NCTigerFan

We've done a half dozen European cruises on Carnival -- always on a brand new ship doing European runs after being built in Italy and before making its way over for U.S. itineraries. Those were great experiences with great crews (as those itineraries were used as something of a crew reward for providing excellent service). 3 round trips from Rome, 1 Barcelona to Athens, and 2 round trips out of Dover.

We have another one booked on RCL's Rhapsody of the Seas next summer -- round trip from Athens going to Cyprus, Egypt and Santorini.

I live here and will echo the recommendations of:
- LeBauer/City City Park
- Greensboro Grasshoppers game (check schedule for post-game fireworks, which are surprisingly good)
- Greensboro Science Center
- Greensboro History Museum (within walking distance of the downtown parks and a nice diversion to learn about the city you’re visiting. I believe it's free, so no feeling of commitment to stay longer if you're not enjoying it)

Children’s Museum is great but my kiddo had pretty much aged of it by age 7-9. Guilford Military Park is also great, but did not interest my kiddo at that age. (I do agree it’s a nice place for a walk). We revisited at age 14, and it was still “boring”. YMMV depending on your kids’ interests.

The International Civil Rights Museum is phenomenal (also done at age 14, and she still talks about that years later). But there’s some heavy stuff in there so consider your ages (and perhaps look into a youth tailored tour?).

Check out Bourbon Bowl (bar + bowling) and/or Boxcar Bar + Arcade downtown for something adult-friendly while still entertaining the kids.

There’s a big water park just outside of town – Wet & Wild Emerald Pointe.

It's been since 2016 since we were there, but we were in port in Marseilles from 800A to 500P and took a tour through Provence Connection Tours that included the market, wine tasting at a chateau, lunch, etc. I recall they did a good job.

I've noodled on a post-retirement ATW cruise and have some questions if you have time to respond:

1. Any logistical tips for arrangements back home for your house, mail, yard, etc. to be taken care of?

2. If you take any prescription medications, how does that work? I can only get a 30 or 90 day supply in advance. Do insurers make exceptions for travel plans like this or do you need to fill out-of-pocket?

3. Did you plan all of your excursions in advance? Are you doing cruise line excursions to simplify things, or did you research private excursions for all of these ports?

Thanks.

No, unfortunately. Our travel dates are fixed. We booked a cruise that leaves San Juan on the 27th and returns on the 3rd. Need to be home for Christmas Day and back at work on the 4th.

Allianz annual plan if you travel frequently enough, otherwise shop for the single-trip plan you need at insuremytrip.com. Very easy to shop/compare.

I used to, and would shop at insuremytrip.com. On the rare occasions I had claims, they were paid with no problem. Now, I just carry an annual, multi-trip policy through Allianz.

Did you claim your bags at the end of the flight from Europe and re-check them in the NE U.S. city? If not, then I'd argue that the 7-day period for damaged bags on an international flight applies instead of the 24-hour period for domestic flights.

Did the form they gave you list a deadline for filing a claim? If not, then I'd argue that they should have informed you in that way and, since it wasn't there, you had no reason to know there was a deadline.

I'd keep escalating within customer service and up to corporate if necessary. You can also complain in a public social media post and tag them.

Good luck.

I've visited all 50 states. 34 countries.

We loved rafting the New River Gorge, but that would be quite a bit out of your way, whereas Hershey (and Gettysburg) would be on the way. I'm guessing living in VA that your kids would have already been to DC, but, if not, that's on the way too. Philly (~95 miles from Hershey) is more on your route than Pittsburgh (~215 miles).