MikeK

On 3/20/2022 at 1:26 PM, Pooch said:

Just off Harmony.  Frankly the lobster was awful.  Wasn’t even fully cooked.

We were on the Harmony April 3rd cruise and didn't care for the lobster this time.  The coastal kitchen cooked it different so I though I would give it a try.  I want do that again.  Next time I will skip the CK and eat in the MDR for lobster night.

On 4/15/2022 at 6:48 AM, Pooch said:

IMHO, what needs to stop is worrying about what someone else is wearing.   The guy in board shorts 2 tables away has ZERO impact on my dining experience.  Don’t like what another diner is wearing? Don’t look at them!  Concentrate on your group and your food.  BTW I am a card carrying member of Judgers Anonymous and this is part of my 12 step program

Well put!

On 3/28/2022 at 9:50 AM, LovetoCruise87 said:

How about relatively intelligent casual?  

Relatively intelligent people are not allowed on the ship.  Only smart people!

Our early cruising days we usually got put at large tables with other families.  A few times we got seated at some tables with people we didn't see eye to eye with which did't make for a pleasant eating experience.  After that we would go to the dining room,  with the maitre d that could change times or tables, and request a table for two.   You will want to do this as soon as you get on the ship.  This usually didn't change that day but the next day we would get a note in our room what our new table would be.  The MDR is on 2 or 3 decks  so they only have one deck where they do this the first day.  Also when you get on the ship go to the dining room your assigned and walk in a find your table  Yes you can do this.  You might already be assigned a table for two.

On 4/25/2022 at 10:30 PM, Awar0336 said:

I'm excited to hear about your experience. We're booked on the Odyssey Transatlantic cruise in October 2022!

We are booked on the Odessey Transatlantic in October 2023 so I would like to know how your cruise goes also.  Thanks

23 hours ago, wannabecruiseexpert said:

On Oasis and walked went to Cats. There’s a lady holding a sign that says seating for concierge suites, the key, pinnacles and diamond (or plus….can’t remember) We are in a crown loft suite and I assumed that meant we were “concierge suites” but she wouldn’t let us sit there and said it was for VIP’s only, even after looking at our card. What rooms qualify if a crown loft didn’t? I don’t want to be embarrassed again 

I was on the Harmony a few weeks ago and was in a CLS.  We were able to sit in the reserved area at the Aqua Show.  Someone made a mistake.  The only thing we needed a reservation for was the comedy show and the suite concierge made that for us.

8 hours ago, twangster said:

I've seen a lot of posts about arriving early to check in.  Both on this this site and on social media sites.  It's like people are secretly hoping someone will tell them it's okay to arrive early.  It's not.

The arrival times are in place for a purpose and to ensure no one experiences a miserable start to their cruise vacation.  Standing around in the rain or the Florida heat and humidity for hours is not a great way to start a cruise vacation.   The security lines and check in lanes are not designed for everyone arriving in large masses.  When guests ignore their appointment times and arrive early it makes for a miserable experience for everyone including folks who hold the proper arrival time appointments who arrive on time.  

It's not okay to arrive early.  If you arrive early you are not just part of the problem, you are the problem.  

I totally agree but that's part of the problem.  My last cruise out of Port Canaveral,  we arrived on time and there were about 6 lines out side in the covered area by the doors that your enter to go through security check.  These lines were checking for correct paperwork, vaccine cards , covid tests etc. even though when you get in for the real check in you will have to show it again. There was a large family in from of me that finally made it to the check in and lo and behold they then started dragging out their paperwork.  They were looking in purses, backpacks, carry-ons for the paperwork.   It took at least 30 minutes for them to do something simple. Wouldn't you think they might have had that ready way ahead of time.  Like days before.  It was a major cluster watching them scream at each other.  Not trying to say we are perfect but we have all that stuff paperclipped together ready to go well in advance.  If anything they should have been looking for it while waiting in line.  It was comical and frustrating at the same time.

14 minutes ago, Pima1988 said:

You all know you can purchase the WOW band? 

It is just like the sea pass...use it for drinks, open your door.  

 

I just got off the Harmony Sunday and I tried to get a WOW band the first day.  The man at guest services told me they were not using them now.  He said maybe in the future.

3 hours ago, Matt said:

Yes, it's a real casino that has a lot of money that is no longer mine!

Someones enjoying it Matt

1 hour ago, Pooch said:

Our room on Harmony last week was ready at 1pm and our luggage was down the hall.  We just grabbed it.

Good point!  Don't assume (we all know what that means) that your luggage will be next to your door just because other luggage is next to the other rooms.  If yours isn't there,  look up and down the hall,  it could easily be put in front of the wrong room.  That has happened to us a few times.

When you get your seapass card it will have on it what dining room and table number your assigned in the main dining room. When your exploring the ship go to the dining where you table is,   walk in (yes you can do that) and find your tables location.   At dinner time you can walk directly to your table without waiting for someone to escort you.

I do not like to dress up so I usually wear nice jeans with a button up shirt even on dress your best night in the main dining room.  I have seen everything from shorts, tshirt and flip flops to tuxedos and everything in between.  Don't be concerned what everyone else is wearing and enjoy yourself...  Your on vacation!!!  Relax.

I think I just saw that the Radiance is going to NO.

One of the advantages of living in Florida and driving to the port.  I can pack as much as I please.  Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

On my last cruise Dec 2021 I asked the Diamond club concierge about the crystal blocks as I never received one either.  She looked it up for me and they are suppose to ship mine to me.  I still haven't received it but I know with all the problems with shipping now I suspect I will eventually get it.

18 hours ago, SpicyCherry said:

Does anyone know if there is an outlet in the Grand Suite Bathroom on Symphony? I had a GS on Allure a few years back but can't remember.

Go to the cruise deck plans website and look at some of the videos of the GSs on the Symphony.   Sometimes the videos show the whole bathroom setup.   Good Luck

1 hour ago, Ray said:

May have thought they were exempt because they are pinnacle

Maybe they had no intention of bringing it on board.  RC stored it for free!

Passport is priceless if something happens and you have to return unexpectedly.  You are covered with a certified birth certificate and drivers license.  If you had a name change from whats on your birth certificate (marriage) then you will need a certified certificate showing why your name changed.  There must be a legal paper trail showing name changes.  That also must match the name you gave RC thats on the ship manifest.

 I have been getting coffee delivered to my room for years.  Love to stand out on the balcony and sip my coffee.  There are large or regular size pots so if you have multiple coffee drinkers its best to order a large pot.  Never been charged for room service coffee but i tip at least $3.    If you are in a suite (not sure about Jr Suite) you can order full breakfast without a room charge.

Although the main dining room is not a buffet you can still order multiple appetizers,  multiple main courses,  and multiple desserts.   This is a good time to experiment with different dishes.  There are menus for every meal on the app or there is a big screen in front of the dining room to see what is coming up the next day.  Your on vacation.  Have a good time.

On 3/3/2022 at 4:08 PM, Pooch said:

Casual and shorts accepted in the main dining room too.  They are not going to turn you away.  Might you get a hairy eyeball from more “refined “ cruisers sure. But put your napkin in your lap, chew with your mouth closed & don’t talk with a mouthful.  Who cares what others think.

Totally agree with Pooch!  You are on vacation.  Don't feel like you have to impress anyone.  On formal night I will usually wear jeans and a button up shirt,  other nights it's what i happen to be wearing at the time.

When I got fed up with my old TA,  I filled out the yellow form and was hooked up with Jacki York.  I have been more than satisfied,  she has been great!

On our December cruise we had no problem at the parking garage just showing up.  We had a 11:30 check in time and showed up at the parking garage about 10;45.  Drove in the garage, dropped off luggage and drove back around to park.   The attendant took our credit card,  inserted it into the slot for us and gave us a receipt.  We were able to park near the elevator so it was a very short walk to check-in.  Had all our paperwork ready so check-in was a breeze  and were in the waiting to board area in 10-15 minutes.  All the cruises we have done,  this was the first time parking at the garage.  Usually we did the park and ride thingie at a local hotel so from now on we will probably do the garage.  Didn't realize it was so easy.

1 hour ago, TwoTexans said:

Yes, I'm sure there's a thread somewhere. Any advice on locating old threads is appreciated, because I'm having trouble searching the site...

 

While you're here, what are the table minimums for roulette and craps? We're sailing Allure 3/19. Disclosure: I'm not a big gambler but I want to play an hour or so a couple times throughout the cruise. I'm thinking of budgeting $300 and want to figure out how long that'll last me if I play the minimums.

Thanks!

My last cruise in Dec the minimum on the black jack tables was $15.  Not sure if that's true on all the ships.  I believe they usually have a day or night that the minimum is lowered.

We have used the organizers with prescription meds and OTC on every cruise including European cruises and never had a problem.  Take pictures of your prescription bottles to use as a back up.