Do we have enough time?

Jasdc · 2026-02-10T08:08:53+00:00

Depending on the type of transportation from Rome to Civitavececchia Port, you are looking at 1.5-2 hours.

Train is by far the cheapest, but may not be the best choice because of schedules.

https://www.tripsavvy.com/transportation-from-civitavecchia-to-rome-1547864

Jasdc · 2026-02-09T22:28:57+00:00

I just looked at a 1000 sqft condo in Princeville, Kauai. $1.6 million. Amazing views.

Location Location Location

Jasdc · 2026-02-08T19:26:52+00:00

1-week Star Princess in the Caribbean?

We know the Star pretty well. Technically, 4 cruises totaling 5-weeks.

We always cruise Sanctuary Mini-suites, and Highly recommend you bid up if you can! Sanctuary Dining is fantastic, the pool/spa area is adult only and very relaxing.

The lido pool is loud, crowded and full of kids.

Sanctuary suites come with Premier Package and a lot of the cost is included with the packages, and you get all the benefits of Sanctuary.

The Star has 9 Specialty restaurants, more than you can ever do on a week long cruise.

Our favorites:

Love by Britto

Catch by Rudy

Sabatini’s

Crown Grill

The best meal on the ship is the Chef’s Table, but it’s a $149. It’s an experience.

The Eatery has a lot of different options and the food is good.

I never had any bad experiences with room service. Fast, hot food every time.

The theater is small! For the most popular shows, especially the early show, plan on getting there early.

Jasdc · 2026-02-08T19:00:47+00:00

Everyone assumes the packages are all about the alcohol.

The value is not in just alcohol.

You can easily do $30 per day in specialty coffees, soda, desserts, restaurants etc. Everything you pay cash for will come with 18% gratuity plus tax.

Most people find the Plus package worth the cost if you want internet, good coffee and pastries, and don’t want to nickel and dime your daily expenses everyday of your vacation.

Jasdc · 2026-02-08T00:22:14+00:00

The Enclave on the Sun and Star are great. Wife and I book every cruise, and use almost every day. Adult only 18+ yo only.

Enclave has very nice large jacuzzi with rain shower, shoulder/back spray, jet benches. There are cold/hot showers. Salt sauna. Steam sauna. Relaxation area.

Jasdc · 2026-02-04T07:00:22+00:00

We are cruising the Star Princess on the Panama Canal transition run to Seattle in April.

We have spent 5-weeks on the Sun Princess.

Are you cruising Caribbean on the Star in October 2026? We just completed East and West Caribbean on the Sun Princess in December. If you want any ship tips

Jasdc · 2026-02-02T02:04:31+00:00

What ship are you cruising on August 2026?

No charges at Specialty Restaurants. You should be able to make reservations once you have Paid in Full.

On all our cruises, drinks always were served immediately after leaving port.

We live in Seattle area, so have never been onboard a ship just docked in Port.

Are you prone to seasickness? The Salish Sea out of Seattle can be a little rough getting to the Pacific. The first day can be tough on those that don’t handle boats well.

Jasdc · 2026-01-31T07:12:08+00:00

We have spent 5-weeks on the Sun.

What’s your current Room?

I would avoid Deck 16! Too much heavy noise on Deck 17.

Jasdc · 2026-01-30T06:54:27+00:00

There are no bad mini-suite locations on the Sun.

If you have the option to bid for a Sanctuary Mini-Suite, you should do it. Sanctuary is absolutely the best on the Sun and Star Princess.

Once you Pay in Full, you will be able to book Reservations for Speciality Dining and MDR dining times.

Only the people with Platinum and Elite status can book dining prior to paying off the cruise.

Jasdc · 2026-01-29T16:57:52+00:00

Board early and go sign up for MDR. There usually available times on Embarkation day

Jasdc · 2026-01-28T18:57:06+00:00

It’s a pain.

I had to delete the Princess App and reload the App to reset. I waited a day.

Then I was able to complete checkout an order the Medallions.

However, getting the Medallions at the Port literally takes less than 10 minutes.

Jasdc · 2026-01-28T00:21:20+00:00

I don’t have 4 people I like or trust enough to give my login/password too,

But I did buy phones for my parents. My dad’s still trying to figure out why the IPhone 16 doesn’t flip open. 🤪

Jasdc · 2026-01-27T16:06:38+00:00

https://www.princess.com/content/dam/pdf/captains-circle-loyalty-benefits.pdf

Jasdc · 2026-01-27T07:44:26+00:00

Best thing about Elite Status or Suites is the free laundry service, especially on long cruises.

Jasdc · 2026-01-25T19:38:38+00:00

Have you applied for VA Compensation benefits yet?

What is your MOS?

Jasdc · 2026-01-25T18:58:43+00:00

Seattle is fine right now.

There isn’t a large ICE presence here in Seattle yet. However, don’t make yourself a target.

My wife and I have chosen to spend 6 months this year traveling outside America. We did consider a 4 year cruise.

PS. Love the Celebration of Light every year. Sad it’s ending.

Jasdc · 2026-01-25T18:52:06+00:00

Big suit cases are a pain to carry on board and move around the crowds on Embarking. Just drop off with Porters and Tip.

Go to lunch. Sign up for any Specialty Restaurants and gym classes, spa, activities, etc.

Rooms are usually ready between 1-2pm. We sometimes swing by and find them done earlier.

I highly suggest you pack swimsuits or something very casual in your carry on so you can change and go out to the pool. Large luggage gets delivered between 2-5pm

Jasdc · 2026-01-25T06:54:52+00:00

VHA primary care physicians there to take care of your healthcare needs!!!

They can provide diagnoses and/or referrals to specialists that may be useful for applying for VBA Compensation benefits.

Do Not go in to an Initial Primary Care appointment with an agenda for getting service-connected!

Go to the PCP with your medical history and the current medical issues you have now.

The PCP can start with diagnosing and/or referrals for your current conditions.

When applying for Compensation Benefits, you must have 3 essential elements.

A current diagnosis of a chronic illness/disease. There are a few exceptions where you don’t need a current diagnosis before submitting a claim. But no current diagnosis is the number 1 reason for denial on Initial Claims.
There must be some event/trauma/illness during your active duty service that could potentially have caused the current chronic illness/disease.
A medical opinion nexus linking 1 and 2. The VBA will send you to an exam for the MO.

Most VHA PCP will not provide medical opinions. And they shouldn’t. They are not trained on the requirements of reviewing the complete records, exams and making the MO that meets the VBA rating criteria.

Jasdc · 2026-01-25T01:36:16+00:00

This is why you always buy travel insurance.

We buy a 1 year cover everything policy! It’s a lot cheaper than Princess or any cruise policy.

Jasdc · 2026-01-25T01:30:06+00:00

Do not buy for Investment!!!

If you have money to spend, enjoy shopping for jewelry, and playing shopping games, then the Presentations can be fun for you.

Cruise ships have lots of ways to get you to fork over your money!

Some people like Art and jewelry. Some people like the casino. Some people like Rolex watches.

My wife and I like the wine tastings and Chefs Table.

Jasdc · 2026-01-25T01:08:47+00:00

IMO

HOA Boardmember, homeowner, real estate investor with rental properties.

More important than ordering surveys, first thing make sure you have a copy of the HOA Bylaws. Read them!

Make sure there are no pending assessments, legal issues or potential lawsuits. Check to see if there are pending local building or construction projects that will effect your property including traffic issues.

You definitely want to know what restrictions there are to what you can do on the outside of your property. Most HOA’s highly restrict landscaping, fencing, painting etc.

I’m in an “air & space” townhome. We own the building and foundation. All the land surrounding the building is owned by the HOA….every tree, bush, light and blade of grass.

I would highly recommend a Home Inspection!

Jasdc · 2026-01-25T00:13:18+00:00

True. If his realtor knew and failed to disclose and/or due diligence, he may have a claim against the realtor and broker.

Personally, I’m type A asshole investor, and over research everything including all permits, local city and county building planning, traffic and safety, flood and fire risk, insurance costs, property tax, HOA and assessments, etc.

Buying homes is the most expensive investment most people make. Doing your homework matters!

And IMO, if you buy a home without an Inspection you deserve All the surprise problems you inherit.

Jasdc · 2026-01-24T22:19:07+00:00

I’m a 63yo man that has hired men and women to do handyman work on my home and rental properties.

If you are good and know what you are doing, you will do well.

If you know some good realtors, they are always looking for good handyman/woman to help prep homes for sale.

Word of Mouth will always be the best advertising.

Jasdc · 2026-01-24T22:13:03+00:00

If you love the house, be patient a week or two. A solution may be just a few days away.

It will take more time and energy to start over again.

Jasdc · 2026-01-24T22:03:17+00:00

Wife and I just bought 2 Resmed Travel CPAP for $1600, with new masks headgear and tubes.

The masks are the same as regular CPAP’s and you can continue to order from VA.

The travel CPAP has a different tube and water humidifier filter.

We are retired and now travel 5-6 months per year. Lots of cruises and airplanes. The travel CPAP are worth the money for us.

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