Weekly Chat (Non-Osprey), 7 October 2018

Interesting that you enjoyed "A Star is Born" Dibnlib. I hope to see it. I too, love Barbra Streisand, but Lady Gaga is a fascinating person and certainly can sing.

Hope all goes well at the Docs for J, OG.   We are sort of forced to go to Wales, as its been weeks since we were there, and there will probably only be the time and the weather for about two more trips this year: we don't go in cold weather as its necessary to have the heating on full blast the whole time, as the insulation is not the same as a house.  Might as well be at home.

Have been trying to get an appointment at our GP's for our flu jabs, which we missed whilst away - the receptionist said that they are out of stock now as it was so well taken up this year, and they want us to ring them next week about it.

Cruising facts not usually known:

When you flush the loo, there is a big "whoosh!" and its all sucked down below into tanks - there is water in the loo but its not the same system as on land.

Absolutely all of the waste - poo etc is kept until the ship reaches a port where it can be discharged and disposed of, none of it is jettisoned at sea.  Nor is there any food waste etc. put overboard.

The water supply is often treated sea water and is not recommended to be drunk, bottled water is available.

The taps in the cabins have a spray attached to them, to make you feel as if you are getting plenty out of the tap:  in fact, its about a half of what is usually coming out of normal taps, but they save water that way.

Every ship has to have a safety drill before leaving port, and everyone including all of the crew and guests have to attend it, by law. The lifeboats are removed from their attachments and tested when in ports, regularly.

You can pay to be online on the WiFi when on board, but it is expensive:  our ship this time was charging 15.95 Dollars a DAY!!

You can get mobile phone signals when near to land, but your connection may come and go as you travel, which is not such a problem when somewhere like the Mediterranean, but could be when on a transatlantic trip for instance. I sometimes sent texts but they were not delivered for 24 hours!

Most of the crew, apart from some of the Entertainers, stay on board for up to 9 months at a time.  Our ship was lucky and our waiters told us that they were only on for 6 or 7 months before they could go home to see their families. The entertainers, such as singers who are only appearing for one performance, get on and off the ships and may get back onto the next ship in port owned by the same cruise line.

I recall that ANNETTE mentioned Crystal Cruise Line. She is correct, very expensive! That is the cruise line that is involved with our Danish friends' holiday next February - the holiday I am not having with them for several reasons, including the cost !!

I travelled last month - and will be travelling again in January - with CMV.  Most of what you say, Lindy, refers to them as well.  Not quite as expensive, and not quite such enormous ships - as someone said to me, on 'Columbus' you do have a chance of seeing the same person more than once!  We were followed around by some really enormous ships carrying up to four thousand passengers … I would not like that.

Trying to get a decent seat in the observation lounge is not easy.  Some people just leave a book or a coat on a seat - in spite of it not officially being allowed.  I for one wouldn't dare move anyone else's stuff even if it meant I sat next to an empty seat for several hours.  Why are some people so selfish???

Morning all:

OG: Hope doc is able to shed some light on J's "spells."  Good that EE has gone along too.

Lindybird: Take it easy  - there are things you can control and things you can't and, if you're like me, you very much want to control the latter!  After all, everyone would be so much better off if we were in charge, right?  :-)  Maybe do the cruise complaint day by day so you're accomplishing  it bit by bit and not trying to do it all in one sitting, which can be overwhelming.  Sounds like your OH was very glad to be home after his golfing weekend.  Ar you off to the caravan to shut it down for the winter?  I wonder why WiFi is so expensive on board ships.

Heather:  The only reason I know about Crystal is that my friend was a travel agent who knew all about the various cruise lines.   She used to be able to get great upgrades and extras for her clients (I wasn't one of them!).  

Lynette: Good to see you. I forgot where you're going?  Which cruise line?

PatO: Had to smile at the remark about the good chance of seeing the same person twice on the CMV line.  I can't stand it when people hog seats - no matter where they are.  I'd be tempted to have a steward move someone's stuff.

Family got home safe and in good time yesterday, but Ms D apparently didn't pack her "things to do on a long drive" bag well enough and was scolded for whining the last 100 miles or so by her Mom and grandma.  There are times when electronic devices are a definite plus.

Off to sort out the world.  California has a lot of state propositions on the November ballot, in addition to various state/county/city seats to be filled.  We've been going to meetings where the pros and cons are explained, along with who is supporting or opposing which.  Then there's the LA TImes and local media and political groups who have their own recommendations.  It's like studying for a college exam.

Take care all.

ANNETTE - Doc is following up on J's problem - will say more tomorrow.

Glad the GP is doing something actively OG.

Annette - We did act as you advised, in advance - have been making notes and comparing lists with each other ready to compose our complaints into an email. This we duly sent, yesterday. Also, the other day, filled out a questionnaire which the cruise line sent us - of course, we voiced our complaints on there but I am nothing but fair, I also praised the excellent food we had and the wonderful service of 99% of their employees.

Tonight, result! A reply from the Travel Agents promising action and possible refunds but saying that of course, they will have to take up some of the matter with Royal Caribbean (fair enough). (Thank you for your concern, Annette :-)  )

We are packed and almost ready to go tomorrow. I'm glad we didn't go today. Having a little tipple, and going to bed early again tonight.

Edit, realised I didn't answer your question - we're not closing her down just yet, we hope to make another visit.

Lindybird: Let's just hope any refunds don't take the form of freebies on another cruise with RC!

OG: Take care