Orlando

After spending 3 great days in Myrtle Beach we were ready to head even further south.

We really liked Myrtle Beach especially all the great shopping, and an abundance of restaurants too.  We had some great meals.  Oh and one of my favorite new drinks, sweet tea with vodka!  

One day we travelled downe to Murrell's Inlet and strolled along the boardwalk.

Here are the brothers cleaning up. 

On Monday morning we did tests via zoom with Acculab and we are negative!  

But today was time to head to Florida.

We planned to overnight in Orlando to see old and very dear friends Larry and Amy.

We got on the road early, just before 8 and made our way west to the I95.  The area is so pretty and I am loving the gardens.

We made it into Orlando just before 4 pm and checked into our hotel.  We quickly crawled into bed and had a quick nap.

Larry and Amy picked us up and we enjoyed a lovely dinner and we were able to catch up with them.  

Then they took us for some ice cream.  But when we got back to the car the car wouldn't recognize the key fob.  We were able to rule out the car battery issue, we replaced the battery in the fob, but still wouldn't start.  So triple A was called and their son came to pick us up and we then were driven back to the hotel.  Never a dull moment.  

here we are trying to replace the fob battery, which did not work.

We are relaxing in the room, and excited about heading to the ship tomorrow.

Now I am going to give you all a heads up I will be writing my blog but I won't be posting until I get home.  Thus way I can add pictures etc.  But I will try and post on my Facebook page often.

Arrived in Myrtle Beach

We left Richmon Virginia and after getting coffees and gas we were on our way South.

So nice to be driving on a Saturday.

The scenery is beautiful.  And when we stop for lunch we love hearing the accents.  Ha but they think our accents are odd too I am sure.

When we get into Myrtle Beach we stop at Total Wine for some wine of course.  Love this place and the selection.  Staff are friendly and helpful.

We have no problem finding Paul (Bernie's brother) and his wife Mary Louise's place.  They have a cute 2 bedroom apartment that they are renting.

It is nice to reconnect with them as they live in Cape Breton and haven't seen them since last summer.

For the next few days we will be hanging here.  

Tomorrow I have our covid tests for the cruise.  We booked them thru Acculab.  Here is their website. 

We booked 2 test via zoom for a set time for $73 Canadian.  These tests work for travel on planes and cruises.

Also booked pedicures for both of us nearby.  And I think maybe a bit of shopping.

Thanks for following.

How Fun! Dinner with Friends

When Barb reached out to me when she saw we were in Richmond I was so happy.

Barb has been a fan of my page for a long time and we actually got to meet last fall on the Celebrity Equinox.

She suggested a great BBQ place near us for dinner.  

Man what a great recommendation!  Q Barbecue did not disappoint.

Best thing about cruising are the people you meet, Kevin and Barb are now great friends.

Happy To Report My Next Lecture Contract. Care To Join Us?

I am excited to report that I can finally confirm that I will be the Enrichment Lecturer on board the beautiful Caribbean Princess on this epic voyage.

Round trip out of New York.  16 nights, with stops in Halifax, Sydney, Nuuk, Qaqortoq, Nanortalik and St. John's.

Leaves August 15.  So pack your bags and join us.

Washington! First Time Here! Loved It.

Today we really wanted to enjoy some sites.  Walk around and not drive as much.

So after getting up around 730 we showered and enjoyed a lovely breakfast at the hotel.  But I have to say it was crowded, self serve, and only a handful wore masks or even sanitized their hands.  For the sole reason that I am going on a cruise soon, I am overly cautious.  So I wore my mask, I sanitized after getting food too.

A lot if cruisers were spending the night here before their cruise.  RCL sails out if here to the Bahamas.  Was nice just to see cruisers.

We were on the road just before 9 and into traffic, especially around Washington.  We parked the car - $25 for parking!  But it was secure and close to the sites.

It is a lovely day.  Many cherry blossoms are in bloom.

It is busy but not crazy like at peak times.

I have never been here, nor has Bernie.  It was so cool to walk and see the memorials and to see these iconic places we have only seen in the movies and on TV.

Have to say it was sad to see how barricaded the White House is now.  Totally understandable, but still sad.  So my picture is from as close as I can possible get.  

Oh and the President didn't invite us in, probably doesn't trust us crazy Canucks (working with the British) since we burned down the white house in the war of 1812.

After about 3 hours we were back in the car heading south.  Oh and lots of traffic.  One thing we can rely on is if google maps says how long if will take, it is always longer.

We are staying at this amazing hotel.  Virginia Crossing Hotel and Conference Centre.  So stunning and very comfortable.

Don't Miss Driving For A Living

We were up after a very restful night.  A quick shower, breakfast and we were on the road by 9.

One thing for sure was we did not want to have to travel through New York City.  We planned our route and we are glad we did.

For those of you who are not aware Bernie and I both were transit drivers in Vancouver.  Me 20 years, Bernie 32.  We have driven those big buses all over, and in all kinds of traffic.  But we now live in a quieter area of Nova Scotia where we rarely drive, and when we do we don't encounter heavy traffic.

I am quite impressed with the interstate system, but man the tolls.  Something we are not use to.  Sure there are some roads that have them in Canada but not many.  In fact our drive from the West coast to the East Coast we did not have a single toll road.  So that is a good thing.  Sure our taxes are high but we get free roads to drive on.

Today we paid $15 in tolls.  Sure we could do routes without them but they take longer.  And again I did find the routes easy to drive on.

Again I am surprised how easy it is to go through so many states in a day.  Pretty cool. 

Tonight we are in Baltimore Maryland.  It is just a stop for sleeping.  Tomorrow we are off to Washington to see a few sites then we will overnight in Virginia somewhere.

I wanted to add we dined at Jimmy's Famous Seafood restaurant.  We picked it because it is close and all the great reviews.  

We had a great server, Libby and drinks, and the meal were outstanding.

Check out the crab stuffed wonton.  Then for our entree we share the seafood combo - fish, scallops, shrimp, and a crab cake.  Again we are glad we shared as we couldn't even finish it.  Very yummy though.

We are staying at a Best Western just off the highway.  It is showing it's age, but the beds are comfortable and the price was right.  But probably would pick somewhere else next time.

3 States and A Province

It amazes me that we travelled thru 3 states and a province today. States aren't big, or we travel through just a portion of it.  This is different for me.  Canada is the 2nd largest country and it can take days to cross a province, like Ontario.  Or at least a day, like Nova Scotia.  

It is fun to see the state signs.  And to see how far we have gone.

But let me backup.  We, correction, I did not sleep much.  I crashed early and 5.5 hours later I was awake.  For those of you who have followed me thru the years know I rarely sleep well the first few days into a trip.

This trip is even worse, as Bernie plots out each day and the route, I go looking for accommodations.  Then we also need to figure out where to eat, how far is it, gas stops, oh and washroom stops.  I am the more techie person so I usually am the one figuring these things out.  

Bernie can do it, but he gets frustrated and I end up doing it.  But we are both working on improving this.  As I write this he is searching for a hotel for tomorrow night.  I can hear the comments from him.  Not questions, he just says hmmm, what, weird.  I am listening to soothing music and trying to let him take care of it without butting in.  He will do great,  especially if I stay out of it and thinking I can do better (which is not true, but I like to think so).

Can you relate?  A relationship is always a constant moving, shifting, balance.  I call it a dance.  Sometimes he leads sometimes I lead, sometimes we step on each other's feet.  But in the end we are glad we danced, and we always come out better for dancing.  

Okay back to today.  Up at a crazy hour.  We shower and enjoy the complimentary breakfast.  We are on the road at 9 am.  

We make it to the border 45 minutes later.  Small crossing, only one agent.  We are so use to the very busy Peace Arch in Vancouver where you can wait in a long queue.  Today we were the only car.  Passed him our passports and had our vaccine proof in hand.  He just said "I see you're vaccinated".  Then "where are you off to?, where are you from, how long will you be gone, have you ever been arrested, do you have guns in the car, fruit, seeds, who is watching your house, what do you do for a living, (when we say retired) what job did you do.  He was very nice, friendly, and they ask all these questions to see if we are on the ball.  Obviously we were as he said have a nice trip.

A few hours later we stop into Bangor Maine at Target to get the Mint Sim card package.  It was so easy to put in the new Sim card (it must be an unlocked phone that is compatible).  Download the app, which I should of done prior, instead we have a coffee at Starbucks and use their wifi.  In the app I pick get a new number and voila it was all set.  So for $15 a month for 3 months, totally of $45 I have 4 Gb and calling and texting in the US.  I only need it for one month, but it is cheaper than adding data roaming/phoning to my Canadian cell.   

We stop and get lunch at a great Mexican restaurant called Palapas.  We can see right away the servings are huge, so we order one dish of enchiladas and split the 4 that come.  We couldn't finish the one dish even.  Even the pop was large!  We could of shared that too.  Servings are big here, we need to be conscious if thus when ordering.

Okay after an hour running around, and lunch we are back on the road.  Next state, a small bit of New Hampshire.  Then we are in Massachusetts!  Traffic is higher, but things move.

I see we are driving past the exit for Old Orchard Beach.  Oh what fond memories I have of driving here from Quebec with my Mom and sister for summer holidays.

Our hotel tonight is Holiday Inn in Sturbridge.  Great hotel, and our dinner is simple.  

I can gladly report that Bernie has successfully booked a hotel for tomorrow.  See we all knew if I let him, he would do great.

Fingers crossed I sleep tonight.  Oh and maybe I will dance with Bernie.

On Our Way

We took off from home around 10 am, no big rush.  Today's route is only 6 hours.  We decided if we are going to do this trip we weren't going to push it.  

Roads were great!  And so quiet.  

We stopped near Amherst for a late lunch.  A salad for me and a big bowl of soup for Bernie. 

With mask mandates recently being dropped it is nice to see things going back to a new normal.  We still wear ours when we can't socially distance and also we are going on a cruise, so need to stay healthy.

We booked a hotel for tonight at the Best Western.  Great location.  Lots of places around, food, coffee, stores and easy access in and out.  Bonus is free breakfast and parking.

Was happy as when we checked in the upgraded us to a suite.  Now I use the word suite loosely.  It is a large room which has a separate living room and extra tv.  Bathroom has sink and bath separate, so a great room for families.

We just recently got a new phone so I was busy insuring all necessary apps were there as many did not get moved over.  We knew we would need certain apps on the trip.  Especially the booking sites, loyalty hotels, and Starbucks.  Hey priorities.  

When we get into Maine we will stop and buy a Sim card phone package.  We have heard great things about Mint.  For $45 US we can get 3 months with enough data and unlimited calling and texting.  Thru my cell provider it is $60 Canadian for 30 days of limited data and calling and texting.  So for the same price I won't have to worry about data.  I will let you know how it goes.

For tonight we are a little hungry but don't want to eat anything heavy.  We pick up a foot long veggie sub from Subway and share it.  It meets our needs.

With both of us getting little sleep the night prior we both are fast asleep at 10.  

Tomorrow we are planning on 6 hours of driving and stops along the way.  This trip is also about the journey.  Not that we are doing touristy things but we also want to enjoy.  

I will try and blog when I can.  Issue is  I am doing it on the tablet so I won't have as many pics, but I promise to add more when we return home.

Also apologize ahead of time, typing is tough via the tablet, I will proofread and correct once back home.

Let the Packing Begin

We finally started getting stuff together today for the trip.  The packing room (does anyone else have a room dedicated to travel packing?) has things in it.

I will admit I have been procrastinating a bit when it came to packing. There were just too many other things to get done around the house.

• taxes
• starting my seeds (peppers mainly, the rest can wait)
• cleaning up the yard
• two new windows got installed
• oil change, winter tire removal
• route planning (although I have handed this off to Bernie - so far I have been successful, I am working on not trying to control everything)
• and basic day to day things

Now with only a few days before we leave we can finally focus on figuring out what clothes to bring.

Thankfully this trip we are driving so something we are bringing that we don't normally (like our pillows - I personally do not like Princess' pillows and I have tried a few different ones from their pillow menu).

Also we have decided not to do formal this trip.  Since we are working on board we don't have to strictly follow the dress code.  There are 2 formal nights, and we will dress nicely but I don't want to bring formal and Bernie REALLY doesn't want to bring formal.  

Snorkel gear and my water float are packed too!  We are also packing all our needed toiletries which we often don't fly with but buy once we are at our destination.  Also this being only a ten day cruise we don't need as much in the way of toiletries.  When we go for a month or two we just buy locally and lug on board.   Of course these items are often left out of the bags for space and weight.  But not this time!

Since we are driving to Florida, with a stop in Myrtle Beach both way for a few days we decided to we would once again create a bingo type card with things to try and spot on the road while we drive.  If you have been following my blogs for a while you will remember when we drove across Canada in 2018 and we had a long list of items to spot.  Read that trip blog report here.

So what do you want us to add to that list of items?  Items can be obscure, but still possible to spot.  We will update what we see when we see it.

Favorite Thing About Pre Cruising

So you are booked for your cruise.  Now What!

Well the best part - planning everything.  It helps past the time and it gets you even more excited for the cruise.

I still am a fan of Cruise Critic - but differently than before.  I still join the roll calls and chat with fellow cruisers and am always excited when I know someone on the roll call.  This coming trip two couples we haven't sailed with in forever are going to be there.  

I also check out the Destination pages as well - however since the pandemic I find them to be less useful.

As with many social media sites the Princess forums are often full of comments that just are not nice or helpful.  So I try to stay away.  And when I do fall victim to commenting 8 times of 10 I regret it.  Is it the same for you?

Ok back to cruise planning.  

Depending on the itinerary I start researching.  For our upcoming trip to the Caribbean we have been to all these islands over a dozen times, if not more.  We (Bernie and I) sit and talk about each port and if there is something we really want to do.  

If there is something we really want to do we plan for it.  But usually are conversations go like this:

Me - what do you want to do in .... (name a port)?

B - I don't know, what do you want to do?

Me - (I usually mention 2 or 3 things as possibilities)

B - I don't care, whatever you want to do

Me - hmmm okay

Anyone else have similar conversations?

Of course if it is a different type of itinerary like Europe or South America we each usually do research then we sit and go over it and firm up the one thing we really want to do.

I am a list maker - and I prefer pen to paper lists.  Bernie loves them too as he often isn't sure what needs to get done (sorry no he knows but isn't always sure what my list of things to do is).  So I write out things like, get US money, pull out suitcases, buy toiletries (like sunscreen etc), pull up cruise tote (yes we have one for stuff we take on vacations only).  And many other items.  He sees the lists and works at accomplishing them.  He says it works well for him, and hey I am happy.

This trip because we are driving we have different things on the list.  Remove the snow tires, get an oil change, plan the route.  

Also with Covid now planning for tests is necessary.  If we were flying we would need a test to enter the United States within a day prior of flying. Thankfully for driving we don't require a test (seems odd to me, still crossing the border).  Also we needed Covid test 3 days prior to boarding the ship.  We scheduled monitored at home tests.

But really the whole planning bit is so much fun for me.  But since I am the planner in this house I tend to get a lot of questions.  Where are we staying, what cabin are we, what are we doing in such and such a port.

Stay tuned because I will share my trick to help Bernie know all the details.

What are your cruise planning tricks?

Worst Thing About Cruising Is The Pre Cruising Medallion App

Remember a long time ago - well not that long ago, but feels like forever we did all our pre cruise paperwork on line and it was smooth, easy and quick.

Times have changed.  Princess now uses their Medallion App to do all their pre cruise documentation. 

Normally this should be an easy smooth process.  But .....   IT IS NOT.

I am a very techie person.  I enjoy playing around with things and figuring it out.  The app seemed like a great idea.  But even I have wanted to pull my hair out because of it.

And I am not alone.  Every day I read a post, or I get a message about someone having frustrations as well.

Now I know the app has it's own glitches.  But many times it is human error too.  But I can't blame the humans as it is not clear.  Or it won't let you move forward with the Continue button because something is not correct, but it doesn't tell you what is incorrect.  Often it is trial and error.  Oh - the phone number is entered incorrectly (but it doesn't highlight that).  

I had issues when entering my credit card.  It kept saying it was assigned to a different user - well yeah ME.  When I tried to add my partner to the credit card it wouldn't let me either.  Same issues.

In the end I figured out that I had to delete the existing credit card on file and re enter and then add my partner.  But I had to figure that out myself.

A big issue is when you have a booking number but it isn't showing up on the app.  Sure you can add it by looking it up but even then it isn't fluid, easy or user friendly.  

This happened for my next cruise.  I had to manually add the booking.  Okay it is there and I have entered everything, but ironically it shows me as a blue card instead of elite member. Bernie is showing as elite.  On the website it shows my cruise history, my loyalty level and even in the app on my profile it shows elite, but not for this booking.  I will just leave and fix when I get on board if I am not given elite status.  

Other issues I find a real pain.  You have the web version that you still need to use for booking excursion, flights and ordering gifts.  But you can't book dining, or add the necessary info (however you now have a web version instead of using the app for adding necessary info.).

On the app you enter all your information, health information, dining reservations.  But you can't book excursions, order gifts!  

Sure you can phone them but that can be long waits and time consuming.

I so wanted the Medallion App to be great - and I agree once on board it is much better than it use to be.  I enjoy using it on board for ordering drinks, food, booking dining reservations (love this), locating friends and seeing my bill and menus.

Things that are not the best with the App once on board.  Journey view to see activities is not great, the messaging is better but still needs work, and would love to see a favorites for drinks so I can just pull up my favorites and order quickly (kind of like Starbucks).  

So I have to say, Princess if you are reading this blog - know that your cruising product is great, but you sure frustrate us with your pre cruise requirements when it comes to the app.

What are your issues with the pre cruise requirements with the Medallion App?

Covid Testing Via Zoom for Canadians for Travel

I have been so envious of my American friends as they have been able to order and do Covid tests via facetime for a while.

As a Canadian it just was not an option.  Sure I tried.  But they don't ship the test kits to Canada.  

Then I thought ok I will get it shipped to our hotel and do it there.  When I go to pay and enter my credit card information they don't accept credit cards from outside the United States. I have to enter a state and zip code and of course the address I put in there has to match my credit card billing address for security reasons.

For my upcoming trip I was looking into options for a test prior to boarding ship and also for entering back into Canada.  

We now only need a rapid Antigen test to cross the border; however it has to be one day prior.  Also we are driving home so trying to book something along the route was proving to be difficult - not impossible, but difficult.

I then found Acculab.  A Canadian company that does Covid Testing for travel. You can order tests from them and they will ship to you, or you can use your own existing tests that may of been handed out from the government. 

Here in Nova Scotia they handed out tests in packs of five and we both have them.  You do have to ensure the brand of tests you have is in the list of approved tests - which ours are.

If they aren't you have time to order some and have them shipped to you.  Test kits are only $15 Canadian each.  

If you have the tests you can just book an appointment for a zoom test.  A single test is $39 but for two people it is $73 and again in Canadian prices.

I have now set up our testing for March 28 (2 days prior to sailing) and have paid for it.  

Here is the link to Acculab here.  

This is a great option for Canadians travelling or for those who are sailing out of Canada and are arriving a few days early.  

  

Upgrade? Or Not?

When we booked this cruise on the Enchanted last week we booked a specific cabin.  We are very partial to inside sideways cabins.  We love them!  

We also really enjoy inside cabins.  Cost wise, it saves us a lot and allows us to travel more.  

Also for this itinerary in the Caribbean we find we rarely use the balcony because it can get too hot.  Balcony cabins are often noisier with sound from others around you and I am sensitive to sounds.  

However a balcony is nice on itineraries that are very picturesque, especially itineraries we don't do often - like South America, Mediterranean and Alaska.  

And of course, if you love balconies and can afford it - hey go for it.  But for us we prefer an inside for the cost and more.  If we get upgraded to a balcony, great.

But for this trip it came down to being smart financially.  We could get a balcony or we could get Princess Plus (drinks, wifi, specialty dining, and gratuities).  Easy decision.

So I chose a sideways inside on Aloha deck forward - a spot we really like.  When our agent asked if wanted to mark it do not upgrade we said no - let's leave it open.  

I knew if we got a cabin we didn't like we probably could move laterally or even down a category because the passenger loads are still low.     

So imagine my surprise when I logged in three days after booking to see we had been upgraded.

Yup, one category up.  We are now on Riviera Deck, one up from Aloha in the same area, and still a sideways cabin.

I should not be surprised the booking promo stated a cabin upgrade, and that is what we got.  

We are good with that.  

Yes it is an upgrade.  Or do you think it is not an upgrade?  Just one deck up.

Key is if you don't want to be upgraded have your agent mark the booking - do not upgrade!  Although even then there are no guarantees they won't move you.  So make sure to check your booking regularly.

 

2 or 3 Day Prior Testing - Update

I had created a blog (read it here) stating that I had noticed that the Covid testing had changed from 2 to 3 days on my cruise at the end of the month on the Enchanted.

Like many of you I kept getting different answers and was happy to see some sort of answer.  However it showed 3 days in one spot and 2 in another.

A friend who is a travel agent had informed me that policy was going to be different based on the type of test.

Another friend who is an agent had said it was going to be different based on if you were boosted.

A call to Princess provided no insight as the agent quoted what was on the booking - which said 3 days at the time and she said 3 days.  

However a day after posting the blog I noticed that the health notification for my cruise where it had shown 3 days now was back to 2.  Hmmm

Okay, I would wait till March 1st to see if anything changed.  Nope!

As of today March 3rd it still shows 2 days.

So we will get our test 2 days prior.  Not such a big deal but I really wish Princess would get their act together and figure out what they want and update fully.  

Instead of it showing 2 days in one spot, 3 in another, then changing the next day, advising via a zoom that it would be based on the type of test.

Sadly the process pre cruise for Princess is probably the worst part about cruising right now, well not right now, it has always been lacking.  

I think that would be a new blog.  What issues do you have pre cruise.  Medallion app, website, excursions, dining reservations, flights, contacting them, adding credit card, passport details, cabin changes?  Let me know.