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Tagged With "Disney Cruise Line"

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Re: Thinking Cuba? Tickets not so easy yet!

GarryRF ·
Many Americans travel to the Capital - Havana. Its a big - overgrown and mostly poor city. Not really a flavour of the real Cuba and its people. Wherever you go on the Island they do 2-3 day trips to Havana. The stores are mostly empty and food is strictly rationed to the locals. So you'll be better going to one of the hundreds of All Inclusive Hotels that line the coast. Inclusive vacations fly from Toronto to Resorts all around the Island. Very much like Dominican Republic - without the...
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Re: Airbnb's plans for business travelers

PortMoresby ·
My point, more succinctly, is that while I have no problem with Airbnb expanding it's customer base, a surprising number of my guests are first-time users and I spend an inordinate amount of time trying to extract them from dead-ends they've gotten themselves into on the site. Until the booking process is a straight line, easily negotiated by new users, I believe their efforts would be better spent serving the customers they already have, before heading in new directions.
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Re: Beating Jet Lag

GarryRF ·
When you arrive at your departure airport set your watch to your destination time. Sleep as much as you want to on the flight. Wear headphones to avoid being woken - listen to some smooth tunes on your MP3. Take snacks and bottled water. Don't eat big meals before and during your flight. Take a puzzle book to keep your mind active while you are awake. Take a pee long before they put the seat belt sign on for landing. (Waiting too long in line for Immigration when you're busting makes you bad...
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Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba

Paul Heymont ·
I know this is open to double meaning in this context...but yes, I remember sharing a party line. Leavenworth, KS, 1951. Our number was 779-J and we were #10 of the 12 families on the line. There was a distinct ring for each family...can't remember ours (I was 7 at the time).
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Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba

DrFumblefinger ·
Garry, it seems like you were a naughty boy. I suspect you actually took part in some of these party line calls, rendering some good advice, I'm sure -- whether wanted or not.
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Re: Airbnb now open for business in Cuba

PortMoresby ·
Ours was 2 shorts and a long (or was it 2 longs and a short?), also early '50s, Danville, California. It was an idyllic new subdivision in the rolling golden hills, golf course next door and a community pool under the oaks, a short walk from home. It would never have occurred to us that a party line made life any less wonderful.
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Re: How do you use the internet while traveling?

DrFumblefinger ·
I have not been to Japan, but generally my travel experience with internet access has been much more positive than yours. I've generally had good luck with getting on line in Europe, South America and even Southern Africa. Once in a while the internet might be down at a place I'm staying at, but usually it's quickly repaired. Exceptions to this are very rural areas, like in Patagonia and where I'm heading next week, Yellowstone National Park. There is really not internet available at most...
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Re: Outdated Information, Print & Online

DrFumblefinger ·
This is problematic, especially when it comes to accommodations and restaurants in my experience, because ownership and management changes and closures are far from rare in the travel industry. A lot of guide book publishers have on line sites which provides updates to the guidebook. But that takes lots of effort and this is a real downside of printed media -- its short half life. Glad to hear you're looking at Sri Lanka! It's a wonderful destination.
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Re: Euro airlines: Delays continue in compensation for delays

Paul Heymont ·
I'm going to take the contrary view. First, remember that the short clip above doesn't reflect the detailed regulations or the deliberations of the court. But remember the circumstance quoted “which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken,” Reasonable measures guarantee that crews are scheduled so that even if illness befalls the scheduled crew, it does not take over 3 hours to bring a replacement crew on line. Reasonable measures to avert mechanical...
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Re: Would you believe: Beach tours to N. Korea!

Travel Rob ·
I would like to see how life is in North Korea although it looks the minders have a tight grip on what you can see.From the documentaries, it seems similar to cold war era Romania. One of the most interesting documentaries I've seen is "Crossing the Line" about a American defector to North Korea. After the Korean War ,six American soldiers defected . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Joseph_Dresnok https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/s...la&hsimp=yhs-001
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Re: Ferry Service to Cuba Approved by US

GarryRF ·
$300 for a ferry trip sounds extortionate Rob. As Cuba slowly becomes an acceptable destination, it appears that too many groups want to line their pockets with the proceeds of repatriation of broken families.
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Re: Venice gets OK to tax day-trippers

Paul Heymont ·
It seems in line with the per-night local taxes that many, maybe most, cities impose on hotel rooms. And since it was approved by the parliament, perhaps that's an indicator that something may happen soon on plans to keep the huge ships away from the city itself. One hopes.
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Re: Best Ways To Reach Heathrow Airport Quickly In London

Dan Carter ·
I just noticed this morning in TravelGumbo News that Heathrow Express is cutting its fares because of competiton with train service that wasn't mentioned here. That's what used to be called Heathrow Connect, and is now called TfL Rail, and will soon be called the Elizabeth Line. It's only 15 minutes slower than the Express, and the price is the same as the Tube. Both of those go only to Paddington Station in London, way in the West End, but once TfL Rail is connected to the new Crossrail...
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Re: Peripatetic Bhutan

DrFumblefinger ·
An interesting post, Lester. Thanks for sharing all this information. I've always been puzzled by the concept of Gross National Happiness. How could this be measured? Happiness and enjoyment of life are very important, but it sounds like a government propaganda line to make poor people feel good about their life's circumstances.
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Re: Italy gets first no-smoking beach

GarryRF ·
5 Million might love it - but a production line like that is my idea of Hell !
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Re: Aarhus: Is it strictly for the birds?

GarryRF ·
Seagulls are just rats with wings. They ruin lake fishing when you scatter ground bait. Scare the fish. Take 12 inches of fishing line. Tie a hook at each end. Make a ball of bread at each hook. Shoot into the sky with your bait catapult. Catch a seagull at each end. The noise they make scares the rest of the flock. Instantly fly away !
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Re: TSA strands 450 overnight: could it get worse?

DrFumblefinger ·
What a mess. The very agency that is to protect citizens from terrorist activity is creating an environment wherein "tent communities" are springing up at America's airports. How embarrassing is that. Talk about a target rich environment for the bad guys. The TSA's funding, even with "cuts", is about US$ 7.3 billion for 2016. In contrast, Canada, which has 1/10th the population of the USA, has an airport screening budget of about CDN $0.56 billion, and Transport Canada acknowledges it has...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 6, 2015: Winchester Cathedral

DrFumblefinger ·
Wow, a GREAT cathedral. And the quirky video at the end was a nice touch. I always was curiously fascinating by that song, especially the 'bringing me down' line you referred to. Some day I'd like to hear the story of your journey across the Atlantic on the QM2
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Re: Most of China's Wall in danger: Can it be saved?

PortMoresby ·
This is old news. Very old. Villages in proximity to the wall have been built from it's bricks for eons and the parts that people love to visit and pretend are historical are nothing of the kind, but completely newly built and Disney-fied versions for the tourists, foreign & domestic. The Chinese government, in its (lack of) wisdom has no more interest in cultural preservation than it does in playing fair in any area of endeavor. History and its artifacts are tools having no value beyond...
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Re: Chip Credit Cards to Change the Way US Tips at Restaurants

Paul Heymont ·
Actually, that's only one way of looking at it...another is that it may push many people (I included) to resume cash tips. The "convenient" suggested amounts, which even now appear on many slips can be very deceptive, both because they usually place the normal or usual amount as if it were the lowest "acceptable" amount, but also because often—not always—they calculate percent not on the restaurant bill but on the total of the bill plus tax. The difference can be significant. Interestingly,...
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Re: Portland, Oregon — Part I - Eating

HistoryDigger ·
Jonathan, thanks for your kind comments. Glad to know you, like thousands of others, are a Voodoo Doughnut fan. I laughed when I heard the shop employee tell the people in line, "You think you're at the end of a long line, but you're really at the beginning of a great food adventure!" Then he revealed the line would take 45 minutes (in the heat). But those fans stayed in line. Gotta love it.
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Re: Portland, Oregon — Part I - Eating

PortMoresby ·
One more Voodoo fan here, taken by my Portland-native nephew one memorable evening, dinner at Portland City Grill with its wonderful views, then doughnuts for dessert, cool evening, no line. The best of everything, it appears.
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Re: Jan. 30, 2016: Houseboat, Marin County, CA

PortMoresby ·
The roof line is different because your photo is taken from the opposite end. There are so many other distinctive details, the style of mooring for instance, as well as the dock, and the missing stovepipe is behind leaves in yours. I'm also somewhat familiar with the area, having lived twice in Sausalito. I know of no other houseboats on the way to Muir Woods. Give up.
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Re: South Korea enacts tough aviation laws to stop air rage

DrFumblefinger ·
I didn't know this was such a big problem in Korea. Seems a little heavy handed, but perhaps they need to bring their misbehaving people in line.
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Re: February 15, 2017: Sunset on Newcastle Quayside

DrFumblefinger ·
Hi Tony, Just to let you know that your Newcastle Quayside photo is our POD today. This is the last of the photos I have from you so when you get a chance, pop a few more my way. Thanks,Karl From: TravelGumbo < alerts@hoop.la > To: DrFumblefinger < drfumblefinger@yahoo.com > Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2017 3:00 AM Subject: Post By ViewFromTheChairPhotography: February 15, 2017: Sunset on Newcastle Quayside Post By ViewFromTheChairPhotography: February 15, 2017: Sunset on...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#155)

Paul Heymont ·
The Puzzler apologizes...he sent the Thursday clue by e-mail and tweet, but forgot to post here! So here's the Thursday clue, and the Friday clue as well, both inside views... On the weekend, there will be two clues a day to help you to the finish line!
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Re: Going to Heathrow? Well, it's NOT in London!

PortMoresby ·
To borrow a line from the band, Chicago, "Does anybody really care" who calls itself what?
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Re: Classic American Cars #3

GarryRF ·
No Dave. I've had it since new and it gets a very easy life ! Still only done 24,000 miles. Its has an Aluminum body and is very lightweight. So even the low HP has an amazing power to weight ratio. Red line on RPM is around 11,000 rpm and it flies up to 89mph. Which is where the Maximum speed is electronically governed. The metal roof fits into the trunk in 3 sections and the rear window drops down too.
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #4.5, 12/6/13

PortMoresby ·
I think that's it! The benches look the same, even the palm trees, a clump of 2 and another of 5 on the left and the bunch on the right. And the piling out of line on the left. That's got to be it. Good job.
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? (11/20/13)

PortMoresby ·
Oops, maybe the Puzzler is supposed to officially confirm the winner. Sorry Puzzler if I'm out of line. Just excited.
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Re: Welcome to England! Brits expedite your entry

DrFumblefinger ·
I think these sorts of things are nice for the frequent travelers, like pilots, airline stewardesses/hostesses, business people, sales people, etc. I'm not sure there's much of a role for them for average travelers on vacation. Besides the fees, there's the time spent getting the documentation filled out and filed, and so on; probably as long as waiting in line a few times. And, PHeymont, it does not surprise me that the entire thing is a way to shake more money from people. At times it...
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Re: Tampa Bay Automobile Museum: 3) cars from the USA and UK

rbciao ·
The National Corvette Museum and the nearby GM assembly plant are located in Bowling Green, Ky. and both venues are really worth a visit. The museum is just off of I-65 at exit 28, so it is easy to find. Plus, there are signs on the interstate in both directions making it well marked. We saw the signs when we were southbound on our way to Louisiana and decided to stop on our way home. We figured an hour in each location and we spent over two hours in each. We could have spent many, many...
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Re: I get to Boomerang to Spain ! Cheap !

Paul Heymont ·
Similar to WorkerBee's experience, I've done these bookings using the Multi-City function, which allows you to specify a date for each segment. It didn't require assistance. Actually I've never had to pay a fee for help when booking something that could not be done on line, but who knows these days. I've done these stopover trips a number of times (NY-Budapest/open jaw/Prague-London w/stopover and then back to NY, etc.) The AAdvantage desk agents, by the way, are some of their best and can...
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Re: "Cruise Night", Thunder Bay, Ontario: The 1920's

GarryRF ·
Ottoman. You must have a production line working overtime ! Remember those happy days when you just had Sunday off work - and you spent it under your car ! Greasing those bits and bobs so you'd survive another week !
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Re: Credit Card size Cameras ! Any Good?

GarryRF ·
My ASDA on line says No Stock - but I took a look behind the full price display in store ! And only Red left !
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Re: Gallery: Hapuna Beach Prince Resort, Hawaii

GarryRF ·
Some resorts have a rule that the tree line is the maximum building height. Blends in with the local landscape much better. Looks like this hotel was built to fit the local landscape. With the gardens it looks wonderful.
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Re: Gumbo’s Pic of the Day, February 20, 2015: Postcards from Morocco - orange juice vendors

GarryRF ·
Another unusual practice that came as quite a shock. Not one that you or I will suffer I think Mac. My daughter has long natural blonde hair. And every male in the market wanted to stroke it. I told them a firm NO ... but they insisted. And the line to touch her increased. So our day in the market was cut short.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? #64

Paul Heymont ·
I think the terrain may be deceptive (or the bridge). If the terrain is flat, why would the rail line be elevated in this way? On the other hand, the area may be less flat than it looks from this spot...
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Re: Behind the Rides: Orlando leads U.S. in visits and low-wage jobs

DrFumblefinger ·
I am not sure if an employee working in tourism in NYC would have a higher quality of life even if paid more. Orlando at least is cheap. Also many folks in the tourist trade make a lot of their earnings from tips which rarely are fully reported as income. So I never know what to make of studies like this
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Re: Finding Reiner #3: Inside Old Shadows

HistoryDigger ·
Travel Rob, I hope we will hear more about your ordeal. You've got me hooked with that teaser line.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#48)

Paul Heymont ·
Once this started going, it went fast! It is, indeed, Heroes' Square in Budapest, and tomorrow morning you'll know all about which heroes—but I will say that it is not Genghis Khan, nor the 1956 rebels... Congratulations to Lynn for the answer, and to MAD Travel Diaries who obviously knew it, too, from her reference to the station on Budapest's 1896 Metro Line 1.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#51)

Paul Heymont ·
Is that a trick of perspective, or are the columns really out of line?
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Re: Plugged In and Ready to Go?

GarryRF ·
I use this device from "Anker". Its a rechargeable battery that holds 13,000mAh. Or 13 Amps of power to take on the move with you. Two recharge outlets using your USB charge lead. 1amp per hour or 1.5amp per hour. I've had plenty of use from it and keeps its charge for weeks - with its internal Lithium Ion Battery. Excellent company Anker. Emailed me after my on line purchase. Asked if they could be of any further help just Email them. I bought this for $30 when it was on offer with Amazon.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Apr. 2, 2014: Looking Across Time

Paul Heymont ·
Bercy is the one, and the one I had the hardest time recalling. But! SMH, as they say these days, I realized that it is actually No. 7! I left out the Gare d'Austerlitz. The 6 came from a reference online, which I since realized was old enough perhaps not to include Bercy, which was a freight station until 1977, when it was reconfigured to handle overnight sleepers, especially those on which you can take your car with you. The two no-longer operating stations are Orsay (of course) and...
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Re: Tips on Getting FF Seats.

Paul Heymont ·
That's good advice in her column! I've often had success calling back when I didn't get the "right" answer the first time helps...and the night shift often has the most experienced agents. Other useful tips, aside from being the most pleasant if sadly disappointed customer they've had all day: Plan early, book early. If you really want to fly to Paris in late July on the cheapest FF tickets, your best bet is late August: the airlines generally open seats 330 days ahead, and if you can be...
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All the Tea In...Charleston?

PortMoresby ·
  Tea gardens, as the farms are traditionally known, no matter the size, have been seducing me for over a decade.  In Yunnan and Guangxi Provinces of China, Himachal Pradesh and Darjeeling in Himalayan India, in the Cameron Highlands of...
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Memphis, Tennessee: 1) Graceland

DrFumblefinger ·
  3764 Elvis Presley Blvd.  It’s an address most Elvis fans know by heart because that’s where you’ll find Graceland .  Graceland is THE place every Elvis must visit at least once in their lifetime.  Not only was...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, November 27, 2014: The Feast!

Ottoman ·
  A few years ago I had the pleasure of taking a Caribbean cruise.  It was such fun spending time with my family, being pampered by the front line crew who did their best to make sure all of their guests were having a good time, and being...
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For those who hate Heathrow, Gatwick plans new allure

Paul Heymont ·
London's Gatwick Airport, second only to Heathrow in British air traffic, is in a hot competition with Heathrow for the right to build an additional runway to accommodate growing air traffic in Southeast Britain. Part of its strategy is to line up a...
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