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MarvinS

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  1. Like
    MarvinS got a reaction from jbrinkm in Which "adventure tour" for Roatan? Victor Bodden Tour or Daniel Johnson's Sloth Hangout?   
    Yes, they highly encourage you to use cash.  The country of Honduras (according to their excursion confirmation paperwork) states that the country tacks on a HUGE percentage as a credit card service fee.  I had a party of 6 in our group, and took about $800-$900 with me to pay for things.  They were indeed very picky even about the nice clean crisp new-looking $100 bills I brought.  Here is a clip from their confirmation:
    ======================================
    There is no prepayment or deposit required for your tour. 



    Our preferred payment method is US CASH once you get to the island. 
    However, additional payment options are available: 
    We accept MasterCard, Visa and American Express at our tour office -- however, there is a Credit Card Fee:
    The Honduran government requires credit card machines to automatically add 19% Honduran Tax onto every credit card transaction
    This fee is broken down on the receipt as 15% Honduran Tax + 4% Honduran Tourism Tax The only way to avoid these credit card taxes is to Pay in US CASH
      Honduran banks do not accept US Currency that is worn, taped or torn...so, try to save your BEST dollars for your Roatan visit!
    ======================================

  2. Wow
    MarvinS got a reaction from PPPJJ-GCVAB in Which "adventure tour" for Roatan? Victor Bodden Tour or Daniel Johnson's Sloth Hangout?   
    Yes, they highly encourage you to use cash.  The country of Honduras (according to their excursion confirmation paperwork) states that the country tacks on a HUGE percentage as a credit card service fee.  I had a party of 6 in our group, and took about $800-$900 with me to pay for things.  They were indeed very picky even about the nice clean crisp new-looking $100 bills I brought.  Here is a clip from their confirmation:
    ======================================
    There is no prepayment or deposit required for your tour. 



    Our preferred payment method is US CASH once you get to the island. 
    However, additional payment options are available: 
    We accept MasterCard, Visa and American Express at our tour office -- however, there is a Credit Card Fee:
    The Honduran government requires credit card machines to automatically add 19% Honduran Tax onto every credit card transaction
    This fee is broken down on the receipt as 15% Honduran Tax + 4% Honduran Tourism Tax The only way to avoid these credit card taxes is to Pay in US CASH
      Honduran banks do not accept US Currency that is worn, taped or torn...so, try to save your BEST dollars for your Roatan visit!
    ======================================

  3. Thanks
    MarvinS got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in Which "adventure tour" for Roatan? Victor Bodden Tour or Daniel Johnson's Sloth Hangout?   
    In mid June 2023, we (group of 6; mom & dad & 4 in early 20's) did a customized private all-day tour with Victor Bodden Tours (did sort of an ala-carte selection of activites).  All of the events were excellent with the exception of the ATV rides.  The zip line course was a blast (went on at least 10 lines; lost count of them!), and the monkeys and sloths were a huge hit with my group and lots of fun to hold and get our sloth hugs.  We also did some snorkeling off shore from a boat over the coral reefs on the West side.  These were all EXCELLENT activities with Victor Bodden. 
    The ATV was NOT an enjoyable portion of the tour.  The equipment was in very poor shape, and we see why after the activity.  The hills they have you ride on are quite steep, and they make everyone go down the hills together with each 4-wheeler rammed into the one in front of you.  The leader (guide) is first, and they want you to literally run into the back of the leader until the 4-wheeler rests against his, the next person running into the back of the one in front of you, etc., all the way down the line.  There was a raft of about 15 4-wheelers flowing down the hill while the leader rode his brakes slowly all the way trying to get everyone down the hill.  There were LOTS of hills, and we rafted down together a good 10 times.  No wonder the frames and racks of these 4-wheelers were all broken and banged up.  My son went through four 4-wheelers by the time we completed the activity.  One had zero brakes, another had the drive chain break, another wouldn't go into gear about 1/4 way through the course.  Needless to say, this portion of the tour was NOT enjoyable or fun...and the ATV guide still "highly suggested" they receive tips!
    Everything else about Victor Bodden tour was excellent and I would do it again in a heartbeat...just not the ATV portion!
  4. Like
    MarvinS got a reaction from FionaMG in Best excursion on St. Kitts and Nevis?   
    I've been on the Thenford Grey Tours myself, and COMPLETELY recommend them!  We did their "grand tour" of the island.  Our guide (Thenford Grey, himself) was the most personal and professional gentleman of a tour guide, and was an absolute walking encyclopedia of knowledge on the island (being born and raised there).  Again, highly recommend them!
  5. Love
    MarvinS reacted to twangster in Live from the Wind(s) of Antarctica. Dec. 19, 2023.   
    Cruise Summary
    I've waited a few days to post a summary so I can properly contemplate the experience.  In summary it was amazing. 
    With my creative thoughts warmed tonight with a glass of Endurance Scotch I am ready to summarize this voyage.
    I've enjoyed some special bucket list cruises on various lines to great destinations.  This experience on the Silver Wind to Antarctica has surpassed them all.
    We had some great weather on this voyage but I have the feeling that the experience would be pretty fantastic with or without the weather we had.
    I was pleasantly surprised by the condition of the Silver Wind.   There is no disputing her age yet I was pleased with the ship and how it has been updated.   
    The premium internet plan and the consistent internet experience throughout the voyage given the challenges of internet at sea well away from populated areas was a pleasant surprise for this tech geek.  
    When I considered Antarctic itineraries I initially focused on Antarctica exclusively.  Fortunately I realized if I was going all this way, investing in this vacation as required, I should explore the greater area.  This was a great itinerary that included the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Elephant Island and Antarctica.  All of them are special in their own way and all of them worthy of being included on this special voyage.  
    Boots on the ground in the Falklands, South Georgia, Elephant Island and Antarctica with a surprise visit to iceberg A23a.  Enough said.  Christmas in South Georgia, New Years in Antarctica.  Does it get any better than that?  
    On the way home at the hotel in Santiago with new friends made on this voyage someone asked the best moment of this experience.  In truth there wasn't one, there were many best moments.
    Being in a special place is all well and good but I learned the value of a great zodiac driver while in the Galapagos.  That lesson holds true in the Antarctic.  Great guides are equally important and our expedition team were all pretty great.  They all have impressive resumes and their passion for their work is hard to miss.  They were a large part of making this experience what it became.  I am quickly becoming a fan of Silversea expedition cruising.
    The Captain along with his bridge and deck teams were also a significant factor in the making of this experience.  They all did a phenomenal job. 
    Food is subjective.  I try to refrain from reviewing food because my tastes should mean little to anyone else.  I can't recall a bad meal and there were some pretty great meals on board.  How do they keep food fresh as long as they did?  The only meals that I was not enthused about were the two lunches in The Restaurant that were basically buffets.  Generally speaking the food in The Restaurant where I ate most of my meals was perfect for me.  
    As far as my camera kit for this sailing I think I did pretty good.  When you own a boat and pull into a marina there is always someone in the marina with a better boat.   Photography is somewhat similar and I sometimes had some "PE" (photographer envy) seeing what other guests had in their hand.  Despite that I think I did okay and I'm pleased with the results.
    I watched the ship provided video again before sitting down to write this summary.  I am so glad they provide the video.   Justin did a great job with it.   Every time I watch it the memories come flooding back.  
    This was an incredible experience and I enjoyed presenting it here.  I hope you have found it informative and I thank you for viewing.  
  6. Like
    MarvinS got a reaction from aubtfan in Bye Bye WOW Bands?   
    We brought our old WOW bands from prior cruises with us this last summer (June 2023) onto Wonder with no issues.  Guest services happily reprogrammed them for us at no charge.  The primary purpose was to provide quick and easy access to the room door.  They also worked fine getting into the shows with a reservation.  We used our seapass cards the remainder of the time for shopping, etc...
  7. Like
    MarvinS got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in Happy Sailing October 2023 cruisers!!!   
    10/6 - MSuper - Ovation
     
  8. Like
    MarvinS got a reaction from teddy in Happy Sailing October 2023 cruisers!!!   
    10/6 - MSuper - Ovation
     
  9. Like
    MarvinS reacted to Xaa in The Evolution of Cruising. Silver Origin to the Galapagos Islands   
    Incredible @twangster.  You are the pinnacle rock of this forum.  Thanks for the time and vast amount of effort it took to bring us along with you.  I'm very grateful.
  10. Like
    MarvinS reacted to Jill in Hideaway Beach Pricing   
    Sooooo $43.99 for our April Icon. I bought it BUT if the previous sailings say it’s Jersey Shore and nothing but 18-25 year olds….I’ll be cancelling. Figure it’s a one and done because my October Utopia has it for $70.99. 
     
    It’s like now they’re trying to get the Virgin passengers. How about catering to the passengers that made you who you are? The ones who put on damn masks and sailed your ships when you were sinking and still sinking in debt. 
     
    Be very careful Royal because a lot of people who swore they were “Loyal to Royal” are starting to raise eyebrows and considering the competitors who will match status. 
  11. Thanks
    MarvinS reacted to Xaa in Way to see excursion options before booking?   
    Sign out of your RC account and then put this URL in the browser replacing the XX with the ship code for your ship and the YYYYMMDD with the sailing date
    https://www.royalcaribbean.com/account/cruise-planner/category/onboardactivities?bookingId=0000000&shipCode=XX&sailDate=YYYYMMDD
    Then you can see the CP for that sailing.
     
     
  12. Thanks
    MarvinS reacted to smokeybandit in Way to see excursion options before booking?   
    A reminder on the ship codes
     
    Adventure - AD
    Allure - AL 
    Anthem - AN
    Brilliance - BR
    Enchantment - EN
    Explorer - EX
    Freedom - FR
    Grandeur - GR
    Harmony - HM
    Icon - IC
    Independence - ID
    Jewel - JW
    Liberty - LB
    Mariner - MA
    Navigator - NV
    Oasis - OA
    Odyssey - OY
    Ovation - OV 
    Quantum - QN
    Radiance - RD
    Rhapsody - RH
    Serenade - SR
    Spectrum - SC
    Symphony - SY
    Utopia - UT
    Vision - VI
    Voyager - VY
    Wonder - WN
     
  13. Thanks
    MarvinS reacted to Matt in Aloha Lahaina   
    You're punishing the wrong people. Not paying gratuities punishes the people that take of you and service you. They aren't the ones that made any decision impacting your cruise. I implore you to reconsider this.
  14. Like
    MarvinS reacted to CheriK in Aloha Lahaina   
    Ovation of Seas 
    I first want to extend  my deepest sympathy to the families and businesses of Lahaina. It is a terrible loss for both their community and culture. It can be rebuilt but there's so much that can't be replaced. This was going to be my first trip there. I'm saddened that I will never experienced it. 
    On another note I'm extremely disappointed in the efforts RC made to provide the equivalent experience. Other cruise lines have been able to make arrangements for an equivalent port in Hawaii. Why can't RC. I know the logistics of repositioning the many cruise ships is extremely complex. 
    This has become a Pacific Coastal cruise that happens to end in Hawaii, which I also consider a downgrade. Why would they think people that booked a Hawaiian cruise from Vancouver would be ok with Victoria and Seattle ports. I feel cheated that RC seemed to chose the easiest and cheapest option. Is any of that going to be compensated back to the passengers in any way. We shouldn't have to fight for what we paid for or compensation, it's called, Customer Service. We'll never know the truth behind their decision for their choice. However, it is what it is. Ce la vie, we'll all just make the best of it cause we have no other choice and what we do. 
  15. Like
    MarvinS got a reaction from rjweber3 in Aloha Lahaina   
    I highly doubt they would cancel the cruise, as RC needs to reposition the ship for the Australian cruise season, and Hawaii is just a stop on the way there.  Worst case, they skip the Lahaina port stop completely (two MORE sea days) and end in Hololulu.  Best case, they replace Lahaina with something else such as Kona and/or Hilo.  I imagine RC is looking over the options now, and trying to figure out what to do for a replacement port stop.
  16. Like
    MarvinS got a reaction from FloatyBoaty in Aloha Lahaina   
    I highly doubt they would cancel the cruise, as RC needs to reposition the ship for the Australian cruise season, and Hawaii is just a stop on the way there.  Worst case, they skip the Lahaina port stop completely (two MORE sea days) and end in Hololulu.  Best case, they replace Lahaina with something else such as Kona and/or Hilo.  I imagine RC is looking over the options now, and trying to figure out what to do for a replacement port stop.
  17. Like
    MarvinS got a reaction from TylerB in Aloha Lahaina   
    I highly doubt they would cancel the cruise, as RC needs to reposition the ship for the Australian cruise season, and Hawaii is just a stop on the way there.  Worst case, they skip the Lahaina port stop completely (two MORE sea days) and end in Hololulu.  Best case, they replace Lahaina with something else such as Kona and/or Hilo.  I imagine RC is looking over the options now, and trying to figure out what to do for a replacement port stop.
  18. Like
    MarvinS got a reaction from DDaley in More Seattle Questions   
    In Seattle, the easiest way to get around is the Seattle Light Rail system (https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/stations/link-light-rail-stations) where you can get from the airport towards Pike's Place Market area (Leave from the SEA-TAC station and travel to the Westlake station - nearest station - just a few blocks walk to Pike's Place; about 38-40 minutes ride from the airport) for a cost of about $3 per person.  Trains leave every few minutes.
    For other activities; you can take the Seattle Monorail ($3.50 per person each way) (https://www.seattlemonorail.com/) that starts from the Westlake center (adjacent to the light rail station) and travel to the "Seattle Center" area where the Seattle Space Needle is at (https://www.spaceneedle.com/). The Chihuly Garden and Glass (https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/) is adjacent to the base of the Space Needle and is a neat place to go through.  There are some combo-tickets available for various activities in the area (http://seeitall.com/?site=sn). 
    Luggage is going to be the biggest issue to deal with.  When I travel and am overnighting in Seattle, I typically stay at a Hilton hotel (https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/seaahhh-hilton-seattle-airport-and-conference-center/) literally right across the street from the airport (I walk from the airport towards the light rail station; go "through" the station and walk over the pedestrian bridge; take the elevator down to street level, and walk one block to the hotel).  See map on this link: https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/stops-stations/seatac-airport-station.  You can have the hotel hold your bags after checkout if you stay there.  I don't have any experience with any other baggage holding services, so won't be any help there...
    Just a few ideas and suggestions to think about!
  19. Like
    MarvinS got a reaction from WAAAYTOOO in xSAILEDx Ovation of the Seas - Oct 6, 2023 - Oct 15, 2023 (9 Night Hawaii Cruise)   
    My wife and I will also be on this cruise.  First time on a Quantum class ship.  Previously sailed on Oasis (2017), Harmony (2019), Wonder (2023), Freedom (2015/2022), Explorer (2022 B2B), HAL Maasdam (2015), and NCL Bliss (2022).  We are both Diamond.
    We will be staying in Hawaii (visiting both Oahu and the big island) an additional week after the cruise!
  20. Like
    MarvinS got a reaction from OCSC Mike in Seeking An Understanding About the True Speed and Consistent Connection of the Starlink Internet Package   
    I was just on Wonder a couple of weeks ago (Western loop sailing), and had good connectivity while in the room through the cruise (having the WAP in the cabin worked wonderfully), and every time I checked speeds (randomly throughout the cruise) it was fairly consistent at about 4MB down / 2MB up.  Saw a few tests faster and a few slower, but on average, got fairly consistent results.  I was able to VPN (Wireguard VPN) back into my office to deal with a couple of issues, and had zero problems connecting.  I didn't have a need to participate in any Teams meetings (I was on vacation!), so can't speak to that performance or experience at all.  I only had a one-device plan for my laptop, so did NOT roam around the ship testing performance and connectivity, but just left the laptop in the room and had fairly reliable and consistent performance there.
  21. Like
    MarvinS got a reaction from Mick in Helpful website for comparing The Key vs Suites + ship amenities   
    This is a great resource!  It is already bookmarked!
    Feedback:  I just got off Wonder last week, and as for a few minor corrections to your table of information, Wonder does indeed have Starlink for Voom internet, it has a Bionic Bar (5th floor), and Wonderland (12th floor).
  22. Like
    MarvinS got a reaction from KristiZ in More Seattle Questions   
    In Seattle, the easiest way to get around is the Seattle Light Rail system (https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/stations/link-light-rail-stations) where you can get from the airport towards Pike's Place Market area (Leave from the SEA-TAC station and travel to the Westlake station - nearest station - just a few blocks walk to Pike's Place; about 38-40 minutes ride from the airport) for a cost of about $3 per person.  Trains leave every few minutes.
    For other activities; you can take the Seattle Monorail ($3.50 per person each way) (https://www.seattlemonorail.com/) that starts from the Westlake center (adjacent to the light rail station) and travel to the "Seattle Center" area where the Seattle Space Needle is at (https://www.spaceneedle.com/). The Chihuly Garden and Glass (https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/) is adjacent to the base of the Space Needle and is a neat place to go through.  There are some combo-tickets available for various activities in the area (http://seeitall.com/?site=sn). 
    Luggage is going to be the biggest issue to deal with.  When I travel and am overnighting in Seattle, I typically stay at a Hilton hotel (https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/seaahhh-hilton-seattle-airport-and-conference-center/) literally right across the street from the airport (I walk from the airport towards the light rail station; go "through" the station and walk over the pedestrian bridge; take the elevator down to street level, and walk one block to the hotel).  See map on this link: https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/stops-stations/seatac-airport-station.  You can have the hotel hold your bags after checkout if you stay there.  I don't have any experience with any other baggage holding services, so won't be any help there...
    Just a few ideas and suggestions to think about!
  23. Like
    MarvinS got a reaction from deep1 in More Seattle Questions   
    In Seattle, the easiest way to get around is the Seattle Light Rail system (https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/stations/link-light-rail-stations) where you can get from the airport towards Pike's Place Market area (Leave from the SEA-TAC station and travel to the Westlake station - nearest station - just a few blocks walk to Pike's Place; about 38-40 minutes ride from the airport) for a cost of about $3 per person.  Trains leave every few minutes.
    For other activities; you can take the Seattle Monorail ($3.50 per person each way) (https://www.seattlemonorail.com/) that starts from the Westlake center (adjacent to the light rail station) and travel to the "Seattle Center" area where the Seattle Space Needle is at (https://www.spaceneedle.com/). The Chihuly Garden and Glass (https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/) is adjacent to the base of the Space Needle and is a neat place to go through.  There are some combo-tickets available for various activities in the area (http://seeitall.com/?site=sn). 
    Luggage is going to be the biggest issue to deal with.  When I travel and am overnighting in Seattle, I typically stay at a Hilton hotel (https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/seaahhh-hilton-seattle-airport-and-conference-center/) literally right across the street from the airport (I walk from the airport towards the light rail station; go "through" the station and walk over the pedestrian bridge; take the elevator down to street level, and walk one block to the hotel).  See map on this link: https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/stops-stations/seatac-airport-station.  You can have the hotel hold your bags after checkout if you stay there.  I don't have any experience with any other baggage holding services, so won't be any help there...
    Just a few ideas and suggestions to think about!
  24. Like
    MarvinS got a reaction from Cactus527 in Alaska Airlines   
    Living is Alaska for 40+ years, I am a very loyal Alaska Airlines customer.  I've flown on them many dozens of times over the years.  I've flown from Alaska to many areas in the "lower 48" including MCO and FLL and many other destinations in between.
    Download the Alaska Airlines app, as you will need to use it for ease of travel at the airport.  At several airports, they have removed the self-serve check-in kiosk, and are expecting you to use the mobile app for check in.  Once you do check in online with the app, they do have several self-serve baggage tag kiosks you can use.  Scan the QR code boarding pass from the app at the baggage tag kiosk, and easily print your own baggage tags you can apply to your suitcases.  Walk over to the baggage drop lines, and you are done; quick and simple.   You can check in on the app starting at 24 hours prior to the flight.  You can only print out baggage tags at the self-serve kiosks no more that 4 hours prior to the flight departure time.
    Yes, they certainly have food available.  The link that @smokeybandit provided is accurate.  Using the app, you can easily pre-order food starting at a couple of weeks out and up to about 24 hours before the flight begins.  Once onboard, you MAY OR MAY NOT be able to purchase additional food.  If you pre-order beforehand, then your food is guaranteed and planned.  They only bring on a limited amount of extra meals, and they sometimes sell out of meals before getting to your row (they start out in the front and work their way to the back), so being able to purchase onboard is certainly not guaranteed.  If you definitely want a meal onboard, plan on pre-ordering something.
    Any other questions; ask away!
  25. Like
    MarvinS got a reaction from PPPJJ-GCVAB in Wonder shower stall size   
    I just got off Wonder last Sunday, and am one of those geeky kind of guys that measures everything.  I was curious as to the dimensions of all sorts of things in the room (looking to calculate the actual square footage, etc.).  We had a typical ocean view balcony room.  I believe the bathroom is fairly standard in size among the interior / oceanview / balcony cabins.
    I actually measured the bathroom interior (and particularly the shower), and the inside shower height floor to ceiling was 6'8" high and was 2'8" wide by 3'1" long with a curved arch of the door taking a portion of that area.  The shower controls and shower head are then on an angled wall portion, with the show head being adjustable from mid-height clear to the top of the shower stall.  Hope this helps!

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