Comments for Rachel's Ruminations

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.

Comment on Gifts for flight attendants: an experiment by Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:46:26 +0000

In reply to Linda Williams. How do you know how many packages to do? I never know how many there will be. And I assume the candy you put in is all individually wrapped?

Comment on Gifts for flight attendants: an experiment by Linda Williams

Linda Williams — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 06:16:29 +0000

I’d been doing the small gift thing for team members at Universal Studios Orlando for a couple years, but recently did this for a flight from NC to FL. This type of thing always brings me so much joy! For the flight, I made up little zip pouches with gum, chocolate, non-chocolate candy (my mom is allergic, so I wanted to make sure anyone that may be allergic would have something sweet as well), some healing hand/skin balm, OLLY stress gummies, and a little thank you card. The card had my seat number on it. Most, if not all, of the crew made a point to come back and thank me. I work in a somewhat thankless field and know how much a simple thank you or kind gesture can mean.

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

Rachel Heller — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 12:37:26 +0000

In reply to Kris K. I just skimmed their terms and conditions and it says "Alcohol brought onboard may not be consumed in cabins or common areas, with violations resulting in a minimum of NOK 2,500 fee per person present in the cabin." So you can bring it, but not drink it. It doesn't say anything about soda, so it seems to me that it's fine, but you'll need to ask them to be sure. Hope that helps!

Comment on Havila Voyages cruise review: An eco-friendly coastal Norway journey by Kris K

Kris K — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 17:17:59 +0000

Thank you! This was so helpful. Are you permitted to bring any wine or soda on board (at ports, or on embarkation>)

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

Rachel Heller — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:53:56 +0000

In reply to Cindy. Yes, their "product" is so similar I figured it was something that might be useful.

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

Cindy — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:13:23 +0000

So much good information! It’s nice to have a side-by-side comparison.

Comment on Iceland waterfalls that are easy to reach from the ring road by Rachel Heller

Rachel Heller — Sat, 16 May 2026 09:45:28 +0000

In reply to Karen. Happy to hear it was useful! Enjoy your trip!

Comment on Iceland waterfalls that are easy to reach from the ring road by Karen

Karen — Thu, 14 May 2026 19:37:57 +0000

Came across this site planning our trip to Iceland. Thank you for taking the time to help us all out!