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Showing content with the highest reputation on 01/17/2020 in all areas

  1. Galveston Steve

    Carolyn Kraft

    I’m on Enchantment of the Seas right now as well. I have a different perspective. Tuesday afternoon a 600 foot tanker ran into an 80 foot fishing boat at the entrance to the Houston-Galveston Ship Channel. 1 person confirmed dead, 1 person in the hospital. The Coast Guard abandoned the search for two other missing crew members today and they are presumed dead. The crew of the Pappy’s Pride fishing boat and their families are having a horrible week, much worse than I ever hope you or I have. I’m happy to be enjoying time on a cruise ship with my family this week. Due to this tragedy there has been NO ship traffic in or out of the ports of Houston, Galveston, or Texas City since Tuesday afternoon. The economic impact of shutting down tanker and other ship traffic in this area is staggering. After Enchantment waited offshore all day, the Coast Guard was gracious enough to allow her into port Wednesday afternoon as she passed within yards of the wreckage site at a very slow speed while the responders were still securing the wrecked vessel, controlling the environmental damage, and searching for two missing human beings. After waiting all last night and all day today, Enchantment was escorted out of port this afternoon in heavy fog with two pilot boats off our bow to ensure we safely traversed the fog. I was deeply moved as we passed the crash site at a very slow speed so as not to disturb the small fleet of boats and the crane platform that were continuing the recovery operation in the channel. Enchantment of the Seas was the ONLY ship allowed to come in or out of the area since Tuesday afternoon. Then Carnival Dream was finally allowed in this evening after she waited offshore all day. As of this moment the area remains closed to all other ship traffic. Only a few small service boats have been allowed in the area. Royal Caribbean provided text and email updates about every two hours yesterday as we waited to learn when we could board. Enchantment’s captain provided several updates last night after we boarded, and several more updates throughout the day today. There was little information that they could provide because they had no control over the weather or the tragic situation in the Galveston Jetties, but they checked in with us regularly to let us know they were communicating with authorities and trying to get us underway. They also did not offer false hope or speculation because they knew the situation was fluid and telling us one thing and then changing their story would have drawn much criticism. We’re now underway to Cozumel and I’ve been having a great time, all things considered. I’ve used my cell phone as a tool to find out as much as I could about what was happening with our situation, much of which is spelled out above. May God bless the crew of Pappy’s Pride and their families. May those who perished Rest In Peace.
    30 points
  2. SpeedNoodles

    Carolyn Kraft

    Just watched a scope from @Galveston Steve - Enchantment was allowed to leave (although DAMN, that fog still looked thick). Hope your honeymoon and birthday aren't still ruined (but really, that attitude). Side note: I deserve a cookie for not typing the exact things that I'm thinking. Ok, so I typed them, but then I hit backspace. Ok, three times. But still. Cookie.
    15 points
  3. Guess we ran out of cookies
    8 points
  4. ellcee

    Carolyn Kraft

    I feel like this should be our code word for when we hold our tongues on here.
    8 points
  5. Really? After the video footage shows him leaning out of the window, he believed there was glass there? Everyone can make their own call here, but personally, once I lean my body out of a window, I'm pretty confident there's no glass there...
    7 points
  6. We got the “no” today on M&M’s also. Now I’m going to ask for the Seafood Tower in the Escape Room - to be delivered by one of the CATS. In costume. I don’t know how to insert a smiley face or I would! Just seems bizarre that people request special bottles of booze and specialty lunches in the room on day 1 and that’s good but you cant get a bag of M&M’s!! I’ll keep you posted @Pookie.
    7 points
  7. Johnson84

    Carolyn Kraft

    Much more accurate perspective, God bless the families. If my cruise was delayed for this reason I would totally understand & be respectful
    6 points
  8. SteveinSC

    Carolyn Kraft

    Amen, to that. Sad, sad situation. Thanks for the rationality and thoughtfulness. Hope you have a great cruise!
    6 points
  9. SteveinSC

    Carolyn Kraft

    Sorry you feel your 50th birthday and honeymoon is "ruined." I can understand the disappointment of reality missing the mark of expectations. That being said, try to keep a positive attitude?! Just saying "we are going to make the best of a disappointing situation" can go a long way in turning things around....that and a few drinks at the bar. Hope it gets better for you. Control what you can control....
    6 points
  10. Are you serious??? the man stood there PRIOR to picking up the child and placed parts of his own body OUTSIDE through the window.
    5 points
  11. I've had an opportunity now to sail a number of different ships since this tragic incident. Everytime I see a window like this I've tried my best to pretend or preconceive that there is no window in an attempt to have an open mind and try to see if there is anyway, somehow, someone might not know a window is window. Without exception even the change in air pressure was a tell-tale sign. I've tried squinting, I've close my eyes briefly, I've worn polarizing sunglasses to reduce glare. I couldn't trick myself into believing there was no window. I simply can't accept he didn't know the window was open. Given the child was at floor level looking through the glass I am all but convinced he not only knew the window was open, but lifted her up with the deliberate intention to look out the open window compared to looking through the tinted and possibly sea salt covered glass at floor level. I've done something along these lines when my kids were young but never going so far to place them in danger of falling over a railing or through a window. I always approached it so that even if I did drop them the worst case is they would land at my feet. Often this meant standing back away from a railing so they could see but there would be no way for them to go over. He didn't do that, instead he was leaning out the window with her. It was poor judgement and bad decision making on his part. I'm glad to see the company respond to the case and defend itself after months of ridiculous and false accusations. In all my sailings before or after I've never seen anyone bring a child up to a higher level on the glass wall, window or no window, to look out. It simply never happens because there is glass at floor level for children to look through. There is no need to lift a child higher to have the same view they already have at floor level. "To touch the glass" was his excuse. The child was already touching the glass at floor level.
    5 points
  12. Insomnia sucks! Since I cant go to sleep here are pics of my dogs. Getting worried about them more and more when we leave. Our oldest skye is 15. They dont have an issue with sleep
    5 points
  13. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7896071/Grandfather-dropped-toddler-death-cruise-ship-aware-open.html "Unquestionably AWARE It Was Open"...…..
    5 points
  14. I take an extra small bag or backpack with me. I put everything I used the night before and morning of departure in it and carry it off. Then I add it to my luggage at some point before I check my luggage at the airport. Super easy.
    5 points
  15. Yeah, because Royal has total control over the weather, the Coast Guard, harbor pilots.......... I understand your frustration but your anger toward the cruise line is unwarranted.
    5 points
  16. And I wanted to know what new shore excursion this was! ?
    4 points
  17. Jill

    Follow our Royal Up

    That’s why I love living in Florida! I’m not a fan of the cold! Have fun!
    3 points
  18. teddy

    Follow our Royal Up

    Thank you!!! It started out great....when we landed at FLL, it was 70 degrees warmer than when we left home.
    3 points
  19. teddy

    Follow our Royal Up

    We just got the rejection email now. 6:10 pm the night before Best part? We’re still boarding Adventure tomorrow morning. ?
    3 points
  20. Do you have any idea how vile you are? The fog itself is a safety issue, do you really want your cruise captain navigating somewhere they cannot see? And on top of that, two people are missing and likely dead and you're concerned about your vacation being ruined? I do not, and will not, feel sorry for you. Get a grip on reality lady, and have some respect for the families who are grieving.
    3 points
  21. Rage is not a phase of grief, it's a component, and I doubt that they are "past it." It takes years to get over the rage at having your child snatched from you, from life! Think of them as being insane, because that's what grief is like, when it's acute, by which I mean severe. It's not insanity, in that it's normal and predictable, but it's indistinguishable from insanity. Maybe their rage is at the grandfather, maybe it's at God, maybe it's at the whole world, but RCCL is a convenient scapegoat for them. Let's hope the jury is strong and clearheaded and impartial, because the family cannot be those things, and will not be for quite some time. Also, don't forget denial, which is more powerful than you would believe. If they've looked at the video, they have not been able to see what it shows, because denial protects them from losing their minds permanently. My daughter was killed 31 years ago (not by me, but by someone else), and I was quite out-of-my mind for at least a couple of years, and sporadically for even longer. Her father was even more crazed than I was, and it went on for a very long time. Guilt, which all parents feel when they have failed to protect their child, creates even more misplaced anger. At its core, the anger is at themselves, for having trusted Grandpa with the baby. Please, no "sorry for your loss," I know that you would not wish this on me or anyone, just try to learn from someone who has been there. May it never happen to your family. I blame the lawyer, who is just using these poor people, and their suffering, to make a bundle from RCCL. I know lawyers, too, and some of them work for the benefit of the oppressed, and others work for their own benefit. This guy is a slime ball, in my opinion.
    3 points
  22. Andrew72681

    Carolyn Kraft

    Did I read that right? On a carnival ship? I’m guessing you we’re trying to sell them a lifetime supply of rusty white paint?
    3 points
  23. SpeedNoodles

    Carolyn Kraft

    I share!
    3 points
  24. USCG Teacher

    Carolyn Kraft

    That's because you appear to be a rational human being capable of empathy and not a... Hmm. Gonna need one of @SpeedNoodles's cookies.
    3 points
  25. I think I would have more respect and feelings for him (and the family) if they would have admitted his guilt and negligence. The whole "not me, it must be someone else's fault" approach in the face of clear and damning evidence has influenced my view of his situation and not in a good way for him (or the family).
    3 points
  26. Yes this entire FCC process is knew to me. You don’t know what you don’t know right? The letter we received the morning of disembarkation stated a 20% FCC but to be honest I don’t think I even looked at it until we got settled in our post cruise hotel. The agent I dealt with post cruise sent a request to the ship asking them to reconsider the amount; not surprising it was not adjusted. Oh well, the FCC helps offset a portion of the costs of our next star class on Oasis....which I am already looking forward to as we are coming off a week of -35
    3 points
  27. Sounds like a good day to just stay on the ship !
    3 points
  28. How about the parents that have gone on national TV blaming RCCL? They should be ashamed of them-self! It was terrible that she lost her life, and the step grandfather will live with it for the rest of his life. The parents should have moved on ( which I am sure will be a hard thing to do) and look to other things that might help them find peace.
    3 points
  29. To the extent I saw him leaning your head would be pressed against the glass if you were leaning that far. The other factor at a port on boarding day - there is a lot of dock noise such as forklifts and trucks, backup alarms, carts being jostled and banging. You hear that noise at an open window, not so much when windows are closed or you are not near an open window.
    3 points
  30. @JLMoran, Thanks for the info again! We used air2sea for our upcoming Liberty trip and had good results. The flights were cheaper than what I could find directly with the airlines. While unfortunately we are flying into IAH on United, the price is okay. We looked at Southwest into Hobby and it was 1k more. All other flights were crazy expensive (presidents day vacation week, and I guess in Galveston is having a Mardi Gras celebration) Even with United baggage fees, that number from Southwest is way higher. We also got to pick seats with United via air2sea which buying from United directly I believe costs money. Speaking of picking seats, this turned into a free upgrade for us too. Our flight from EWR to IAH got changed by United after we had booked, and we lost our seat assignments. (this was shortly after booking )I had called United after and they told me since the tickets weren't paid for by Royal yet (this was prior to final payment date) I was SOL, and could call back after then and maybe pay for seat assignments......great........Any way, yesterday, I suddenly remembered what the United rep told me, so I pull the app up to look at our flights, low and behold, there are seats assigned..Awesome...wait, the assigned seats were terrible. They were middle seats in all different rows. Not good when traveling with two small kids. I called up United to see if we could maybe put us all closer together. I explained how we originally had seats, but then there was an itinerary change and we lost them. The representative was super helpful! He said, yup, he could see the change in the itinerary, and that the change was initiated by United. He looked where our seats were assigned and said, no that wont work, and moved us all up to the Economy Premium section, which if I did on my own would have cost $540, but he waived the fee since they caused the change and loss of original seats. I would have been happy having our seats closer together with all the other "steerage passengers" but I'll gladly take a free upgrade! For the Anthem group cruise I will absolutely look into air2sea again to price this out. I just need to figure out the day the flights get released and set a calendar alarm. We also plan on going a few days early to do some sightseeing. My wife is a huge Downton Abbey fan, so we plan on staying in a local pub/inn/B&B near Highclere Castle and visiting the castle grounds prior to the cruise.
    3 points
  31. SteveinSC

    Carolyn Kraft

    If I added "more" before "money".....would that make you feel better? I think you're missing the point. Can't take a vacation if you're not working....making money.....otherwise it's not called a vacation, just unemployed.
    3 points
  32. Larry Muster

    Stateroom Hacks

    Make use of that EU plug in the room with this... Syncwire 34W 4-Port USB Wall Charger, Multi-Port [Foldable US Plug] Travel Power Adapter with Interchangeable UK/EU Plug for Apple iPhone, iPad, Samsung, Android Phones, Tablets & More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011KPRE1G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_oxriEb27XPWD5
    3 points
  33. Voltore

    Carolyn Kraft

    This post made me laugh! Just roll with it, you'll have more fun. We've never been able to beat Mother Nature and I doubt we will in our GrandChildren's lifetime. Chill, relax and let the blood pressure drop.
    3 points
  34. Dinner on this night featured a souffle. Back in 2006/07, we went on a Princess cruise where the dessert chef made souffles every night, even doing a savory souffle on one occasion. To this day, I feel like that spoiled us because whenever we get a souffle on a cruise, we’re inevitably comparing it to something from (now) 13 years ago. Unfair? You bet it is. In this case, the souffles were a bit overcooked. It still tasted good, but you could almost imagine Gordon Ramsay throwing a fit and inventing about 20 new curse words to describe the not-perfect souffles. The mains, however, were on point. Kids aren’t big fans of alfredo sauce so we asked to get a red sauce for the linguini – no issues with that substitution. After dinner, we went to see the revue show, “Once Upon A Time”. This was a song and dance show with sets based around popular fairy tales. In a sense, it’s similar to what DCL does with their “Wishes” and “Believe” shows, subtracting Disney songs and any semblance of plot, while adding contemporary music and more choreography. Including what I think was an original disco song to open and close the show. The less said about THAT song, the better. I will not say that it was the most enjoyable show ever, but it wasn’t the worst I’d seen either. But certainly not a show I’ll need to see again, whereas I happily rewatch Blue Planet (Allure) and Columbus: The Musical (Harmony) again. So on my own again, I took another loss at the casino, and then I decided to take in the late night curiosity known as The Quest. I’d heard a bit about this, and after some time to digest this, my main impression is I mean the host calls out some task like “I need 5 different shoes attached together by their shoelaces” and suddenly shoes are raining down onto the Studio B floor and I’m all So yeah, this game is nuts. There are points awarded. But I think, like in Whose Line Is It Anyway, the points don’t matter. I tip my virtual hat to those of you with enough guts to be the captains. My team won, I think. Only the captains win a prize, so I guess I had a moral victory. So, yay? The next day was our final full day on board, as we headed back to Fort Lauderdale.
    3 points
  35. 3 points
  36. Hang out at Captain Jack's on the island. Captain Jack is a bar, but there is live music throughout the day, swing seats and a fun vibe. It's also completely shaded and tends to get a nice breeze.
    3 points
  37. I found my newest bucket list cruise. We're trying to figure out a way to do this one (hopefully it'll be offered in 2022) https://www.azamara.com/voyage/pr12u218/12-night-ireland-intensive-voyage
    2 points
  38. Yes, full bar service is available at your table in the dining rooms and the Deluxe Beverage package applies.
    2 points
  39. twangster

    Carolyn Kraft

    10 Carnival sailings under my belt. They used to waive solo supplements at one point (on select sailings). When that ended I found Royal. If I'm paying full double price solo I want a full cruise line.
    2 points
  40. Common sense the fog will make these activities un-safe (slippery) for guests & why chance a law suit because someone wants to chance using the activities, should not have to put up a sing closed due to weather when it's obvious, I'm sorry weather did not co-operate but these small activities should not be the reason your honeymoon would be ruined
    2 points
  41. Ok Here We Go!! I left my home at 8:00am and made it to PC by 9:45. At 10:00 I was onboard the shuttle and was heading to the ship. At 10:20 I arrived at the pier. And at 10:45 we were onboard! Todays lunch!
    2 points
  42. RWDW1204

    Carolyn Kraft

    Making money, retired....My wife.
    2 points
  43. Trust me, I completely understand. The thing that "threw" me wasn't the 20% (which I found to be more than fair for what WE went through) but the basis for the FCC itself. How can an FCC for 20% of my cruise fare ($6255.70) come out to $464 ($232 each) ? In my case, I'm sure it is due to the otherworldly casino comp calculations. I hope you fared better than we did.
    2 points
  44. It just occurred to me . . . in order for the child to have fallen to the dock below . . . wouldn't he have had to hold her BEYOND the upper edge of the lower pane of glass? Of course he would, so how could he have thought there was glass if he was holding her OUTBOARD of the upper edge of the lower pane? What was he thinking???? So I no longer think he could possibly have believed there was glass there. I sure hope the jury is smart. I wonder whether the jury will be all Puerto Rican, whether the trial will be conducted in two languages, etc.
    2 points
  45. KWong

    Stateroom Hacks

    It's a great idea. We get disinfectant wipes from the dollar store and use them on the plane as well.
    2 points
  46. Odyssey October 2021 Italy/Greece. 9 nights with overnight in Athens. Will spend a few days in Rome before cruise. So Excited! This itinerary has been on my radar for a few years. Each year we cruise to celebrate another year cancer free. This cruise will be the 5 year mark. I was given a 15% chance to make it 5 years. I have every intention of making this cruise. Stage 4B endometrial cancer. I also have Lynch Syndrome which is a hereditary cancer gene that puts me at risk for another 12 cancers. So looking forward to living life to the fullest!
    2 points
  47. Boleros. And, you may be able to use your wow band from Harmony. I was able to use an Anthem wow band on Oasis, no charge.
    2 points
  48. Day 4 - Cozumel The itinerary today found us coming into Cozumel around 10:30. Later than I’m used to, but with only one other ship in port (I think it was Disney Dream), not a big issue. Due to being in port on a Sunday, a lot of the popular beach clubs were closed. As a result, our plan was to go to Paradise Beach, but the backup plan was to stay in and around the port area. Once we got off the ship, we headed out to the taxi area. The stand captain mentioned that the waters were pretty rough along the beach, but we were willing to risk it. Taxi rates were clearly listed at the stand, so that was good. Overall, it was $20 (incl tip) either way, and was about the same to just about any club in that area. Paradise Beach has both an all inclusive and a la carte option, and seeing as we weren’t looking to eat and drink too much, the a la carte option (which involves a $3 cover and $10 food/drink minimum per person) seemed like the better option. After confirming this with the host, we headed out to the beach area. Sure enough, the waters were choppy and the floating obstacle course was still on the beach. We took some beach chairs, and a waiter came by and took our $12 admission. Seeing as it was close to noon, we also ordered some food – guacamole and coconut shrimp, as well as some drinks for the kids. The guac was actually pretty good (although I prefer the one at Nachi Cocom better) but the shrimp was just so-so. Hannah wasn’t actually feeling great on this day so Olivia and I headed to the pool. The pool area was busy but not crowded, so it was easy to maneuver around and enjoy ourselves. We decided to leave the club around 2pm. We were there roughly 3 hours, so at the end of the day, we weren’t there not long enough to truly take advantage of an all-inclusive package, so going a la carte was the best decision for us.
    2 points
  49. A common question in our room was, "What is Jerel up to?" and then I would respond, "Let me go check" :lol:
    2 points
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