The Cheap Seats . . .
Or rather the Cheap Room.
Today was another of those strange Texas weather days with highs in the mid-70’s and low’s tonight in the mid-40’s. Whatever, it’s never boring.
We again spent some time this morning looking at cruise stuff, going through the many Optional Excursions, talking over some that we’re interested in. I suspect that if we totaled up the cost of all the excursions, it might come close to the cost of the cruise itself. Of course that’s probably what they have in mind.
In searching around the Net, I came across a photo of our actual room on the Viking Longship Skirnir.
Based on our Holland America Alaska Cruise in 1998, we got a room in the cheapest section they had on the ship, Section F.
We found that we were almost never in our room, except to sleep, so why pay extra for an expensive French balcony, or Veranda suite? Why, when you can just go up on deck and have an even better view?
What’s kind of funny is that the Blue rooms, right next door to our Yellow ones, are $200/person more expensive than ours. But according to Viking, they’re exactly the same. Same size, same windows, same amenities, etc.
I thought that maybe it was closer to the engines, elevators, etc., but even the Viking rep could not tell me what the difference was. It may be that they just needed another price point.
I was reading a business article recently about a dress manufacturer, and how they priced them. It said a small percentage are tagged for high end boutiques, more were tagged for high end department stores, some for the mass market, and then some for discount bargain stores.
But they’re all the same dress, just with different labels. So maybe it’s the same with cruise rooms.
Another thing I found out was that our cruise is completely sold out, with even both of the $14,995/person Explorer Suites taken.
Jan’s been tracking down videos about visiting London and Paris, and we came across an app called CityMapper. It’s a mapping program that covers 22 European cities, giving you routes to any destination, via walking, biking, buses, trams, tube, etc. Looks to be very useful.
Jan had her annual former co-worker get-together at Pappas Delta Blues Smokehouse in Webster, her first visit, and said it was really good, and they all had a great time as usual. And yes, there was booze involved.
While Jan was partying down, I killed time at nearby King Food, having a big bowl of their Hot & Sour Soup.
My new Carolina Reaper powder came in yesterday, so I thought I’d give it a try. And so far, it’s hot, but not outstandingly so, but then I was pretty chintzy with it, so maybe I just need to use more. I’ll bump it up tomorrow when I have Gumbo at Floyd’s Cajun Seafood after Landon’s hockey practice.
Thought for the Day:
Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it. I think I’m there.
sfdgsf
