fishernrex

First, as someone who travels almost every week for work, I absolutely refuse to use the coffeemaker and glass glasses left in the room.  Both are notoriously disgusting.  That being said, honestly, these folks are so overworked and overwhelmed at times, rather than file a complaint, I'd give them the benefit of the doubt - Most likely English isn't their first language and they may well have not fully understood your request in writing (vs. verbally).  Approach them kindly and directly and express your concern.  I'd be willing to bet you'd have the cleanest cabin in your group going forward.  

First, as someone who travels almost every week for work, I absolutely refuse to use the coffeemaker and glass glasses left in the room.  Both are notoriously disgusting.  That being said, honestly, these folks are so overworked and overwhelmed at times, rather than file a complaint, I'd give them the benefit of the doubt - Most likely English isn't their first language and they may well have not fully understood your request in writing (vs. verbally).  Approach them kindly and directly and express your concern.  I'd be willing to bet you'd have the cleanest cabin in your group going forward.  

First, as someone who travels almost every week for work, I absolutely refuse to use the coffeemaker and glass glasses left in the room.  Both are notoriously disgusting.  That being said, honestly, these folks are so overworked and overwhelmed at times, rather than file a complaint, I'd give them the benefit of the doubt - Most likely English isn't their first language and they may well have not fully understood your request in writing (vs. verbally).  Approach them kindly and directly and express your concern.  I'd be willing to bet you'd have the cleanest cabin in your group going forward.  

First, as someone who travels almost every week for work, I absolutely refuse to use the coffeemaker and glass glasses left in the room.  Both are notoriously disgusting.  That being said, honestly, these folks are so overworked and overwhelmed at times, rather than file a complaint, I'd give them the benefit of the doubt - Most likely English isn't their first language and they may well have not fully understood your request in writing (vs. verbally).  Approach them kindly and directly and express your concern.  I'd be willing to bet you'd have the cleanest cabin in your group going forward.  

First, as someone who travels almost every week for work, I absolutely refuse to use the coffeemaker and glass glasses left in the room.  Both are notoriously disgusting.  That being said, honestly, these folks are so overworked and overwhelmed at times, rather than file a complaint, I'd give them the benefit of the doubt - Most likely English isn't their first language and they may well have not fully understood your request in writing (vs. verbally).  Approach them kindly and directly and express your concern.  I'd be willing to bet you'd have the cleanest cabin in your group going forward.  

Thank you ALL!  We've seen the show several times already and I'm excited to see it from "above".  Since we will really be able to see it anytime, we'll let the extra 8 have a front row for this evening.  I knew I could count on you guys!  Thank you thank you thank you.  

First time sailing in a 2BR Aqua and inviting some folks to watch the show with our group, we're wondering how many people could comfortably watch the show from the balcony?  Assuming since the cabin sleeps 8 (in theory!), then easily 8 people could -  Would 12 be too many?  Thanks in advance!  

First time sailing in a 2BR Aqua and inviting some folks to watch the show with our group, we're wondering how many people could comfortably watch the show from the balcony?  Assuming since the cabin sleeps 8 (in theory!), then easily 8 people could -  Would 12 be too many?  Thanks in advance!  

We too had an interesting experience last year with A2S -  I definitely won't be using them again.  Similar to someone else, the airline changed the flights (it happens, no fault of A2S) and the rebooked flight wasn't acceptable.  As someone who travels frequently for work I understand these things happen and I'm generally able to resolve with a quick phone call to the airline.  HOWEVER, because this reservation was booked through A2S, I wasn't able to manipulate the reservation.  This is where the frustration came in -  Again, like someone else stated I was told the flight is more than 30 days out so A2S wouldn't work with me yet.  Knowing how quickly flights sell out and decent seats are gone, I wanted to address the flight changes as soon as possible.  What was IMPOSSIBLE was getting anyone at A2S to help.  When the finally called me back (>20 days later), both the alternate flights I wanted weren't available.  Generally a frustrating experience all around.  Their customer service definitely needs some improvement.  
It's definitely not a "bad" program, just needs more flexibility when changes are generated from the airlines. 
Being a frequent flyer, I'll never use them again for a cruise, but instead make sure I'm flying in early enough to have contingency plans available.  If I were in a different position where I didn't have that lattitude and needed the guarantee of getting to the ship, I might reconsider this stance.  

PG, we take a walker on all of our trips as well as a motorized scooter.  Easiest solution is to just have one of them in it during the embarkation and/or use it to carry whatever your older folks might need (think carryon luggage).  As an alternative, there are also companies that you can rent from there at the port usually (at least for the motorized versions).  We used "scootaround" when we went to Alaska and couldn't be more pleased with the convenience.  

PG, we take a walker on all of our trips as well as a motorized scooter.  Easiest solution is to just have one of them in it during the embarkation and/or use it to carry whatever your older folks might need (think carryon luggage).  As an alternative, there are also companies that you can rent from there at the port usually (at least for the motorized versions).  We used "scootaround" when we went to Alaska and couldn't be more pleased with the convenience.  

I'm for carrying off and I look like a damned pack-mule, but it's still easier.  

I'm for carrying off and I look like a damned pack-mule, but it's still easier.  

Having recently cruised on Quantum (June 27th to Alaska) with someone in a scooter here's my thoughts: 
 
1.  Quantum class ships aren't for everyone -  Frankly, they are my least favorite, but it was a deal too good to pass up.  That being said, there's always something to do, the scenery was amazing, and the staff, while short, does everything they can to make your cruise enjoyable. 
2.  Travelling with someone in a wheelchair or scooter can be a challenge -  You have to plan ahead and make certain accomodations no matter what ship your on.  Elevators are crowded, leave early to make sure you have plenty of time.  If your passenger isn't able to get in and out of the room without assistance, again, plan ahead.  Your stateroom attendant will also get you a doorstop to help (you might have to ask).   With regards to ports, what everyone else says - This doesn't matter if you're on a cruise or doing something land-based.  It's still difficult and requires planning. 
3.  While the food isn't what it used to be in the "good ole days" perhaps, I never had anything that wasn't edible and surely never went hungry.  Again, plan ahead. 
4.  Nickle and dime...If you've been on cruises you know darned well that unless you're on one of the luxury all-inclusive cruises, you're going to pay extra for extra things.  Simply looking at the cruise planner tells you what you would pay extra for.  There's plenty that's included and the extras remain to be your choice. 
 

Total time -  9 hours on hold... Flight changes came in this morning after I'd given up.  Still absolutely horrible customer service and absolutely no way to escalate.   I have literally zero faith that they would handle an emergency issue.  

I'm for carrying off and I look like a damned pack-mule, but it's still easier.  

I'm for carrying off and I look like a damned pack-mule, but it's still easier.  

I'm for carrying off and I look like a damned pack-mule, but it's still easier.  

I'm for carrying off and I look like a damned pack-mule, but it's still easier.  

The pin they were wearing.  (I can only assume they didn't buy it off e-bay -  LOL) 

DH and I just returned from a fantastic cruise on Wonder -  We were on a casino comp in a Junior Suite with the Unlimited Dining and Beverage Packages (just using this for reference).  This was also our first Oasis Class and longest cruise (previously longest was 6 days on Odyssey).  We're only Diamond level C&A).  We've been fortunate to have travelled now on each class of ship and while some had more "WOW Factor" we've loved them all in their own way.  
On this particular cruise I ran into several Pinnacle level folks and they were the ones I heard complaining the most.  One lady in particular:  "Food is horrible" "Service is horrible" "My room attendant took 3 hours to get me a lounger on my balcony" "I told the restaurant manager they needed to retrain their staff" were just some of the things I heard.  I just wonder if everything was REALLY that bad or were they just burned out on cruises?  Does it become less enjoyable as time goes on (seriously, I can't even imagine and we cruise 4-5 times a year)?   I don't ever want to get that jaded about a vacation.  I'm still excited about upcoming cruises and hope to stay that way for many years to come.  
Our experience on this ship/cruise was completely the opposite.  We thought the service, food, and amenities were fantastic.  We had some meals that were better than others, but there was nothing inedible or anything I would complain about.  it really was just a matter of personal taste we felt.  It was noticable towards the end of the cruise that there were quite a few folks out due to COVID.  It's just the world we live in today and I feel like I have to come expecting some deviations and even perhaps a degradation of service at times due to shortages (whether it be supply chain or service).  The staff on these ships work their behinds off for months on end while we're treated like kings and queens -  I can't even imagine being that tired and still smiling.  
For you more experienced folks (and new ones also), what are your thoughts?  

With regards to folks wearing their nameplates, if that's what works for them... go for it!  It's a great conversation starter and I've met plenty who were fantastic sources of information and lots of fun to be around.  I certainly didn't mean for this to be a "bash the Pinnacle's" post.  

The pin they were wearing.  (I can only assume they didn't buy it off e-bay -  LOL) 

DH and I just returned from a fantastic cruise on Wonder -  We were on a casino comp in a Junior Suite with the Unlimited Dining and Beverage Packages (just using this for reference).  This was also our first Oasis Class and longest cruise (previously longest was 6 days on Odyssey).  We're only Diamond level C&A).  We've been fortunate to have travelled now on each class of ship and while some had more "WOW Factor" we've loved them all in their own way.  
On this particular cruise I ran into several Pinnacle level folks and they were the ones I heard complaining the most.  One lady in particular:  "Food is horrible" "Service is horrible" "My room attendant took 3 hours to get me a lounger on my balcony" "I told the restaurant manager they needed to retrain their staff" were just some of the things I heard.  I just wonder if everything was REALLY that bad or were they just burned out on cruises?  Does it become less enjoyable as time goes on (seriously, I can't even imagine and we cruise 4-5 times a year)?   I don't ever want to get that jaded about a vacation.  I'm still excited about upcoming cruises and hope to stay that way for many years to come.  
Our experience on this ship/cruise was completely the opposite.  We thought the service, food, and amenities were fantastic.  We had some meals that were better than others, but there was nothing inedible or anything I would complain about.  it really was just a matter of personal taste we felt.  It was noticable towards the end of the cruise that there were quite a few folks out due to COVID.  It's just the world we live in today and I feel like I have to come expecting some deviations and even perhaps a degradation of service at times due to shortages (whether it be supply chain or service).  The staff on these ships work their behinds off for months on end while we're treated like kings and queens -  I can't even imagine being that tired and still smiling.  
For you more experienced folks (and new ones also), what are your thoughts?  

With regards to folks wearing their nameplates, if that's what works for them... go for it!  It's a great conversation starter and I've met plenty who were fantastic sources of information and lots of fun to be around.  I certainly didn't mean for this to be a "bash the Pinnacle's" post.