Linda R

Not sure what ship you are on, but the Aft suites looking at the wake are fabulous.  I book those wherever I can.  Mainly they are on older class ships though. 

On 1/10/2022 at 7:58 AM, AlwaysRollin said:

I understand this may be a difficult question to answer due to differing opinions and what holds more value in a cabin to most people.  My wife and I have been on 3 cruises and have only stayed in ocean view balcony cabins on Oasis class ships (Harmony x1 and Allure x2).  We've got a booking in Nov '22 on Explorer for 8 nights to the ABC's (also an ocean view balcony cabin on deck 8), and we're looking at a 5-night sailing on Oasis in June out of cape liberty.  For the Oasis one, we are on the fence about "trying" a Junior Suite.  It's not that we wouldn't like it, but I'm just not sure that it's worth paying basically double the price of the balcony cabin.  Since it is a little shorter, the price isn't as high as it would by for your typical 7-8 night sailings, which is why if we did go for the Junior Suite to sample it, this would be a better opportunity.  However, the whole reason we decided on this June sailing was because it was only 5 nights and thus, cheaper, so we can fit it in our budget.   I should say, we are very grateful that we even have the financial ability to go on cruises; however, we try to be as frugal as possible to live within our means.   So I'm really trying to reach out to those of you who may have been on the fence before about stepping up your Balcony Cabin bookings to a Junior Suite and if you found it to be double the experience for double the price?  

As far as I can tell, the extra perks are a bigger cabin (no more side stepping to get around the front of the bed), full tub (has anyone taken a bath in it?), a walk-in closet, and a bigger balcony. Also, you get access to the Coastal Kitchen, but not the other VIP areas that Grand Suites and up get. 

I usually stay in Jr Suites for many reasons.   And I book as soon as cruises are available to reserve, at that time Jr Suites are often not much more expensive.  I just booked transatlantic 2025 in Jr Suite.   I also like the coffee pot in Jr suite as you get better coffee and do not have to wait for coffee or tea to be delivered. 

Onboard.   They do not book all reservations online before anyway.  Always a big selection once you board. 

5 hours ago, steverk said:

All of the Radiance Class vessels have the soft serve in the Windjammer.  Since those are the only ones I've ever found on the ship, you can only access them when the Windjammer is open.

If I remember it correctly there is coffee service just outside Windjammer, near windows on one side.  You can get into the Windjammer anytime thru those doors.  We go to Windjammer just before they close sometimes and hang out between meals to play cards, and have coffee and ice cream.   They never will ask you to leave Windjammer.  Unless maybe in middle of the night, when they are cleaning carpets, etc. 

On Brilliance it is in the Windjammer.  Some older ships they are in Windjammer.  Oasis and Anthem class are all by the pool.  Wish they were in both locations on all ships!

On 11/3/2023 at 8:12 PM, Traveling Mike said:

The only RCL or Celebrity Landry that I know of is the Tide Pods that I take on all of my cruises.  If you have never done it, here is what I do:

1. I drop a Tide Pod in the bathroom sink and fill it with water.
2. I soak my socks, underwear or shirts in the sink.
3. I hand watch them and toss them in the shower.
4. After getting them, all washed, I jump in the shower.
5. I use the shower to rinse them out.
6. I wring them out using the bar in the shower, then I rinse them again and wring them out one last time.
7. I wrap them in extra towels that I got from the cabin steward.  The towel will help pull out the water.
8. Then I hang them up to dry out.
9. If I am in a hurry, I use the hair dryer to dry them.

I do about the same thing.  If I am just washing socks and underwear I just wash them in the shower when I am showering.  Roll in towels after and hang up.  Even on 14 day cruises I rarely have to wash many things.   Just underwear mostly.    I also do not go to the gym.  

Just now, Linda R said:

I carry cash too.    We both carry some cash in carry-on bag, in an envelope.  Never an issue.  As you said, once onboard we put it in safe.  Just carry what we need each day in pocket or purse.

Also when we travel to Europe we have foreign money.  Sometimes 2 or 3 types for different countries.  We also carry all that on in our carry-on bag.  Each type of money in its own envelope or small zippered pouch. 

I carry cash too.    We both carry some cash in carry-on bag, in an envelope.  Never an issue.  As you said, once onboard we put it in safe.  Just carry what we need each day in pocket or purse.

On 11/4/2023 at 8:06 AM, WAAAYTOOO said:

Congratulations !  That sounds like a fun cruise.  I wish I could get my family to commit to something like this but they are WORSE than herding cats.

My one piece of advice is USE A TRAVEL AGENT !  A good TA will be able to keep everything linked that needs to be linked (think meals), help you decide on how to book your rooms to maximize value and avoid potential problems.  There are just sooo many details that need to be considered.  Let a TA do this.

I guess I have one more piece of advice...don't try and force everyone to do the same thing at the same time.  Just ask @Ampurp85.  Be together without being bound together.

I agree, have a good travel agent book this for you.   And do not try for everyone, or most of you, to do other things together.  Maybe dinners together but most times let people do as they please.  Get up when they want, etc. It gets very tiring to try and organized everyone.  

Am not fond of Princess but if you have wanted to try them, then you should.  And this could be your opportunity to do so.  Enjoy

I understand the lead/main person in a cabin must always stay on the reservation.  The second person can be changed to another name though.  Otherwise the reservation must be cancelled and another cabin booked, at the current rate. 

Could be a number of unforeseen circumstances in delay.  Materials delayed.  Not enough labor.   Permits.  Am not sure it is anything anyone wants.  Hope you still have a great time.

1 hour ago, Ryan79 said:

That 7am time is assuming that there are NO delays in getting the ship into the port. 7am is the time the ship scheduled to be in. If that holds up, it would still be at least a hour before disembarking starts. There are also other factors that could delay the gangway being open even after the ship docks. Booking a flight before noon, while possible, is playing a dangerous game. The only port that I would even attempt a pre-noon flight is Ft Lauderdale only because the post and airport are about a stone’s throw away from each other. If there are any delays and you book a super early flight, you aren’t going to receive any kind of priority or special treatment to get you off first. It’s not worth the headache to tempt it.

I agree.  I never book flights before noon.   You may dock at 7am but a number of things can change the actual debarking time for passengers.  

Just now, Linda R said:

I learned something new today!  Thank you

Where did you exchange it at?  Any bar?

13 hours ago, Traveling Mike said:

You can exchange it for non-alcoholic beverages.  I have exchanged Champaine for wine and have also exchanged it for a bottle of juice.

I learned something new today!  Thank you

I have taken to Diamond lounge and given it to someone.  To dining room and did the same.  Or offered to cabin attendant, who usually are eager to accept it.  But they do not usually take it until last day, so I just leave it in cabin for them in that case.   Another interesting case was the time I had a bottle of champagne called Michelle,  I stood by by cabin door and the next couple to come by I gave it to them.  Funny as her name was Michelle and it was their first cruise!  I was thrilled.

I reached Pinnacle earlier this year and loving it.  

oasis class I think has a lot for kids.  We took our 3 grandkids on Harmony this summer.  Lots of waterslides and activities for them not to get bored.  I would stay away from the older smaller ships.   Oasis class or Quantum class.

1 hour ago, Djbird said:

Hello everyone, it looks like we have a group of about 15 that are going to be going on a Thanksgiving cruise next year. I was wondering what the maximum table size is in the MDR?

We had 12 of us on a cruise once.  They put 2 tables next to each other to accommodate us.  We rotated seats at each dinner to be able to visit with different people.  As you usually only have conversations with the people near/next to you.  It worked great.

20 hours ago, bretts173 said:

Absolutely, departure point does make a big difference especially in meat quality, mainland Europe the worst. However seafood usually good.

 

The beef dishes when cruising out of Australia are always better.

 

In saying that if you are thinking negatively about something before you eat you will pick holes in anything, the food I have had on all cruises before and after the pause has been pretty much the same. It only takes a couple of people on forums or social media to post about their negative experiences to make it viral. Even those that haven't cruised in the last year or two are talking about how the food is worse.

Yes, the seafood is fabulous on Europe cruises.  

Just wanted to mention that I had issue with meat (mainly beef) that was served in Europe.  Went to Chops 3 times and the filet was tough and chewy,  Could not eat.  I  mentioned it everytime and they said it was the meat qualities and cuts are different in  Europe.  Not at all the quality as US meats.   When I do Europe cruises I do not expect to get the same beef as US, nor the quality.  Too bad really.  So I rarely order beef on Europe cruises.  But other food was good and enjoyed very much.  

16 minutes ago, Jolly Ogre said:

I would bet you will get nothing from the cruise line. If you have to you will have to try and sue for damages. Hire an attorney.

I agree, do not think the cruise line will do anything.   So sorry you are going  thru this.

On 10/15/2023 at 7:43 PM, asquared17 said:

DEFINITELY make time to spend in 270!! even when nothing is slated to happen there, it was our favorite indoor area of the ship. 

giovanni’s (the new format) is also delicious!!

Totally agree

I prefer larger and newer ships.  Oasis class is fantastic.   Symphony, Oasis and Harmony are my favorites.  I also like Odyssey.

I book early, as soon as the cruises are available to book.  Which is 1 1/2  to 2 years out.   Those seem to be the best prices.  I also try to go the weeks that are less expensive.  No holidays including spring break.   I always do transatlantic cruises in the spring.  Very inexpensive, like 14 night cruise for the price of 7 nights.  And flights 1 way back home are becoming less money all the time.  Sometimes I get them for less than a domestic flight.    I also have a credit card that I get airline miles (and I put everything I buy on that credit card) and have used the miles for free international flights, upgrades, or the flight to debarkation port in the US.   You also get companion fares.   I live in Montana so have to fly everywhere to get  a cruise, and cruise often.