OT -- world cruise

Don't I wish!

I am booked, and hoping some quilters and other stitchers will be on board for long afternoons at sea. As to your questions ---

The ship leaves New York City on January 13, and returns to New York City on April 13. You can purchase segments, however, such as New York to Sydney or LA to New York. (I went New York to LA via Panama Canal in 2005, which was the first leg of the world cruise and only 14 days.)

Cost is variable, depending on type of cabin, length of cruise, etc. I aim for $200 a day cost, and book a modest inside cabin. There are some extremely pricey cabins on board, but they are probably all sold out. (On ships the most expensive accommodations always sell first!) Your fare includes everything except for alcohol, soda pop (go figure!), gambling money, internet access, international phone calls, and whatever you might buy in the shops. Shore excursions, the hair salon, special spa treatments, and medical fees (if you need the doctor) are extra. Getting to and from New York is another cost, of course. However, your fare includes your cabin, all meals, room service, movies, lectures, entertainment, games, and formal afternoon tea. I am planning to brush up my ballroom dancing and go to the art classes and cooking demonstrations -- all included, of course!

Yes, it's a VERY dressy ship! That means resort wear for daytime (nice shorts or slacks and blouses and tennis shoes), and for evenings either "informal" (cocktail dress or something you would wear to an afternoon wedding), or "formal" (formal evening wear that would go nicely with a gentleman in tuxedo). You would also want a swimsuit and nice cover-up and sandals if you swim or sunbathe. No denim or halter tops are ever seen on board. You can have laundry done for you at an extra fee, or do your own in the laundromat, which has machines and ironing facilities at no cost and soap provided.

My costs will be fairly modest -- the basic cabin fare, of course. I seldom drink, and only gamble occasionally at very small stakes. I take easy-care clothing that I can handle myself very easily in the laundromat or hand-wash and almost never need to iron. My splurges tend to be in taking wonderful shore excursions -- why not see everything you can in those exotic places? And I do a bit of shopping on shore, but nothing extravagant at all.

It's going to be a fabulous trip!

Only in my dreams........green with envy......have an absolutely wonderful time

Wendy in Nsw

Howdy!

The only problem I see is ... the water.

Guess I'll keep quilting on dry land. ;-D

Have a great time, Mary!

R/Sandy -- deep water: *shudder*

Sounds like fun up to the dressy part. Jeans and t-shirts are the going thing for me. Dressy is my new pair of easy spirits.

Oh, if I am away from home more than 3 days I get homesick. I doubt they would expedite for me !

What a wonderful trip for someone that enjoys traveling though.

You have dry land there in TX these days Sandy? Sounds like you folks have gotten more than your share of rain. They are threatening some here. Hope so. The Big Bear fire fighters sure could use it.

Taria

Sandy Ellis> Howdy!

OOO arrrr a ship to go with my gold teeth, eye patch and wooden leg:)))) (another OT post)

Have a wonderful time Mary, but remember to take plenty of sick bags with you;)))

I don't own any dresses either and only one skirt and that's denim.. so I couldn't go either..

Elly (who'd better shift herself down to the gallery)

This may sound like heresy, but I AM going on the trip, and AM NOT TAKING dresses, which I hate! I am also NOT TAKING shoes with heels and NOT TAKING hose! For "informal" stuff I have some dressy pants suits (nice trousers, nice shell top, and nice jacket) and a nice pair of very loose silk trousers and matching silk tunic shirt. I will wear flat shoes and carry a small purse with a long strap I can have over my shoulder. For "formal" I have a pair of black trousers with an overlay of very loose black sheer fabric (looks like a floor length skirt, but isn't), and several fancy tops (with glittery patterns or metallic fabric or beading) and sleeves that are either short or 3/4 length. I will wear flat shoes and carry a small black evening bag for those. For daytime, it's knit shorts in several basic colors, which are no-iron and go with any top, and some no-tucking-in camp- shirt style shirts, plus tennies and socks. I'll fly to and from the ship in slacks and a shirt, and thus will have a pair of khaki plants on hand in case it's cool on shore or needed for admission to any places on shore where "modest" dress is required (and the ship program will say so if that is true.) Flipflops and swimsuit and coverup for the pool, of course, and a tote bag for daytime on board that will have my ID, key, a paperback, sunglasses, daily program, and sewing stuff (small kit and current block being pieced). Dresses, skirts, heels, and hose are NOT required! And believe me, there will be huge numbers of women just like me on board who will not be wearing dresses, skirts, hose, and heels! Some will take a lot of very expensive jewelry, but the rest of us will not. Don't let clothes keep you from a wonderful vacation! It's not necessary at all!

Sounds perfect!!!!! You could be a personal shopper. I bet you look great in all those outfits!

Mary: You are so right! The attire you described for the informal (cocktail wear) and for the formal evenings are EXACTLY what I saw on about 95% of the women on my cruise last year (Celebrity Cruise, Alaska) ... some had basic black skirts, some dressy trousers. I suggest you also have warm shawl for evenings when you go out on deck. Daytime wear is all over the board. Comfort is key. I tend to go with 'polished but casual' look.

Cunard is really top notch. We crossed the North Atlantic on the QEII about 12 years ago. I especially loved the afternoon tea. DH and I would be thrilled to take the round the world cruise. Have a wonderful time.

PAT in VA/USA PS: When lounging on deck, have a hand appliqué or quilting project going, along with a quilting magazine. That is a sure way to meet other quilters.

Mary wrote: