CoupleOfCruisers

Smokers seem to adjust. They tend to start off kicking and screaming but they adjust. When states all over the country started making smoking inside illegal. Smokers cried it would drastically hurt the bar & restaurant business but it didn’t. When cruise lines banned smoking first in cabins, then balconies and most indoor areas. The smokers still cruised. If they ban smoking in casino the smokers will adjust and still gamble. Only about 15% of the US population smokes any more. Non smoking casinos are coming just a matter of when! 

9 hours ago, MO & LO on the go! said:

They can do pretty much everything the guest service desk can do and more.....without the long lines!

Been on 20 cruises don’t think I’ve ever used guest services or know what they are for! 

Oops take that back think they might have assisted us when my Mother passed away while we were on a cruise. She had not been with us but we wanted to disembark at next port and fly home. Think they help my DH make arrangements. 

3 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

No, the Concierge is normally not on duty during embarkation. He/she should begin working around 4:00-4:30.  My recommendation is to ask for whatever reservations you want when the Concierge reaches out to you prior to the cruise - usually 5 days prior to cruise day.  That is really your best opportunity to coordinate with the Concierge prior to boarding.

Our next cruise is in a suite. Other then our specialty dining reservations what other things can be arranged though concierge prior to boarding? 

3 hours ago, Fuzzywuzzy said:

Check your Cruise Compass for when/where the Friends Of Matt H. meetings are held. They can help you deal with your addiction.

And be sure to prepare your next cruise immediately after or even during your first cruise! PCD (Post Cruise Depression) is real and there is only one cure!  

4 hours ago, TJ! said:

I've been on this blog and youtubing cruise NON STOP since I booked it.

I’ve been on about 20 cruises and still read blogs & you tube Non Stop before each cruise! Cruise is all I’ll talk about! So it never goes away! 

2 hours ago, twangster said:

I for one have stopped trying to promote the cruise industry and agree wholeheartedly with everything they said.

The last thing I need is more people to book cruises (driving up the cost for me).  

It's terrible out there folks.  The sea was 90' yesterday (away from the Promenade deck).  I hear that 99% of all cruise ships got stranded (away from a boring existence) yesterday.  Everyone on board is sick (of being on land).  I went missing (and none of my clients know I'm on a ship).  There were 75 mph winds (for anyone driving on the interstate with their hands out the window in Florida). 

Yep, it's not a life for the faint of heart.  Avoid cruising (so I can book cheaper cruises).

If they don't want to go, please don't try to correct them.  

 

I’m with cruising is dangerous and not for faint of heart!!!!  

On another Cruise site an Assistant Casino Host on Mariner of Seas says that RCI will be going Non-smoking in Casino. Has anyone heard this rumor and know if there is any truth to it? 

Best locals place is Schooner Wharf Bar..... they also have live music (depending on day and time)

I’d check into a local hotel near the port. I don’t know about New Jersey here in Florida hotels near port often offer stay & park with free shuttle to port. On our next cruise we are actually paying less to stay at hotel the night before the cruise and leave our car parked there then it is to park at Miami cruise parking. Then no worries about hitting traffic or missing the ship!! Just an idea! 

I live near Melbourne. We are south of the port. Traffic wouldn’t really be issue but drive time is probably about the same as Orlando (MCO). Melbourne you drive though town with traffic lights Orlando is straight shot on highway. 

Pro’s- to using Melbourne very small airport so you are in and out fast! Usually what ever flight you’re on is only one at that time. So no long security lines. 

Con’s- No direct flights and Melbourne is usually more expensive. 

When I travel I like using Melbourne because I live here. If I didn’t and was going on a cruise use Orlando. 

We’ve been on 20 cruises in total. The first 6 were on another cruise line. We stopped cruising with that line partly because there were to many intoxicated people and we like to drink! Along with being loud there would be lots of bad language, inappropriate drunk behavior and we saw a number of fights.

One time in particular about 15 years ago  on a cruise, sitting at a bar in evening talking with a really nice older couple probably in mid 70’s. The woman shook a little and had previously had a stroke. Some drunk guy came up he over heard her saying to me that in her day she had been a looker, she was still quite lovely. He immediately started hurling insults at her calling her an old hag! I was shocked at such appalling behavior. It was really upsetting. 

In our 13 cruises with Royal Caribbean we have seen people who probably shouldn’t have had so much to drink. Never have we seen any offensive behavior, fights or anything we’d deem inappropriate. 

Im curious at what amount would people stop buying drink packages? As long as people pay the price they will keep pushing price up!  

6 hours ago, marti314 said:

Unfortunately this is USD.  69 + 12.42 grat = 81.42 per day USD.  If the onboard was really 69 + 20% this puts the On board price at 83.00 + 18% = 98.00 per day.

I feel like that 50 ish dollars per day price (now that it requires you the other person in your cabin to purchase) was that breaking point.  Women typically can not or do not drink as much as men so this just becomes almost impossible to justify.

I’m a little confused are gratuities included in posted price of $69? If not do you pay when buy the package or per drink once on ship? 

Thank you all! Now how do I get my picture to fit?  

Hello Dan,

I also just became a member after lurking for awhile. We are  diamond members. Due to life getting in the way our last cruise was 6 years ago but we are anxiously awaiting our 11 day, April 2020 cruise! And getting ready to book more! 

We’ve been cruising for about 22 years first 8 cruise were with Carnival cruises we then made jump to Royal Caribbean and never looked back.

Diane & Dave