ChessE4

4 hours ago, Pima1988 said:

@Zacharius  I tried to write antipasti but auto correct just kept changing it, so I decided to leave it alone.  Even now it keeps placing the red squiggly line.  

I laugh because we live in VA, but NJ/NY raised.  Proscuitto to us is pronounced proscuitte ---no O.  Calamari is pronounced Calamar, no I. Mannicotti, is mannicott, no I, and they are crepe shells. There is no such thing as sauce, it is gravy.  If you are a true Italian, you know that meatballs are made with multiple types of ground meat.  A true parmigiana is done on lone heat for hrs.  Christmas eve is 7 fishes.  You are also a pro at stuffed artichokes.

My husband and I are unique.  He is 50% Italian.  His mom was jewish.  I am 50% polish.  My kids were raised with all 3.  Lox and cream cheese smeared on an everything bagel or bialy is heaven for breakfast.  Kielbasa and sauerkraut for dinner on a summer night is perfection.  OBTW in the Polish world kielbasa is  actually called in my family kielbas.  My Mom is 100% polish, her folks were 1st generation.  Manicotti, bresciole, sausage and meatballs that has stewed for a day in the gravy makes them smile until that manicotti filled with 4 different cheeses hits their stomach like a 10 lb weight.

During the fall I do not make dinner on Sunday.  Instead, my coffee table is filled with sopressetto, prosciuitto, salami, cheese, olives, and home made focaccia, stuffed artichokes, and of course balsamic and olive oil while we watch football.  

Not trying to be offensive.  Just saying that most people that don't have that background will pronounce it in a  certain way, which as a society we accept as the norm.

Back on topic.

Thanks for the cultural note!  Not to disparage other cruise lines, but I saw a video from another line with a coffee card that spelled out "cappuccinos" instead of "cappuccini".  Now my Italian is really weak, but even I took notice....
 

1 hour ago, allardja said:

I searched on YouTube for tricks on how to pack my clothes while avoiding wrinkles.  I found a video that shows you how to wrap your clothes into a "burrito" so they all fold into each other and end up in a giant mound.  This avoid any wrinkles or creases.  Anyway - I'm wondering if I were to do this, would the airline or cruiseline unwrap it all looking for contraband?  I don't want to spend all the time making it perfect if it's going to get ripped to shreds and shoved back into my back.  

Thanks!!

Julie

Have you ever had a TSA inspection paper placed in your suitcase?   I have several times on business trips, but I was carrying a lot of teaching aids that could look funny on the X-ray.  If you can keep the odd items separate and easily accessible, I think you could go for it.  I am kind of intrigued by the idea you suggested...

3 hours ago, Pima1988 said:

Just got off this past weekend.  4th cruise with Royal in 3 yrs., 1st time on Adventure.

 

Day 2:  Sea Day 1st Formal night

I was shocked at how many people were really dressed up.  I would compare this to our Med cruise.  Usually on the Caribbean it is common to see people in open collared shirts and slacks.   I did not see one man in shorts.  

 

 

 

 

Thanks for your detailed summary!  Your observation about formal night is consistent with what I have observed, that most people dress nicely. 

4 hours ago, VinceC said:

Also, do I need to take any additional identification (ie. passport, driver license, etc.) when getting off the ship for an excursion, or do I just need to take my SeaPass Card?

 

While there are some people who have stated on other threads that they take their passports off the ship, most vacationers i have spoken to leave such documents in their stateroom safe.@AshleyDillo expressed the majority view that ID and Sea Pass are sufficient.    In my opinion, you would only take your passport if you were taking a long 3rd party excursion and were worried that you'd miss the ship and need to fly to the next port, or that you'd have a medical emergency and need to be evacuated.   I am more worried about pickpockets than an emergency, so I leave my passport in the safe.

Whatever you choose to do, have a great cruise!

2 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

We did a 12 night on Brilliance back in 2005.  It wasn't the Baltics, it was the Med, round trip from Barcelona.  That cruise was one of the best and most memorable vacations that I have even taken!  The sights were breathtaking and beautiful! 

Definitely worth the commitment and cost.  I still remember when we booked that trip, Hubby questioned if it was "worth it"?  We both have no regrets as we have some of the best memories and moments from that trip.  I feel like it's one of those trips that if you don't do it while you are young, then life (work, kids, other commitments) bogs you down and you might miss your chance at it until much later in life. 

We look back to that trip 14 years ago, and if we did not YOLO and go then, we would still be waiting to go today.  So glad that we did!

Absolutely!  We also did a 12N Med cruise from Barcelona, and we still consider it our best cruise.

6 hours ago, 4ensic said:

But Sorrentos is open late. Isn't that just as good as a midnight buffet? /sarc

Yes, one thing we've got to admit, we don't go hungry...

10 hours ago, fonemanbob said:

We keep them in our pocket and have not lost one in 20 plus years.  Wearing them around your neck in port makes you stand out as a tourist.  Rather not give that impression  out.  

Yes, it is important to take security seriously when you get off the ship.  I wear a lanyard on the ship and on the private islands, but in a foreign port I protect key documents differently.  Also, the clothes we wear in a foreign port can make a difference.

1 hour ago, plasticmaster said:

I sailed on Harmony last week.  This was my first cruise in 15 years.  I remember midnight buffets with beautiful ice sculptures from cruises 15 and 20 years ago (Majesty and Explorer).  They did not have the midnight buffet on Harmony. Is this something that cruises don't do anymore?  Just wondering. 

Like @rtread said in 2004, we had a buffet on the Voyager, which had the ice sculptures.  My wife claims there was a late buffet in the Med in 2011 (Brilliance of the Seas), and on a New Year's sailing from Baltimore about 2013 (Grandeur), there was a small chocolate buffet in the Centrum -- the line went down the starboard hallway all the way to the bow.  Since then we haven't seen anything remotely similar.  So as everyone else has stated, the late buffets seem to have disappeared.

4 minutes ago, FloridaCruiseGirl1210 said:

Hello All,

I know most people post on here asking what they should pack etc, etc. I no matter what cruise try to never actually carry on my luggage with like clothes (like why deal with that). 

So I bring a carry on tote, backpack, small roller bag, etc. 

What is everyone's most useful item that they bring with them, I'm not talking passport, medicine, hand sanitizer or any of that. 

I always have to have a pen, sunscreen and portable battery charger bc my phone dies SO fast. I also like to have a small snack of nuts/protein bar to hold me over if there is a wait to get on the ship. 

Lanyard for my new sea pass and my "Black Jack for dummies" paper back in case I feel lucky.....

4 hours ago, JennyJenny said:

Interesting article I just ran across.

Quotes,

"Travel experts say cruise ships - along with other day-trippers - exacerbate "overtourism" because passengers increase congestion while spending little locally.

Several European destinations including Dubrovnik, Bruges and the Greek island of Santorini, have slapped restrictions on cruise ships. Barcelona's mayor has also promised action."

 

Seems focused more on European / Mediterranean ports and I didn't see a lot of mention of Caribbean ones. Just thought I'd share for discussion.

 

"...for decades tourism authorities and ministries have only measured success in terms of increased visitor numbers.

"This model no longer works and that's probably the most important message to get out there," she said, warning that overcrowding and "Disneyfication" in some places could destroy the charms that draw tourists in the first place. If we look at numbers only, and we don't look in more detail at the impact – economic, social, environmental – we risk killing the goose that lays the golden egg."

"Thailand closed a beach made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio movie "The Beach" indefinitely last year to give its ecosystem time to recover."

Full article:

Top tourism spots crack down as they become victim of own success... (Reuters)

 

In contrast to these reports, there are regions where there has been an effort to welcome cruise ships.  I want to give a shout out to NZ and Australia, which we visited in January 2018.  Everywhere we went the local community literally rolled out the red carpet.  There were lots of volunteers to direct us or give us maps, shuttle buses to connect with the port, etc.  Some cities were very new to cruising, or so we were told.  Our son was attending Wollongong for a semester, and we were delighted with the welcome they provided, not to mention the free bus that circulates the city and stops near the beach.

Now the Radiance of the Seas is one of the smaller ships, and many of the environmental impact concerns seem to be targeting Oasis-class ships, but I wanted to share a short positive note.  It was my main take away from the cruise -- the friendliness of folks in Australia/NZ, and the diversity apparent in their cultures, at least in the cities we visited.

Happy cruising everyone...

1 hour ago, Morganno said:

• what's to stop people taking your pass to access your room and also use it for a few free drinks?

 

And if you ever have unauthorized purchases on your account, you simply go to Guest Services.  That shouldn't be a worry for you.  Have a great cruise!

13 minutes ago, Brobbins246 said:

Total first world problem here, but I'm dying waiting out the 620+ days I have before my next cruise in April, 2021.  My last cruise that we took 3 months ago was booked and planned in about 9 months, which was more mentally doable for me.  We can't afford to go again for a couple more years, but we know when we can go with our kids' school schedules, so I was able to take advantage of the good rates by booking this early.  But I don't know what to do with myself to make the time go faster.  I'm researching the ship and ports online all the time, but I can't book any shore excursions or make any real plans this far out, which I'd probably change 10 times between now and then anyway.  Even my wedding 20 years ago was planned in a shorter time than this (about 18 months) and I'm going crazy waiting.  I'm mostly just venting, but if you have any coping mechanisms to suggest other than booking more cruises in the middle, I'm all ears.   BTW, we'll be on the Freedom ABC Islands/St. Maarten cruise then. 

One of the things I do in advance of a cruise is study a foreign language, like French for St Martin (hoping for an excursion to that side of the island) and Spanish for San Juan or Mexico, etc.  It keeps me busy.   Another thing I do is study the books on tropical fish in hopes of going snorkeling.... Best of luck on your preparations!

I would try Central Park Balcony because I've stayed twice on the Boardwalk, and i really love Central Park.  I am thinking about the informal concerts in the evening, etc.

On the Boardwalk, there was a nice incentive (specialty meals and coke package), but I am not much of a soda drinker, and I don't really want to stare at the Boardwalk.  You get some noise or entertainment from the Aqua Theater (we were about 7 staterooms from the aft end), but you really can't see enough to have a true show.

Whatever you choose, enjoy your cruise!

10 minutes ago, Kel Kel said:

Does the sea pass card come with a case/holder? To clip on a lanyard

No, but they are available for purchase on the ship, while waiting to get on the ship (at Port Canaveral), or through Amazson.com and other sites.  I recycle the badge holders my son got on Adventure Ocean, and now I buy one of the larger, phone-sized holders that are waterproof (for beach days).

The new ships have proximity readers, so you don't punch a hole in the card, you use a lanyard with a plastic sleeve. On the older ships you can have the card punched, which is often done for kids.

If you just want sleeves, Wal-Mart and other stores have the soft plastic types in packages of 10 or so.  They can tear more easily than the hard plastic sleeves (my experience).

Have a great cruise!

5 minutes ago, KJ1231 said:

We always make a point to talk to crew and address them by name.

I learned a lesson a few years ago that explains why. I was walking the streets of Dublin, Ireland with a priest and he would give the homeless on the street a few Euro's here and there and he would always ask their name. Those he'd run into again he would recall their name and say, e.g., "Good morning, Brian!" as he gave them the a few coins. I asked him how he knew their names and he explained that one time he gave a repeat customer a few coins and called him by name. The young man began  to cry because no one had called him by name in a long,. long time.

Ever since that trip I look at name tags, ask homeless their names and try to remember for next time. One night I had the family in the car when I went to a section of Philly I minister in regularly. As we came off the expressway one of the "regulars" was panhandling. I rolled down the window and said "Good evening, John" as I gave him a dollar. My wife and kids in unison asked how I knew his name. I told them it was John, that I spoke to him before and that he was originally from Pittsburgh. They were amazed.

Our cruise last week on Anthem was made so much better by our waiter and waitress in the MDR - Francisco from the Dominican Republic who has been on Anthem for 4.5 years, and Liezly from the Philippines who is on her first contract with RC after working another line (she likes RC a lot more than the other cruise line which she would not name). They took great care of my grandkids during meals - had the high chair at the table before we arrived each night, ketchup smiley faces for the fries, prompt, courteous and always a smile on their face. They were awesome. Its the first time in 4 cruises that I gave wait staff a tip but I always try to remember names for the survey. 

On North Star last week, Declan from Scotland rode up with us. He is new to working cruise ships and loves it so far. He does North Star and kids stuff. He went on a cruise last year, loved it and went on a couple more to observe before deciding to apply. He filled all of us in on living situation and maybe because he is new it doesn't bother him yet but he was fun to be with for the short ride.

Bottom line - I think good interaction with passengers who show a genuine interest in crew is a real pick-me-up for some. If they make a difference in your cruise it doesn't take much - and doesn't have to be $$ - to show your appreciation.

 

Very thoughtful and touching.  Thanks for sharing.

1 hour ago, ScooterScott22 said:

The water temps are very well monitored and can have impacts on the weather, particularly tropical storms.  The water temps are never that low in the Bahamas.

Here is a chart for typical water temps.

Thanks for your very nice chart.  Whatever the measured temperature at the snorkel reef in Nassau in the winter, it was frigid.  Many on the tour complained.  So as a service to others, I will re-state that it may be uncomfortable for some.  I have been in cold mountain water, and this was that cold.  So my recommendation would be to avoid getting too far from shore if you are going to be totally immersed in the sea at that time of year (TG to New Year's).  If you have snorkeled there at that time of year, feel free to describe your experience so that others may benefit.  Have a nice cruise.

13 hours ago, Ogalthorpe Haywood said:

We just asked on Anthem and they said no that we would need to buy a new one 

Then either the Harmony is different from the Anthem, or the policy has changed, and the video is now out of date.  Thanks for your just-in-time information!

1 hour ago, Ogalthorpe Haywood said:

They told us no because of the muster station would be wrong. That would be dangerous for kids. 

To be more precise, Matt's video of 21 June 19, which talks about five Harmony secrets, states that you can bring the WOW bands back and exchange them on your next cruise.  Sorry I didn't state it accurately.  So one would need to "swap" bands, not re-program them.  Make sense?   I am only passing on what was in the video...

15 minutes ago, RTripp said:

Hi all, we did the once in a lifetime cruise on HOTS in June. As a newbie i had a difficult time finding the sizes of the wow band and seapAss. Uploaded photo, wow band ALL the way. Women’s clothing has absolutely NO pockets, let alone wearing a swimsuit and cover 60% of the vacation, NOWHERE to put tge pass.  In addition to not digging through your entire sun bag to find a seapass to get in your room, you just scan your wrist for drinks at bars(there is a scanner right where you order),  and at towel stations, when getting on / off ship and ALL over CocoCay. Worth every penny of the $4.95 get it the first day as mentionedat Boleros. Also, if you need to get into a second room you booked, have tgat room get the same color since no names on them. Hope this helps the first timers. 

I believe Matt stated on one of his videos that it can be re-used on another cruise -- your WOW band is re-programmed, avoiding a second purchase.

28 minutes ago, Angelfish131 said:

Cruising in March and I love to snorkel but I can’t convince the family to snorkel at all 3 stops.  Any thoughts on which ones are the best to see lots of marine life? Can you snorkel off the beach in Labradee? 

I have snorkeled off the beach at Labadee (2017), but there were fewer fish than at Coco Cay (2017 & 2019).     I would check to see if a boat excursion is available to get you to a natural reef.

Other members have written about St. Maarten -- there is supposed to be a great island nearby.

13 hours ago, KJinTX said:

We are sailing on the Harmony of the Seas next month and wanted to get recommendations on beaches to visit for each stop.  We will have a mix of adults and teens in our party.  Thanks in advance for your insight.

Concur with @mom2mybugs based on our visit in May.  St. Martin still needs lots of work so I'd stick to St. Maarten, and the public beach looked good.

32 minutes ago, RatedPG said:

An added detail is the mom’s response to RCCL’s statement that the open window was for ventilation.  She said that fans should be used instead of windows.

I scratched my head on that one because I personally prefer the salty sea breeze on cruise ships over recirculated stale air.

And I can't picture a fan on the upper decks....

5 hours ago, foxrunner said:

Thanks ChessE4, I agree with your approach. We are cruising for the first time with my DW, 17 Y.O. & 20 Y.O. sons. Well, we did go on a Windjammer honeymoon cruise in the early 90's and clothing was at times optional. My question is we are travelling over New Years and are anticipating three formal nights. I'll go sport coat & tie and my wife will look dashing in a dress, but will the boys need a jacket? Will I need a suit for New Years Eve and can the boys  wear slacks and a tie?

I agree with@MaryCS62 -- you will be fine, and I have been on Xmas/New Year's cruises.  Please also understand I am not the wardrobe cop, I was just answering a question as honestly as I could with due consideration to what I have observed on many cruises in several locations, and what I have viewed on Matt's videos.  I hate the idea that vacationers need to go out and buy extra clothes for formal night, so I don't think men should think a coat is an absolute requirement - just try to look nice.  I believe that if at least one in the party looks nice, it helps everyone in the end.  We actually lost our suitcases on one trip, and I purchased khaki's on the ship. It was the best we could do....Thankfully we got our luggage about night four.  For this reason, whenever I fly, I always wear a sport coat.  Who knows when my checked bag will show up?

1 hour ago, JennyJenny said:

The gentlemen in the group I will be traveling with do the whole "proper Bermuda short" thing for formal night (as we are going to Bermuda). They wear full tie and jacket but Bermuda shorts dress socks/shoes with them. It actually looks kind of nice and sort of a tip your hat to Bermuda thing. They've been doing this on this particular cruise for some time (sounds like they go every year) and it's been well received in the MDR. But this was on a Bermuda only cruise so keep that in mind. (This is a pic I found on the internet as I don't have one of them but their wives showed me the pics when we were discussing formal nights).

 

Yes, I remember in the 1970's and 1980's there were some very nice suits that came with shorts.  I am talking GQ style.   It is clear these gentlemen are dressed for a nice experience....somewhere.   Don't think this is the most common look today, but it respects the underlying purpose, which is to dress for a nice formal experience.

48 minutes ago, mom2mybugs said:

Sometimes I use the zip plastic tie things... Cant remember what they are called.  It won't really keep anyone out but you can see if someone was in your luggage and might slow the casual thief down.  Jane

And when it comes to purses/carry ons when overseas, I have been told that using a safety pin to secure zippers tends to discourage pick-pockets.  (You don't need to do that when boarding the ship.)