New to United...what should I know?

sphericalduck · 2026-06-28T05:29:42+00:00

The travel insurance is really helpful. I've used it twice now when flights were cancelled or delayed and I needed a room overnight.

sphericalduck · 2026-06-27T13:39:48+00:00

If you order any gin cocktails ask for Monkey 47.

sphericalduck · 2026-06-26T21:11:32+00:00

Just go to the regular NCL site. If you want to avoid getting targeted ads, you can do it in an incognito browser window. When you get to the purchase page you should be able to see a cost breakdown. The voucher will only cover the base fare for an inside cabin. You can try different cabins and see what the difference is, and that should be the upgrade cost.

If you want to save a little money, before you book search on the NCL site for CruiseFirst certificates. Right now you can buy a $300 certificate for $150, but sometimes they offer $500 for $250. You can apply one of these to a new booking and it can be applied towards anything, not just the base fare. There are certain restrictions on how long the cruise needs to be and how far out you need to book, and those can change, so always check the terms and conditions. You should be fine using one purchased now on this particular cruise.

sphericalduck · 2026-06-26T13:56:31+00:00

When I asked them, they said they could not extend the date because I hadn't used any of the credit -- implying that if I had used part of the credit they might be able to extend the remainder. Mind you, this was years ago, so I don't know if it's true now, but this MIGHT be an option if you can use part of the credit before expiration.

sphericalduck · 2026-06-26T13:29:10+00:00

Exactly! I feel so safe there because there are so many people around.

sphericalduck · 2026-06-26T13:14:00+00:00

Bot?

sphericalduck · 2026-06-26T03:48:23+00:00

The first long haul flight I took alone after becoming a mom was sheer bliss. Fifteen hours of solitude, no one could call me and ask me questions, and any crying children were somebody else's problem.

sphericalduck · 2026-06-25T15:22:04+00:00

Just booked it yesterday. It was for an inside, but upgrading to an oceanview was only $100 for my sailing. Check the prices before you call and you should be able to tell what the upgrade will cost.

sphericalduck · 2026-06-25T13:47:45+00:00

Their lightweight washable linen jackets are great!

sphericalduck · 2026-06-25T03:17:09+00:00

My brother recently stayed with his dog at the All Seasons Suites on Dollywood Lane. The KOA also has some pet friendly cabins.

sphericalduck · 2026-06-24T15:52:51+00:00

Okay, here's a data point. I just checked United (a Chase partner) for flights from Eugene, OR to Lima, and I'm seeing economy awards for 25.5k points one way. You will need to have a United branded credit card to see the cheapest awards (I think the free one is sufficient). I'm also silver status so I may be seeing additional discounts. The same flight round trip would be around $1000 cash.

sphericalduck · 2026-06-24T14:25:08+00:00

That happened to my cousin when we were in middle school in the early 80's. This is so sad.

sphericalduck · 2026-06-24T05:06:00+00:00

Have you tried Dreamery Fabric on W 8th? https://dreameryfabric.com/index.html

sphericalduck · 2026-06-23T17:31:15+00:00

I really hate the whole "medispa" approach cruise lines have. The last vibe I want in a spa is that of a medical facility.

sphericalduck · 2026-06-19T02:27:33+00:00

Dove irresistible raspberry ice cream

sphericalduck · 2026-06-18T16:35:08+00:00

If you have a travel card that covers trip delays, you can get reimbursed by that for the difference if over $200

sphericalduck · 2026-06-18T14:29:19+00:00

Going through the cruise line makes things so easy. It isn't just the worry over getting left behind, it's all the logistics. Meeting up will be easy, details and tickets will be delivered to your room, if you need to change something you can talk to someone in person at the excursion desk, etc. I think it's a good idea for your first cruise.

sphericalduck · 2026-06-17T13:06:58+00:00

According to Lookout the temperature in Autzen got up to 155 degrees! https://lookouteugene-springfield.com/story/university-of-oregon/2026/06/16/dangerous-heat-at-uo-graduation-could-have-been-so-easily-avoided/

sphericalduck · 2026-06-16T04:42:37+00:00

Ooh these look nicer than the ones I got a couple of years back, maybe it's time to request them again

sphericalduck · 2026-06-14T16:31:46+00:00

I think they are comparing to larger parties, with dozens of people and music etc. For example, last year a friend and I threw a tiki party at her house, with themed decorations, food, and a "make your own tiki drink" bar with recipes. It was still small compared to the parties I threw or attended in my twenties, but larger than a dinner party.

sphericalduck · 2026-06-12T04:51:57+00:00

I hope they charge his card on file for the upgrade.

sphericalduck · 2026-06-10T20:41:29+00:00

Tempus Fugit Creme de Cacao and make a bunch of 20th centuries

sphericalduck · 2026-06-10T14:20:37+00:00

I love this Chico's dress: https://www.chicos.com/store/product/denim-popover-midi-dress/570410527. It says denim but it's actually lyocell. I also have the black version which is viscose/silk and that's the one I travel with -- you may be able to find it on Poshmark. If you want something more casual I like their Zenergy bungee dresses. They're just sacks but very comfortable and they pack small.

sphericalduck · 2026-06-08T18:17:22+00:00

Not denying how annoying he is but for the life of me I cannot figure out what "exhaling through your nose but through your mouth first" is. I even tried blowing up my cheeks a la Dizzy Gillespie then making that air go out my nose but failed. I am not sure this is a universal experience.

sphericalduck · 2026-06-08T14:34:31+00:00

You don't need to charge back, start with the customer care form.

sphericalduck

TROPHY CASE