Haven't posted anything for awhile so thought I would drop by and post a few words.
As I am approaching the 6 months to sail away date there are some matters that need attending to.
1. Passport renewal - mine expires within the six month time frame so yesterday I headed to the passport office in downtown Vancouver to renew it - I had filled it out on-line, printed and brought it with me - they did ask why I was renewing so early but when I told them that I needed to apply for a Visa that was good enough for them. It will be sent by registered mail to me in about two weeks - the cost was $87.00 which includes the consular fees.
2. Brazilian Visa - just as soon as I get the new passport I will take care of this - there is an consular office about 7 blocks from my place which is where I will go once I have completed the on-line part of the application.
3. Yellow fever shots - this has been the subject of much debate among us on the cruise critic web site as to whether we need to have it or not - Princess says it is a must but in checking both the CDC and Brazilian site etc it is not so clear - there is also much discussion about whether anyone over the age of 60 should get that shot and I fit that age bracket - many of those cruising who are over 60 have had the shot and not have any ill effects - as a reasonably healthy person I will check with my doctor and also consult the nurse at the travel clinic and see what they say.
4. Amtrak and travel insurance - just as soon as I have the Visa and now that I have the finances for the trip arranged I will book the train and buy the insurance.
5. Packing - with such a long trip I will need to be frugal in what I take - there are laundromats on the ship which I intend to use to cut down on the clothes that I need - because of the variety of weather we will encounter that also means a greater array of clothes. We also have 8 formal nights - I will bring dress slacks and shirts and a tie but no sports jackets - just too bulky - if they won't let me in the dining room on those nights I will just use the buffet.
6. Excursions - while you see in a previous post I have booked some private excursions I am waiting for the ships to be posted. Rio is the one port that I don't know what to expect - while I have a pretty good idea of what I want to see because of the huge and unpredictable crowds I don't know how well the tours will be able to get around and I am hesitant to set out on my own.
Cheers - still plan the story of my love affair with Amtrak.
D
Dennis, I have been following your blog since we will be doing SA on Carnival Splendor..I wanted to ask who you use for travel insurance? We have gone with our TA's normal people, but would like to compare others.
ReplyDeleteIn the past I have only taken trip cancellation insurance through my TA as my Canadian medical plans provide me with good out of country coverage up to 30 days at a time. The coverage is provided thru the Royal Bank of Canada Insurance division.
ReplyDeleteFor this cruise as it is longer than 30 days I will need to buy extra coverage - haven`t looked at it closely as it usually is handled at the same time as final payment but will probably stay with the Royal Bank.
I too have been following the roll call for the Splendor since many of the concerns and ports of call are similiar.
Cheers
Dennis