing my >drink straw 5 times & I didn’t notice).  NOW THIS IS A PINA COLADA!  Jerry has a >Mahi Tahi & one was more than enough.  Then the bill shows – $132  but that is >pesos $13.20 USD a bit steep but it included the entertainment, sing alongs, >etc.  Then I asked for the restrooms & the waiter points to the bar & the sign >BATHROOMS with a down arrow.  Under it is an enormous toilet!  But the real ones >are on the wall across from it.  We learn that they are in Cleveland as Senor >Frogs. >A very funny man in front of his store sees us walking returning to the ship, >filming the sculptures on the waterline.  He states that his prices are almost >free!  So we walk in & I see a bracelet that is very heavy, silver studs >adorning with black encrusting it.  $150 USD he states as I put it back.  He >gets it & is now at $110.  He starts his sales pitch with the real silver, coded >950 top quality opposed to the 999 or 925.  As we start for the door he goes to >$100, then $80, then $60.  Jerry tells him $30 pulling out the $20 & $10.  SOLD! >Then we got some T-Shirts that fill in in color when out in the sun.  They have >nail polish that is one color inside & another in the sun.  Great day there, so >much more personable & clean compared to the Puerto Valarta side of Mexico.  But >they then tell us they are a private island, not mainland.  That is why they are >so great! Then the man has tableclothes even long dining room table types.  I >saw a Mayan Calendar style that was so eye catching & we got it for $20.  Then >back to the ship & again waved past the long line at check in.  A long soak in >my personal hot tub in our bathroom & Jerry is out cold across the bed.  Dressy >night #2 with Captain Circle party before.  We are to be at the Captain’s table >in Borcelli at 8PM dinner.  But as we enter dressed in black, me a lace gown & >Jerry suit & short, a long line is before us for what we thought was the photo >with the Captain, nope! Just handshakes & Jerry hears before the 2 guys in front >of us the Captains states "No more handshakes, taking too much time".  He just >says Hello with no smile & Jerry goes to shake his hand & gets 3 finger across >his first 3 fingers which really changed our taste for dinner.  We told his >assitant that we won’t be a dinner to learn that they have a list who want to >dine & only 10 are chosen.  So we may not have been dining with him afterall? >Then we finally get to see & experience the Cruise Director Graham Seymour. >Very funny gent, was the best entertainment on the ship’s 5 days! Then we learn >that he has a TV Show on channel 21, tho the only TV was ESPN for scores & a >college game ending or CNN where we again heard about the Princess RCI merger >days later from Kim’s email that we read.  Then free booze & canapes & 4 folks >awarded champagne from a drawing & a couple with 475 cruise days got a free >cruise (didn’t say where).  So blasted we head to dinner which was lobster >tails, carb cocktail & Carlos brought us more 2 shrimp cocktails each (one red & >the other Caribbean) as we are seated by Daniele.  Pretty empty room at 7:45PM. >A bus

… read more »

Response:

11/21 This was Stingray Day & I was quite excited!  We had breakfast on the balcony & we very taken by the see-through waters below us.  We saw a few Rays swim & a team of 7 groupers (so we learned) tagged behind as we docked.  Amazing that any human can navigate this enormous shopping cart into postion, especially backing in.  We were down of 4 to board the tender which wasn’t the orange lifeboats, since they we security, but a large 2 story board that held approx 100 folks.  Then we walked to the Aqua Mall to meet Ruth from Capt Marvins.  We booked the 10AM 3 hour trip which was 45 mins with Stingrays which was so great with they enorous bacl creatures, who a the females, rubbing up against you as a hello.  You feed them squid by the bucketful.  Some navy blue fish about 2 feet long also steal food from my hands in record speed. Then we glide over to the coral reef for snorkeling which was being live on a National Geographic Show. After 45 mins you are signalled to return to the ship (we had 40 total on the trip on a 3 story cruiser). The we went to the Coral Gardens which was a feast for the eyes.  The crystal clear water, the colors of the coral, fish, and other living manner which included a morey eel.  This excursion booked online was well worth $35.  Princess’ excursion for $50 was a glass boat that you watch the folks play with the Ray & see Hell & some turtle farm. They pointed it out with 150 folks crammed on it.  Aqua Mall has sharks in a tank, turtles and other interesting things to see besides shop.  Back to the ship by 2PM, shower & relax before dinner.  Then another Vista Lounge show with a juggler.  We lasted 15 minutes here.  Sorry to say the entertainment in the theatres wasn’t worth sitting thru.  So to the Atrium (which is much smaller than the Sun Class ships) and the best pianist who really works his Mozart & Chopin playbooks.  Again we see Kim, who has some prices for Med, Russia, British Isles so we can use the 2nd cruise deposit purchased before we sail on Coral.  She told us we were to be receiving paperwork by Saturday in our stateroom (which we never did by disembarkation).  She also told us that Coral must like us already since we were upgraded from BF to BD for the 12/14/02 cruise.  This ship will have so many balconies that the categories are BA-BM! 11/22 this is the day for the much mocked Costa Maya aka Majahual.  The Spa had Costa Maya specials good only on that day. A Mariachi band came aboard to play in the Atrium, and as we went ashore to look around we noticed that the Grand was the only ship there!  Very pushy folks to make your visit irritating.  A mall with a show that plays twice in the 8 hours there.  Prices were too high & they do not bargain.  Getting back on the ship was a breeze with no purchases & they knew our camera bag so we were waved past the area onto the ship.  Lunch at DiVinci was fun.  Chili Con Carne in a bread bowl was excellent!  Had the cinnamon ice cream with another scoop of mint chocolate chip with carmel over it.  Then as we went through the Atrium a string quartet (3 gals with a guy) entertained. So we sat & enjoyed them.  Then decided to do High Tea also in Davinci.  Excellent white gloved service, the pianist entertaining with more Chopin, and some nice folks to chat with all agreeing why Princess stops here. BORING!  All loved PC Dining tho none of us had the need for reservations if you dined by 7PM.  After 7 it was a zoo!  The Head Waiters had told us how pushy folks were to get a table when all they needed was a reservation for late dining.  We asked if anyone was eating in Borcelli’s for traditional & yet, it was full too!  At dinner that night, a honeymooning couple who we had chatted with earlier showed for dinner with about 200 other folks who decided to eat early.  We had our table & were seated & as we watched them waiters in line be awarded their guests, who they took to the stated table number, our honeymooners stepped up in line.  We told Carlos to bring them over.  They were so excited to eat in our area, basically the same folks at the same table with the same waiters.  She loved being walked with her hand held high to the table & seated so respectfully.  They told us this didn’t happen in either DaVinci or Michaelangelo on the previous night.  Then Daniele shows with a large plate of thin sliced veal with greens surrounding it, again beatiful presentation.  Then I freak at big hands on my shoulder & it is Josef, the Executive Chef, stopping by.  So I introduce him to our friends & he invites them to his cooking show tomorrow at Noon.  He makes sure we are coming & then leaves.  Veal was the hit tonite with mashed potatoes high on cream & butter, presented thru a pastry bag. The roasted tomato was carved into a rose.  BEAUTIFUL!  After dinner we walked around the shops that had what resembled a sidewalk sale along the atrium railings on both floors.  Gold-By-The-Inch was the hot place & I got a 18 kt gold plated bracelet for $40. 11/23 as Cozumel Day.  We were greeted again by crystal clear waters with many rock formations in it.  So the snorkel bag goes with us as we explore the area with at least 5 miles of waterfront shops.  Diamond Int’l have 6 shops down the street.  2 in the opposite direct where Carnival, RCI & Celbrity are docked. Grand has it own spot.  So we hit the 4 stores getting 8 pairs of diamond stud earring for FREE.  A great lead to get golks in and very few knew anything about it.  Princess passed out the coupons for them, but if a couple, give 2 different stateroom #’s.  St Thomas has them also with the same offer.  Right in front of the stores is the beach, rocky but all sorts of folks snorkeling with interesting fish in the beautiful bluish-green waters. Then over to Carlos & Charlies & I just loved the bolts & nuts tables & chairs, then very funny waiters who also perform jokes on folks (such as changing my drink straw 5 times & I didn’t notice).  NOW THIS IS A PINA COLADA!  Jerry has a Mahi Tahi & one was more than enough.  Then the bill shows – $132  but that is pesos $13.20 USD a bit steep but it included the entertainment, sing alongs, etc.  Then I asked for the restrooms & the waiter points to the bar & the sign BATHROOMS with a down arrow.  Under it is an enormous toilet!  But the real ones are on the wall across from it.  We learn that they are in Cleveland as Senor Frogs. A very funny man in front of his store sees us walking returning to the ship, filming the sculptures on the waterline.  He states that his prices are almost free!  So we walk in & I see a bracelet that is very heavy, silver studs adorning with black encrusting it.  $150 USD he states as I put it back.  He gets it & is now at $110.  He starts his sales pitch with the real silver, coded 950 top quality opposed to the 999 or 925.  As we start for the door he goes to $100, then $80, then $60.  Jerry tells him $30 pulling out the $20 & $10.  SOLD! Then we got some T-Shirts that fill in in color when out in the sun.  They have nail polish that is one color inside & another in the sun.  Great day there, so much more personable & clean compared to the Puerto Valarta side of Mexico.  But they then tell us they are a private island, not mainland.  That is why they are so great! Then the man has tableclothes even long dining room table types.  I saw a Mayan Calendar style that was so eye catching & we got it for $20.  Then back to the ship & again waved past the long line at check in.  A long soak in my personal hot tub in our bathroom & Jerry is out cold across the bed.  Dressy night #2 with Captain Circle party before.  We are to be at the Captain’s table in Borcelli at 8PM dinner.  But as we enter dressed in black, me a lace gown & Jerry suit & short, a long line is before us for what we thought was the photo with the Captain, nope! Just handshakes & Jerry hears before the 2 guys in front of us the Captains states "No more handshakes, taking too much time".  He just says Hello with no smile & Jerry goes to shake his hand & gets 3 finger across his first 3 fingers which really changed our taste for dinner.  We told his assitant that we won’t be a dinner to learn that they have a list who want to dine & only 10 are chosen.  So we may not have been dining with him afterall? Then we finally get to see & experience the Cruise Director Graham Seymour. Very funny gent, was the best entertainment on the ship’s 5 days! Then we learn that he has a TV Show on channel 21, tho the only TV was ESPN for scores & a college game ending or CNN where we again heard about the Princess RCI merger days later from Kim’s email that we read.  Then free booze & canapes & 4 folks awarded champagne from a drawing & a couple with 475 cruise days got a free cruise (didn’t say where).  So blasted we head to dinner which was lobster tails, carb cocktail & Carlos brought us more 2 shrimp cocktails each (one red & the other Caribbean) as we are seated by Daniele.  Pretty empty room at 7:45PM. A bus of tourists is stuck broken down so we are not leaving port til after 10PM so many are still ashore. After dinner back for a soak & cocktails on the balcony, which the others behind us up 3 floors seemed to never be used.  In the morning a few outside but at night it is pretty vacant which was nice, relaxing & peaceful.  Then we remember that Marty Allen is at the Princess Theatre, so we make the 10PM show! After Westward Ho & Gold Coast in Las Vegas, he has found his nitch with Princess.  He & Kate do 2 shows a week, they are ashore with the tourists, they ate lunch the same times as us daily, and we are guessing they don’t not have bunk beds in their staterooms as we learned from the waiters on how they live (4 to a room).  She is typical torch singer but Marty at his age & very balding head with the frizz combed in circles around it, can get a showroom rolling in the aisles.  She does a good straight man to him with very nice gown changes. … read more »

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11/21 This was Stingray Day & I was quite excited!  We had breakfast on the balcony & we very taken by the see-through waters below us.  We saw a few Rays swim & a team of 7 groupers (so we learned) tagged behind as we docked.  Amazing that any human can navigate this enormous shopping cart into postion, especially backing in.  We were down of 4 to board the tender which wasn’t the orange lifeboats, since they we security, but a large 2 story board that held approx 100 folks.  Then we walked to the Aqua Mall to meet Ruth from Capt Marvins.  We booked the 10AM 3 hour trip which was 45 mins with Stingrays which was so great with they enorous bacl creatures, who a the females, rubbing up against you as a hello.  You feed them squid by the bucketful.  Some navy blue fish about 2 feet long also steal food from my hands in record speed. Then we glide over to the coral reef for snorkeling which was being live on a National Geographic Show. After 45 mins you are signalled to return to the ship (we had 40 total on the trip on a 3 story cruiser). The we went to the Coral Gardens which was a feast for the eyes.  The crystal clear water, the colors of the coral, fish, and other living manner which included a morey eel.  This excursion booked online was well worth $35.  Princess’ excursion for $50 was a glass boat that you watch the folks play with the Ray & see Hell & some turtle farm. They pointed it out with 150 folks crammed on it.  Aqua Mall has sharks in a tank, turtles and other interesting things to see besides shop.  Back to the ship by 2PM, shower & relax before dinner.  Then another Vista Lounge show with a juggler.  We lasted 15 minutes here.  Sorry to say the entertainment in the theatres wasn’t worth sitting thru.  So to the Atrium (which is much smaller than the Sun Class ships) and the best pianist who really works his Mozart & Chopin playbooks.  Again we see Kim, who has some prices for Med, Russia, British Isles so we can use the 2nd cruise deposit purchased before we sail on Coral.  She told us we were to be receiving paperwork by Saturday in our stateroom (which we never did by disembarkation).  She also told us that Coral must like us already since we were upgraded from BF to BD for the 12/14/02 cruise.  This ship will have so many balconies that the categories are BA-BM! 11/22 this is the day for the much mocked Costa Maya aka Majahual.  The Spa had Costa Maya specials good only on that day. A Mariachi band came aboard to play in the Atrium, and as we went ashore to look around we noticed that the Grand was the only ship there!  Very pushy folks to make your visit irritating.  A mall with a show that plays twice in the 8 hours there.  Prices were too high & they do not bargain.  Getting back on the ship was a breeze with no purchases & they knew our camera bag so we were waved past the area onto the ship.  Lunch at DiVinci was fun.  Chili Con Carne in a bread bowl was excellent!  Had the cinnamon ice cream with another scoop of mint chocolate chip with carmel over it.  Then as we went through the Atrium a string quartet (3 gals with a guy) entertained. So we sat & enjoyed them.  Then decided to do High Tea also in Davinci.  Excellent white gloved service, the pianist entertaining with more Chopin, and some nice folks to chat with all agreeing why Princess stops here. BORING!  All loved PC Dining tho none of us had the need for reservations if you dined by 7PM.  After 7 it was a zoo!  The Head Waiters had told us how pushy folks were to get a table when all they needed was a reservation for late dining.  We asked if anyone was eating in Borcelli’s for traditional & yet, it was full too!  At dinner that night, a honeymooning couple who we had chatted with earlier showed for dinner with about 200 other folks who decided to eat early.  We had our table & were seated & as we watched them waiters in line be awarded their guests, who they took to the stated table number, our honeymooners stepped up in line.  We told Carlos to bring them over.  They were so excited to eat in our area, basically the same folks at the same table with the same waiters.  She loved being walked with her hand held high to the table & seated so respectfully.  They told us this didn’t happen in either DaVinci or Michaelangelo on the previous night.  Then Daniele shows with a large plate of thin sliced veal with greens surrounding it, again beatiful presentation.  Then I freak at big hands on my shoulder & it is Josef, the Executive Chef, stopping by.  So I introduce him to our friends & he invites them to his cooking show tomorrow at Noon.  He makes sure we are coming & then leaves.  Veal was the hit tonite with mashed potatoes high on cream & butter, presented thru a pastry bag. The roasted tomato was carved into a rose.  BEAUTIFUL!  After dinner we walked around the shops that had what resembled a sidewalk sale along the atrium railings on both floors.  Gold-By-The-Inch was the hot place & I got a 18 kt gold plated bracelet for $40. 11/23 as Cozumel Day.  We were greeted again by crystal clear waters with many rock formations in it.  So the snorkel bag goes with us as we explore the area with at least 5 miles of waterfront shops.  Diamond Int’l have 6 shops down the street.  2 in the opposite direct where Carnival, RCI & Celbrity are docked. Grand has it own spot.  So we hit the 4 stores getting 8 pairs of diamond stud earring for FREE.  A great lead to get golks in and very few knew anything about it.  Princess passed out the coupons for them, but if a couple, give 2 different stateroom #’s.  St Thomas has them also with the same offer.  Right in front of the stores is the beach, rocky but all sorts of folks snorkeling with interesting fish in the beautiful bluish-green waters. Then over to Carlos & Charlies & I just loved the bolts & nuts tables & chairs, then very funny waiters who also perform jokes on folks (such as changing my drink straw 5 times & I didn’t notice).  NOW THIS IS A PINA COLADA!  Jerry has a Mahi Tahi & one was more than enough.  Then the bill shows – $132  but that is pesos $13.20 USD a bit steep but it included the entertainment, sing alongs, etc.  Then I asked for the restrooms & the waiter points to the bar & the sign BATHROOMS with a down arrow.  Under it is an enormous toilet!  But the real ones are on the wall across from it.  We learn that they are in Cleveland as Senor Frogs. A very funny man in front of his store sees us walking returning to the ship, filming the sculptures on the waterline.  He states that his prices are almost free!  So we walk in & I see a bracelet that is very heavy, silver studs adorning with black encrusting it.  $150 USD he states as I put it back.  He gets it & is now at $110.  He starts his sales pitch with the real silver, coded 950 top quality opposed to the 999 or 925.  As we start for the door he goes to $100, then $80, then $60.  Jerry tells him $30 pulling out the $20 & $10.  SOLD! Then we got some T-Shirts that fill in in color when out in the sun.  They have nail polish that is one color inside & another in the sun.  Great day there, so much more personable & clean compared to the Puerto Valarta side of Mexico.  But they then tell us they are a private island, not mainland.  That is why they are so great! Then the man has tableclothes even long dining room table types.  I saw a Mayan Calendar style that was so eye catching & we got it for $20.  Then back to the ship & again waved past the long line at check in.  A long soak in my personal hot tub in our bathroom & Jerry is out cold across the bed.  Dressy night #2 with Captain Circle party before.  We are to be at the Captain’s table in Borcelli at 8PM dinner.  But as we enter dressed in black, me a lace gown & Jerry suit & short, a long line is before us for what we thought was the photo with the Captain, nope! Just handshakes & Jerry hears before the 2 guys in front of us the Captains states "No more handshakes, taking too much time".  He just says Hello with no smile & Jerry goes to shake his hand & gets 3 finger across his first 3 fingers which really changed our taste for dinner.  We told his assitant that we won’t be a dinner to learn that they have a list who want to dine & only 10 are chosen.  So we may not have been dining with him afterall? Then we finally get to see & experience the Cruise Director Graham Seymour. Very funny gent, was the best entertainment on the ship’s 5 days! Then we learn that he has a TV Show on channel 21, tho the only TV was ESPN for scores & a college game ending or CNN where we again heard about the Princess RCI merger days later from Kim’s email that we read.  Then free booze & canapes & 4 folks awarded champagne from a drawing & a couple with 475 cruise days got a free cruise (didn’t say where).  So blasted we head to dinner which was lobster tails, carb cocktail & Carlos brought us more 2 shrimp cocktails each (one red & the other Caribbean) as we are seated by Daniele.  Pretty empty room at 7:45PM. A bus of tourists is stuck broken down so we are not leaving port til after 10PM so many are still ashore. After dinner back for a soak & cocktails on the balcony, which the others behind us up 3 floors seemed to never be used.  In the morning a few outside but at night it is pretty vacant which was nice, relaxing & peaceful.  Then we remember that Marty Allen is at the Princess Theatre, so we make the 10PM show! After Westward Ho & Gold Coast in Las Vegas, he has found his nitch with Princess.  He & Kate do 2 shows a week, they are ashore with the tourists, they ate lunch the same times as us daily, and we are guessing they don’t not have bunk beds in their staterooms as we learned from the waiters on how they live (4 to a room).  She is typical torch singer but Marty at his age & very balding head with the frizz combed in circles around it, can get a showroom rolling in the aisles.  She does a good straight man to him with very nice gown changes. … read more »

Response:

Yes, 11/22 was Thanksgiving, yes they had the huge presentation in the Atrium & the pumpkin fiasco for dinner.  But at Breakfast, we let Carlos & Dianele know that We HATE PUMPKIN!  So dinner was pumpkin free, Beef Tenderloin, 2 shrimp cocktails (red & caribbean) and swans on chocolate lake & the Princess Dream both wonderful & pumpkin free. Great cuppuccino also! Then I also remarked that the dining room coffee was so good! I am told it is the same coffee at lunch & the buffet.  I shook my head in disbelief since the buffet coffee was horrid!  I learn that the china cups at dinner are heated, at lunch are not & the buffet is plastic mugs – thus makes for lousy coffee.  So at lunch in the dining room we requested heated cups & wahla!  Good coffee! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >11/21 This was Stingray Day & I was quite excited!  We had breakfast on the >balcony & we very taken by the see-through waters below us.  We saw a few Rays >swim & a team of 7 groupers (so we learned) tagged behind as we docked.  Amazing >that any human can navigate this enormous shopping cart into postion, especially >backing in.  We were down of 4 to board the tender which wasn’t the orange >lifeboats, since they we security, but a large 2 story board that held approx >100 folks.  Then we walked to the Aqua Mall to meet Ruth from Capt Marvins.  We >booked the 10AM 3 hour trip which was 45 mins with Stingrays which was so great >with they enorous bacl creatures, who a the females, rubbing up against you as a >hello.  You feed them squid by the bucketful.  Some navy blue fish about 2 feet >long also steal food from my hands in record speed. Then we glide over to the >coral reef for snorkeling which was being live on a National Geographic Show. >After 45 mins you are signalled to return to the ship (we had 40 total on the >trip on a 3 story cruiser). The we went to the Coral Gardens which was a feast >for the eyes.  The crystal clear water, the colors of the coral, fish, and other >living manner which included a morey eel.  This excursion booked online was well >worth $35.  Princess’ excursion for $50 was a glass boat that you watch the >folks play with the Ray & see Hell & some turtle farm. They pointed it out with >150 folks crammed on it.  Aqua Mall has sharks in a tank, turtles and other >interesting things to see besides shop.  Back to the ship by 2PM, shower & relax >before dinner.  Then another Vista Lounge show with a juggler.  We lasted 15 >minutes here.  Sorry to say the entertainment in the theatres wasn’t worth >sitting thru.  So to the Atrium (which is much smaller than the Sun Class ships) >and the best pianist who really works his Mozart & Chopin playbooks.  Again we >see Kim, who has some prices for Med, Russia, British Isles so we can use the >2nd cruise deposit purchased before we sail on Coral.  She told us we were to be >receiving paperwork by Saturday in our stateroom (which we never did by >disembarkation).  She also told us that Coral must like us already since we were >upgraded from BF to BD for the 12/14/02 cruise.  This ship will have so many >balconies that the categories are BA-BM! >11/22 this is the day for the much mocked Costa Maya aka Majahual.  The Spa had >Costa Maya specials good only on that day. A Mariachi band came aboard to play >in the Atrium, and as we went ashore to look around we noticed that the Grand >was the only ship there!  Very pushy folks to make your visit irritating.  A >mall with a show that plays twice in the 8 hours there.  Prices were too high & >they do not bargain.  Getting back on the ship was a breeze with no purchases & >they knew our camera bag so we were waved past the area onto the ship.  Lunch at >DiVinci was fun.  Chili Con Carne in a bread bowl was excellent!  Had the >cinnamon ice cream with another scoop of mint chocolate chip with carmel over >it.  Then as we went through the Atrium a string quartet (3 gals with a guy) >entertained. So we sat & enjoyed them.  Then decided to do High Tea also in >Davinci.  Excellent white gloved service, the pianist entertaining with more >Chopin, and some nice folks to chat with all agreeing why Princess stops here. >BORING!  All loved PC Dining tho none of us had the need for reservations if you >dined by 7PM.  After 7 it was a zoo!  The Head Waiters had told us how pushy >folks were to get a table when all they needed was a reservation for late >dining.  We asked if anyone was eating in Borcelli’s for traditional & yet, it >was full too!  At dinner that night, a honeymooning couple who we had chatted >with earlier showed for dinner with about 200 other folks who decided to eat >early.  We had our table & were seated & as we watched them waiters in line be >awarded their guests, who they took to the stated table number, our honeymooners >stepped up in line.  We told Carlos to bring them over.  They were so excited to >eat in our area, basically the same folks at the same table with the same >waiters.  She loved being walked with her hand held high to the table & seated >so respectfully.  They told us this didn’t happen in either DaVinci or >Michaelangelo on the previous night.  Then Daniele shows with a large plate of >thin sliced veal with greens surrounding it, again beatiful presentation.  Then >I freak at big hands on my shoulder & it is Josef, the Executive Chef, stopping >by.  So I introduce him to our friends & he invites them to his cooking show >tomorrow at Noon.  He makes sure we are coming & then leaves.  Veal was the hit >tonite with mashed potatoes high on cream & butter, presented thru a pastry bag. >The roasted tomato was carved into a rose.  BEAUTIFUL!  After dinner we walked >around the shops that had what resembled a sidewalk sale along the atrium >railings on both floors.  Gold-By-The-Inch was the hot place & I got a 18 kt >gold plated bracelet for $40. >11/23 as Cozumel Day.  We were greeted again by crystal clear waters with many >rock formations in it.  So the snorkel bag goes with us as we explore the area >with at least 5 miles of waterfront shops.  Diamond Int’l have 6 shops down the >street.  2 in the opposite direct where Carnival, RCI & Celbrity are docked. >Grand has it own spot.  So we hit the 4 stores getting 8 pairs of diamond stud >earring for FREE.  A great lead to get golks in and very few knew anything about >it.  Princess passed out the coupons for them, but if a couple, give 2 different >stateroom #’s.  St Thomas has them also with the same offer.  Right in front of >the stores is the beach, rocky but all sorts of folks snorkeling with >interesting fish in the beautiful bluish-green waters. >Then over to Carlos & Charlies & I just loved the bolts & nuts tables & chairs, >then very funny waiters who also perform jokes on folks (such as changing my >drink straw 5 times & I didn’t notice).  NOW THIS IS A PINA COLADA!  Jerry has a >Mahi Tahi & one was more than enough.  Then the bill shows – $132  but that is >pesos $13.20 USD a bit steep but it included the entertainment, sing alongs, >etc.  Then I asked for the restrooms & the waiter points to the bar & the sign >BATHROOMS with a down arrow.  Under it is an enormous toilet!  But the real ones >are on the wall across from it.  We learn that they are in Cleveland as Senor >Frogs. >A very funny man in front of his store sees us walking returning to the ship, >filming the sculptures on the waterline.  He states that his prices are almost >free!  So we walk in & I see a bracelet that is very heavy, silver studs >adorning with black encrusting it.  $150 USD he states as I put it back.  He >gets it & is now at $110.  He starts his sales pitch with the real silver, coded >950 top quality opposed to the 999 or 925.  As we start for the door he goes to >$100, then $80, then $60.  Jerry tells him $30 pulling out the $20 & $10.  SOLD! >Then we got some T-Shirts that fill in in color when out in the sun.  They have >nail polish that is one color inside & another in the sun.  Great day there, so >much more personable & clean compared to the Puerto Valarta side of Mexico.  But >they then tell us they are a private island, not mainland.  That is why they are >so great! Then the man has tableclothes even long dining room table types.  I >saw a Mayan Calendar style that was so eye catching & we got it for $20.  Then >back to the ship & again waved past the long line at check in.  A long soak in >my personal hot tub in our bathroom & Jerry is out cold across the bed.  Dressy >night #2 with Captain Circle party before.  We are to be at the Captain’s table >in Borcelli at 8PM dinner.  But as we enter dressed in black, me a lace gown & >Jerry suit & short, a long line is before us for what we thought was the photo >with the Captain, nope! Just handshakes & Jerry hears before the 2 guys in front >of us the Captains states "No more handshakes, taking too much time".  He just >says Hello with no smile & Jerry goes to shake his hand & gets 3 finger across >his first 3 fingers which really changed our taste for dinner.  We told his >assitant that we won’t be a dinner to learn that they have a list who want to >dine & only 10 are chosen.  So we may not have been dining with him afterall? >Then we finally get to see & experience the Cruise Director Graham Seymour. >Very funny gent, was the best entertainment on the ship’s 5 days! Then we learn >that he has a TV Show on channel 21, tho the only TV was ESPN for scores & a >college game ending or CNN where we again heard about the Princess RCI merger >days later from Kim’s email that we read.  Then free booze & canapes & 4 folks >awarded champagne from a drawing & a couple with 475 cruise days got a free >cruise (didn’t say where).  So blasted we head to dinner which was lobster >tails, carb cocktail & Carlos brought us more 2 shrimp cocktails each (one red & >the other Caribbean) as we are seated by Daniele.  Pretty empty room at 7:45PM. >A bus

… read more »

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