(Ajax has turned over the reins to me so keep me updated)

Ajax ( Tim & Penny) in # 633
AshD (Keith and Ash) in #601
Petlover (Tom and Marcie) in #631
Worldrunner (Sue and Ray) in #611
Cruisinfanatic (JoAnn and Frank) in #711
Jack and Laura in #710
Ngaire (Ngaire and Ken) in ????
Tom G (Tom and Mona) in #717
Bud & Sherry in #607
(Anna B.) Kathy & Al #606

Marcie, please move us to 608; can't wait for this cruise!

Hi Marcie. Geetings from New Zealand. Please move us to 621. September can't come soon enough.

Looks like LCT owns deck six. Three of us on deck 7, plus another couple that Jack and Laura invited, whom we also know. we will just have to come to deck six for parties.

Marcie,
Please move us to 615.

Boy a whole lot of cabins must have opened up on deck six. When we booked on PAGODA we had to take deck seven, as no balconies were open on six. Now suddenly I notice several have moved to deck six, yet it shows guarantee on the website. Oh well we have 4 cabins that I know of on seven so we are not entirely alone.

Greetings, All!
We just remembered to book our excursions and are quite pleased with the selection so far. Nothing yet for Miami. I'm interested to see what may happen with that, if anything.

JoAnn, your comment about balconies opening up on six even though the site shows "guarantee" made me giggle. Suite 601 is listed as "available" even though Keith and I are firmly booked in it (thank you, Clay!). Can't wait to get in there and finally understand the layout! I know about the pole, but the schematic shows what appears to be empty/wasted space just to the left of the entryway.

No matter! My birthday is 6 Sept (sea day) and anyone who would like to join us in 601 for pre-dinner drinks is welcome to pop by and say "howdy"! Gives us a reason to utilize the butler LOL

Cheers!
Ash

P.S. Very excited to sail with many of you once more! Every LCT cruise is full of such wonderful, diverse, and interesting folks!

Ash I have always wanted to see that cabin. We were booked in it once, but then got upgraded to deck 8, which was fine, but I never got to see that cabin. I had fears of running into that pole in the middle of the night LOL.

Ash, I am so interested in seeing that suite. Count us in for drinks to celebrate your birthday!

should have added count us in, always ready to celebrate a birthday.

601 has a built in alarm clock in ports - you are right next to the winches for the ropes pulling the ship to the dock and in port the anchor dropping will rattle the walls.

We stayed in 601 once and did not care for the layout. Although it looks like would feel larger than a regular suite, it really doesn't, and it is pretty dark since a wall separates the bedroom from the rest of the suite. We had some other issues, which they probably have corrected since then (i think we went in 2010?) - they gave us some future cruise credit to compensate. And there is the early morning noise.

Some people like those two suites, but we wouldn't book it again.

Jim and Leslie - exactly why we were glad to get an upgrade to deck 8, had heard a lot of those negative comments and decided to jump at the opportunity to move. Agree, though, there are people who love that suite.

JoAnn and Arlene (and everyone else, of course) - looking forward to hosting you in 601 on September 6th (red or white?)!

Leslie & JBittle, thanks ever so much for the insider info. We do not anticipate that the noise or rattling will affect us in a negative way, as long as the glasses don't start jumping off the shelves.

Leslie, since you've actually stayed in 601, perhaps you can shed some light on what the empty space to the left of the entry actually is (from the Regent suite layout) ?


Cheers!
Ash

The closet is to the left of the door - that little area towards the door is probably just a little counter? And next to the bed I think was just dead space.

Be aware that the photo they are showing on the web site is not of that suite - the bedroom area is enclosed and there is no window out to the deck from there, which is why it seems dark. The only outside view is the sliding doors to the balcony from the sitting area.

I see that they are calling it a Penthouse suite now. I think it used to be classified as F.

FYI - Excursions for Miami are now available.

know this might be a little early, but is anyone thinking about going to San Francisco early, or staying over in New York? Any hotel ideas? We are definitely thinking San Francisco a day or two.

Hey JoAnn!
Keith and I are going to San Fran early. Arrive mid-day Thurs 9/3. We got a great rate for Thurs and Fri at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero.

Excellent location for our needs: Avis is in the building, BART Embarcadero station across the street makes transfer from SFO to hotel cheap and easy, directly on cable car line, quick taxi ride to the pier on Saturday. It's also the hotel used in Mel Brooks' "High Anxiety", a personal favorite LOL

We intend to tour Alcatraz Thurs night, rent a car Fri to go to San Jose' - Winchester Mystery House - then explore San Francisco using walking tour books and cable cars right up to boarding time Saturday :)

I'm sure locals on the boards will have other suggestions based upon your needs and what you want to do in San Fran. The above is just perfect for us.

Looking forward to meeting you!
Cheers,
Ash

Edited to add: Has anyone else noticed how quickly this cruise went from mostly "available" to almost entirely "waitlist?" I guess tax refunds were better than expected LOL

Thanks Ash, will definitely check out the Hyatt. We love San Francisco and haven't been there in several years, so was thinking two nights as well. The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is a hoot for sure, went there several times as a teenager.

Look forward to meeting you as well.

Ash, you'll like this Hyatt. We stayed there when we disembarked after FUN 3. It's great and nice location.I doubt you'll want to rent a car. Like NYC, there's tons of public transportation and a car may be more of a liability with scarce parking $$$.
We may likely go up early as well staying with our San Jose family. Maybe we'll be able to get them a visitors pass to come on board on Saturday.

JoAnn, We're staying 4 nights in NYC visitingTom's family and friends since this is where he grew up. We're staying at the Holiday Inn Express on 45th Street in Midtown (good walkable location) using IHG points/free anniversary nights.

Hey, Marcie!
I hear you about the parking! Taking public trans to San Jose isn't a good use of our time, so we're renting for just the day. Very convenient to have the Avis desk in the Hyatt.

Glad to be sailing with you and Tom, again! Don't forget: Birthday drinks, our suite, 6 Sept ;)

Cheers,
Ash

Thanks Ash, We'll be there...we rarely miss a party

Marcie, can you drop us off this roll call; we have had to postpone our vacation.

Oh no Marc, was really looking forward to seeing you and Arlene again. Did notice you booked PALM, we haven't thought much about 2016 other than the Explorer in Sept.....sure will miss you guys.

A heads-up on Alcatraz tours: you must reserve online many weeks in advance. Very popular.

Awww! Marc and Arlene, we sure will miss you on CANAL!!!

PaulM, thanks for the heads up! When researching the best tour, the site suggested booking 3 months out for the evening cruise/tour. I marked that exact day on our calendar so I won't miss out LOL

Cheers!
Ash

Done Marc, I'm so sorry you won't be with us.

Russ and I are having to cancel CANAL also.

Moving to Palm also, as schedules have changed.

Well darn Susan, we were excited to see you and Russ as well.

me too Susan. You and Russ will be missed.
ok NO more cancellations...deal?

As a Bay Area "local" and 5th generation Northern Californian I'm reading some of your pre-cruise plans with interest.
OK, I have never been to Alcatraz. In fact, I don't know any of my friends who have been either! I realize TripAdvisor says it's the number 1 attraction and I guess for tourists it probably is. I know that it is certainly not unusual to have a big landmark "right there" and have never visited. Gone around it, yes, stepped foot on it no. We also try to steer clear of Fisherman's Wharf, especially the restaurants and do not eat Chinese in China Town. I have been to the Winchester Mystery House when I lived in Silicon Valley. It's pretty kitschy and the drive from SF to San Jose is just not inspiring.
Now, these are just my two cents as I think there are far more interesting and/or unique things to do when visiting. if you have the time we have world-class museums but San Francisco is all about the natural beauty. Do walk around and explore.

If you have access to a car Muir Woods National Monument is an easy drive just 11 miles over the Golden Gate. You're sailing under the bridge, why not view it from above as well! Start early and then carry on and spend the afternoon in Napa Valley. No car and still want to get out of the City? Take a ferry to Sausalito (or Tiburon) for lunch and look back and enjoy the great vistas of the City. On your return wander through Ferry Plaza. It has some great restaurants and spots to enjoy uniques views of the Bay Bridge. Wonderful local oysters at Hog Island and outstanding Vietnamese at the Slanted door. Have a flight of wine at the Ferry Plaza Wine Bar.
I'm sure everyone knows that the Cable Cars are the only moving National Monument. We do ride them when we have out of town friends visiting. Don't wait in line with the crowds at the foot of Powell Street but hop on somewhere along the line.
The Bay Area has some of its best weather in September, so go ahead, play tourist, just enjoy!

I've been to Alcatraz! It was an interesting trip. The ride over is beautiful and the tour is very worthwhile.

It's funny how you seldom do the "tourist" things in your own area. I found that to be true in Denver. Even though I lived there for 10 years I never toured the Mint and didn't drive Trail Ridge Road until the weekend before I moved to Texas. I'm sure there are plenty of Texas things I've never done even though I've been here for 24 years.

Suzanne, Hi! It's been a while.

Thanks for some additional options pre-cruise in San Fran!

Keith and I "collect" prisons (Eastern State Penitentiary, Andersonville, Kilmainham Gaol, The Tower, etc.), so Alcatraz is a must LOL Comparing the various tours, the night option is a more complete experience which includes narration on the ferry whilst in the Bay. My fascination with architecture is what makes the Winchester House so compelling. The strange backstory is equally interesting from a history teacher/geek point-of-view. We're both looking forward to walking/public transporting San Francisco and experiencing the magnificent architecture there as well!

Good to know about Chinatown. Thanks for alternative food suggestions. We only have 1 full day and two half days (Thurs afternoon arrival, All day Fri, and Sat afternoon embarkation) and are packing as much adventure into that short time as we can. Further investigation will certainly see us explore a land based vacation in the future.

Hope you are well and happy!
Ash

So true...guess we all take things for granted where we live. After going to Disneyland every day, I think I've ONLY been there 5 times since (4 of these times were when the kids were under 12). Something about knowing we can go anytime...but we don't.

I think Lauri and Marcie are spot on about overlooking the "tourist" things on our home turf.

AshD, wow, you and Keith "collect" prisons! Mark and I are far more mundane only "collecting" wineries (and wine). Don't know if Alcatraz will be the jewel in your crown, but it will be unique as an island (unless you've already collected Robben Island, and Devil's Island and...).

We got an email a week or so ago from Keene Travel, forwarding us a notice from Regent that they were recommending Malaria shots for Puerto Quetzal I think it was, assuming everyone else also got the same email. Just wondering what you all are planning on doing in that regard get the shot or not? Reasons you might or might not get it.

Appreciate any help/advice.

Here is a good link with lots of information.

https://www.iamat.org/country/guatemala/risk/malaria

Malaria prevention is not a shot but a tablet and the best one to use is Malerone. Whatever you do be SURE you do NOT GET Lariam or a generic of Lariam.

Atovaquone-proguanil - What we take if we decide to take Malaria prevention pills: Brand names: Malarone, Malanil and others; generics available.

Mefloquine hydrochloride - the BAD STUFF Brand names: Lariam, Mephaquin, Mefliam and others; generics available.

Simply read the side effects of these two different drugs to see why you should not take Lariam. A terrible drug and some people have VERY serious effects.

Problem is most US doctors are not that familiar with Malaria. The side effects of Lariam can be really bad. So you need to be SURE you do not have a generic of Lariam.

Malaria is spread primarily by the Anopheles Mosquito. This mosquito is active from dusk to dawn so do not go up on deck after dusk or have your balcony door open. I probably would not take an excursion to ruins in a jungle. Use common sense to avoid exposure whether you take Malerone or not.

Whether you take the malaria pill or not is up to each person. When we have taken Malerone we have had no side effects but other people have, but not serious side effects like Lariam can have.

WOW good information Ngaire, I was hoping you might chime in, knowing you had probably dealt with this issue before. Thanks so much, will talk with our Doctor's and go from there. Will definitely stay away from the bad one.

I just checked to see if we had an excursion...yep, called "Auto Safari" (some kind of zoo I guess). When we went to SoAmerica our doctor prescribed Malarone and we had no problems or side effects, no need to avoid alcohol either.

Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone)
Good for last-minute travelers because the drug is started 1-2 days before traveling to an area where malaria transmission occurs

Some people prefer to take a daily medicine

Good choice for shorter trips because you only have to take the medicine for 7 days after traveling rather than 4 weeks

Very well tolerated medicine – side effects uncommon

Thanks Marcie. I was wondering about alcohol with those meds. After reading the link from Ngaire, I'm wondering why any of the others, especially that one would even be on the market.....side effects sound as bad or worse than Malaria itself....crazy.