Comments for Rachel's Ruminations

Comment on A Princess Cruise review by Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 05:11:15 +0000

In reply to Maggie. Have a great time!

Comment on A Princess Cruise review by Maggie

Maggie — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 00:49:53 +0000

I’ll be taking a Panama cruise this December but on another ship – Island Caribbean. My first Princess was in 2015. I read the food quality has changed on Princess. I hope it is not so.

Comment on Havila Voyages cruise review: An eco-friendly coastal Norway journey by Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 12:27:12 +0000

In reply to Begona S.

No, they don’t seem to, and neither does Hurtigruten, though Hurtigruten does do flight and cruise packages. But it’s easy enough to book trains. The Entur site works for Norway’s public transportation: https://entur.no/. And I use Omio for anything more complicated or between countries: https://omio.tpo.lu/F1OByEkC (That’s an affiliate link.)

Comment on Havila Voyages cruise review: An eco-friendly coastal Norway journey by Begona S

Begona S — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 01:22:21 +0000

Does Havila have combined train and cruise itineraries?

Comment on Aberdeenshire castles worth visiting by Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:59:49 +0000

In reply to Alyson Gardner. You're quite welcome. I try my best to write my honest take on whatever I write about, even if it's a sponsored/gifted visit or tour or item or whatever.

Comment on Craigievar Castle, Scotland by Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 17:56:34 +0000

In reply to Moria. Glad I could be of use! I suppose they're afraid people might be casing the place for burglary or something.

Comment on Craigievar Castle, Scotland by Moria

Moria — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:20:58 +0000

That explains why I cant find any pictures of the inside. except for a few stock photos of the same thing. i searched so many websites before stumbling onto yours. Thank you for your post and the explaination that they dont allow pictures inside.

Comment on Aberdeenshire castles worth visiting by Alyson Gardner

Alyson Gardner — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:52:57 +0000

Thank you so much for your thorough and honest reviews. So many reviews don’t make a decision. I love the way you wrote; it added to the excitement I have of visiting these castles but wasn’t overly hyped.

Comment on Havila vs Hurtigruten on the Norway coastal route: Which is better? by Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 10:30:29 +0000

In reply to Carolyn. Hmm. I hadn't checked this when I wrote the article. Looking at both websites now, it seems they both offer discounts for single travelers, but only on selected voyages. I only spent a few minutes, but I was able to find a cheaper one-way trip in early August on Havila than on Hurtigruten. Or are you just talking about their normal prices? They are indeed very high for a single traveler if you're paying the full 100% single supplement.

Comment on Havila vs Hurtigruten on the Norway coastal route: Which is better? by Carolyn

Carolyn — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 22:10:27 +0000

Havila is more expensive as a solo traveler.