Peter D

Do the Genies cover all potential concierge/guest services needs or do the suite concierges do certain things a Genie does not, hence tipping warranted?

We were in the Sitka National Historical Park where the trails crisscross the Indian River. The salmon were running up the Indian River. The salmon were also 'running' back to the Sitka Sound Science Center where workers were collecting eggs to supply the hatchery. It was pretty interesting.

This may be all true, but I had another observation as it pertains to Harmony sailing. Back in early November, I purchased a single HDP for $249.99 with added gratuity, the total price was $294.98. Just last week, that $294.99 price was still available (not as $249.99 plus gratuity, but rather total, gratuities included. Now it is $384.99, a 30% increase. This seems more a cash grab to me, rather than simply cost increases. I suppose if people will pay it, they can charge whatever they want.

Unlimited dining package pricing is out of control right now. For my October 2024 Icon sailing, the UDP price is $420.99 per person (discounted 15% from $495.99). Harmony (April) and Anthem (June), $384.99 per person (discounted 15% from $453.99). Even 4-night Utopia in November is $259.99 (discounted 15% from $305.99). These are all 'gratuities included' pricing, but still.... Any insight on what is going on???

It is difficult to believe this is even the enchantment. I have my doubts.

It is showing now for our April cruise. Its up to $35pp. Yikes! Gone are the days of $19.99pp it seems.

Chef's table is now listed as 'Smart Casual Attire' like every other specialty restaurant.

I would say it is not as good as coffee shop, but it might suit your needs. The coffee machine in the lounge is pretty easy to operate, but it really can only do basic espresso drinks (espresso, capuccino, latte, maybe americano) and while I think there is sugar/sweeteners, there are no flavored syrups or options for cream/milk. The machine supplies its own 'dairy' for those drinks that need them. Your best bet will be the coffee card and then go and check it out to see if it will serve your needs going forward.

We did the train last year and I would definitely do it again, but there are a couple things I would do differently. 1. Two of us had 3 suitcases, which was a bit of a challenge managing on the train. Luckily it was not too crowded leaving Rome (morning) so we managed, but it is definitely easier if you can travel lighter. As we were staying overnight in Civitavecchia, we opted to just walk from Train to hotel (about 1km) and then from hotel to port (another 1km). 2. Plan the return trip- Post cruise, the train station is chaotic to buy tickets back to Rome and they sell out for early trains. I would highly recommend buying the return ticket to Rome before going to ship, so that when you leave, you can basically get right on the train. Also, the trains are even more crowded going back, so luggage is still a factor.

Don't forget that the 1 day of Voom is for each Diamond person as well, and the the free day of internet can be used toward purchasing a package onboard (one day value onboard is usually $26.99-$30.99). If you are willing to go without internet on embarkation day after sail away (no cellular service) and wait until midnight of day 2, it may be cheaper than buying voom ahead of time. That means going without internet from about 6pm to midnight on embarkation, then purchasing 6 day plan with 1 day free. Using my worst case Icon sailing in October, internet pricing for 1 device is 23.99 (planner price) vs 30.99 (onboard). Pre-purchased cost for 7 days would be $167.93. Onboard using one day discount on day 2 would be essentially only 5 day cost (30.99*5=$154.95 for example) or $13 cheaper onboard. Obviously the longer you are willing to go without internet the cheaper it gets if you decide to get it later in the cruise. For what it's worth, I have heard stories of people buying voom through planner and then getting one day credit applied once on board through guest services, but I have never tried that myself and would not count on that.

St Maarten is very easy to get to beach at Philipsburg. Just plan to take water taxi right off ship to Great Bay beach. It may not be the best beach option of the locations you are traveling to, but extremely easy to get to and its not bad.

1.) Grand Cayman is a worthwhile port to visit at least once if you ever revisit doing Western itineraries. 2.) Even if driving is a requirement, I'd still consider FLL and MIA. That gives you so many options of ships/itineraries. If you are already willing to drive 9.5 hours, the additional 3 hours seems a no brainer to me. Of course, at those driving times, I'd personally opt to fly. Also, you didn't mention your departure location, but maybe Bayonne is within your 9.5-12 hours drive. Bayonne offers even more ships and itinerary options. 3.) When I book cruises, I try to pick either a new itinerary and/or a new ship. While you didn't mention that you did or did not cruise on a Quantum Class ship, I would not rule them out if an itinerary suits. Odyssey of the Seas is a great ship that does many of the itineraries. I think Icon is also a ship I'd try to consider if possible. 4.) For Southern itineraries, I would echo the ABC islands. I have only been to them one time, but I would definitely go back. Aruba and Curacao are frequently highlighted as best, but when we did Bonaire, we did an island tour that included the salt flats where were quite picturesque. For Eastern itineraries, if you could find one that does Bermuda (overnight even better), I would be highly recommend considering that as well.

The craps table on ships are $10 minimum and 1x odds, though they will usually allow $25 (6/8) and $20 (5/9) odds on a $15 pass line. There are probably other similar exceptions, but in general, single odds only.

The free experience is straight up, hold for scenery, and straight down. The extended experiences are longer, because in addition to going straight up, it will swing out over the water (during sea days). Personally, I do not think the extended experience is worth $49.

According to their website https://phoenixclassicrockband.com/ Phoenix is doing two weeks on Icon in March, April, and May. One week on Icon in June before starting on Oasis.