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ptod

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  1. Haha
    ptod got a reaction from Baked Alaska in Dealing with Noisy Neighboring Cabin   
    I am glad that the issue didn't ruin your holiday.  Whether RC reaches out to you is anyone's guess.
    There has to be a bit of give and take while on a vacation along side lots of different people from different cultures, upbringings and ways of doing things - all stuck on a ship in the middle of the ocean.  Being able to roll with the stuff that inevitably happens is part of travelling, but most people understand there is a limit.  IMHO, disrupting at least 3 neighboring cabins on a ship went over that line.
    As I finish preparing for a cruise that leaves this Saturday, I am now unpacking the ball I was going to dribble and bounce off the walls of my cabin so I don't disturb my neighbors.  Thanks for the reminder to be kind and considerate.  
  2. Like
    ptod got a reaction from lovecruising!!! in Dealing with Noisy Neighboring Cabin   
    I am sorry that you had to deal with such an issue on your cruise.
    I would not have put up with that behavior for an entire cruise or being put on indefinite hold with Guest Services.  First night of the cruise - ok - I remember my first beer too.  From the 2nd night on - GS or Security better be at the neighbor's door to deal with it.  I would also be noting the names of everyone who I interacted with at that point.  If the neighbors are waking you up, your cruise has already been negatively affected.  Standing in line at GS to discuss with Management is a small (additional) price to pay to get it resolved.  I know for a fact that the line at GS in very short at 3am.
    If the issue wasn't resolved onboard, but you had names of everyone you spoke with - mentioning it on the survey or an email to Miami would have had more weight.  Once you are off the ship there is nothing to be done.  
    I don't know what day you spoke with the father, however, I would have mentioned to GS that you knew a father of one of the young men was onboard.
    From the Guest Conduct Policy:
    Parental and Guardian Responsibility For purposes of this Guest Conduct Policy, a minor is defined as anyone under the age of 18. A young adult is defined as anyone ages 18, 19 or 20. Parents and guardians are responsible for the behavior and appropriate supervision of their accompanying minor(s) and young adult(s) throughout their vacation. This obligation applies during transfers to and from ships, inside terminals, while onboard, at our ports of call, during shore excursions and at our private destinations. This responsibility applies at all times, regardless of whether the parents and guardians are physically in the company of their minor(s) and young adult(s). Under no circumstances should the parent or guardian of a minor debark the ship without their accompanying minor(s) or without having made arrangements for the accompanying minor(s) appropriate supervision on the ship during their absence.
  3. Haha
    ptod got a reaction from Va4fam in Dealing with Noisy Neighboring Cabin   
    I am glad that the issue didn't ruin your holiday.  Whether RC reaches out to you is anyone's guess.
    There has to be a bit of give and take while on a vacation along side lots of different people from different cultures, upbringings and ways of doing things - all stuck on a ship in the middle of the ocean.  Being able to roll with the stuff that inevitably happens is part of travelling, but most people understand there is a limit.  IMHO, disrupting at least 3 neighboring cabins on a ship went over that line.
    As I finish preparing for a cruise that leaves this Saturday, I am now unpacking the ball I was going to dribble and bounce off the walls of my cabin so I don't disturb my neighbors.  Thanks for the reminder to be kind and considerate.  
  4. Like
    ptod got a reaction from SteveinSC in Dealing with Noisy Neighboring Cabin   
    I am glad that the issue didn't ruin your holiday.  Whether RC reaches out to you is anyone's guess.
    There has to be a bit of give and take while on a vacation along side lots of different people from different cultures, upbringings and ways of doing things - all stuck on a ship in the middle of the ocean.  Being able to roll with the stuff that inevitably happens is part of travelling, but most people understand there is a limit.  IMHO, disrupting at least 3 neighboring cabins on a ship went over that line.
    As I finish preparing for a cruise that leaves this Saturday, I am now unpacking the ball I was going to dribble and bounce off the walls of my cabin so I don't disturb my neighbors.  Thanks for the reminder to be kind and considerate.  
  5. Haha
    ptod got a reaction from Ogilthorpe in Dealing with Noisy Neighboring Cabin   
    I am glad that the issue didn't ruin your holiday.  Whether RC reaches out to you is anyone's guess.
    There has to be a bit of give and take while on a vacation along side lots of different people from different cultures, upbringings and ways of doing things - all stuck on a ship in the middle of the ocean.  Being able to roll with the stuff that inevitably happens is part of travelling, but most people understand there is a limit.  IMHO, disrupting at least 3 neighboring cabins on a ship went over that line.
    As I finish preparing for a cruise that leaves this Saturday, I am now unpacking the ball I was going to dribble and bounce off the walls of my cabin so I don't disturb my neighbors.  Thanks for the reminder to be kind and considerate.  
  6. Haha
    ptod got a reaction from Okgladgal in Dealing with Noisy Neighboring Cabin   
    I am glad that the issue didn't ruin your holiday.  Whether RC reaches out to you is anyone's guess.
    There has to be a bit of give and take while on a vacation along side lots of different people from different cultures, upbringings and ways of doing things - all stuck on a ship in the middle of the ocean.  Being able to roll with the stuff that inevitably happens is part of travelling, but most people understand there is a limit.  IMHO, disrupting at least 3 neighboring cabins on a ship went over that line.
    As I finish preparing for a cruise that leaves this Saturday, I am now unpacking the ball I was going to dribble and bounce off the walls of my cabin so I don't disturb my neighbors.  Thanks for the reminder to be kind and considerate.  
  7. Sad
    ptod got a reaction from whenismynextcruise in Dealing with Noisy Neighboring Cabin   
    I am sorry that you had to deal with such an issue on your cruise.
    I would not have put up with that behavior for an entire cruise or being put on indefinite hold with Guest Services.  First night of the cruise - ok - I remember my first beer too.  From the 2nd night on - GS or Security better be at the neighbor's door to deal with it.  I would also be noting the names of everyone who I interacted with at that point.  If the neighbors are waking you up, your cruise has already been negatively affected.  Standing in line at GS to discuss with Management is a small (additional) price to pay to get it resolved.  I know for a fact that the line at GS in very short at 3am.
    If the issue wasn't resolved onboard, but you had names of everyone you spoke with - mentioning it on the survey or an email to Miami would have had more weight.  Once you are off the ship there is nothing to be done.  
    I don't know what day you spoke with the father, however, I would have mentioned to GS that you knew a father of one of the young men was onboard.
    From the Guest Conduct Policy:
    Parental and Guardian Responsibility For purposes of this Guest Conduct Policy, a minor is defined as anyone under the age of 18. A young adult is defined as anyone ages 18, 19 or 20. Parents and guardians are responsible for the behavior and appropriate supervision of their accompanying minor(s) and young adult(s) throughout their vacation. This obligation applies during transfers to and from ships, inside terminals, while onboard, at our ports of call, during shore excursions and at our private destinations. This responsibility applies at all times, regardless of whether the parents and guardians are physically in the company of their minor(s) and young adult(s). Under no circumstances should the parent or guardian of a minor debark the ship without their accompanying minor(s) or without having made arrangements for the accompanying minor(s) appropriate supervision on the ship during their absence.
  8. Like
    ptod got a reaction from YOLO in Hotel and Parking- Cape Liberty   
    We flew everywhere for cruises until trying the Anthem out of Cape Liberty.  Soooo much easier.  Itineraries (heading south) are not as exciting but having a 3ish hour drive home instead of a day of flying was quite nice.  It is an easy port to try different ships as the fleet is moved around.  I just have to remember that prices out of Cape Liberty can be the same as price of cruise/flight out of FL so we still keep FL in the rotation.  We are adding Baltimore to the mix in 9 days.  Guess we should try a cruise out of Boston soon too. hahaha
  9. Like
    ptod got a reaction from Zeashore in Hotel and Parking- Cape Liberty   
    We flew everywhere for cruises until trying the Anthem out of Cape Liberty.  Soooo much easier.  Itineraries (heading south) are not as exciting but having a 3ish hour drive home instead of a day of flying was quite nice.  It is an easy port to try different ships as the fleet is moved around.  I just have to remember that prices out of Cape Liberty can be the same as price of cruise/flight out of FL so we still keep FL in the rotation.  We are adding Baltimore to the mix in 9 days.  Guess we should try a cruise out of Boston soon too. hahaha
  10. Love
    ptod got a reaction from FoxboroCruiser in Hotel and Parking- Cape Liberty   
    We flew everywhere for cruises until trying the Anthem out of Cape Liberty.  Soooo much easier.  Itineraries (heading south) are not as exciting but having a 3ish hour drive home instead of a day of flying was quite nice.  It is an easy port to try different ships as the fleet is moved around.  I just have to remember that prices out of Cape Liberty can be the same as price of cruise/flight out of FL so we still keep FL in the rotation.  We are adding Baltimore to the mix in 9 days.  Guess we should try a cruise out of Boston soon too. hahaha
  11. Like
    ptod reacted to darketower in Hotel and Parking- Cape Liberty   
    We live in Worcester, MA and we drive down the day before for the same reason we fly down to Florida the day before - to avoid the stress of something coming up that is completely out of our control - traffic, weather, construction, etc etc etc.   We also like to get on the ship right at 10:30 am, which would mean waking everyone up by 4:00 am for the drive (again to factor in several additional hours just to be safe).  Yes, it's an added cost, but one that helps me feel a whole lot more relaxed at the start of my vacation. 
  12. Like
    ptod got a reaction from TempoGL in Drink Packages   
    If I have enough time before a cruise, I spread out the cost of drink packages over 3 billing cycles.  We usually sail with DH having the Refreshment package (he doesn't drink alcohol but likes the other options) and I have the Deluxe package.  I have the ability to purchase both packages at the same time, but I would rather not tie up funds earlier than I have to.  Here is how I make it work for us.
    1st billing cycle - buy Refreshment package for DH - initial price doesn't really matter, but watch for sales 
    2nd billing cycle - buy Refreshment package for me - price doesn't matter as I will be switching to Deluxe package
    3rd billing cycle - call Royal to switch my package from Refreshment to Deluxe when I am ok with that price.  Check the Deluxe/Voom package price as that can be a good deal if you are also interested in internet access.  If both adults want the Deluxe package, you switch to 2 packages at this time and can make changes online.  I have to call to purchase 2 different drink packages.
    Things to keep in mind:
    The earlier you book a cruise, the easier it is to spread out the costs of packages.  I am willing to wait for a lower price for the Deluxe package and fully understand the price may never come down or even down to a price that is acceptable to me.  In this situation, I would stick with the Refreshment (at the lowest price I can get) and buy alcohol a la carte if I want something.  If the price for the Deluxe package comes down before month 3, I will go ahead and move to calling Royal to buy the 2 different packages earlier than planned.
    Also remember that although the cost of packages are charged immediately, the refunds for price drops can take several business days to post back to your credit card and may not post until the next billing cycle.  I can handle the wait for a refund, but not everyone can so timing a re-price can be tricky for some.
    hth
    btw - I was on the Rhapsody NYE cruise for 2019 and the Deluxe package did eventually drop below $50, but YMMV.  That was one cruise where I did purchase my Deluxe package at a higher price than I wanted, but was able to step the price down to sub-$50 over a series of phone calls - I repriced twice in the same week.  I wasn't expecting the price drops due to it being a holiday sailing, but I took everyone I could find.
     
  13. Love
    ptod got a reaction from lambdabeta in Hotel and Parking- Cape Liberty   
    Look into https://www.trinityreservations.com/ for park & cruise packages with free shuttles to/from the port.  
    We can get to Cape Liberty in about 3 hours but have been stuck in traffic on 95 (as well as alternate roads) at all hours of the day and night and don't want to deal with that on the way to a cruise.  I would rather chill at a hotel closer to the port the night before and take a shuttle at a price close to the cost of parking at the port.
    If you see the Ramada in Newark offered, it ticks all the boxes we look for.  Nice property, secure parking, free shuttle, restaurant on site offers good food at reasonable prices.  There are other properties in the area that would work as well. 
  14. Love
    ptod got a reaction from FoxboroCruiser in Hotel and Parking- Cape Liberty   
    Look into https://www.trinityreservations.com/ for park & cruise packages with free shuttles to/from the port.  
    We can get to Cape Liberty in about 3 hours but have been stuck in traffic on 95 (as well as alternate roads) at all hours of the day and night and don't want to deal with that on the way to a cruise.  I would rather chill at a hotel closer to the port the night before and take a shuttle at a price close to the cost of parking at the port.
    If you see the Ramada in Newark offered, it ticks all the boxes we look for.  Nice property, secure parking, free shuttle, restaurant on site offers good food at reasonable prices.  There are other properties in the area that would work as well. 
  15. Like
    ptod reacted to RickinSTL in New to cruising   
    +1 bring a bottle of Downy Wrinkle Release... That stuff is awesome!  BTW.. No one really cares if you're wrinkly or not since most of us are the same way lol ?
     
  16. Love
    ptod got a reaction from Harper in First thing to do after boarding?   
    Before getting to the Disney-type lines at Guest Services on Anthem, on the right hand side of the space is a counter with several tablets available where you can book stuff.  Staff are waiting there to answer any questions.
    A few more random tidbits - 
    If you need Shore Excursions - as you board the ship keep walking straight across the ship and you run right into that desk
    If anyone has purchased The Key and want to get their internet codes early, there is usually a staff person at a little podium outside Guest Services - left side when facing GS - the staff will look thru a printout and write the code down for you.
    hth
  17. Thanks
    ptod got a reaction from foxrunner in First thing to do after boarding?   
    Before getting to the Disney-type lines at Guest Services on Anthem, on the right hand side of the space is a counter with several tablets available where you can book stuff.  Staff are waiting there to answer any questions.
    A few more random tidbits - 
    If you need Shore Excursions - as you board the ship keep walking straight across the ship and you run right into that desk
    If anyone has purchased The Key and want to get their internet codes early, there is usually a staff person at a little podium outside Guest Services - left side when facing GS - the staff will look thru a printout and write the code down for you.
    hth
  18. Haha
    ptod got a reaction from Matt in Odyssey Inaugural Cruise   
    Next Cruise always looks so serious.  I think we should talk MEI into having office hours at a bar and turn booking my next cruise into a drinking game.
  19. Haha
    ptod got a reaction from Matt in Odyssey Inaugural Cruise   
    hmmmm....if my MEI TA is on the inaugural cruise with me....and I just *have* to book another cruise *right now*, do I still send her an email or just leave a voice mail on her cabin phone?  Maybe a sticky on the door?  Re-gift a bottle of wine as a thank you?  Thoughts?
  20. Haha
    ptod got a reaction from SpeedNoodles in Odyssey Inaugural Cruise   
    Next Cruise always looks so serious.  I think we should talk MEI into having office hours at a bar and turn booking my next cruise into a drinking game.
  21. Haha
    ptod got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in Odyssey Inaugural Cruise   
    Next Cruise always looks so serious.  I think we should talk MEI into having office hours at a bar and turn booking my next cruise into a drinking game.
  22. Haha
    ptod got a reaction from SpeedNoodles in Odyssey Inaugural Cruise   
    hmmmm....if my MEI TA is on the inaugural cruise with me....and I just *have* to book another cruise *right now*, do I still send her an email or just leave a voice mail on her cabin phone?  Maybe a sticky on the door?  Re-gift a bottle of wine as a thank you?  Thoughts?
  23. Like
    ptod reacted to Ogilthorpe in I did it...I made a Star Class reservation!!!   
    That has always  been my thought also.... I booked it anyway ... in the interest of research, if course. ???
  24. Haha
    ptod reacted to twangster in Chocolate Martinis   
    I don’t shower for days.  Drives the crowds away  in droves. 
  25. Haha
    ptod reacted to RickinSTL in Chocolate Martinis   
    OHHH YOU BET IT IS!   I was introduced to those on Harmony.. UMM yeah.. I don't remember much lol 
     
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