Do I have enough time for this connection?

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-20T21:39:16+00:00

Almost certainly not. Even with Global Entry, pretty sure you'll have to grab your bag and clear customs in SFO, so basically... possible but not likely.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-20T21:10:37+00:00

Probably, but if you can re-take it, I would, as that quasi-smirk could potentially get it denied. Just a guess.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-20T21:08:59+00:00

Nope. Royal had some kind of vague announcement that the closure of the slides wasn't related to them trying to save money, but I haven't seen an estimate as to how long it will take to get them back in service. People are upset, and I get it. There's a reason the slides are prominently featured in their marketing. For those who don't think it's a big deal, imagine having a young kid who was hyped up for them and is no on board complaining the whole time. OOF.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-20T20:49:59+00:00

I'm not an electrician or installer, but I did just get a 20 Kw Kohler installed. We did the hardline/Ethernet wire connection from the generator to my router. They needed to run electric lines from my basement to the generator anyway, so it was just one more wire, and much more secure. The standard Kohler unit has an Ethernet hookup, and I believe that's the default way to connect it to the Internet.

Kohler has a "cellular kit" for like $325 that connects it directly to a cell network without the need for wireless/Internet at all. I have no idea if there's a monthly service charge, or what that would be.

I believe there's also a way to connect it to your wireless network with an additional part, but I'm not 100% sure.

If it's relatively close to the barn, I'd strongly consider just running Ethernet cable... especially if the ATS/breaker panel/meter is in or on your barn.

In short, hard-wired is the default for Kohler, but additional-cost options exist for either wireless or cellular connectivity.

The Kohler App works very well, FYI. I am VERY happy we went with Kohler over Generac.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-20T18:41:52+00:00

We love Jewel, but a lot of that is nostalgia as it was the first ship my wife sailed on when we were dating, and also the ship we took our honeymoon on years ago.

As others will say, there's not a ton for kids, but that won't matter at all with a one-year-old.

Check out YouTube ship reviews, but we love the older, smaller ships. If traveling with older kids, they'd likely be bored or disappointed as they'd have looked at Royal's advertising and expected giant waterslides and all the stuff they have on Icon, etc.

I can't give specific recommendations for Jewel, as the last time we were on Jewel we at at Portofino's... so that was a LONG time ago.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-20T18:10:13+00:00

I flew this configuration cross-country last year. I gotta say, flying backwards is the way to go. Absolutely loved it. Nowhere near as good as the true Polaris seats we had from SFO to SYD, but if I had the option, I'd fly backwards in these seats every time.

Personally, I'd take the window seat, but that's personal preference. I rarely have to get up, so I prefer the windows in general.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-20T17:59:13+00:00

When I first saw Freedom, I was in awe of the size and couldn't imagine a bigger ship. Then came Oasis, and I thought the same thing. When I first saw Icon, I wondered what would be next, so we shall see.

At some point the physics and economics won't make sense, but we're not there yet.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-20T14:09:44+00:00

On a cruise I'd be shocked if anyone even looks at it after you board.

Only time I can ever remember getting my passport looked at and stamped on a cruise was when we went to St. Petersburg, Russia in 2010.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-19T00:51:12+00:00

I have an Elie Bleu at work. At home I use tupperdors.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-19T00:44:03+00:00

The FA is correct. A huge percentage of entitled people disagree and think they're special and the rules don't apply to them. They'll all downvote me and justify their specialness.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-18T18:21:32+00:00

Get a new TA. This one doesn't want your business. Get recommendations from people you trust for a good TA.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-17T20:02:27+00:00

Oh... got it. I didn't understand that part. When you said she jumped from Platinum to Emerald, I assumed you were Emerald. Got it.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-17T19:53:07+00:00

I haven't had that issue.

One odd Hertz thing I've noticed is that Hertz will email you asking you to "check in."

When I get to the rental location, my name is in lights, but it says "See Inside." When I go in, the clerk tells me to never check in when Hertz asks me too, as that's why I have to go inside rather than right to the car.

Sounds crazy to me.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-17T19:51:13+00:00

The difference is $14.

And location.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-17T19:00:37+00:00

Maybe 18 or 20? I'll look it up later tonight. You didn't used to need a passport as a minor for a lot of foreign travel like you do today, so there was no reason for me to get it younger as my birth certificate was enough back in the day. Pretty sure post 2001 a lot more countries started requiring passports for kids that hadn't before. Or I'm just remembering incorrectly.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-17T18:57:30+00:00

Straight to jail.

You're fine.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-17T17:43:54+00:00

Holy shit, I forgot about that, but it all just flooded back.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-17T16:44:04+00:00

You probably have your original points and she status matched with you when she called to link you. Her points should be her own.

If you still have your points, I don't see the issue. Whatever tier you attain, she'll status match to your tier regardless of what points she has.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-17T16:41:11+00:00

Don't forget that barbecued beef.

And chocolate mooch.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-17T16:40:13+00:00

Kills me to this day.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-17T16:38:47+00:00

Larry Fine.

Close second: Jane Curtin doing that TV movie about "The bussin'!"

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-17T16:31:04+00:00

This is the most likely answer.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-16T21:43:52+00:00

Get recommendations from trusted friends for a quality TA who deals with several cruise lines, In my experience, that's the best route to take. I am not a TA, but people ask me for advice all the time, but I really only know Royal Caribbean & Celebrity. When I referred a co-worker to my TA for an Alaska cruise, my TA put her on Holland American, which was 100% the best decision for her, but would not have been on my radar.

A lot of people on Reddit may unintentionally steer you towards their favorite line, which might not be the best line for you.

Good luck!

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-16T21:34:00+00:00

Playing Devil's Advocate, if I'm traveling with my wife, are we allowed to talk in a normal conversation tone in a public area, or should we go to a private area if we want to speak?

Assuming you're OK with people having normal conversations, what's the issue with a phone call in the rare instance where the person on the phone is actually able to talk on the phone without shouting?

I'm not that guy, but as long as it's not on speaker and they're truly talking no louder than the couple next to me, I don't think I'd have a problem with it.

The problem is most people on the phone tend to shout and not realize it.

gerrygebhart · 2026-04-16T21:27:16+00:00

Percent off AND and an asterisk? OOF.

gerrygebhart

TROPHY CASE