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(Second of two parts)

In this 2-part series, I am adding to the suggestions made by ITN subscriber Cynthia Rignanese regarding what to do within the first few hours of boarding a cruise ship (Dec. ’12, pg. 12). In my view, many of these things are better done before embarking. This month I will cover shore excursions, special classes, phone/Internet access and ship’s library books. 

Shore excursions

Ms. Rignanese advised booking any shore excursions...

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Kueh Dadar on a plate decorated with a typical Peranakan design.
Singapore. Kueh Dadar, a Nonya Peranakan snack or dessert
Tempting plates in Spain’s tapas bars make it easy to sample new foods. Photo: Rick Steves
Eating well by seeking out local specialty foods and national dishes
Karthuizerhofje in Amsterdam.
Visiting a number of historic hofjes (courtyards) in Amsterdam (1 of 2 on the Netherlands)
Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Duich, Scotland. Photo by Richard Semik/123RF
A Passenger Bill of Rights for US passengers in North America purchasing cruises, regardless of itinerary, with any CLIA member cruise line. Also, the British airline EasyJet encourages smaller carry-ons.

 (First of two parts)

ITN subscriber Cynthia Rignanese of Lake Wales, Florida, wrote a useful piece on “what to do within the first few hours of boarding any cruise ship” (Dec. ’12, pg. 12). While her recommendations are helpful, I feel that many of her suggestions should be done, in fact, before you cruise in order to maximize your enjoyment. 

I will discuss these this month and next, drawing on my cruising experience and on discussions I had with...

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Governor’s Residence, an oasis of calm in busy Yangon.
A visit to the green haven surrounding the Victorian-era Governor’s Residence in Yangon, Myanmar

In June 2012, I slowly chauffeured our leased Peugeot on a one-lane road through the majestic scenery of the Provence in southern France. As I drove, I thought I should share with ITN readers how my wife, Flory (who passed away last year), and I journeyed 4,000 miles by car from the Netherlands to the Côte d’Azur and back, all at the age of 87. 

Despite our difficulty walking and Flory’s needing to use a rollator, a 4-wheeled walker, which usually has a platform on...

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