VegasFella

59 minutes ago, toodle68 said:

We generally always have a balcony, but rarely enjoy it because sometimes the heat is too much.. but our recent cruise the temp was perfect and we ended up spending a lot of time on our own balcony. We were on the 8th floor and we could hear the ocean. That is the most important factor for us and why we also camp out on deck 4 on the smaller ships. By the pool is nice, but we are huge on being close too and hearing/seeing the ocean.

If I do cruise... I'm thinking that a balcony (ocean view) room would be incredible.  Then, there is the cost.  I, also, think at the same time "what if there are a LARGE NUMBER of areas" that I can have some peace & quiet aboard the ship's public areas?  If so, would saving $600 make sense.  I guess I'm running many things through my mind.  By the way, I absolutely appreciate the response!

Also, you said you were on the 8th floor -- and, could hear the ocean.  Is it less possible on the 10th? 11th? 12th?

I love the idea of hearing the ocean!

When you are on a cruise...  do you, generally WANT?  ENJOY?  APPRECIATE?  KEEP AN EYE/EAR OUT FOR? a part of the ship that is quiet?  I preface this question, with my interest (and, eventually sailing on) an "oasis-class" ship.

Again, I'm fairly new to the boards - and, yet to do take my first cruise.  I have seen many online videos (youtube, etc) that will show a great deal of areas on the ship that have areas that seem loud.  Example, the pool area(s) seem to have music, often, being played.  The area / esplanade with the various shops/restaurants.  Please understand -- I do not want to seem like a person who is wanting a "library"... but, at the same time does "constant" hip-hop music sort of put a damper on your enjoyment?  Like I said, I do not have first-hand experience aboard a ship --and-- a posted video online may not give a true example of how things really are.  And, so I post my question. 

Here, in Las Vegas (sorry to off topic), a large number of the resorts have music (the sort that includes elevated BASS) at the pool areas.  Sigh.  It does not make me angry, I can usually tune it out.  But, what about the rest of you?  Does it cause irritation -- that is, if it really is a constant thing?  Or, am I watching too many videos?

Lastly, are there some gems?  Some hideaways?  Places you like to go to that sort of escape the crowds? 

What about lounging on the deck (etc) & just watching the ocean?

It, mostly, sounds like these ships are "near capacity" when they sail... and 2,000 people will obviously be here/there/everywhere.  :)

Thank you again, I'm enjoying these message boards!

Thanks everyone.  You folks rock!   :)

Hi everyone.  Again, I'm really enjoying the message boards.  Here is an additional question.  And, if I'm asking too many questions, let me know.

When it comes time to order a DRINK....

I am referring to being "in" a bar, "at" a bar, "adjacent" to a bar (and so forth).  If I would like a drink, is it likely that there is a waiter/waitress that roams the area and takes my drink order?  And, brings my drink to WHERE I AM SITTING?  Does my question make sense?

Say, if I am in a pub / lounge / etc... and (l will preface this by saying I'm not familiar with all of the various ones that exist), and I am not sitting AT THE BAR, but I am sitting at a table, is it up to me to get up and go to the bar to put in my drink order to the bartender, watch/wait him to make it, and take it back to my table? 

Also, if that (the need for me to place my drink order via face-to-face with the bartender) is the usual thing that is done --- is there often a CROWD of people hugged up to the bar?  I know that can be an awkward thing (at a typical bar on land). 

I appreciate feedback that you kind folks can give.  Thank you!   P.S. -- taking the question just a step further, if I am on a deck hundreds of lounge chairs, are there roaming waitresses there also!?

I think it's nice that the ship will play NFL games -- that way, you can keep "in touch" with your team.  In our city (forgive me for going a bit off-topic), most restaurants, bars, pubs, taverns, even a sports book, will show multiple games.  But, some will mute the sound of the televisions.  Or, if it's a case of multiple games being shown - only have the sound up on THE BIG SCREEN.  Not a big deal, but yeah.

Let's see...

10 -- 20 -- 19  ... Philadelphia @ Dallas    ... I say PHIL 13  DAL 27

....    m a y b e  

When you order room service, can you order an adult drink?  I don't mean something rotten like a beer. 

I mean something such as a mojito, lava-flow, midori lemonade?  This taking into consideration that you

DO HAVE the beverage package, will they bring these drinks to your room?  Just wondering.

Thanks all of you!  Learning things ea day.

Regarding the Allure / Symphony / Oasis / Harmony ships... Do they have a gift shop?  Let me explain my question further, as perhaps "gift shop" may not be the right wording.  I've done an image search for a couple of these ships & have just seen shops that have fragrances, or art, or ladies COACH bags, etc.

Should I assume that there "is" a sort of shop (onboard) that has the basics... like a soda pop?  some aspirin?  a forgotten tube of toothpaste?  You know, the essentials?  Where I can some Motrin, or a Mountain Dew, etc, etc, etc.

I could only imagine the mark-up on some SPF-40 sunscreen.  LOL.  (( I mean, let's face it... if you forget to pack the Pepcid A.C., you got troubles at 1:42 AM !! ))

On a RC ship... does a cruise BEGIN the same day that a previous cruise has ENDED?

2 hours ago, TheHobbys said:

6) most of the time, you'll get drinks - apps - main course - desert.  depending on your group and how fast they are wanting to progress through the meal, depends when your waiter will bring each section.  if you are a frequent diner and you get to know your wait staff, they will start to learn what you like to drink and possibly have it waiting on your or be ready to put your order in.

Wow... I like the sound of that!  I am imagining (now, in my mind) that my Waiter knows me more and more.  ALWAYS ample butter nearby with the rolls.  Yum.

2 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

1.  Yes, you are correct

2.  Most people generally refer to the “set” time dining arrangement as “traditional” dining but “set time” is perfectly acceptable.

3.  Traditional dining schedules vary slightly by ship and/or region but generally fall into the 5:00-6:00 and 7:00-8:00 ranges.

4.  It is considered bad manners to be more than 15 minutes late to your seating.  The servers try and serve the guests their courses together and being late really throws the timing of the meal off, not to mention that you are holding others up from getting their meal on time.  Will you be admitted to the dining room if you are more than 15 minutes late ?  On some ships yes, and some ships close the dining room doors after a certain period of time and will not let you in.  If you are following accepted norms, you would expect to notify the maitre d’ if you are not going to be at dinner at your assigned time. That way, you will not hold everyone else up while they wait for you.  This is the primary reason that we prefer My Time Dining (MTD) b/c I do not want to interrupt anyone’s meal but also do not want to have to adhere to a timetable when I am on vacation.

5.  Most of the 6+ tables are round but they do have a few long tables for larger parties.  Also, you CAN request a table for 2 even in the traditional dining setting.  I am a terrible “small talker” so I never enjoy making conversation with strangers.  We have never enjoyed the big, shared table concept.

6.  I haven’t been to a traditional dining meal in many years so I don’t know have suffered the same fate as the MDR but I suspect that the days of the “drink” waiters is long gone.  These days, the regular waiters take your entire order, including your entire meal + dessert.  Not sure if they take your drink order first or not. They probably do.

7.  Yes.  Generally 1-1.5 hours but you can advise your server that you have a need to “hurry” and they will try and accommodate your request.  But in general, they like to keep everyone on the sMe course.

8.  Yes, any time during normal operating hours and you will be seated as space becomes available. You can ask for a specific table and/or waiter but you may have a bit of a wait and sometimes it’s just not possible.

9.  There is usually plenty of room unless you try and squeeze more than the setting normally holds. 

10.  

Great information.  Thank you! 

2 hours ago, hayley_bopp said:

Then the waiter will take your order for all three courses. They will wait until everyone at the table has finished until they clear the plates and bring out the next course. 

Okay, I can (generally) understand and agree with the concept, that a flow of food/courses takes place.  Scenario:  It's a table of 6.  The 6 persons are 3 couples (3 couples that, do not know one another prior to sailing).  One of the persons is an especially slow eater.  Maybe he takes 27 minutes to eat his soup?  The other persons are more EAGER to "move it along".  So, you're saying that entrees will not come, until the previous items are consumed?  Just asking. 

Sorry if my follow-up is a bit too wordy.  Another thing is.. myself, I often will eat half my salad, and put it aside & enjoy the remainder of it with my entrée. 

I guess I just want to fit in ... and be "fairly" normal.

I'm learning more and more about dining -- the options, and such.  May I ask a few questions related to the MDR?  My questions will be as they relate to eating dinner in the MDR.  In addition, thank you in advance for your replies!  Again, I'm new (never cruised before) and my aspirations are to, one day, be on one of the MEGA class ships of the RC!

1)  The MTD = "My Time Dining", I think I have this correct? 

2)  The term/abbreviation for "set" dining times has another word/phrase/abbreviation? 

3)  The set times for dinner are 5:30pm & 8:00pm from what I have read so far?  This means that I have EITHER chose "early" / "late" when I have booked my cruise?

Again, I have never been on a cruise ship --- so, please bare with me if my questions seem weird.  And/or if they have already been covered!

4)  Okay, suppose I have chosen "late" as my dining preference... At the MDR, are you generally "expected" to be on time?  Also, if you arrive at the entrance to the MDR, do you just "go" to your table and sit down?  Or, are you taken there by a staff-member?  What if you arrive at 7:36pm... can you sit at your table at that time --- or, is it expected that you wait until 8pm.  By the way, when I ask this ... it's not for the purpose of BEGINNING TO EAT at 7:36 .... it's more of you just want to sit down & relax a little bit before the meal.  My guess is (like I said, I'm new... just speculating, lol) that it could be difficult??  because the "early" eaters may still be at THE TABLE?

5)  I have read where some tables are 4, 6, 10, 12 persons and such.  I have seen several photos of the various MDR's.  Are most tables round?

6)  Okay, when you're in a group table, does the waiter start off by asking "what will you have to drink?"... or, is your entire order taken? (apps, drinks, entrée, desserts).  

7)  Again, with the group table... is there a general "flow" of the meal?  Meaning... is the wait staff likely to wait until each person has finished their appetizer before bringing entrees out?  Some people eat slower (or faster) than others, lol.  In addition, is it generally an hour?  hour and a half for dinner?  Or, am I way off?

8)  Okay, the MTD customers ... with this, they may show up to the MDR at anytime they wish?  And, they will be seated (when there is space available)?  Also, is it correct to assume that a MTD customer may be at 7 different tables (for dinner) on 7 different nights?  Also, If my usual table-mates are out doing a Specialty Restaurant on the 3rd night -- then the empty chairs -- will be filled with MTD customers?  Or, no? 

9)  What is the elbow-room like (stop laughing!!!!) like at the tables?  Have you had situations where a fellow cruise has had their rib-cage against yours?  Just asking.

10)  I have read that the "late" seating is better, on account of it feels less "hurried" to get people in / get people out.  True?  A myth?

AGAIN -- THANK YOU for the information!   If some of my questions did not make sense, let me know.   :)

On ‎5‎/‎9‎/‎2019 at 8:03 PM, fonemanbob said:

Just noticed your address. My wife is from there.

:)  Very nice. 

I'm loving the message boards.. I've been on them for 5 days in a row now! 

Really great reading.

Here is my question (and if this has been covered before, forgive me)...

If I choose a drink package that includes soda, then I will have to carry a plastic cup with me all the time?  I am imagining a scenario where my plan (hypothetically) is to have lunch at the Windjammer Buffet area -- and, then after - I just want to walk around some of the decks.  Now, I have to CARRY THIS "re-usable" cup everywhere I go?  Or, I have to take it back to my suite.  Are those my options? 

What if I am at one end of the ship, and my plastic cup is back in my suite... and I decide "Hmm, maybe I'll go get a slice of pizza & a soda pop"... "Oh, wait... I don't want to walk back to my suite for the silly cup" (sigh) ..... SO --- I JUST GO TO THE PIZZA PLACE --- and, have nothing to drink.  Is this, basically, a probably scenario, or am I way way off?  I'm new, and still learning.  Thank you for your patience. 

What about going to a bar & asking for a coke.  Do, they make me a coke in a GLASS drinking glass with ice?  Sorry, I just have to ask.  LOL.

What if I go do the MDR (I'm learning, see!  I now know what the MDR stands for, woohoo), and want to have a coke with lunch/dinner.. do, I need to remember to bring my plastic cup?

This sucker gets sticky, too.... yes!?!?!?  Okay, enough typing.  Thanks again.

I've seen the word "Diamond" a few times in the postings. 

Is Diamond a status you earn?  or are given?  etc? 

Or, is it a certain lounge on the ship & so forth.  I'm new, just asking, please.  Drink vouchers sound... interesting.

(( Here in Las Vegas.. sorry to go off topic.. they have "Diamond Lounges" at some of the CaesasEntertainmentProperties.))

Okay... umm, a paper straw?  How can you drink a drink with a paper straw!?

(rolling my eyes here)

Thanks for the advice.  When I do take my first ever cruise, I will pack some NORMAL straws in my carry-on.

Wow!  Thanks so much, all of you, for the great information & personal insight.  :)

I am thinking (since I am a mostly untraveled person), going ashore might be a good thing to a certain extent.

I have only been to seven U.S. States, and CAN for two days, and MEX for 11 hours.  That being said, it will give

me a chance to see "new lands" up close.

When I have rode the ferry (in the SF/OAK bay), I have always loved it.  There is just something about being

aboard a vessel on water!  I even think the moments when a boat goes into/away from a Pier is completely

awesome.  {of course with a ship, it is a mega port)  I love the grind of the engines as they expertly pull right

in. 

Anyhow, I'm still a novice in most of this. 

By the way...  When I mentioned the wording "touristy", I did not mean it as a completely bad thing.  Even here,

in my city, SOME touristy stuff is pretty cool.

I am enjoying the message boards.. have been on just a few days & have read A LOT of interesting things.

I have never taken a cruise, of any sort (disclaimer)...

Here is my question:  Have any of you taken a RC cruise, and not gone ashore?  I am asking for several reasons.

By they way, if my question sounds silly, let me know.  I ask, because, these NEW mega ships sound amazing.  And,

during a 7 night cruise .. that may be JUUUUST enough time to see everything on the ship!?  The ship has a lot to do

on board (correct?) while people "are" going ashore & there will be less crowds.  I am a, mostly, untraveled person to

honest.  The cities/ports look sort of interesting, I suppose.  But, I also am wondering if they're "touristy"?  If I get off the

ship, and the ship IS STILL IN MY VIEW .. then I'll be surrounded by locals selling goofy trinkets.  Again, I am just asking.

You folks are the experts.  (I asked a co-worker, basically, the same question.. and they told me: UNLESS you go on an

excursion.. the ports will be so-so.) 

Thusly, I'd love to hear your feedback!!

That is a lot of sugar... I know, but, I am usually "good" with one or two ADULT drinks in a span of 3 hours.  Not a guzzler here.

Hi all.. thanks for the great information.

Hello everyone.  I am new here.  In fact, I just signed up to this forum four minutes ago.  This after browsing for a little while.  Looks like a great deal of information from experienced folks.  Way to go!

I have never been on a cruise ship, of any sort.  But, one day I will.  I've seen some interesting videos that talk about the ALLURE, OASIS, SYMPHONY, and such.  I think if I do go... I want to be on one of the biggies! 

Okay, let me get to my question.  Regarding drinking.  If I order a pina colada, will someone there be making one in a blender?  Y'know, a really really good pina colada?  Just asking.  Here, in Las Vegas, most of the casinos (and, some restaurants too) just have the slushy machines & they throw in a shot of rum.  They're very so-so.  But, they let a bartender make a pina colada in five seconds.  Blah.

Anyhow, this is my first post... sorry if it was too wordy.  Thank you!!!  

--VegasFella