Level 8 Voyageur Luggage Set

The search for the perfect set of luggage seems to be never ending. Over the past 20 years of travel, we have gone through no less than a dozen different carry-on and checked luggage products.

When it comes to checked luggage, we have had hard-sided luggage and soft duffel bags. We have had luggage with wheels and some without. We definitely prefer those with wheels. Our most recent checked bags are wheeled soft duffels that came from COSTCO. They have performed well, but are beginning to show some wear and tear.

Finding the perfect carry-on bag is no less challenging. Rickee and I agree that a carry-on must have four wheels that easily swivel and fit “wheels first” into the most common aircraft overhead bins.

We recently became aware of Level 8 luggage from YouTube and reached out to them to see if they would like for us to review their products during a cruise with Swan Hellenic.

The first to arrive was the Voyageur 2-piece luggage set which included a 26” checked bag and a matching 20” carry-on. Some may find the yellow-and-black color scheme to be a bit garish, but we like luggage that we can easily spot in a sea of black bags on an airport carousel.

26” Voyageur Check-In

Voyageur check-in

The Voyageur Check-In is available in three sizes: 26”, 28” and 30”. We opted for the 26” and it looks quite substantial compared to our current duffel checked bags. The 26” actually measures 27.3''H x 16.6''W x 13.3''D, weighs 11.8 lbs and has a claimed capacity of 93 liters.

The Check-In is shaped more like a trunk than a traditional piece of luggage. The shell is a German-made Makrolon® polycarbonate construction, which Level 8 claims to be light and durable. Ours came in yellow and black making it hard to miss.

The base of the Check-In is XX” deep while the lid (the yellow part) is XX” deep.

The zipper has Level 8 branded pulls which appear sturdy. The zipper is not waterproof, so care should be taken not to leave the luggage in the rain. The zipper is the most likely point of failure on any piece of zippered luggage, and only time will tell if the Level 8 zippers will hold up to the rigors of abusive baggage handlers. The zipper does glide easily and the pulls can be secured into a TSA lock mechanism on the side of the bag.

The four casters each swivel 360 degrees to turn this into a spinner bag. Each caster has two wheels and each wheel has a rubber tread. The bag glides easily on hard or carpeted surfaces.

The aluminum telescopic handle has three detents and is one of the distinguishing features of the Voyageur line up. Unlike on the more traditional spinners, the handle spans the entire width of the bag, making it quite sturdy and stable while placing the support rails inside the bag at the very edges.

Edge-To-Edge Handle

This design places the support rails on the interior of the base at the far edges of the bag rather than in the center of the base. This design makes it easier to pack the base without the need to work around the handle support structure inside the base of the bag.

Opening the shell of the Voyageur Check-In may lead to some confusion as the interior designs are not consistent from bag to bag. For some reason, the Voyageur luggage interior comes in two different layouts. On the Check-In sent to us, the black base is covered with a zippered mesh fabric, underneath which are compression straps. On the lid (the yellow piece), is another zippered panel with two zippered pockets. One pocket is a breathable mesh and the other a vinyl “moisture proof” design. The interior configuration of the other version is just the opposite with the two zippered pockets being placed on the black base side.

Interior versions are shipped randomly

You won’t know which configuration you get until your Voyageur arrives because the bags are selected for shipping ‘randomly’. There is no option to select which version you actually want. Our Check-In also had compression straps affixed to the inside of the base, even though the accompanying literature does not show any straps. This confusion continues to the Voyageur Carry-On, as we will discuss later.

As for the zippers, there is a reference on the Level 8 website to suggest that YKK- brand zippers are used, but with zipper pulls branded for Level 8. This is good news since YKK is known for making the highest quality zippers. While the shell material of the Voyageur bags is completely waterproof, the zippers are not. Therefore, the Voyageur bags should not be left out in the rain.

Voyageur Carry-On 20”

20” Carry-On

The Voyageur Carry-on is a 20” roll-aboard bag with 4 caster spinner wheels with two wheels per caster, just like its big brother, the Check-In. The shell is constructed of the same German-made Makrolon® polycarbonate as the Check-In. Notwithstanding the lack of an additional handle on the bag’s lid, the Carry-On is basically a smaller version of the Check-In in almost every way.

And, for some reason, just like the Check-In, the interior layout comes in two versions that ship randomly. Our Voyageur Carry-On did not have compression straps in the base side of the case, even though the accompanying owner’s manual did show the straps. We were disappointed that these compression straps were missing because we feel they are critical to securing items in the bag.

As with the Check-In, the zippers on the Carry-On are not waterproof.

While the wide edge-to-edge handle does offer an unobstructed base when packing, it limits the ability to slip a personal item, equipped with a sleeve, over the handle. Your only option may be to set your personal item (backpack, etc) on the top of the Voyageur and hope it does not slide off onto the floor as you travel through the airport.

If you absolutely insist on being able to slip your personal luggage over the handle, you might be better served with the Level 8 Luminous 20” Carry-On, which is essentially the same bag, but with a narrow pull-up handle.

Performance

We field tested the Voyageur Check-In and Carry-On during a cruise vacation that had us flying from DFW to San Jose, Costa Rica. Arranging packing cubes (Eagle Creek) in the Check-In was effortless and the shape of the Check-In along with the design of the wide handle offers a lot of unobstructed space for packing.

Luggage Forward Luggage Delivery Service Review

Luggage Forward is a door-to-door luggage and sports equipment delivery service that can eliminate the hassle of having to deal with your luggage when traveling. Rather than lugging your checked luggage through airports and praying that the airlines don’t lose your luggage, you can let Luggage Forward ship your luggage or sports equipment directly to your travel destination. Luggage Forward’s network of shipping partners can pick-up and deliver your luggage virtually anywhere in the world.

We have used Luggage Forward delivery services several times over the past few years and they have always come through with excellent service. Luggage Forward is a sponsor of our most recent cruise aboard Silversea Silver Moon. Below are some of the experiences we have had with Luggage Forward.

2021 UPDATE: LUXURY OCEAN CRUISE

When we were invited to join a group of media professionals for a 10-night sailing aboard Silversea Silver Moon, we knew this would be the perfect opportunity to utilize Luggage Forward’s services. Setting up the service on their website is straightforward.

We received our label packet from Luggage Forward in plenty of time and the instructions were clear and concise.

Instructions and labels for the luggage return

Even though Luggage Forward did not say it was necessary, we decided to wrap our bags in a stretchy plastic wrap, then we attached the Luggage Forward labels to both bags per the instructions. The labels are very durable and tough.

Bags packed and labels attached

Fedex arrived at our home about 10 days before our departure date to collect our luggage and we did not see the luggage again until we reached the ship in Athens. The luggage was shipped to Greece and we were informed by Luggage Forward when the bags arrived safely and that they were being kept in a locked, dry room at the port until the ship arrived. We appreciated being notified of the delivery status. Our bags were waiting for us when we embarked Silver Moon. It is so nice not to have to deal with our large luggage when traveling internationally, nor worrying whether or not the luggage will be transferred to connecting flights.

When we disembarked the vessel, our luggage was picked up by DHL at the pier and they were delivered to our home only 4 days after we disembarked the ship in Athens! Amazing service.

As you can see from the photo below, our bags arrived in excellent condition, despite not being plastic‑wrapped for the return home. Once again, Luggage Forward delivered as promised. This is a great service and one that we can highly recommend!

Luggage returned to our home

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2016 UPDATE: EUROPE RIVER CRUISE

On our 2016 European River Cruise assignment, we were scheduled to be in Europe for three weeks covering two different cruise lines. Once again, we decided to have one of our pieces of luggage shipped to our hotel in Basel, Switzerland (Swissôtel Le Plaza). We also wanted two pieces of luggage shipped home at the conclusion of the cruise. I was able to book the shipping service through the Luggage Forward website (LuggageForward.com), which is very straightforward and easy to use. When our plans changed, I emailed Luggage Forward support and within an hour, they had made the change on their end. We have always had excellent follow-up and service from Luggage Forward.

A few days after making the booking online, we received our Luggage Forward shipping labels and instructions, which are very well organized. About ten days from our departure date, the shipping company showed up to pick up my large blue duffel bag and ship it to our hotel in Switzerland. A few days later, I received an email from Luggage Forward informing me that my luggage had been delivered to Swissôtel in Basel.

A few days later, we arrived in Basel and after checking into our hotel, we found that my blue duffel had already delivered to our room!

Duffel bag deliverd to our hotel room in Basel, Switzerland

At the end of our three-week cruise assignment, it was time to put the Luggage Forward labels on both of our bags for return shipping to the USA. Luggage Forward is used to dealing with cruise ships and hotels, so all that was required was for us to leave our luggage with the ship's concierge before we disembarked. Later that same day, I received another email from Luggage Forward informing me that our bags had been picked up for shipment back to the USA.

Our bags are labeled for the return trip to the USA

Luggage Forward informed us that we could expect our luggage to be shipped back to our home in Texas no later than June 6. Imagine our delight when the luggage was delivered to our door on May 30, only 3 days after we arrived back home. They were even delivered on Memorial Day!

Both pieces of luggage, back home

Once again, we are amazed at how efficiently Luggage Forward picks up, ships and delivers our luggage. Our luggage was returned to us in the same condition as when we last saw it. We continue to be impressed with the service this company provides, and that is why Luggage Forward was selected to receive our Editor's Choice award for 2015.

Once again, we avoided the hassle of dealing with checked luggage on the airlines, having to wait for our luggage at baggage claim after an all-night flight, and dealing with Customs at the airport. Shipping your luggage directly to your hotel or cruise ship is the only way to travel in style.

This is a great company with a great track record and we can highly recommend their services. Check their website at LuggageForward.com.

2015 UPDATE: OUR 2015 HAWAII CRUISE AND LUGGAGE FORWARD

We just returned from a 10-day Hawaiian cruise with Un-Cruise Adventures. Rather than hassle with checked luggage on our return flight from Kona, Hawaii to Dallas-Fort Worth, we decided to have our two large duffel bags shipped home using Luggage Forward. We were so impressed with the service we received last year in New Zealand, that we were confident our luggage would arrive back home on time and safe. When we booked the pick-up on their website, we indicated that we would be leaving the bags with the concierge at the Four Seasons Haulalai in Kona, Hawaii. A few days before we departed for Hawaii, our Luggage Forward labels arrived with complete instructions.

Labels attached and ready to ship

As you can see in the photo above, we attached the Luggage Forward labels to our two bags then dropped them off with the hotel concierge. We were able to fly home without the hassle and added cost of checking bags with the airlines. We also did not have to wait for 30 minutes at baggage claim when we arrived at 6:00 am after an all-night flight. Much more convenience! Best of all, in just two days, our bags arrived at our home, a day ahead of schedule!

Our bags arrived at home a day ahead of schedule

Once again, Luggage Forward came through for us. This is a great service for anyone on any cruise, and especially Un-Cruise Adventures. If you want to pack up your snorkel gear, SCUBA, hiking boots and gear, or whatever, you can easily have your stuff shipped directly to the cruise ship with Un-Cruise. Your gear will be waiting for you in your stateroom when you board the ship! Once again, Luggage Forward made believers out of us!

LUGGAGE FORWARD FOR OUR NEW ZEALAND CRUISE 2014

A three-week-long trip to New Zealand was the perfect opportunity to have our two large duffel bags shipped directly to our cruise ship. This was not the first time we have used[end] a luggage shipping service. And quite frankly, we have had mixed results in the past. The main reason we selected Luggage Forward for this trip was because of a good experience we had the last time we used their service. We can honestly say from experience , the company you choose can make a big difference.

Easy to follow instructions and pre-printed labels from Luggage Forward

You may be wondering why we chose to ship our bags to New Zealand instead of just checking them with the airline. First, this trip involves three different connecting flights on two different airlines. That translates into at least three opportunities for the airlines to lose our luggage. Since we are embarking on a cruise to the subantarctic islands, there would be no way for delayed luggage to get to our cruise ship. Second, since we are flying internationally, we would have to claim our checked luggage in Auckland, go through Customs, then re-check the luggage on to Dunedin (our final destination). That is a hassle and time consuming. And third, the airlines have strict weight restrictions on checked luggage.

I was able to schedule our luggage delivery entirely through the Luggage Forward website (LuggageForward.com), which was quite easy to navigate and understand. A few days after booking online, I received a package from Luggage Forward with detailed information and pre-printed shipping labels. This was quite an upgraded process from the previous time we used Luggage Forward. They have really streamlined the process of shipping luggage. There was a separate envelope with all the paperwork required for each leg of the trip and the envelopes were clearly marked. It could not have been easier.

Our two large bags are wrapped in plastic with Luggage Forward labels attached

In our case, our luggage was schedule to be picked up from our home 10 days before our flight to New Zealand. We chose to wrap our luggage in plastic wrap just to protect the canvas luggage, but it probably was not necessary. We attached the large shipping labels using plastic cable ties in addition to the adhesive backing on the labels. The Federal Express driver showed up right on time, scanned our luggage, and off they went.

We arrived in Dunedin, New Zealand, the day before our cruise. After nearly 24 hours of flying from Dallas to Dunedin, it was nice to walk off the plane and not have to wait for our luggage at baggage claim. When we arrived at our hotel, I checked my email and had a message from Luggage Forward confirming that our luggage had been delivered to the ship as promised. When we boarded Silver Discoverer the following day, our luggage was sitting on the bed when we arrived at our suite. Now THAT is the way to start a Silversea cruise!

Our luggage was waiting for us in our suite when we arrived on board

At the end of our cruise in Wellington, New Zealand, we had scheduled to have Luggage Forward ship one of our duffel bags back to the USA. We planned to keep one with us for five days of post-cruise travel through New Zealand. After disembarking Silver Discoverer, we located the port agent who was tasked with making sure our duffel was picked up by the local DHL shipping agent. The following day, we received an email from Luggage Forward confirming that our duffel was picked up by DHL and was on its way back to the USA.

Our bag awaiting pickup at the Wellington cruise terminal (no plastic wrap)

A few days before we departed New Zealand for home, we received another email from Luggage Forward indicating that they had attempted to deliver our luggage to our house, but nobody was there to sign for it. I fired off an email to let them know we would not be home for two more days and asked if they could schedule delivery on a specific day. Within an hour I received and email back from Luggage Forward confirming that they had re-scheduled delivery of our luggage.

Our luggage arrived the next day after we arrived home, as promised. In our opinion, Luggage Forward delivered on their promise of a hassle-free luggage shipping service. Their website is top-notch, emails are answered quickly and calls to their toll-free number are answered by real people. If you are looking for a hassle-free way to have your luggage shipped directly to your cruise ship, we highly recommend Luggage Forward!

Shipping luggage to New Zealand and back to the USA is not cheap. However, if we were to ship the same duffel to a cruise ship in the USA, the cost is only around $179. Obviously, the destination has a dramatic impact on the cost, as well as the size and weight of the luggage. However, for the convenience and security of knowing we would not be on a two week cruise with no clothes, it was well worth it.

For more information, check out their website at LuggageForward.com

Originally posted on: 2/26/2015

Air New Zealand Premium Economy

We put Air New Zealand's Premium Economy service to the test during our 2015 New Zealand cruise assignment.

No matter how you fly to New Zealand from North America, it is going to be a long flight. From DFW, it is 3 hours to LAX, then another 12+ hours to Auckland. While a flight this long is tolerable in economy class, we have always found it well worth the extra money to upgrade to either Business Class, or Premium Economy. And, since we are flying to New Zealand to take a 5-star Silversea Cruises' voyage, it only makes sense to go in style.

During this project, we had the opportunity to experience Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy on two different types of aircraft. Our outbound flight from LAX to AUK was on a new 777-300ER. Our return flight from AUK to SFO was on one of the older 777-200 models. Air New Zealand offers Economy, Premium Economy and Business Premier on both types of aircraft; however, there are some distinct differences.

Los Angeles to Auckland - Boeing 777-300ER

The 777-300ER (ER stands for "extended range") aircraft features the new, and quite unique, “Spaceseat” in Premium Economy. When we boarded the plane in LAX and saw our assigned seats, we first thought we were in the Business Premium section of the plane, but were surprised to learn that these seats were, in fact, located in Premium Economy. The Premium Economy Spaceseats are “cocoon-style" shell seating units that resemble a miniature version of a Business Premium seat. The 2-2-2 seating is oddly configured because the seats are installed at an angle. The two seats on the fuselage sides of the cabin are angled toward the fuselage, while in the center section, one seat is angled to the left and the other angled to the right. The seats are also slightly offset from one another, so the window seat might be a few inches forward of the aisle seat next to it. In spite of this, it is still easy to converse with your traveling partner.

Premium Economy passengers benefit from priority boarding, just after Business Premier boards. Upon boarding, we were pleased to find a bottle of water in the seat along with a nice amenity kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, eye shade, lip balm, a pen, socks). A large, fluffy pillow and thick blanket are also provided. Noise-cancelling headphones are typically reserved for Business Class passengers on other airlines, but Air New Zealand provides them for Premium Economy guests. Nice. There is a beanbag "footrest" on the floor in front of each seat. The seat itself is noticeably larger than an economy-class seat and much more comfortable. In fact, the Spaceseat was as comfortable as the business class seats of many airlines on which we have flown. Because the seats are enclosed in their own plastic shell, you do not have the annoyance of the person’s seat in front of you reclining into your space. There’s nothing worse than spending 12 hours on a flight up-close and personal with someone’s head of hair in your face!

Air New Zealand 'Spaceseat' in Premium Economy (777-300)

Hence the name “Spaceseat”: it really is your own personal “space”. Because of the way the seats are angled, watching the television screen and using the tray table takes a little getting used to as you do not sit directly in front of them. However, the tray table is very sturdy and completely flat, even though hinged in the middle. The tray swivels and slides and makes a perfect workstation for my MacBook laptop and for food and beverages. And, the television screen swings out on a sturdy arm and can be swiveled to adjust the viewing angle. While on the subject of television, the Spaceseat has one of the best entertainment systems we have ever seen on an aircraft, in ANY class of service, with a large 10.6-inch color touchscreen that actually works. The entertainment choices are vast with recently-released movies, books, popular television series, games, etc. There is a universal power outlet that supports most international power plugs and there are USB and iPod connections. Obviously, a lot of thought and engineering went into the design and construction of the Spaceseat.

Spaceseat entertainment system is one of the best in the air

Air New Zealand claims that the center Spaceseats are designed for couples, while the outer seats offer more privacy. Even though the center section seats are angled away from each other, there is a section between them that can be raised and used as shared table for having drinks together, playing cards, etc. Because the seats are angled, the shared table could easily be ignored if traveling alone and the the Spaceseat would still offer adequate privacy.

Center section Spaceseats for couples traveling together

I have never been able to comfortably sleep on an airplane, even in Business or First Class. At 6’ 2” tall, I just cannot get comfortable enough no matter what I do. So, you can imagine my surprise when I dozed off in the Spaceseat and did not wake up until they turned the lights on for breakfast service the next morning! The legroom of the Spaceseat easily accommodated my 6’ 2” frame, even when “reclined”. I put “reclined” in quotes because the seats sort of slide forward under you rather than leaning back in a traditional recline. Nevertheless, the result is increased comfort, and I was able to sleep.

Spaceseat amenity kit, headphones, large pillow and blanket

Our flight included a dinner service about an hour after take off. Passengers seated in Premium Economy seats have their own menu selections which look more like what you would expect in Business Premier. We had a choice of three main courses, chicken, beef or vegetarian. Rickee had the vegetarian option and I had the beef short ribs. Both were surprisingly good. I say surprisingly because, after a million or so miles of air travel, I have given up on airline food. When the flight attendant came by with a basket of fresh, warm bread, the meal was off to a good start. It was the first airline meal I have enjoyed in years. When the drink cart came around, I was pleased to see a good selection of very nice New Zealand wines along with sparkling wine, beer and mixed drinks, all complimentary in Premium Economy. Throughout the entire long flight, the flight attendants were friendly, well-groomed and seemed to be enjoying their job.

Premium Economy chef-designed menu offerings

If you skip dinner and get hungry during the flight, a selection of “In-Flight Bites” is available in the galley for the taking. The Premium Economy cabin also had two dedicated lavatories, one being quite large. It was the nicest lav I have seen in an upper-economy class to date. The murals on the bathroom walls added to the "glamour"! Even better, the Air New Zealand flight attendants kept the lavs neat throughout the entire flight, which was something I certainly wasn't accustomed to seeing.

Could the Spaceseat be improved? I suppose nothing is perfect. The only thing I missed was a small hook to hang up my jacket.

Auckland to San Francisco - Boeing 777-200

On our return flight from New Zealand, we flew on one of the older 777-200 models with the 3-3-3 seating configuration in Premium Economy. The seating in this cabin was more like Economy Class with extra legroom, whereas the Spaceseat was more like a small Business Class seat. In spite of the older-style seating, we had an enormous amount of legroom, partly because we lucked out and were assigned the bulkhead seats (25B and 25C). The bulkhead here has tons of legroom, but you give up underseat storage for your smaller bags. And, you might not like it if a line forms for the lavatory which is located on the other side of the bulkhead. Another thing to consider is that the galley is just forward and to the left of these seats and the galley light is never completely turned off. Nevertheless, we would not hesitate to book these seats again.

No shortage of legroom with the bulkhead Premium Economy seats on the 777-200

As previously mentioned, these are more traditional old-school seats. They recline, and can therefore interfere with the personal space of the person sitting behind you (another benefit of a bulkhead seat: there is nobody reclining into your space). However, in Premium Economy, there is more space between the seats, so that potential interference is lessened to some degree. There is a small retractable footrest, but I did not find it very useful for me. The cushions on these seats were not as comfortable as the Spaceseat cushions, but still a step up from Economy Class. On the 777-200, it is more about extra legroom. Of course, you still benefit from Air New Zealand’s excellent Premium Economy service. Our flight attendant, Paula, called us by name whenever she served us, and she had a great sense of humor. In fact, all of the Air New Zealand crew members are extremely service-oriented and perhaps the nicest we have encountered on any airline.

Premium Economy Meal service on 777-200 was excellent

Is it worth it?

I suppose this is the bottom-line question: Is Premium Economy worth the extra money? Regardless of whether it is the 777-300 Spaceseat, or the more traditional 777-200, Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy offers more value and service than any other premium economy service we have experienced to date. On most other carriers, premium economy (or the equivalent) is basically nothing more than a little extra legroom. On Air New Zealand, Premium Economy feels more like a separate “class” of service, much closer to Business Class than to Economy Class. So, between Rickee and me, we give Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy four thumbs up! In our opinion, no matter which long-haul Air New Zealand flight you are on, Premium Economy is well worth the money.

The Koru Lounge

Air New Zealand offers Business Premium flyers access to their Koru airport lounges in New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington) and five international destinations (Brisbane, Melbourne, Nadi, Rarotonga and Sydney). Air New Zealand is part of the Star Alliance group of airlines, and passengers who have attained Gold level or higher in the Star Alliance mileage program also have access to the Koru Lounge. A yearly membership can be purchased. We were fortunate to get a special media pass to visit the Koru Lounge in Christchurch and Auckland during our travels.

Upon entering the lounge in Christchurch, we were greeted by Wayne, who scanned our boarding passes and welcomed us to the lounge. He even took the time to look up our flight and get us better seats! We did not even have to ask, he just offered to do it. After receiving our new boarding passes, we entered the Koru Lounge, which was much larger that we expected it to be.

There is plenty of comfortable seating throughout the lounge and most seats have easy access to AC power for charging laptops and phones. There are two buffets, one serving salads, light snacks, cheese and crackers and desserts, while the other had hot soup and a couple of other hot entrees. A nice self-serve bar is available for mixed drinks and there is a nice selection of New Zealand wines, including sparkling wine. A refrigerator case has a selection of beers and soft drinks from which to choose. And of course, this is all complimentary. Something we have not seen in any lounge before visiting Koru Lounge is a Barrista who is on duty during certain hours during the day.

Substantial and delicious buffet in Koru Lounge, Christchurch

We also had the opportunity to meet and visit with Del, the Lounge Leader in Christchurch. It was obvious from visiting with Del that she loves her job. She and Wayne both demonstrated what we have now come to expect from everyone at Air New Zealand: a sincere interest in their customers. That is something sorely lacking with most airlines today.

Del and Wayne take care of Air New Zealand guests in Christchurch

In Auckland, we only had about 30 minutes to visit the Koru Lounge before boarding our flight to San Francisco. As you might expect, the lounge here is much larger than the one in Christchurch, and much busier. The services offered at both lounges are virtually identical with the choices of food being a bit more extensive in the Auckland lounge.

We have visited lounges for American, Delta, KLM, British Air, United and others. The Koru Lounge is certainly at the top of list and is a great benefit to anyone holding a Business Premium ticket, or a Koru Lounge membership.

For more information on Premium Economy or the Koru Lounge, visit AirNewZealand.com

Originally posted on: 2/3/2015

SCOTTeVEST T5 Sport Coat

April 9, 2019 - After nearly 20 years of cruising and well over 100 cruises, I have never found the "perfect" travel sport coat. That is, until now. I recently returned from a 14-night transatlantic sailing aboard Regent Seven Seas Explorer, where gentlemen are not "required", but "expected" to dress "appropriately" after 6pm. I just don't feel comfortable going out in the evening aboard a luxury cruise ship not wearing a jacket.

I recently received a T5 Sport Coat from SCOTTeVEST. When my black 42L T5 Sport Coat arrived, I was immediately impressed by the quality and feel of the materials used in the construction. My first positive experience was when I tried it on and it fit PERFECTLY. However, this is much more than just a nice-looking, well-fitting sport coat. The jacket is loaded with cool features, not the least of which is 19 different pockets!

T5 Sport Coat has 19 pockets!

Three of the pockets are on the outside of the jacket: a left-side breast pocket, and two hip pockets.  These are complemented by 16 other "hidden" pockets on the interior lining of the jacket. There's a pocket large enough to hide a LARGE iPad and another that is perfect for passports and other documents. Everywhere you look inside this jacket, there are handy pockets of varying sizes and shapes.

On the right side of the jacket interior there is one pocket perfectly sized for a wallet or credit card holder, along with two small slots to hold pens.

One clever little pocket is designed to hold eyeglasses and even includes a small microfiber cleaning cloth.

There are more pockets that you would probably ever use at one time, but it is always better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them. One advantage to having so many pockets is the ability to store all of your gadgets in the jacket before going through airport security. Your cell phone, iPad, keys, wallet, credit cards, and metal objects that normally need to be removed, can all be placed in the jacket. Then, simply remove the jacket and send it through the x-ray machine! There is even a pocket the entire width of the jacket in the back panel that I can only assume is for carring a small laptop. Yes, it's that big.

The T5 Sport Coat also offers RFID protection, and a small key chain is sewn into one of the pockets. A LOT of thought and engineering has gone into this jacket. The jacket is made of a blend of polyester/rayon and spandex to give it incredible travel chops. I folded the T5 into thirds and packed it in my suitcase. When we arrived on the ship hours later, I hung it up and it instantly regained its shape with no wrinkles!

SCOTTeVEST even claims the jacket has some water-resistant properties, which I did not put to the test. The interior zippers are small enough so that they are not visible from the outside of the jacket. And, the liner (with its repeating SCOTTeVEST logo) is very high quality and comfortable. The zippers and pulls appear to be high-quality, but longer-term testing will have to be done before I can make that claim.

I also have not yet had the jacket dry-cleaned (which is recommended), so I cannot make any claim as to how well it holds up over time. However, at first glance, this appears to be the perfect sport coat for those who travel. It is easy to pack, holds everything you could ever want to carry with you, looks good, and fits perfectly. Is there anything that I don't like about the T5? Yes. I don't like that it only comes in black. I would like to have one in gray, navy and camel!

For more information on the SCOTTeVEST, you can visit their website at ScottEVest.com

Global Rider Limousine - Kona, Hawaii

Whenever we travel, we prefer to pre-schedule transfers between airport and ship or hotel. Trying to negotiate with taxis can be a hassle, at best. On a recent Hawaii trip, we were planning a hotel stay at the end of a cruise in Kona, Hawaii. After contacting Alex at Global Rider Limousine, we arranged to have a Town Car transfer from the port to the hotel, and from the hotel to the aiport the following day. Even before we disembarked our ship in Kona, we could see Igor dockside waiting for us.

Igor with Global Rider waits for us at the port in Kona, Hawaii

After disembarking, Igor loaded our luggage and we were on our way to our hotel, about a 20-minute drive from the pier. Upon arriving at our hotel's security gate, we learned that we would not be allowed to access the property until after 12 noon. Apparently, the hotel was sold out to a private company the night before and was not open to the public until after 12 noon. So, what to do? Igor graciously offered to drive us into the city of Kona, or to nearby Waikaloa Village. We decided on Waikaloa as it was only 10 minutes from the hotel and our contact at the hotel agreed to pick us up after 12 noon and take us to the hotel. The mark of a good company is how they respond to an unexpected situation, and Igor handled it perfectly! He dropped us at a Starbucks where we had Internet access and the nearby shopping was a good distraction for the next two hours.

Igor drops us off at Starbucks

For our drive from our hotel in Kona to the aiport, Yuri, showed up right on time at our hotel. As it turns out, Yuri is Igor's brother! Once again, the Lincoln Town Car was spotlessly clean, comfortable and outfitted with two bottles of water for our convenience. Yuri was every bit as personable as Igor, and got us to the airport right on time.

Yuri drops us off at the Kona Airport

In addition to airport and hotel transfers, Global Rider offers a variety of private island tours and has a range of vehicles including SUVs and vans. We would not hesitate to recommend Global Rider whenever a pre-/post-cruise stay in Kona is in your plans. And, if you cruise to Hawaii, a pre-/post-cruise stay in Kona is a MUST!

You can get more information about Global Rider by visiting their website.

Larry's Limos - Miami

On a recent cruise out of Miami we chose to fly into Fort Lauderdale to save some considerable money on airline tickets. However, that meant we needed a convenient and fast way to get from FLL to the Port of Miami. A quick Internet search led us to Larry's Limo (www.larryslimo.com). We wasted no time in booking a meet-and-greet transfer upon our arrival and an additional transfer from the Port of Miami to the W Hotel in Fort Lauderdale for a post-cruise stay.

Meet-and-Greet In Fort Lauderdale

When we arrived at Fort Lauderdale International airport, we made our way down to the baggage claim area where we found Kenny Jr. waiting for us, sign in hand.

Kenny Jr. is waiting for us when we arrive in Fort Lauderdale

After our checked luggage arrived, Kenny assisted us with our rolling bags out to the vehicle. The "limo" is actually a brand new Chrysler 300, not the typical Lincoln Town Car. This was our first time to ride in the big Chrysler and we were impressed. The black leather seats were plush and comfortable and the ride was very nice and quiet. Kenny was also very conversational and informed us that the drive would only take about 25 minutes since it was Saturday and there is a new tunnel that goes directly to the Port of Miami which means no more weaving through downtown Miami!

The new tunnel leading to the Port of Miami

Kenny was right, we arrived at the pier in under 30 minutes. Our luggage was unloaded and we were on our way to enjoy an 8-night Carnival cruise. Of course, we could have purchased the Carnival transfer for $25, but then we would have to wait at the airport for Carnival to fill a bus, then be shuffled on to that bus with 50 other people. The last thing we want is to stand in any more crowded lines. A private transfer is a little luxury that we have decided we cannot live without.

Transfer From Port of Miami to Hotel

We had pre-arranged for Larry's to pick us up at the end of our cruise outside the port terminal at 10am. We planned to disembark the ship at around 9:15 and figured it would take at least 45 minutes to get through Customs and Immigration. We were shocked when we found ourselves standing outside the terminal at 9:15 instead of 10am! Carnival did a great job with disembarkation, so we were 45 minutes early. No problem. I called Larry's Limo and the dispatcher told me he would contact our driver. A couple of minutes later I got a call back from Mike, our driver, telling me he was just a few minutes away. Sure enough, in less than five minutes, Mike drove up in another brand new Chrysler 300C.

Mike, our Larry's Limo driver

Mike loaded our luggage and we were off to the W Hotel Fort Lauderdale. Mike was also very easy to talk to and filled us in on the 25-year history of Larry's Limo. Apparently, Larry's has been serving the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area for quite some time. They offer a variety of transfer services to individuals, celebrities and large groups. Larry's has everything from sedans, like the Chrysler 300, to stretch limos, 15-passenger vans, 24- and 38-passenger mini-buses and 61-passenger luxury motor coaches.

Chrysler 300 is quiet and luxurious

There's really not a lot you can say about a limousine service when everything goes right. The vehicles were clean and comfortable, the drivers were polite and on time. What more can you ask? We now have a reliable car service we can depend on when we travel to Miami-Fort Lauderdale.

The cost for a transfer from FLL to the Port of Miami is approximately $ 70 + gratuity.
The cost for a transfer from the Port of Miami to a Ft. Lauderdale hotel is approximately $85 + gratuity.

For more information, contact Larry's Limo at www.LarrysLimo.com or call toll-free 1-800-611-6631.

Full Disclosure: It is customary for companies to provide journalists with complimentary services for the purpose of reviewing the product or service. CruiseReport.com editors were provided with a complimentary transfer in exchange for this review. However, we never guarantee a positive review of any product or service provided to our journalists.

Originally posted on: 9/10/2014

Business Class on American Airlines (LHR to DFW)

On a recent flight from Heathrow to DFW airport, we upgraded using miles (and money) to Business Class. It has been a year since we flew in Business Class on American and we were shocked when we boarded the 777-200 and found the brand new Business Class seating.

Rickee settles into her Business Class cocoon

The new Business Class arrangement on the 777-200 is a 1-2-1 format. The Business Class seating in the center section is best suited if you are traveling as a couple as they do allow for interaction with the person sitting next to you. If you wish for privacy, you can raise one of the storage compartment covers.

Center seats allow communication

These new Business Class seats are lay-flat models with electronic controls to adjust the angle and position of the seats. I am 6'-2" tall and had no problem laying completely flat. There is a ton of legroom and a padded "shelf" becomes the end of the bed when the seat is fully flattened.

Padded shelf

There are multiple cubbies that can be used for storage. One is located in the adjustable (up or down) arm rest. It was large enough for me to stuff my ballcap and sunglasses into.

Armrest cubby

Another cubby is located next to your right knee. It is probably intended as a makeshift trash can, but I used it to store my tennis shoes.

Cubby

The entertainment system consists of a large touch-screen interactive television with a nice selection of movies, TV shows and games. It is certainly, the nicest system we have seen on an AA flight.

Entertainment system

The desk rests underneath the TV and can be extended toward the passenger, then folded out to make a large desk/table top. The design is very ingenious and works well. When you are finished working, it can easily be folded in half and pushed out of the way.

Desk/table top

The inside wall of the cocoon has more table space and storage. Doors flip up to reveal shallow storage areas, great for small items. The larger of the two contains USB power ports and a universal 110/220 power outlet.

USB Power Ports

Each Business Class seat comes with a small amenity kit with socks, toothbrush/toothpaste, lotion, etc. and Bose Noise Cancelling headphones for your use on the flight.

Amenity kit and Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

A plush duvet and large fluffy pillow are waiting for you when you arrive, both very comfortable.

Pillow and blanket

There is a small LED reading lamp should you need some light for reading.

Reading Light

Our flight departed at 3:00pm, so our menu was for a dinner followed by a light meal before a 7:00pm arrival in Dallas.

Menu

I decided to order the pork chops and Rickee tried the pasta. Both were delicious and far above what we have come to expect from airline food.

Pork chops

Drink service was excellent on this flight. The flight attendants were extremely pleasant and helpful. Once again, the service was far above what we have experienced on past AA flights. Someone must be listening at American. Flight attendants routinely came through the Business Class cabin offering water, juice, or whatever we asked for. Snacks were set up in the galley area and were available throughout the flight.

Snacks

The biggest surprise was the roomy, clean and nice Business Class lavatory. The port side lav was larger than the starboard side and had a sliding door.

To say that were were impressed with AA's new Business Class from LHR to DFW would be an understatement. It was a great flight!

Eagle Creek® Pack-It Spectre Travel Organizers

We have been using Eagle Creek original Pack-It™ products for years and have always found them to be quite useful. When we discovered that they had released the new Spectre™ line of Pack-It products, we were very anxious to give them a try.

As you can see from the photo above, the Pack-It is a complete packing system with a wide variety of sizes, shapes (and even colors) to solve a number of packing problems. The first thing we noticed about the new Spectre line of Pack-It products was how light they are. Eagle Creek uses a parachute nylon material which is extremely thin and lightweight, but tough and durable. Weight is paramount when packing, especially when traveling on airlines with strict weight limits.

Spectre products come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes

The garment folder is one of our favorite Pack-It products. I can fit one large and one medium Garment Folder into my large duffle bag. A medium-size garment folder can easily fit into a roll-aboard piece of luggage. Slacks can be folded in half to fit into the garment folder and a handy plastic guide (included) helps you with folding shirts and blouses. I can easily fit two pair of dress slacks and six shirts into a single large garment folder. The garment folder seals with Velcro and is adjustable so that it can hold more, or less, depending on your needs.

Large garment folder packed with two pair of slacks and six shirts

The compression cubes were perfect for packing underwear and socks. The unique zipper wraps around the cube so that it compresses the contents, saving even more space in your luggage.

The Wristlet Set contains two smaller pieces, one of which is the perfect size for holding a standard can of sunscreen!

These bags also have a plastic liner, making them leak/moisture-resistant. These are great for packing liquids and small cosmetic items.

Plastic liner in Wristlet Set

The cube-shaped pieces are great for stuffing just about any sort of item into each one. With everything packed into uniform folders and bags, it is very easy to arrange the Pack-It items in your suitcase.

Pack-It Spectre items fit nicely into any suitcase

Another advantage of the Pack-It system comes into play when you arrive at your destination. You can simply remove the Pack-It containers and throw them into a dresser drawer or on a shelf at your hotel or cruise ship. This is what I do with the Pack-It Cube that I use for socks and underwear. I carry an empty Pack-It cube to hold dirty items for the trip home.

There are dozens of different shapes and sizes of Pack-It Specter products, and Eagle Creek has just introduced a line of Pack-It Spectre Tech products to complement the ones we tested. Perhaps we will have an opportunity to test some of those in the near future! Click for details.

The Spectre Starter Set contains a medium garment folder, a cube and a half-cube for $58.95. It is a great way to try out the Pack-It system for yourself, but beware, you will soon be ordering more once you become accustomed to the convenience of the Pack-It way of packing.

Starter Set

As I said at the beginning of this review, we have been using the Eagle Creek Pack-It system for years. The Spectre line is even better than the original. Each piece is lighter, tougher and more flexible than other Pack-It systems. We will never travel without them!

For more information, click here

Limousine Basel

On a recent river cruise assignment that embarked in Basel, Switzerland, we were in need of a reliable transfer/limo service to take us from our hotel (Swissôtel Le Plaza) to our river cruise boat. As some of you may already know, we like to pre-book our transfers in foreign countries before we leave the USA. We have had a few bad experiences relying solely on local overseas taxi companies. Therefore, a few weeks before our trip, I reached out to Patrick at Limousine Basel. Within a few hours, I received an email reply from Patrick confirming the transfer. The email also included Patrick's phone number in Basel so we could call him if our plans changed.

A minivan transfer to your river cruise boat is the only way to go!

A quick look at Patrick's website reveals that he provides a wide variety of transportation services including airport transfers, transfers to/from Zurich, sightseeing tours and, of course, cruise ship transfers

The real test of a good transfer company is how well they can deal with changing situations. We received an email from our cruise company the day before we left the USA informing us that our boat would not be able to make it to Basel for our embarkation. Instead, the cruise company would provide us with a coach transfer from Basel to the ship which would be docked in Breisach, Germany, but we had to meet them at the Radisson Blu hotel in Basel the morning of embarkation. I emailed Patrick right before we departed the USA for Switzerland to inquire if he could change our transfer destination to the Radisson Blu hotel instead of the riverboat. In less than an hour I received an email from Patrick letting me know that it would not be a problem. That is good service, especially considering there is a seven-hour time difference between Switzerland and the United States!

Patrick's Mercedes minivan

On the day of our riverboat embarkation, Patrick showed up right on time at our hotel. In fact, he was a little early! Our luggage was loaded into his new Mercedes minivan and off we went to the Radisson Blu hotel. The Mercedes minivan is perfect for cruise travelers because it can hold a lot of luggage, and up to six passengers. Often, when you call a taxi in Europe, they show up in a small Toyota or similar and there is little space, if any, for luggage.

Patrick and Rickee pose for a photo before we leave Swissôtel

The drive to the Radisson Blu was less than 15 minutes, but with luggage for three weeks of travel, a transfer is a must. We were very impressed with Patrick's service and his personality. His Mercedes minivan was spotlessly clean and very comfortable. The next time we travel to Switzerland, we would not hesitate to contact Patrick for our transfer needs. We highly recommend his services.

For more information on Limousine Basel, go to http://www.limousine-service-switzerland.com
On Twitter:@LimousineBasel
On Google+:https://plus.google.com/+Limousine-service-baselCh/posts
On Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/patrick.limousine.service
On LinkedIn: @limousineserviceswitzerland
On Instagram:https://instagram.com/taxi.limousine.basel/

Athen's Custom Taxi Tours

We are huge fans of private tours. Cruise line shore excursions are fine, but they are expensive, regimented and often crowded. In short, it is not the best way to see a city, certainly not a great city like Athens. Of course, when you opt for a private tour of a city, who do you trust? Athens Custom Taxi Tours is not only highly rated on TripAdvisor, but we have personally used the service on a recent cruise to Athens.

We first met Dimitris Stamatelatos in 2008 when we were in Athens to board a Regent[end] Seven Seas cruise. Dimitris met us at the Athens airport and provided a transfer (http://www.stargroup.gr/) to the ship in Piraeus. The transfer gave us time to get to know him and we have stayed in touch through Facebook ever since. We knew that whenever we returned to Athens, we would like to take advantage of Dimitris' private taxi tour service (athenscustomtaxitours.com).

I contacted Dimitris a few weeks before our cruise aboard Paul Gauguin Cruises' m/v Tere Moana, which disembarked in Athens, to arrange a private taxi tour. As promised, Dimitris was at the cruise terminal in Piraeus to meet us as we exited the terminal building. Dimitris escorted us to his Mercedes taxi, which has been impeccably maintained. His taxi even is equipped with free Wi-Fi, so you can check your email or update your Facebook page during your tour!

Before leaving Piraeus for Athens, we stopped at a great place to see the huge marina located here. One thing you will soon learn, Dimitris loves to take photos for his own Facebook page (@dimitris.stamatelatos). When I contacted Dimitris about the private tour, I mentioned that we had already visited The Acropolis during a visit in 1998, so we really did not need to visit it again. This is another huge advantage of a private tour, it can be tailored to your specific interests. Dimitris has more than a dozen different tour packages on his website that range from 1/2-day tours to multi-day tours. And, he offers tours specifically designed for cruise ship passengers who have to be back on board their ship at a certain time.

The large marina of Piraeus in the background

After a short drive to Athens, thanks in part to the fact that this is Saturday and traffic is much lighter than normal, Dimitris drives us to one of the highest points in Athens. We have a great panoramic view of the city, including the Acropolis. Along the way, Dimitris takes time to identify historical points of interest. And, since this is a private tour, any time we had a question, all we had to do was ask. And by the way, Dimitris has an answer for everything!

A great view of Athens in the background

We drove through town where Dimitris pointed out "The Trilogy", The Academie, The University and The Library. The historic architecture with Greek columns is impressive.

The Academie

Good fortune had us passing the Parliament just as the changing of the guard was about to occur. Dimitris pulled the taxi over and parked so we could get out and watch the ceremony. Again, try doing this on a motor coach tour with 45 of your cruise buddies. It ain't gonna happen.

Changing of the guard at Parliament

What really made the day special was when Dimitris presented us with a hand-painted stone that his daughter made for us. That was very special indeed!

A special gift from Dimitris' daughter

After a short drive through Plaka, the old city of Athens, we asked Dimitris if he could take us to a local Greek restaurant. We did not want a "touristy" place, but one where the locals like to eat. That did not take long. Soon, Dimitris was double-parking in front of a local restaurant and were enjoying an incredible meal of Souvlaki (thin sliced pork, tzatzki, french fries, tomato, and onions in a pita bread roll), Greek beer, fried potatoes and Tzatzki (Greek yogurt with garlic, lemon juice, onion, cucumber and dill), followed by a platter of deliciously sweet watermelon. The meal was amazing and one that you will only get if you know a local Greek like Dimitris! He did all the ordering for us in Greek, so it pays to have a friend that speaks the language.

We all toast "Yiamis" at a local restaurant

Do I look like I am enjoying the Souvlaki?

After the delicious lunch, Dimitris returned us to Piraeus port in plenty of time to board our next cruise on SeaDream Yacht Club. This was a great way to spend an afternoon in Athens. Of course, any time you cruise into or out of Athens, you should plan at least three days to really see the city. Whether you are spending a week in Athens, or if you just have a few hours before you have to be back on board your ship, there is only one way to see Athens, and that is by private taxi. Dimitris offers a variety of city tours tailored to fit any traveler's interests and schedule.

While many cruise ship passengers where shuffling through long lines, getting on and off a motor coach, we were enjoying our day in Athens from the leather seat of an air-conditioned Mercedes with Wi-Fi! Before your trip to Athens, contact Dimitris through his website or Facebook page, and tell him you read about him on CruiseReport.com!

You can check out his website at athenscustomtaxitours.com.

FlexSafe™ Portable Travel Safe

We have all done it: walked off and left our cell phone, wallet, keys or other valuables sitting on or under our lounge chair at a hotel or cruise ship pool, or at the beach. We try to hide our valuables under a towel or even in a cooler, but how secure is that? Not! On a recent cruise assignment, we tested the FlexSafe from Aqua Vault. This portable, nylon reinforced "safe" is a simple way to protect your valuables.

As you can see in the photos above, the FlexSafe can be secured to any portion of a lounge chair (or any object). The three-digit security code tumbler-style lock on the front prevents a would-be thief from grabbing the bag and walking off with it. Here, we have secured it to one of the lower tubes of a lounge chair in order to keep the contents in the shade.

The FlexSafe material is very tough and it would be nearly impossible to cut it with a knife, so it is slash resistant. I suppose a committed thief could just take the entire lounger while you are in the pool or ocean, but it might look strange to see someone walking down the beach with a pool lounger under his arm. The idea is to get the thief to move on to an easier target, and in that regard, the FlexSafe is a good solution.

The FlexSafe we tested is large enough to hold a cell phone, some keys, and cash, but that's about it. We could not quite cram our iPad mini into it. However, a FlexSafe Plus is a larger model that will hold more. If you just want a place to secure your keys, some cash and your cell phone, the smaller FlexSafe should suffice. There are also expandable mesh pockets on the side.

The FlexSafe is easy to pack, too. It can actually be rolled up and stuffed into one corner of your suitcase, making it a great travel companion. At $59.95, the FlexSafe is a good investment for anyone who spends time at the pool, or at the beach. Of course, the company is quick to point out many other uses for the FlexSafe other than just beach/pool use. You could loop it around the frame of your bicycle, or a hospital bed.

We also had an opportunity to test the AquaVault Waterproof Phone Case which is designed to protect your smart phone from water damage. The clear plastic case allows you to shoot video or take photos underwater. Enough air gets trapped in an internal bladder to allow the case and phone to float. We tested this with our Samsung Galaxy S6 and found the protective case to be somewhat difficult to use. It was hard to get the phone into the case, and even more difficult to get it out. The "ziplok" style closure never felt like it was securely sealed, which did not instill confidence and made me hesitate to put my phone under water. Perhaps it would have worked better with a smaller phone?

AquaVault Waterproof Phone Case

While we were not that impressed with the waterproof phone case (at least not with our Samsung), we were very impressed with the FlexSafe. We can highly recommend the FlexSafe for cruise enthusiasts looking for an affordable way to secure their valuables when soaking up the sun at the cruise ship pool, or at the beach.

For more information, go to: theaquavault.com

Go Caddy Tote

By Rickee Richardson
Senior Editor - CruiseReport

While on a recent trip to Europe, I had the chance to try out the Go Caddy, a unique (patented) and compact carryall tote and water bottle carrier. I am always looking for a convenient way to carry my essential "stuff" while exploring a port and the Go Caddy seemed to offer a solution.

The fact that the Go Caddy folds flat makes it easy to pack without taking up much room in the suitcase. When it comes time to use the Go Caddy, you will find that this unisex bag holds up to a 1.5 liter bottle of your favorite beverage in the center section (4"x10") of the bag and even comes with a water bottle cooler sleeve which fits up to a 1 liter bottle. Depending on the size of bottle you carry, you may be able to put some additional things in this center section that won't be affected if the water bottle sweats, such as an umbrella or folded rain poncho.

There is an outside pleated deep front pocket (4.5"x7") with a flapped velcro closure and a smaller hidden pocket within it where I put my ship card, driver's license, credit card and cash. This inner pocket is the perfect size to hold your passport should you need to carry it with you. You could fit a small note pad and pen in this front pocket and I put my cell phone, a package of Kleenex, a lipstick and small mirror there, too.

On the opposite side of the bag, there is a roomy elastic pouch (4.75"x7") where I put my camera, a map, and reading glasses and still had room to spare. There is a metal "D" ring attached to each side of the bag at the top to which you can clip things. An additional oblong metal ring with a spring clip provides yet another way to attach things (such as keys) to the outside of the bag. The comfortable adjustable strap (1"x54") is made of polypropylene webbing and can be worn either over the shoulder or across the body. The Go Caddy itself is made of microfiber with a 100% poly inner lining and the elastic pouch is 420 denier nylon. These materials make the bag super easy to clean by just spot cleaning it with a damp cloth.

Using the Go Caddy in Portimao

I found the Go Caddy to be incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear, even with all my "stuff" in it. I chose to wear the bag with the strap across my body and hardly even knew it was there. I was able to keep my hands free for activities, but unlike when I wear a backpack, I did not have to remove the Go Caddy when I sat down. This meant I had less chance to walk off and leave it somewhere (which I have been known to do in the past!) My only issue was that the strap damaged the fabric of two of my pima cotton tee-shirts, causing "pilling" of the fabric where the strap went across my body, both on the front and back of my shirt. I should mention that this problem did not occur when I wore the bag with a shirt made from a different fabric.

Testing the Go Caddy in Gibraltar, UK

I highly recommend the Go Caddy for anyone who wants to be able to have water handy while also having a compact and convenient place to put all the essentials that one needs to carry. The Go Caddy comes in three colors and the purchase price is very reasonable at $19.99. For more information, or to purchase the Go Caddy, go to www.gocaddy.com.

Disclosure: We received a Go Caddy tote for testing and review purposes from BVT Products

Trtl Travel Pillow

I have never been able to get any sleep on an airplane. Sure, if I am willing to fork over thousands of dollars for a Business Class or First Class seat, I can lay flat and get some rest on a long flight, but since most of my flights are business trips, Business/First class is out of the question. And let's face it, it is virtually impossible to recline an Economy class seat enough to get any relief. I have tried regular travel pillows -- you know, the ones that wrap around your neck? But, they only force my head farther forward with my chin aiming toward my chest. So, when I saw the Trtl travel pillow, I was intrigued.

The design of the Trtl is unlike any other travel pillow, hence the patent. Basically, it is a long microfiber sleeve that fits over a flexible plastic frame. The frame is designed to cradle your head and support your neck from the side while the microfiber cloth makes for a soft, warm wrap held in place with hook and loop fasteners (Velcro).

Instead of attempting to support the back of the head, like a traditional travel pillow, the Trtl acts sort of like a sling to support the head from the side. We decided to try the Trtl on a 15-hour flight from LAX to Hong Kong. We were seated in Economy-class on Cathay Pacific in an exit row seat. The gentleman sitting behind me was pretty tall, so I did not want to recline my seat and make him any more uncomfortable than he already was, so our initial testing was done with a completely upright Economy class seating position.

Rickee positions the Trtl on our flight to Hong Kong

One of the first things we noticed about the Trtl is how the microfiber wrap keeps your neck warm. That is a real blessing on a long flight where they keep the plane freezing cold. The long strip of hook and loop fastener allows for near-infinite adjustment around your neck and the Trtl is easy to re-position. You can make the wrap as loose or tight as you want.

But, does it work? The short answer is, yes. I found that I was able to get a little sleep on our flight using the Trtl, which is more than I would have been able to get otherwise. The only issue I had was the plastic frame would sort of dig into the bottom of my left ear when my head was resting on it. That may be because I was using my Bose noise-cancelling headphones at the same time. It also could be just the weird position of my freakishly giant ears. Nevertheless, I can certainly see where for many people, the Trtl will allow for hours of rest when traveling.

Trtl cradles your head and neck from the side

It should also be noted that the Trtl is easy to travel with. I had no problem stuffing mine into my backpack and Rickee was able to wrap hers around the handle of her roll-aboard. The plastic frame can easily be removed from the microfiber sleeve so that the sleeve can be washed. If you have problems getting sleep on long trips as I do, the Trtl is definitely worth a try, especially for the modest $30 investment. For more information, visit trtl.co.uk/

EdelSwiss Limousine Service - Basel Switzerland

On a recent trip to Basel, Switzerland, we were in need of an airport transfer to our hotel. After some research, we learned about EdelSwiss Premium Limousine Services (www.edelswiss-limousine.ch). Their website indicates that they offer a wide variety of transfer services as well as sightseeing tours, celebrations, etc. In fact, EdelSwiss offers sightseeing tours for all group sizes in all Swiss cities.

We contacted EdelSwiss through their website to book our airport transfer and quickly received a confirmation email. Sure, we could wait until we arrive in Basel and hire a local taxi to take us into town, but we have learned that after an all-night flight, the last thing we want to deal with is trying to figure out how to get where we are going. Pre-booking a "meet and greet" transfer is the only way to go. We arrived around 11am and as soon as we collected our luggage and walked through Customs, we found Mark with EdelSwiss holding a sign with my name on it.

After a brief introduction, Mark took charge of our luggage and escorted us to his Mercedes van waiting just outside the airport. The minivan was overkill for just the two of us, but it was very comfortable and Mark was happy to point out some interesting sights in Basel on the way to our hotel.

When we arrived at Swissôtel Le Plaza, Mark unloaded our luggage and we said our goodbyes. Mark and EdelSwiss made the process of getting from the airport to our hotel a breeze. That is exactly what we look for in a transfer company.

The transfer from Basel airport to Swissôtel, Basel by Mercedes E class costs CHF110.00 (about $111 US), by Mercedes Viano CHF110.00 or by Mercedes S class CHF120.00.

A transfer from Zurich airport/Zurich city to Basel by Mercedes E Class executive sedan would cost CHF400.00 (approx. $404 US), and by Mercedes S Class VIP sedan CHF450.00. The transfer usually lasts from between 45 minutes to an hour in normal traffic. When there are traffic jams, it can sometimes take a bit longer.

We were impressed with the quick response we received from EdelSwiss and the excellent service. We would not hesitate to use them on future visits to Switzerland, and we can definitely recommend them to our followers.

For more information, check their website at www.edelswiss-limousine.ch

Paris Major Limousine

We disembarked one ship in Cherbourg, France, and took the train to Paris where we spent the night before flying to Valletta the next day to embark another ship. We knew we needed a reliable transfer in Paris to get from our hotel to the airport. After some research on the Internet, I came across Paris Major Limousine. I exchanged a couple of emails with Mahdi Oustani, the Sales Director for Paris Major Limousine (PML), and arranged a transfer.

Travel in a foreign country is stressful enough without having to deal with local taxis. We have learned from experience that it is much better to hire a private car when you know you have to be somewhere, such as the airport to make a flight. As promised, our driver, Gilles, was waiting for us outside our hotel at 8:00am. We were surprised that he was driving a beautiful new top-of-the-line S-Class Mercedes.

S-Class Mercedes from PML

Our luggage was loaded into the trunk and we settled into the plush leather seats. Complimentary bottled water was waiting for us to enjoy on our way to the airport.

We left the hotel and entered the frantic Paris rush-hour traffic. About two blocks from the hotel, Rickee turns to me and says, "Do you have our passports?" I began scanning my memory banks followed by digging through my backpack looking for them. Suddenly I remembered that they are back at the hotel locked in the safe in our room! When I asked Gilles if he could return to the hotel, he said "no problem" and began working his way back through the one-way streets. He told me that it might be quicker if I walked back to the hotel from the corner of the street where it was located because all the one-way streets would make the trip longer, and that he and Rickee would meet me out in front of the hotel. I exited the car and ran the two blocks back to the hotel to retrieve our passports.

By the time I obtained the documents from our safe and made my way back to the front of the hotel, Rickee and Gilles were arriving. I jumped into the backseat and we were once again on our way to the airport. Thankfully, Rickee asked about the passports when she did, or we would have probably missed our flight. Gilles did an excellent job of maneuvering the big Merc through the Paris traffic and got us to the airport in plenty of time. This is where most drivers would pull up to the front of the airport and just drop you off. But not Gilles. He parks the car, unloads our luggage on to a cart and walks us into the airport!

Once inside, Gilles even helps us find the check-in counter for our flight. That is service above and beyond anything we ever expected. After we knew where we were in the airport, Gilles said goodbye and we were on our way to Valletta.

Gilles, PML driver

There is no question that the next time we are traveling to Paris, we will be contacting Paris Major Limousine for our transportation needs. Of course, they offer much more than just airport transfers. And, they have a large fleet of vehicles to serve a variety of needs. Check their website for full details at 1st-limousine-services.com.

Note: A sedan transfer from Hotel InterContinental to CDG would typically cost 115€, the Mercedes S-Class transfer is 195€

Solar Sack™ Backpack Review

Whenever we go on shore excursions, we always take a backpack. We carry bottled water, a camera, a cell phone, possibly a small tripod, snacks, etc. When we discovered Solar Sack™, a backpack that also has the ability to keep our phone and camera charged, we knew we had to give it a try.

We decided to test the Solar Sack during our 9-day Windstar Star Pride cruise in the Caribbean. I wore the Solar Sack on three different excursions, and used it one day when we were lounging around the pool. As a backpack, the Solar Sack is well designed with plenty of pockets to hold a variety of items. You can easily carry a cell phone, iPad mini (which is what we have), a camera, and still have room for plenty of other items. The shoulder straps have minimal padding, but provided enough comfort so as to alleviate any shoulder pain.

Shoulder straps provide comfort and utility

Each shoulder strap has a small fabric loop that can be used to attach a carabiner, the included compass, or as a pass-through for a charging USB cable. There is also a horizontal chest strap (not shown) that is useful if you are carrying a particularly heavy load. The chest strap connector even has a built in safety whistle. There are expandable water bottle pockets on each side of the Solar Sack which can each easily hold up to a 20oz Dasani water bottle. An optional hydration bladder is available should you require one.

The real magic behind the Solar Sack is the addition of a 10,000 mAh battery charger that can be used to keep your gadgets charged while you are on a hike or shore excursion. When fully charged, the battery pack has enough muscle to extend a cell phone's talk time by about 30 hours. The solar battery/charger is removable and about the size of a large cell phone, and a little heavier. The battery pack can be charged using a wall outlet or sunlight. Of course, the quickest way to fully charge the unit is from a wall outlet via a USB adapter. And, since the battery pack is removable, it can be used as a backup power source when you are not using the backpack.

Battery charger, dual-port cable and optional multi-function tool

There are two USB ports on the bottom of the battery charger allowing you to charge up to two devices simultaneously. The battery charger slips into a pocket on the top flap of the Solar Sack which has a clear plastic cover, allowing sunlight to reach the charging plate. A bright green light indicates that the battery pack is charging from the sunlight and a series of blue lights show the amount of charge remaining. The LEDs are bright enough to be seen even in the brightest sunlight.

Battery pack slips into a pocket on the top flap of the Solar Sack

The photo above shows the battery pack slipped into the pocket of the Solar Sack and the flap that folds over with Velcro to hold it in place. The production model will have a small slit in the flap for the cables to pass through to the main backpack compartment.

My LG Android phone charging from the battery pack

The Solar Sack comes with a USB charging cable with a clever two port design allowing the cable to charge an Apple iPhone/iPad (Lightning) or an Android phone/pad (Micro USB). I was able to use my mini-USB-to-USB cable to charge our Panasonic camera from the battery pack.

Review

I personally like the size of the Solar Sack. It is not too large so as to be cumbersome, but large enough to hold everything we would ever need on a shore excursion or short hike. We were even able to cram a pretty large beach towel into the main compartment. We tested the charging capability with a GoPro camera, a Panasonic pocket camera, an iPad mini and my LG Android phone. I even used a long USB cable to keep my GoPro charged while we were on a Segway tour. We did not test the hydration bladder or the Bluetooth speaker, both of which ship with the Loaded Bag option (see below). Perhaps we will give those a try on our next trip.

The Solar Sack is the perfect size

The water bottle pockets are a huge plus for us and the Solar Sack has more than enough pockets inside to hold various items. The construction of the backpack is good and the Rip Stop material looks pretty tough. My only complaint is the material that rests against my back can get pretty warm on a hot day causing perspiration. A micro-fiber, Cordura or other breathable material would be a better option here

The visible solar battery pack seemed to attract a lot of attention from other travelers. Several people stopped me to ask about the backpack and how the solar charger worked, a good indication that there is a market for the Solar Sack.

The Solar Sack is the perfect size for cruise enthusiasts on shore excursions. We carried it with us on a kayaking excursion in Grenada and the water-resistant material worked great on the beach. Of course, the Solar Sack is much more capable than our needs require, but it is nice to know that the charger is there to keep the phone or camera charged when we are away from an AC power source. For this reason alone, we will make the Solar Sack a regular part of our cruise packing list.

Solar Sack on the beach in Grenada

The Solar Sack is available in two configurations:

Basic bag: Backpack, solar powered battery bank, dual-headed charging/data cord and multi-function compass

Loaded bag: Backpack, solar powered battery bank and dual-headed charging/data cord, multi-function compass, hydration bladder, multi-function tool and Bluetooth speaker.

For pricing and additional information, visit their Facebook page or website www.TheSolarSack.com
Originally posted on: 12/6/2016

SCOTTeVEST Fireside Fleece Vest

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You can buy a fleece vest just about anywhere. But, if you want one that is packed with features, there is none better than the Fireside Fleece Vest from SCOTTeVEST. SCOTTeVEST pioneered the concept of equipping their vests (and other articles of clothing) with lots of handy pockets for all your gadgets. It was such an obvious need.

When my vest arrived, my first impression was, "Okay, it looks like a vest, big deal." But, after I unzipped it and opened it up, I was amazed by all of the efficient use of space. There are pockets of every size and shape on the inside of both sides of the vest. The pockets are intelligently designed to hold specific items like cell phones, water bottles, sunglasses, pens, even an iPad/tablet! There are a total of 15 pockets, four of which are on the outside of the vest. Two of the outside pockets can hold cell phones, and two are for your hands to keep them warm. The right hand-warmer pocket even has a key ring on a lanyard attached to the inside of the pocket...very cool.

My plan was to "test" the vest during our two-week European Christmas Markets river cruise assignment. Now, I should preface this review by saying that I am not a "vest guy." In fact, I have never owned a vest. My plan was to try out the SCOTTeVEST for a couple of days, load up the pockets with all my gear, and then write a review. However, my plans changed when my winter coat was ruined the day before we were scheduled to leave the country. I spilled about a cup of melted butter on the front of the coat on Thanksgiving, and it was basically destroyed. On Thanksgiving evening, the only place open to buy a jacket was Walmart, and all they had was a cheap middle-weight nylon jacket, which I purchased for $20. I knew that this Walmart jacket would probably not be warm enough in sub-40-degree weather. That was when the Fireside Fleece Vest made its way into my daily wardrobe.

When we arrived in Prague, the temperature was in the low 40's, and this was the warmest temperature we would see for the next two weeks. Each day, I would wear the Fireside Fleece Vest between my long sleeved flannel shirt and my cheap Walmart jacket. I was impressed with how warm the vest was. My core never got cold, even in temperatures in the low 30's. And, there were days when we were out in the elements for up to three hours at a time. I tried going out one day with only the Walmart jacket and quickly returned to our stateroom to "layer up" with the vest. So, just as a vest to keep you warm, the Fireside Fleece Vest is worth the price. Now, let's talk about all of those wonderful pockets!

Since I was wearing the vest underneath my jacket, I could use one of the front "hand warmer" pockets to stow my wallet. I do this to avoid pickpockets! Our stateroom keys went into one of the front chest pockets while the other one was used for my cell phone (a Samsung Galaxy S6). When on tour with the river cruise lines, I would use one of the chest pockets for the Vox audio device, where it fit perfectly. This kept me from having to use the lanyard to hang the Vox unit around my neck. One of the large inside pockets was used for my pocket camera and another pocket held my sunglasses (which I rarely needed on this trip). If we bought small souvenirs, which we often do, I had plenty of other pockets to stow refrigerator magnets, postcards, etc. And, I love the little slots on each side to hold pens!

When we returned to the ship after our tours, I would remove my neck warmer and cheap Walmart jacket and leave my vest on while inside the ship. It is so comfortable and light that you hardly notice you are wearing it. If I needed to step out on the deck for a couple of minutes to take a photo, the vest alone was more than enough to keep me warm.

Slots to hold pens on each side

In case you have not picked up on it yet, I am now a converted "vest guy." I honestly cannot imagine traveling in cooler climates without my Fireside Fleece Vest. We shipped our luggage to Europe on this trip, and the vest was packed in the shipped luggage; otherwise, I would have definitely worn the vest on the flight to Europe. It would have been the perfect layer to keep me warm on those cold all-night flights. And, the pockets would make going through airport security a breeze! Just load the pockets up, take the vest off and put it in a bin to go through the x-ray machine. This will be my go-to garment for airline travel from now on.

The Fireside Fleece Vest is available in both men's and women's sizes and is now one of my favorite travel "gadgets". The vest is warm, comfortable, functional and is very well made. I can highly recommend the SCOTTeVEST Fireside Fleece Vest!

For more information, go to https://www.scottevest.com

Renting Camera Gear vs. Buying for Travel Photography

We used Aperturent.com last year during a three-week media assignment in Europe. At that time, I was considering the purchase of a new wide-angle lens for my Canon EOS 70D DSLR camera. A friend I was having coffee with one day said, "Why don't you just rent a lens for the trip?" Hmmm, I had never even considered doing that. I did some research on Google and found Aperturent.com. (See our 2017 update below.)

After perusing their website, I found that Aperturent.com had the exact wide-angle lens I was considering. The cost to rent the lens (Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM) for three weeks was about $100, a third of what it would have cost to buy the lens new. And, a bonus for me, Aperturent has a location here in Dallas! I placed my order online and scheduled a local pickup. However, Aperturent.com will ship to anywhere in the USA via FedEx. If you live in Dallas or Atlanta, you can pick up and return your gear locally thereby avoiding shipping charges.

The day before we were scheduled to depart the USA, I stopped by Aperturent.com's Dallas office and picked up the lens. It was packaged in a very strong plastic case with dense foam padding. The case was the perfect size for packing in my carry-on luggage. Both lens caps (rear and front) were also included in the rental. An inspection of the lens revealed a very clean, like-new lens. I could not have been more pleased.

Strong plastic case for carrying the lens

After arriving in Europe, I unpacked the lens and installed it on my camera. The lens performed flawlessly for the entire three-week rental. I am convinced that renting camera gear is definitely a good choice, especially for travel photographers.

Second Experience in 2017

Fast forward to 2017 and we are faced with yet another three-week media assignment in Europe. However, now we have a new Panasonic LUMIX G85 micro four thirds camera. We sold the Canon and purchased the Panasonic because it was a smaller, lighter format. And, since we did not have a big investment in Canon glass, thanks to having rented lenses from Aperturent.com, it was easy to sell the camera on eBay and move to the new format. This is another advantage of renting lenses. However, a new camera means a completely different lens mount. Fortunately, Aperturent.com came through again.

After perusing their website, I found that they offer a nice selection of micro four-thirds lenses to fit the Panasonic. Lenses for micro four thirds cameras are quite expensive, so renting makes even more sense. I chose two lenses: a 42.5mm f/1.2 (85mm equivalent) for shooting low light production shows on the cruises, and a 15mm f/1.7 primarily for shooting closeups of food.

One again, I was able to pick up both lenses locally at Aperturent.com's Dallas location. The cost to rent both lenses for 21 days, with insurance, was $322. Not bad considering that the 42.5mm lens sells for $1,195 and the 15mm sells for $550. Both lenses performed flawlessly and were in like-new condition when I received them.

The moral to this story is that, after renting both lenses, I know for sure I do not need to purchase the 42.5mm. It just does not serve my needs and it is a little too bulky. So, by renting the lens, I was spared a $1,200 purchase mistake. The 15mm lens, on the other hand, is one that I would consider adding to my permanent collection.

Once again, Aperturent.com saved me money and proved to be a valuable and reliable service.

Advantages of renting vs. buying

Try before you buy - Renting gear is a good way to have an extended trial period of a product before you spend the money to buy it.

Save money - Renting is much cheaper than buying. Even for a three-week rental, which is extreme, renting is cost-effective.

One-time use - In the case of lenses, you can spend tens of thousands of dollars on lenses that you may only need once, or once per year. It just does not make sense to own such a lens when you can rent one. For example, an African safari would be perfect for a 400mm telephoto lens, but why spend $5,000 to buy one for 10 days when you can rent one?

What if you change gear? - Here is a huge advantage to renting lenses: what if you decide to change from an APS-C or micro-four thirds format to a full-frame format in the future? Any lenses you purchase will be worthless! You will have to buy all new lenses formatted for full-frame use.

And There's More

Aperturent.com rents a wide variety of camera gear including cameras, lighting, tripods, video gear, etc. The next time you are thinking about buying any camera gear for travel photography, check with Aperturent.com first!

For more information, check their website at Aperturent.com.