Hey, cracker! Be more of a cracker!

[thistle_chaser]

I never did rant about (or finish my Yelp review on) my local grocery store. My beloved Safeway. Just a minute or two drive from my apartment, I've been shopping there for more than ten years.

Then they got self-scan machines in.

When it's an option, I have no problem with scanning my purchases myself. When it's an option. It's not an option at

Comments

[veloxe]

Wait, you mean your Lunchables cheese didn't come pre-stucktogetherinamass? Mine ALWAYS came like that. For like 5 years in school it came like that. But yes, they aren't really crackers. Although not really cookies either. I can't really think of what they would be.

I remember I would make super stacks out of them and pretty much eat the entire pack in one super cookie cracker sandwich thing.

I hadn't thought about a Passport for the cruise. I thought you were just going to Alaska? Or is it because you'll be going through Canadian waters/making Canadian stops on the way? Or is it some weird American thing about leaving the mainland?

[thistle_chaser]

Sometimes the cheese is even in the container wrong, so you're trying to get a piece free on the wrong side -- impossible!

I like small sandwiches, so they last longer. I really wish the meat was better though, it's kind of nasty.

And yeah, there's a stop or two in Canada. I'll wave to you as we dock!

[veloxe]

Gonna be hard to see you on the other side of the country. Maybe I'll send one of my BC minions accept the wave for me.

I hear it's rather beautiful in BC as well. I know you're not really doing anything there, but certainly be sure to keep an eye open.

[thistle_chaser]

*checks* Just one stop in Canada: Victoria, British Columbia (7 AM to 2 PM). I'll wave really, really big so you can see me! :P

[elo_sf]

technically she does NOT need a passport if it is a closed-loop cruise in the western hemisphere (closed = leaving/returning to same US port), but it is always a better idea in case you get stuck in a foreign country

[thistle_chaser]

Oh, huh! I thought I read on the Princess site that it was required. I must have misread.

[elo_sf]

It's a hyper-technical set of rules and you ARE definitely better off with a passport. People w/o sometimes have problems because their birth certificates don't meet all of the rules.

Are you coming/going from the SAME US port? E.g. leave Seattle-return Anchorage will NOT work for example.

[thistle_chaser]

Yep, in and out of San Fran. My mother would (understandably) like to save the $150 on getting one if possible, but I think it's going to be safer if she has one. No need to risk her not being able to go, when the trip's for her!

[elo_sf]

Understandable, and if she got stuck in Canada and needed to be airlifted back NOT having the passport would be a > $150 problem. Which is why it is recommended. It is not required for the closed loop.

[thistle_chaser]

Ah, that makes sense!

[elo_sf]

btw this topic comes up about once/week on CruiseCritic message boards and the answer is always look you do not NEED a passport, but it is highly recommended. Also if you are going to skip the passport, read the fine print about the birth certificate requirements.

[thistle_chaser]

Oh, huh! I've been visiting that site now and then. Good to know!

[elo_sf]

it's a useful site, I recommend scanning the princess threads about "but if you ask" and also the "secrets" thread. There is a bunch of useful information about freebies that you just need to ask for. Also it's nice to sign up for the roll calls for your sailing might give you a few people to know a bit before the cruise and just wave hi to.

[thistle_chaser]

I think we do? From the Princess site

[elo_sf]

What's your cruise itinerary? Is it a closed loop.

Notice it says "RECOMMENDED" next to passport book.