Tagged With "Holland America Line"
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Re: Antarctica, part 3. Antarctica Rocks!
Hi Kirsten, Behind in my emails, but did want you to know that the last of your series on Celebrating Nature went live today. I want to personally thank you so very much for sharing your tremendous talents with our audience. I enjoyed reading -- and learned a lot -- from your posts and greatly enjoyed your wonderful photography! I'm sure many others did, too. If you have more material you'd like to post on TravelGumbo in the coming months, it would be our pleasure to host it. Hope you had a...
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Re: Top 10 Most Beautiful Gardens In The World
I think that's one of the problems with so much travel journalism: Top-Tenism, the urge to line things up in order and crown a winner. That means, often, directing attention away from wonderful things that 'didn't make the list.' I'd much rather see lists of 'Ten wonderful gardens you might enjoy' or 'ten restaurants I've enjoyed.' As for gardens: Some are quite formal, others either informal or with the goal of showing nature rather than decor. Some are large, others small. Some are...
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Re: 'Flying Dutchman' ends 15-week cruise
UPDATE: Home at last... Costa Deliziosa finally docked in Genoa, Italy around noon today, New York time after being at sea since January 5th. It was the last major cruise line ship still at sea, and has no known Covid-19 cases on board. Debarcation of the remaining 1519 passengers and 898 crew will take several days as Costa and Italian authorities work on how to get them home without exposure to infection.
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Re: Boston in the fall - suggestions please!
Thank you Dr. F. - wise words we will keep 1-2 hotels booked ahead and be flexible beyond that. We are really looking forward to this new 'slice' of America, I never realised that the Pilgrim fathers just named every new town after their old home towns - I'm going to be quite confused!! Thanks too Garry that looks lovely! I envy you being there ahead of us!! PS we are now on the verge of booking Cuba too and are horrified at the cost that Virgin Atlantic is trying to screw us for an upgrade...
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Re: Edinburgh, Scotland for 2.5 days....help!
Thank you for the suggestions! I wanted to mainly see if we needed fast track tickets anywhere there could be a line. With all we want to see, I don't want to waste time standing in line anywhere. Yes, I should have added the royal yacht to the things we want to do.
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Re: July 28, 2016: Coit Tower, San Francisco, California
It really is one of the most beautiful cities in North America. Thanks for reminding us of these great views!
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Re: 50 Years Later, Paris
Thank you for sharing your memories, and wakening some of my own. It's a trite line, I know, but despite all that changes, "we'll always have Paris." In fact, maybe that's 'because' and not 'despite.'
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Re: Nothing sacred: Swiss chalets aren't Swiss!
I'm used to the fact that all the Camrys my family has owned were assembled in Kentucky...but when you see where all the God Bless America souvenirs come from, that is a poser!
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Re: Sept 1, 2016: Wild Roses on the River Side.
A great moment of a wonderful day.... We have wild roses in North America too, at least in the mountains and northern parts. But they are smaller and while they smell nice, are not as fragrant as those you describe.
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Re: Top 4 Rafting Destinations in Europe
Thanks for this! I usually think only of North America when rafting is mentioned, but obviously that's been a mistake...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#288)
Since this is a hard puzzle, Gumbo is showing you Sundays clue early for extra time to solve it!. This clue is of a train along the line
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Re: Top Tips and Advice for Travel to Malta & Gozo
Professorabe : Should that final line read "I am more fond of rabbit than my wife is"
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Re: Slim airline seats unpopular
That's an interesting article...especially the part about United finding that passengers like the new seats better as time goes on. I have very limited experience with this (one flight on TAP with them installed) and frankly, they didn't feel more or less cushiony than any others. I just don't think thickness has anything to do with comfort; it's the density of the material used. And frankly, two extra inches for legs...that's a win. At least until the airlines start moving the slim-line...
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Re: Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump (That's really its name)
I believe it is an issue of the mountains' origins. A range has a common origin from a common fault line. The Rockies are a fairly new range, and the Porcupines have been around longer and are much more eroded. But I'm not a geologist, PM. I just look at them and think it's all beautiful!
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Re: Post-Merger AA Route Changes at DCA, LGA
Virign America will bee getting some of AA's slots at LGA - That is a net plus in my book!
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Re: Where We Went: London, Paris, Toronto
What's also interesting about the information is that it's from hotels.com which says in the first line it's helping us find "the best cities around the world". I'm not sure I buy the premise that popular is best. Another index I also find VERY interesting, in the quest to locate interesting places for longer stays on a budget, is the cost of living index for places around the world. While visitor costs and resident costs are not the same, still, it's an interesting tool and also gives us...
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Re: "Spotted On the Road": Everglades City, Florida
I think '79 or '80 was the end of the line for MGB, so you're probably in the right time-frame. Sad thing about the B...it could never look to me like an MG. Tell me MG, and this is what I see...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? 21.0
It is an art deco nautical building?? It's possible to be in America... i think
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Re: TSA Pre-Check: first experiences
Paying more to beat the lines still sounds a bit elitist to me. Like those who paid "First Class" getting preferential treatment. And those who get a Theme Park Ticket that allows them to jump to the front. I've done the VIP treatment. It was very pleasant not to have to wait in line. But I too felt a bit guilty.
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Re: Staying In Touch on the Road: Part 1
In the Duel of the Devices, I'm going to declare the RAVPower unit the winner. Both of these devices are essentially external batteries, something that's becoming more popular as more phones come with non-removable batteries. There are two critical differences, however: capacity and output. The PowerStick has a capacity of 750mAh (about half the power held by an average cellphone battery) and a maximum output current of 700mA (phone chargers usually supply 1000mA). The RAVpower device has a...
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Re: Please Don't Squeeze the Passengers: Airbus
I've never flown an A380, Mac. They still haven't caught on in North America, where Boeing clearly dominates the market. One thing that I've wonder about is with all those people to board (somewhere over 500), is the process of getting on and off the plane very slow or have they figured out how to make this move along with reasonable efficiency?
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People
Thanks for your comments, Garry! We actually had very nice weather during our visit, GarryRF. It was windy and rainy at times, but being from Canada that was no great hardship. Still, good for people to be forewarned and prepared. Always pack in layers and let one layer be a rain shell. It was one of your fellow countryman who said, "There's no bad weather, just bad clothing" or something to that affect, but I can't remember who that was. Didn't try the "moonshine" (no one offered!), but my...
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Re: The Valley Island of Maui: 2) Haleakala National Park
Yes, we will go through U.S.Immigration at Trudeau Airport in Montreal. At one time, the U.S. Immigration hall there had a huge banner across it emblazoned with the words "WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" It isn't there anymore. Someone must have figured out this was still, after all, Canada. Yes, 17 days is a long time on a ship. I am travelling with a friend who needs this type of getaway just now.
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Re: The Worst Train in the World
If I live it won't be my last. Just prior to that one, same trip, I'd gone from Guilin to Nanning, then after lunch got on another, overnight to Hanoi. Later overnight again, Hanoi to Hoi An. Now that I think about it I realize they got progressively worse as I went along, culminating in The Worst. I hadn't thought about it until just this minute, hindsight is a wonderful thing that way. A great disappointment to me several years ago was the apparently permanent cancellation of the Hanoi to...
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Re: Wow! Iceland Express successor adds U.S. flights
I really am excited about hearing this.I was a big fan of Iceland Express, so I'm hoping Wow will offer the same consistent low prices to North America as they did.
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Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Hi Hank. If you enjoy hiking and the weathers fair then you can go up to the Snow line and above. Take the Train up, then continue on foot to the peak. Train from Llandudno Junction on the North Wales coast Plenty of info here: http://www.nationalparks.gov.u...arks/travelsnowdonia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utjPQZVpOiY for the Mountain Railway .
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Re: Is Pre-check or Global Entry worth it?
I dunno...most of my overseas flights have come home through Kennedy in NY or gone out that way, and the way it's been sometimes, I think at $100 for 5 years, I'd take it. I'd probably even take it as a $50 per round-trip deal. When you get off the plane, you want to go home, not wait hours in a line...
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Re: Is Pre-check or Global Entry worth it?
Fortunately, Gulliver, most of us don't wait hours in line. But if that's your experience, it would be a good investment. But it's yet another thing to take care of.
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Re: Airport traffic up worldwide!
I've noticed more shops and selection in airports in recent years. Overall, there has been a trend toward "normalcy"; airport offerings and prices have become more in line with the world off airport.
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Re: Minneapolis in the winter
The Mall's more interesting than you might think - besides the shopping there are the restaurants, amusement venues, and events going on. Here some info about stuff to see at the Mall http://www.mallofamerica.com/attractions To get to the Mall of America you Take Metro Transit (easy and clean) From Minneapolis Hiawatha Light Rail (Route 55) - The Hiawatha light-rail line offers fast, frequent service from downtown (5th Street) to Mall of America. Hiawatha light-rail trains leave every 7.5...
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Re: Minneapolis in the winter
Hi Theodore! I am a Mall of America fan. You can easily spend an entire weekend (or many evenings) at the Mall of America. First of all, the mall is very easy to get to by train from downtown (CICAK did a wonderful job explaining that), and fares are quite cheap (fares go for about $1.75 to $2.25 one way depending on what time of day you ride). As CICAK also mentioned, there is something for everybody at the mall. If you just want to find a warm dry place to walk and people watch, I believe...
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Re: Capital of Culture Series: Liverpool
Now there's another word with mixed definitions ! In Britain you would say "I like GarryRF's spirit" You may want to check out what your version means in England ! Like when I attend a party in America and I get "Pissed" (Drunk) And someone says "Why - who upset you to make you pissed?"
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Re: "Spotted on the Road". Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
The black car is a 1970 Dodge Charger R/T. You can tell it's a '70 by the line across the middle of the grille and the shape of the front-fender running lights. R/Ts only came with two engine choices - the 375 HP 440 cubic inch or the 425 HP 426 Hemi. The second car is a 1969 Camaro. It appears to be an SS, but that's pretty easy to clone. Can't wait to see what you came up with in Cuba!
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Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
Remember these recommendations were in essence from the hotel owners. They are trying to have the consumer subsidize the poor salaries many of them pay. I'm a reasonably generous person, and I realize that most hotel employees are not wealthy, but I don't tip at those levels. I usually leave a few bucks for the maid if a good job is done, and for an excellent bit of advice or help will as well. But if I ask the concierge where the nearest bus stop is, that's his job and not worth the five...
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Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
I certainly understand GarryRF's comments completely. A guest has a right to expect a good quality meal with good service. That should be part of the dining experience. That said, because I was raised and have lived in Canada/USA my life, I have a sensitivity to food service employees not being paid well and being stressed by their employers. So I tend to follow Dave B's guidelines (thanks for outlining these, Dave!) If I see a waitress is trying hard, I'll leave the 15% tip (and don't come...
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Re: Doctor List for Traveling
SueZee, I'm sure there is but, as I mentioned, I just don't think you need to worry about it. As a last resort you can call the embassy if the first line of defense, hotels & pharmacies, can't help. Very unlikely. Tell your cousins only rank beginners and sick people spend time worrying that could be enjoyed planning their trip.
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Re: Doctor List for Traveling
Hi SueZee, I agree with PortMoresby. Embassies, pharmacies, hotel concierges, etc are a great help. I think that would be your first line of advice, if needed. There is a website that might be helpful, featuring English speaking physicians abroad. I know nothing about this organization, so it's not a recommendation -- just a resource. Here's that link.
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Re: Where in North America is the Euro the official currency?
Well, here's a bit to add, about the largest place in South America where the Euro is in use: French Guiana, which is technically a part of Metropolitan France (even Presidential candidates visit to drum up the vote!). Therefore, the bridge completed in 2011 and scheduled to open for traffic next month over the Oyapock River, will be the first permanent road connection between France and Brazil! More information HERE .
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Re: WiFi on the way for international flights
Geosynchronous orbit is only close enough to planes flying in that area (ie. around the equator). A plane flying the polar route from North America to Europe won't be able to connect with a geosynchronous satellite. They will be connecting with a series of lower altitude satellites, not unlike global satellite phone system. These satellites are moving quickly, as is the plane.
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Re: Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart
I know the implications of using a scantily clad "Bimbo" to sell cars ! But its also a reminder of the "Fairer Sex" who'll be waiting when I get home to share my moment of madness in signing on the Dotted Line. A Car is a Car. I can dream. Don't spoil it with trivia !
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Re: United's Award Chart: Premium Award Cost Goes UP
John's point about the ratio between the two tiers is interesting (we looked at that a little in a forum post this week on value of miles). My guess--and it's just that--is that the same kind of yield-management used to set prices has taken a look at this and is carefully balancing loyalty vs. burn... I can't really compare East vs West availability personally; my school schedules have defined when I can travel well enough that I'm able to start hunting tickets 330 days out, when the...
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Re: The Beautiful Pools and Geysers of Yellowstone National Park
Wow amazing pictures, beautiful colors, i love the ones with the yellow and orange colors. Is it true that under the Yellowstone Park is a giant vulcano and if it will be an eruption the whole America will be extinguished ?
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Re: Buenos Aires, Recoleta Basilica Nuestra Senora del Pilar's altar
DrF, I've never been to S. America so I'm fascinated by this one and all your pictures from BA. Please, keep them coming and I so look forward to the blogs to come.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo #20
Friday hint: The sun rises in the east...and this is North America.
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Re: Cape Grace Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
It was part of a package that included safaris in Botswana and travel to Victoria Falls, so I'm not aware of the line item expense but the package was expensive. But it was a remarkable experience, Andredeya. I usually stay in "average" places but once in a while it's nice to pamper yourself. The Cape Grace will definitely pamper you More info on Cape Town HERE . A Daytrip from Cape Town HERE .
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Re: Google Relaunches Zagat, minus content and search
I know what I think: I think that the ads should be so distinct (and funny, or pithy, or whatever tone) that no one could ever mistake them for user content. I'd hate to have to explain over and over that no, Gumbo is NOT recommending luggage sellers or tour companies, or--for that matter--kitchen remodeling in Britain. The creep over the line is so evident in the newspaper sales pitches for "rare" coins and various remedies dolled up to look like news articles.
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Re: Dutch mill village calls 'Enough!"
Don't bite the hand that feeds you. You don't know where your next "Wiener Schnitzel " will come from. For 4.3 Million they can take photos as they walk through my living room. "They doth protest too much, methinks" is a line from the c. 1600 play Hamlet by William Shakespeare
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo #297
Here's the last set of clues! Send your answer to TGSuggestions@gmail.com This first house was built for a wealthy commission merchant, that was modified many times. A neoclassical revival front porch with ionic columns and a circular pavilion was added to the main Italianate structure. Also, a carriage house was added made from bricks of the demolished house next door (mentioned in Friday’s clue). It is now listed as a Victorian Mansion on a list of historic registered places and landmarks.
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Re: Aug 4. 2016: Delaware City. Delaware.
I agree with Garry. Exploring small town America is tops! I love a few days in the big cities but feel at home in its small towns. Have yet to visit Delaware City but will check it out next time I'm in that part of the country. Imagine they have good crab?
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Re: The Huntington, Los Angeles (Where Gumbo Was)
Once again - an excellent introduction to the Gardens and Museums of America. Loved the photo's too. Must have taken some time putting them all together. Thank you.