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Prague & Bucharest
kenmoore
2 hours ago
My wife and I and another couple are taking a Viking cruise in August from Vienna to Bucharest. Before we board our boat, we will be spending 3 days in Prague. After the cruise, we will be spending an additional 3 days in Bucharest. Does anyone out there have any recommendation for either of the two cities. I'm sure the Viking cruise line will have some delightful suggestions, but I would like to hear from others who have been there.
Thanks.
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SCARY AA security problem
Itsbish
Yesterday at 10:47 PM
this afternoon I received two meal vouchers rom American Airlines problem is they were for two people other than me.. the voucher included first middle and last name of each person FULL credit card numbers for each person expiration date cvc and even billing zip code terrible redirect situation in CLT and RDU but it was simple human error that someone did not clear my acct before redirecting someone elses bags and attaching their email to my acct. I calle d AA and they removed the other folks email from my acct but holy smokes What if I was a bad guy? seems double e maill addresses an d different names shoild have been flagged somehow?? just watch everthing I guess. BISH
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1st Day
cruzer
Yesterday at 03:16 PM
The airport Gods are mollified. We arrived yesterday, cleared the kiosks within 15 minutes, got our bags within the next 10, picked up our car at ACE(Safari) and made GCBC within an hour. It was Emancipation Day on the Dutch side, and traffic was light on both sides.
Had enough time to unpack before hitting the guest mixer for a wine and some snacks. Had a "special order" dinner courtesy of Sabrina and was in bed by 8:30 as I'd only had 2 1/2 hours of sleep the night before (had a 2:45 am pick-up to DFW). Everything seems in order, and the cats are happy we're here.
Haven't done anything yet, and the plan is to do as little as possible. Lunch today will be at Le Taitu, and we'll get some essentials from Bacchus's deli. Might hit Carl's tonight for a light meal, but might not. Just so many decisions a person can make in a day.
Here's some of my minimal pictures.
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August orient beach
miacpl
07/01/2025 02:48 AM
We just got back a few weeks ago and are looking for a return trip. We are thinking of booking a last-minute trip in August a few days before leaving so long as the weather is fine. I have heard because of hurricanes August is a good time for residents and businesses to vacation. I know the owner of l’atelier in OV is closed in August. How is the village at orient during this time?
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Greek restaurant coming to Maho
SXMScubaman
06/30/2025 11:46 PM
Looking forward to this.
"🇬🇷 Are you ready, St. Maarten? 🇸🇽
Get ready to shout OPA! 🎉
For the first time ever, the iconic Maho Strip will welcome a brand-new, first-of-its-kind culinary experience:
OPA GREEK TAVERNA – opening this upcoming season!
Indulge in authentic Greek flavors and island vibes with dishes like:
- Tzatziki
- Gyros
- Moussaka
- Souvlaki
- Baklava
And so much more!
A true Mediterranean escape, right in the heart of Maho.
Stay tuned for the official opening date....aiming for December 1st 2025."
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French smoking ban
SXMScubaman
06/30/2025 08:08 PM
I know this was discussed in a prior post but here is the full yext of the law. I'm just the messenger so be kind.
"Effective today — Sunday, June 29, 2025 — a major public health shift has taken effect in France and all its territories. Smoking is now banned in dozens of public outdoor spaces, from the beaches of Guadeloupe to the parks of Paris.
🔥 This is urgent. The ban is live now — and the penalties are real.
You can no longer smoke:
🏖 On beaches (like Sainte-Anne in Guadeloupe or Nice on the Riviera)
🌳 In public parks (from Champ de Mars in Paris to Botanical Garden in Fort-de-France, Martinique)
🚏 At bus stops, tram stops, and train platforms (Hexagone + Outre-mer)
🏫 Near schools, libraries, stadiums, swimming pools — within a 10-meter radius
The law covers all of France, including:
🇫🇷 Mainland cities: Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Lille...
🏝 Overseas territories:
Caribbean: Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy
Indian Ocean: La Réunion, Mayotte
Pacific: New Caledonia, French Polynesia (like Tahiti, Bora Bora), Wallis and Futuna
North Atlantic: Saint Pierre and Miquelon
> “Where there are children, there must be no tobacco,” said Health Minister Catherine Vautrin. “A beach, a park, a school — these are places to breathe, not to smoke.”
⚠️ Break the rule? Get fined.
🚓 Violators face:
A 135-euro fine (standard)
Up to 750 euros in aggravated cases
The Ministry of Health has confirmed enforcement starts immediately, though a brief "awareness" period will be allowed in some places.
❌ Vaping is NOT included — yet.
E-cigarettes remain legal in public spaces under this law — a point that’s already drawing criticism from anti-tobacco advocates. “Flavored vapes are bait for kids,” said Yves Martinet of the National Committee Against Tobacco.
📉 Smoking is dropping — but the government wants a smoke-free generation.
Smoking kills 75,000 people annually in France.
Passive smoke causes 3,000–5,000 deaths a year.
Only 24% of adults smoked daily in 2023 — a record low.
This law is seen as a bold push toward a smoke-free generation. And it’s just the start: the government also raised penalties for selling tobacco or vape products to minors.
If you're in Guadeloupe, La Réunion, Paris, or any part of France — this change affects you right now. Watch for new signage in your town and don’t light up where you shouldn’t."
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BVI Increases Temporary Import Fee threefold
Zanshin
06/30/2025 08:15 AM
The BVI has once again managed to add a new boating fee without giving any corresponding service. The old temporary import, which is necessary if the boat remains in the BVI for more than 30 days, costs around $200. As of June 1st, that fee has gone up to $600. And back in the day, you could do your temporary import in just a few minutes at any port of entry, but now that needs to be done in Road Town.
BVI Charter Acts changes
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Trip almost over report
Itsbish
06/29/2025 11:10 PM
Winding up 3 week stay on Tuesday We had a mildly irritating start in charlotte. Due to a leg injury my wife needed a wheelchair which was prompt but check in is at a special desk Agent kept insisting I show him my SXM QR code on my phone.???? Finally had to tell him i would do it at Sint Maarten even though i had completed the form on line a week earlier Must have had his islands mixed up. Sargassum was heavy at Grand case beach club but they got it cleaned up in about four or five days. Orient beach was hit or miss some days heavy some not. Did drive over to pinel ferry just to see What a mess! Best meal was Chicken lasagna at Oasis Worst meal was at Bistro Caribes which is always excellent.. i just ordered the wrong thing Everybody elses was great. Waved at moderator Carol at BSV as we went by on a motorboat But nobody waved back LOL. Never seen low season this slow in twenty years. 10 to 15 people on wai and Kontiki beaches each day Restaurants not crowded anywhere. Weather a little hazy but still plenty of sun with a great breeze every day. Last half of stay at Orient Beach Hotel probably about a third occupancy if u know Florence at OBH Monday is her last day. A great person! Phillipsburgh was not hot and that is a news flash not a busy cruise ship time Went to Divi and walked around because in twenty years we had never beenn they were not busy either !only other thing of note is that we always take AA flight 2478 from CLT to SXM coming and going and this trip the license plate on our rental car was 2478 Kinda cool... maybe?!?! Perfect trip for us as we just go with the flow BISH PS I do not write very good trip reports!!!!
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