Ray

3 minutes ago, rjac said:

I could understand an anchor tattoo happening on a cruise ship or while in port. But a sheep?

wasnt while on a cruise was on a day out with friends lol 

2 hours ago, rjac said:

RCL Blog Tattoo, if you're really loyal!

A few hours at the bar and this is a possibility for me  Last time i ended up with a SHEEP tattooed on my arm  dont ask 

3 hours ago, twangster said:

Me neither.  Draws too much attention.

you beat me to it 

23 minutes ago, Cez said:

I feel your pain but for that you should blame (or thank) King George III and greed of East India Company (in short)

Didnt know we had a George the 3rd as i have no interest in english history or the royal family.

4 minutes ago, Cez said:

This is data from previous administration - old news. Obviously you didn't follow state of the union last night. But the good news is that great ideas are spreading among port of calls for Royal, so soon enough you can feel like home 

 

 

yeah the year on post gives that away also whats state of the union? not sure if we get that in UK

16 hours ago, Lee said:

I wish I could say these comments made me feel safe. I do not go on vacations to feel uneasy, I go to relax. That’s why I do not go on excursions in Mexico. Now there are two ports on this itinerary where I will not get off ship. WHY GO!  US Travisory states “ sexual assaults occur frequently, even at resort areas”  What guarantee do you have the other side of island will not be impacted now are later. I am canceling my carribian cruise May 13 unless Royal Carribian offers incentives or changes ports of call  or guarantees my safety on excursions . 

 

 

What guarantee you will be safe at home?

https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2015/crime-in-the-u.s.-2015/resource-pages/crime-clock

given these figures i think i would take my chances in Mexico or Jamaica as they look safer 

this is the story

https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/ship-could-be-sold-to-pay-stranded-crewmen/

11 minutes ago, twangster said:

No country can impose it's labor laws on foreign flagged vessels or aircraft.  For example a cargo ship from Zimbabwe enters a US port to drop off or pickup cargo.  The crew are not automatically entitled to US minimum wages for all of time since they entered a US port for a few hours.  Many countries where ships are commonly registered have minimal or no labor laws.

US criminal and certain civil laws only apply while a vessel is within 12 nautical miles of US territory.  Once at sea the law on board is an interesting subject but it's mostly governed by the flag the vessel sails under while it is in international waters.  It becomes quite complex and the Master of the vessel has to be well versed in maritime law to deal with all kinds of stuff that occurs on a cruise ship.  To a large extent, the Master of the vessel is the law on board.  

There are international conventions that govern what a country can impose on foreign vessels and aircraft that visit such as safety inspections and health codes.  Many countries are just happy to see a cruise ship arrive for a visit and don't impose any inspections at all.  If someone commits a crime while a ship is in port, they are typically handed over to local police for processing under the laws of that country.  

As far as crew contracts for wages, few laws of any land apply.  It tends to be whatever they agree to and its between them and the company.  

Indian registered ship docked in my home port, not sure what happened but word got out that crew hadnt been paid for months by owners, ship was seized by port authorities and held until court proceedings instructed ship to be sold and crew to be paid wages from the sale 

Not a case of what are they thinking! more a case of what they are hoping! that being people will be stupid enough to book this, which some people will just to say they have done it, as for some it's all about being or at least making on they are better than others.  

11 hours ago, Gears said:

If someone has the money to throw off the back of the ship (aka VIP Mamma Mia!) please let me know...my wife and I are always looking to be adopted by exactly such fine folks.

^^^^^^^^^^^

Seems to me the only thing in pack of any use would be the seating! Cocktail you can get with drinks package, the meet and greet cast, we are on a ship pretty sure we would see them about and if we did we could get a photo with them then  Complete waste of money in my opinion

39 minutes ago, Barbara said:

I just booked a round trip flight to Rome  from Philadelphia in October, British Airlines, through Air2sea for $739. Direct flight to Rome one stop on the way back. Looking online the flights were over $1000. Maybe it will be less months from now, but I liked the times and thought the price was reasonable.

Good thing about BA is that there are no added on costs for standard baggage, food or drinks on transatlantic flights 

43 minutes ago, Sabrinaklai said:

Sitting here at 38 days out from my flight to EWR in March and flight prices are $500 more (total for 4ppl) than what I paid at 90 days out.  Comparing the same schedule.  Flying Delta.

i've been watching flights from JFK to San Juan for nov, prices go up and down more often than a prostitutes underwear 

11 minutes ago, twangster said:

The hallway and those two inside cabins will buffer most sound from the gym.  I'd sail in one of these cabins.  Besides they will be brand new.  Nothing like a new cabin.

personally i think you would sail in anything lol i await your live blog from inside a submarine  

2 hours ago, toodle68 said:

I can understand the agitation. You have spent several thousands on a vacation, something many people take just once a year, and you get sick because someone does not practice basic hygiene. I can't even begin to fathom how an adult still sneezes into their hands and then touches things without knowing, or caring, how that can effect other people.  

I have no idea what women are like, but as a guy, I see a very high percentage of men leave the public bathrooms without washing their hands..  In the end though, all you can do is protect yourself. Learn to stop touching your face so much, after getting your food from the buffet, sanitize your hands before eating etc..

 

you are correct in that we spend a lot of hard earned money to go on vacation, but i wonder what those who complain would do if they came down with a slight cough or runny nose?

would they

A.... cancel trip as their slight sniffle may infect all others?

B...if already on ship quarantine themselves therefor missing out on all the entertainment and various ports?

or C...  pop a few pills and get on with it simply because they have paid for a vacation and a slight cough, sniffle or runny nose isn't going to stop them even though the infection could worsen and infect others?

my monies on the C, 

Planning the hit Jersey Gardens for some shopping so a pit stop or 4 on way back maybe needed 

16 minutes ago, JLMoran said:

Come to NJ some time, Raye. You'll get an eye-opener for sure.

Granted, the burger joint I'm thinking of has the best damn burgers and home made potato chips I've ever had, and that $20+ also includes a pint of some seriously awesome local-area brewed trippel or porter.

Give details :) will be in NYC in Nov so may venture out to NJ 

As a newbie who's first cruise is in Nov this year, i can honestly say this site has not only been a massive help but has also and maybe more importantly made the prospect of cruising less stressful. Simple things such as what time we can board ship, information regarding dining procedures or even the fact that disney is better for sailing if you want lots of sex , any question that is asked is answered in a friendly manner .  

Should RC do something to help Newbie's settle in? definitely!!! Not every newbie will find or even look for this blog  

https://www.skyscanner.net

this is a good site to check all flights 

My understanding is that it is only the St James Parish area which includes Montego Bay that is affected, Falmouth lies outside this area 

On 1/18/2018 at 4:41 PM, twangster said:

Welcome to the message boards!

No need for wallet on CocoCay - it's a private island with only ship guests and RCI employees.  You can bring some cash for the market there.  I usually use a small backpack that I leave under my towel.  I've never had an issue but there are ways to lock a backpack to a lounger or even vaults that lock to a chair.  One such product is AquaVault:

https://theaquavault.com/

I don't own one but I've seen reference to them on other forums.

For any UK cruisers interested in the item mentioned above, this is the best price i have found for it

 http://www.parasolstore.co.uk/product-category/brands/aquavault/

On RC website log in to your booking " My Cruises" click on your reservation and cruise planner is listed here. 

The cruise planner is a calendar which allows you to plan everything from dining to shore excursions 

Also sign up for hotel loyalty schemes, many hotels offer discounts for members. 

18 minutes ago, bayousteelers said:

We are staying at the Airport Hotel. We are arriving late the night before a cruise. We will only being staying about 12 hours, so no need to go to a fancy hotel. 

i agree, No point wasting money on a fancy hotel if you're only there a few hours. We are sleeping in JFK airport on way to san juan simply because its a waste of time getting a room for 6 hrs 

https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/north-east-couple-stranded-as-cruise-turns-into-nightmare1/

This couple cruised after an op, bet they wish they hadn't. in saying that they should maybe have told the truth to their insurance company before sailing

27 minutes ago, Sabrinaklai said:

We use the "hang it up when you take a shower" method.  Works great and it's free!

??????????? Can you explain the proper procedures for this please? just so my wife knows what to do while im at the bar