Airmiles Armchair Chatter

[mort1331]

Yes, Fantasy. It's the last inside cabin, so I have no choices...unless someone cancels today and another one opens up. My thinking is that most of the time we are going to be out on deck 11/12. Yes, we can walk up to the atrium which is a perk. I guess I'm imagining having to stop at every floor trying to get up to 11. Also, the way people squeeze themselves in to a full elevator really gives me anxiety.

Supposedly you are better the lower you go for seasickness. I don't know, I haven't had a problem. I did constantly feel movement but it never bothered me. LOL....I would be walking along like I was drunk. Bumped into the walls often. Actually, motion sickness in general is due to a disconnect between the eye and the brain. So looking outside is helpful. It is also genetic.

Sorry only been on one cruise and it was a short 4 day. So we did not know how the seas would affect us so we asked for help, Our friends who had been on more than 25(now pearl) said take the lowest number floor and the middle of the ship. So I think we were on deck 2, not sure if there is cabins on 1, and right in the middle. Our room was right next to the door the staff go thru to goto their quarters. We had no issue with the swaying, or looking out the portholes.
If we ever do another cruise, I would book the cheapest room there is, unless its Alaska then I would want a veranda.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

Funny but we got the 200 bonus miles twice lol. I got them from my live chat for missing miles, and then they posted correctly today lol I will take the double bonus on both accounts!

 

[Donald - my hero]

Yes! Security is the issue. I read through your post below before I booked. We have ordered the Sunflower lanyard. Is this a separate line at MCO? Thank you for your help. Your post below has already helped.

At Disney (not sure if we will even go to the park, most of her park days are about 3 hours) but she always has the option to leave or get out of a line. Not really an option when you need to get through security. Her worst lines are the ones that weave ( like security ... or Mickey's Runaway Railway lol). A 90 minute security line would likely result in a seizure right there as well as seizures for days.

Sorry I've taken so long to get back to you, life just fell apart! I re-read the post I made in November and can confirm that all of those things worked just as well in Feb/March. YES there is a somewhat dedicated lane for the Sunflower Lanyard, I haven't flown home from terminal C but I imagine it will be just like the others (i'll find a picture on my phone later and share it here). If you can't see the big yellow flower, it's also the same lane used for wheelchairs & has the typical Blue signage for that. Make sure her lanyard is visible, let her use whatever calming techniques she needs, answer questions for her if need be, gentle prompting from you is allowed. We've used this process for 4 flights now, with our 5th coming up in just over 2 weeks (AKKK so soon!) and have nothing but good things to say about it, truly a game changer for our travelling. On the way home in March, the TSA agent let me keep my headphones on until it was time to walk thru the scanner, took them from me and handed them back to me as soon as I was thru, had me flip my lanyard around to the back of my neck so I didn't need to take it off.

Give yourselves plenty of time, I would rather sit on the other side of security, at a gate that has no flight, for a couple of hours, watching a video, than panic about getting thru in time. The bonus to flying those late flights is that things are just generally quieter, the extra noise and excitement from people arriving isn't an issue, there are always places to sit, and I find that much more relaxing that a flight in the early hours or even midday. Make sure you grab snacks & drinks as soon as you get to the other side of security since the shops/food kiosks close up shop early . I'm more than happy to provide more details about how to make things run smoothly for the entire trip, shoot me a PM if you'd like.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Yes, those elevators can be dreadful. People pack in with no thought to others. The good thing though is that being in a cabin on deck 2 you won't need to use the elevators during heavy times. Think about the show getting out and how many people are waiting for the elevators. That is a mess. You would be able to just walk down one flight of stairs and your 'home'. The elevators also pack for dinner so that is an advantage to deck 2 as well. You don't need one.
You will need one for the buffet or for top deck but that would be throughout the day so the crowds will stagger, they won't be near as busy. I wouldn't think twice about deck 2 if that was all that was available. It has a lot of advantages.
Also, you can keep your eyes peeled even after booking and can change cabins if one becomes available without having to cancel and rebook.
Fingers crossed for you.

You sound just like DD. She called yesterday from MX....got unexpected shore leave. She immediately said I was over thinking it. She also said, what would I be telling her if roles were reversed. My answer, you might love it, you might hate it but you won't know until you try. She also said people are just plan ignorant when it comes to things like forcing their way into the elevators. I realized that if that happens, I'm free to just get off and either walk or try for another elevator. Turns out she is currently living on deck 2 across the hall from the cabin I booked last night....yes, we are PIF. She lucked out and got an oceanview cabin for the next 2 weeks. Then sadly it's down to the crew cabins.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

The Shell bonus 50 miles for 20L v-power (Flash Offer last week) is supposed to post by today (Sept 10). Keep an I eye out for it if you did that one!

 

[Days In the Sun]

Sorry I've taken so long to get back to you, life just fell apart! I re-read the post I made in November and can confirm that all of those things worked just as well in Feb/March. YES there is a somewhat dedicated lane for the Sunflower Lanyard, I haven't flown home from terminal C but I imagine it will be just like the others (i'll find a picture on my phone later and share it here). If you can't see the big yellow flower, it's also the same lane used for wheelchairs & has the typical Blue signage for that. Make sure her lanyard is visible, let her use whatever calming techniques she needs, answer questions for her if need be, gentle prompting from you is allowed. We've used this process for 4 flights now, with our 5th coming up in just over 2 weeks (AKKK so soon!) and have nothing but good things to say about it, truly a game changer for our travelling. On the way home in March, the TSA agent let me keep my headphones on until it was time to walk thru the scanner, took them from me and handed them back to me as soon as I was thru, had me flip my lanyard around to the back of my neck so I didn't need to take it off.

Give yourselves plenty of time, I would rather sit on the other side of security, at a gate that has no flight, for a couple of hours, watching a video, than panic about getting thru in time. The bonus to flying those late flights is that things are just generally quieter, the extra noise and excitement from people arriving isn't an issue, there are always places to sit, and I find that much more relaxing that a flight in the early hours or even midday. Make sure you grab snacks & drinks as soon as you get to the other side of security since the shops/food kiosks close up shop early . I'm more than happy to provide more details about how to make things run smoothly for the entire trip, shoot me a PM if you'd like.

Thank you so much! At Pearson we have never had a problem getting YYZ express so I felt we had the beginning of the trip covered. Sounds like with the Sunflower Program we will get through just fine. I will encourage the headphones, she usually only uses them at home on harder days.

Thank you everyone for your input. We are excited to be going back!

 

[tinkerone]

For anyone who is looking to book, or even has booked, WDW for next year, a new offer has been released this morning for Canadian room discounts. I was booked for 3 nights in Feb but looking at it I changed to 4 nights. Just a value resort, at least for now. Maybe something better will come along. Will see.

 

[Days In the Sun]

Listed at the top of the rewards page. Heads up for anyone interested.

 

[kimbert]

The Canadian resident ticket discount also came out today. And it already seems to be available on AM (I wonder if the "head up" Disney gave helped that). While the WDW tix are available to buy as far out as Sept. 2025... AM only has up until Aug. 7, 2025 currently listed. I'm hoping they'll add more dates before the sale ends (WDW site says buy before Nov. 6, 2024). I'm assuming AM just only lists things ~11 months out.

But, putting in a date of Aug. 4, 2025 on AM site, and picking 4Day base non-discounted tix showed a price of $1600 CAD and picking the Canada Resident option had them coming up as $1200, which I could have used my Air Miles toward! So I'm excited to see if we can do it the same as we did last trip: Buy my ticket with AM, buy DH's ticket with Gift Cards (purchased at Dollarama to give me said AM!)

Plus, redeeming for dates before the March dates I mentioned in my post will help take advantage of that deal! Days in the Sun just posted a reminder

 

[Days In the Sun]

The Canadian resident ticket discount also came out today. And it already seems to be available on AM (I wonder if the "head up" Disney gave helped that). While the WDW tix are available to buy as far out as Sept. 2025... AM only has up until Aug. 7, 2025 currently listed. I'm hoping they'll add more dates before the sale ends (WDW site says buy before Nov. 6, 2024). I'm assuming AM just only lists things ~11 months out.

But, putting in a date of Aug. 4, 2025 on AM site, and picking 4Day base non-discounted tix showed a price of $1600 CAD and picking the Canada Resident option had them coming up as $1200, which I could have used my Air Miles toward! So I'm excited to see if we can do it the same as we did last trip: Buy my ticket with AM, buy DH's ticket with Gift Cards (purchased at Dollarama to give me said AM!)

Plus, redeeming for dates before the March dates I mentioned in my post will help take advantage of that deal! Days in the Sun just posted a reminder

Just adding to your post. The airmiles site $$ value looks equivalent to what Disney is offering which is great. At this point, airmiles doesn't have Canadian tickets with the hopper option that Disney is offering. I'm hoping airmiles will add these soon.

 

[Juventus]

I need tickets for February. If I wanted hoppers, does anyone know if it would be possible to get base tickets through airmiles then upgrade them to hoppers through disney (paying the canadian residence price difference). The ticket offer is good until November 6th, so as long as I do that beforehand, perhaps?

I think the tickets from airmiles appear on the app ahead of time...at least old ones did.

 

[mort1331]

WHat about trying thru the personal shopper on AM?

 

[ottawamom]

Off topic. Help needed from all the cruising guru's here on this thread. I'm currently packing for my first cruise in years. I just downloaded my boarding pass and it said that over the counter medication (tylenol, immodium, sunscreen) must be in original packaging. How strict are they with this. I have always put a few of medication I may need in a labelled plastic bag(takes up a lot less space). I keep the instructions with the pills.

I've never had an issue with this with the airlines. Are they going to confiscate all my meds? Cruising with Holland America.

 

[Juventus]

Good idea. But if I'm not mistaken I used it once and found I got 9 cents per AM through personal shopper, versus 11 cent off the website. Not sure if that is still the case.

 

[bababear_50]

Check your emails
If you attended the magic moments event.
This what I got





Hugs Mel

 

[tinkerone]

Off topic. Help needed from all the cruising guru's here on this thread. I'm currently packing for my first cruise in years. I just downloaded my boarding pass and it said that over the counter medication (tylenol, immodium, sunscreen) must be in original packaging. How strict are they with this. I have always put a few of medication I may need in a labelled plastic bag(takes up a lot less space). I keep the instructions with the pills.

I've never had an issue with this with the airlines. Are they going to confiscate all my meds? Cruising with Holland America.

I’ve never sailed with Holland America however I can tell you I’ve never been questioned by any of the cruise lines I have sailed with. I don’t think they go through your luggage that extensively. I’d be surprised if they said anything. Take this with a grain of salt though, one never knows.

 

[Debbie]

Off topic. Help needed from all the cruising guru's here on this thread. I'm currently packing for my first cruise in years. I just downloaded my boarding pass and it said that over the counter medication (tylenol, immodium, sunscreen) must be in original packaging. How strict are they with this. I have always put a few of medication I may need in a labelled plastic bag(takes up a lot less space). I keep the instructions with the pills.

I've never had an issue with this with the airlines. Are they going to confiscate all my meds? Cruising with Holland America.

We sail HAL all the time I never have my meds in original containers -prescription (blister packs) and over the counter. We've never been asked about them. Heck I've tossed everything(vitamins, Tylenol, ibuprofen) into one bottle and dug out what I needed. I have imodium, Pepcid, antihistamine all just one of the sleeves and tossed in to my 'medicine' bag. We are cruising to Alaska on Sunday, and the packing is (just about) done.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Sorry only been on one cruise and it was a short 4 day. So we did not know how the seas would affect us so we asked for help, Our friends who had been on more than 25(now pearl) said take the lowest number floor and the middle of the ship. So I think we were on deck 2, not sure if there is cabins on 1, and right in the middle. Our room was right next to the door the staff go thru to goto their quarters. We had no issue with the swaying, or looking out the portholes.
If we ever do another cruise, I would book the cheapest room there is, unless its Alaska then I would want a veranda.

There are two very different trains of thought on seasickness. One, as mentioned and what I have heard the most, is lowest deck and midship. The other is the total opposite. Like I said don't feel sick but do feel a constant swaying. LOL...last cruise I was in the atrium talking with one of DD's friends and I was swaying. I was totally unaware that I was moving. She asked if I was ok and I said yes, why. So I can only imagine what I looked like all week. I will say the only time I found it a bit uncomfortable was the very first night when I got into bed. It brought to mind the Friday nights of my youth going to bed hammered and having the bed spins. There was also one other time when we were seated in Animators for dinner. There was vibration and felt like riding along a bumpy road. Then add in that the water in our glasses was moving. It was a really weird sensation.

So a little fun info... Yes, there is a deck 1. The only guest spaces on that deck are the medical centre and the tender lobbies. All the rest of that deck is crew work space. There is a main corridor that runs from one end of the ship to the other and is known as the I-95. As to crew cabins, they are located all over the ship on all decks. There are numerous crew members living in guest cabins. DD's last contract she lived for nearly 4 months in a guest cabin.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Off topic. Help needed from all the cruising guru's here on this thread. I'm currently packing for my first cruise in years. I just downloaded my boarding pass and it said that over the counter medication (tylenol, immodium, sunscreen) must be in original packaging. How strict are they with this. I have always put a few of medication I may need in a labelled plastic bag(takes up a lot less space). I keep the instructions with the pills.

I've never had an issue with this with the airlines. Are they going to confiscate all my meds? Cruising with Holland America.

That is not a cruise line rule. You can not cross an international border with medication of any kind that is not in it's original container. The onus is on you to prove what you have. If you can not, you could be refused entry or dealing with law enforcement. Prescriptions must be in pharmacy bottles with the proper labels. For things from the pharmacy you can ask them for their smallest bottles and print the labels for you. Most will do it when you explain that it's for travel. As to how strict are they, it falls under one of those things that is not a problem until it is. Can you do it, will tons of people say they do it all the time without issue...yes. Then the question becomes, how much risk do you want to take?

ETA...an airline does not care that you might have pills in a baggie. Customs and immigration are not their concern.

 

[tinkerone]

I do think seasickness is different for everyone. I get very seasick yet I seldom get ill on a cruise. There are exceptions. I had a friend who brought her littles and her mother on a DCL cruise. It was actually my first cruise. The littles decided that we would have a tea party before we went to dinner and ordered a few cheese plates for nibbles. They had an inside cabin and I was only able to stay in it for 10-15 minutes before I HAD to leave. I felt all the movement of the ship. Some people don't feel a thing, they certainly didn't. Add to that, they often sell out very quickly.
On the first night of a cruise, if our dinner is in a dinning room without windows I feel it and get queasy. I can honestly say I have never been in an ocean view cabin on deck two but I have seen video of it and even that makes me feel queasy. Seeing the water churn, the waves break, nope. Not for me. BUT tons of people love them. I prefer higher up. I don't need a veranda, if I do have one bonus but we don't use it to much. As long as I can see distance when in my cabin, I'm fine. When walking around the ship I don't even think about it so maybe some of it is in my mind? When it all comes down, I'm just happy to be on vacation and if it's cruising I'm in.