whitsmom

In July 2018, we cruise (Radiance) up the Northern Passage.  We have AT&T and we had cell reception almost the entire way as you could see land on both sides in the distance.  When we got out of range, we would put our phones in Airplane Mode.  As a matter of fact, we had better cell reception there than we had at our house!

We always pick our cabins at booking to avoid this exact thing. 

On 3/3/2023 at 9:55 PM, TessFromFlorida said:

I will start by sharing that I am only Gold status- I think that really matters when considering the true value of purchasing the Key for my family. For me, I think the Key is totally worth it. For a one week Mediterranean sailing this summer, it was only $135 more than the Internet package alone. I would pay that just to be one of the first off the ship. Considering it includes priority seating for shows and the Chops lunch, it was a no-brainer when booking the cruise for myself and my two teenagers. I had no regrets during our Alaska cruise last summer and didn't hesitate to add it again this year. 

We have purchased the Key several times now and will continue to do so as long as the price is a good one. 

23 hours ago, FSUFAN said:

Just use WiFi calling.  You need to buy the Wifi package, but it is super easy.  We have T-Mobile and had no issues using Wifi calling onboard and then standard calling (we were in Canada).

Another option is WhatsApp.  It is a Wifi calling app.  Again, really easy to use, but you need a wifi package on the ship. You don't need to do anything to your phone with WhatsApp.  It is a free download.

Most phones have Wifi calling as an option and if you are using T-Mobile it is probably on your phone. I use wifi calling from our house 24/7.  We have no cell signal where we live.  So, 100% wifi calling from the house and standard cell service when we get about 5 miles away from the house when heading to town.

On my Android phone from T-Mobile (Galaxy F20 FE 5G).  Put your phone in airplane mode. Then follow below:

Settings==> Connections ==> Wifi =on ==> WiFi calling = on.  And you are now using a Wifi network to make calls.  The phone will automatically flip to the cell network when in network area.

Same for me except I have AT&T.  I use WiFi calling at home as I don't get good signal at my house (i0S).

We have used the Key twice so far and it is well worth it for us.  We always get the WiFi, we like the dedicated Key line for check in, handing over carry on bags as you to enter for lunch (our bags were in our cabin when we were allowed to enter, but one of the most important features (in my opinion) is the dedicated Key bagging area on disembarkation.  This made that whole process a game changer for us.

19 minutes ago, barjpoe said:

But. there is always the person that does wash hands, then as they're going through the line will eat off their plate, lick their fingers, and then pick up the serving utensil ta take some food.  well they licked their fingers and didn't go back to wash their hands.

This is exactly why we don't do the buffet much.  We carry hand sanitizer in our pocket as use it as soon as we sit down if we do choose to eat in there.

Early (I would like mid day if I would chose.  I do want Ice in the morning and evening for my wine bucket and regular ice bucket.  I would be happy to get the ice myself if that is doable.)  We make the bed as soon as we put our feet on the floor however, I want clean towels for showering before dinner and my trash empty so as long as it is done before say 3 pm I am fine with it either way. We usually look over the compass after dinner to plan the next day. 

Like (would I refer twice daily - of course but it's not a deal breaker by any stretch)

We always fly in the day before now as we have a "too close for comfort" call a couple of times. 

12 hours ago, AshleyDillo said:

Regular brewed coffee is complimentary. Specialty coffees are considered Iced coffees, cold brew and espresso based drinks. The Deluxe and refreshment packages include specialty coffees. The Cafe selct card includes 15 punches. One punch typically equals one espresso shot. The number of punches per drink depends on the size you order and number of espresso shots in that drink.

We are light drinkers also and we get the refreshment package as I like my Iced coffee and such.  We would like buy a drink of we wanted one and it was way cheaper than the Deluxe Drink Package.

21 hours ago, Alice Milisits said:

Hi everyone!! Do y’all  have any recommendations on what time slot I should pick for my upcoming RC cruise? I’ll be sailing Wonder Apr 23rd and they said that hotel pickup for the Holiday Inn Orlando is between 10:30-11:30. I don’t want to pick a time too early or too late. Thanks for your help in advance! Alice.

When we used them, they have a set time to pick up.  The shuttle goes to several hotels before heading to port.  You can't pick your pickup time.  They were prompt as far as arriving to the hotel you just have to be out at the pick up area before time with all your luggage and etc.

4 hours ago, Keanoknick said:

Johnny Rocket's only has the included breakfast on Oasis class ships.

We were on the Oasis OTS when we ate breakfast there, I didn't realize that it was only on that class.  The breakfast was really good though!!

We like the Key.  We like having a separate (early) embarkation line, the lunch was good and they will take our carry on luggage to our cabin so we don't have to mess with that and it was waiting for us when we were able to have access to our cabin.  We both always get the internet anyway, getting in early for the shows was nice for the bigger ships but not necessary for the smaller ones.  We really liked having our luggage in a "keys only" area when disembarking (this was a true game changer is you have an earlier flight).   So for us - it is worth it. 

You can eat breakfast there and it was included.  If you have the refreshment package then you can get the milkshakes. 

2 hours ago, Paid4c4 said:

We used Uber to go from the hotel to the ship with a tip it was 20 dollars.  We used a taxi from the airport to the hotel which cost 25 dollars.  The reason for the taxi is because both the shuttle and Uber require riding the airport train to the pickup location.  We had been tied up all day with cancelations and delays which made the taxi look very inviting as it was 10PM and we were both tired.

Bill

 

We are staying at the one by the airport so they have free shuttle so hopefully it won't be too complicated (we get in early afternoon).

5 hours ago, Mike.s said:

I assume that as they are increasing the number of rooms each attendant has to cover they'll be reducing the number of attendants. That concerns me more than only having the room serviced once a day, the attendants work hard to support their families at home, sadly a significant number of them may be looking for alternative employment.

I worry about this too.  We were on NCL in January on the Pride of America Hawaii cruise and they only did once a day and we had to walk way down halls to get towels to shower a couple of times.  I like to have ice morning and evening so that may be an issue (unless I can get that myself-which I don't mind doing). However, I do expect to have clean towels to shower before dinner and get the trash emptied.  I make my bed anyway as soon as we get up just like we do at home.  Hopefully, our steward will introduce themself to us day one and we can get on the same game plan. 

17 hours ago, Paid4c4 said:

We stayed at the Springhill Suites in August when we went out on the Adventure of the Seas.  It was clean with quick check in and the included breakfast was OK.  Seventeen dollars to Uber from the hotel to the dock.  Enjoy your cruise.

Bill

We fly into Newark in October for our cruise (Jewel OTS) and we will be staying at the Springhill Suites.  We plan to either get an Taxi or maybe a Uber (never used Uber before so not sure).  I called the hotel yesterday and they said to schedule a taxi pickup when we arrive for the next morning. 

I am one to always want a balcony regardless of the temperature (it's one of my favorite places on all ships).  If it's cold, I dress accordingly and still go out there; however, I might not stay as long as I would if it weren't cold.  We did an Alaska cruise and it was chilly but that didn't stop me from enjoying the balcony.  The views will be unbelievable I am sure.

For the price difference, it is worth it for me but I'm sure there are those who wouldn't think it was.

16 hours ago, MTNeedsAVacay said:

On Harmony now and our room attendant told us they are going to single daily service starting next sailing (2/26). He currently services 18 cabins on this sailing (twice daily service) and will have 24 cabins next week with single daily service

Once a day is fine for me as long as I have clean towels before I want to shower and the trash emptied.  I make my bed as soon as we get up anyway; however, I do want ice in the morning plus some for my wine bucket.  I will request (if I can) that I get my single daily service in the morning sometime.  Hopefully on day one they will introduce themself and I can get my request in or find out where I can ice myself.  We aren't high maintenance so if I can get it myself, then I have no issues with that.

10 hours ago, SpeedNoodles said:

We use these. One side for AM and one for PM. Each holds a week and we bring 2 (just in case of a delay or loss).

https://www.amazon.com/Lewis-N-Clark-Organizer-Slide-Locking/dp/B0027RWNN6/ref=sr_1_11?crid=1H8HU7GJP2SFU&keywords=travel+medication+organizer&qid=1677121700&sprefix=travel+medica%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-11

We use something similar; however, I do take a picture of my hubby's prescription bottles just in case.  I have never been asked but there is always that first time.

2 hours ago, ScooterScott22 said:

I’ll agree with the short trial concept.  I can work from the ship but agree that it can be challenging.  I also use some of the work arounds like scheduling meetings on port days.  One key difference I found from a friend.  He historically never works from the ship.  He tried this fall to work and found  that his VPN did not function with the ship’s internet.  Personally haven’t ran into that but for him it pretty much eliminated the ability work from the ship option.  
 

If you can test that all the systems you will need are going to function even by  doing a short cruise you should be able to start planning.

Our VPN didn't work either.  We had to turn it off while on the ships internet so hubby tried to do more when we were in port.  There may be work-arounds for the VPN but we aren't that smart.

On 2/17/2023 at 7:35 PM, twangster said:

Montreal has major airports so plenty of options.  Quebec City is a small(er) town and like most small(er) towns the airline options are more limited.  When I sailed from Quebec City I flew to Montreal not because of a particular airline but because it was so much cheaper with more options.   I did a one way car rental and drove from Montreal to Quebec City.   

Highly suggest you go a few days early and explore Quebec City, it's a great city.  

Our cruise ends at Quebec City on October 30th; however, we cannot stay longer due to work (not retiring for a couple more years) and we are flying to Germany on December 3rd for 11 days of Europe Christmas Markets and etc with friends.  I have a car rental reservation and our flight out of Montreal is 6:30 pm so we can take our time getting to the airport and enjoy lunch somewhere along the way. 

6 hours ago, Zacharius said:

Meh, my French is not great but it's really not hard to just brush up on the (fairly minimal) differences in Montreal and/or Quebec driving laws. I wouldn't say that alone is a reason to not drive. 

I worry about that some; however, hubby has been to Canada before on business so hopefully it won't be too hard.  I will be using a translate app if needed.  Thanks for the link, we will review it for sure!!! 

I feel that driving will be the less stressful way for us and we won't have to worry about having a luggage issue for the train.  I have promised myself that I will keep my packing at a minimum but that has yet to be seen....

6 hours ago, Zacharius said:

If you don't absolutely need to leave the same day you arrive, do also consider spending a night in Montreal. It's always a good time and would cut back on the stress of needing to "rush" to YUL for your flight. 

I reserved a car with Hertz (thru Delta) so we will just walk off early with our luggage.  I got a flight out of Montreal after 6 pm so we can take our time getting to the airport and have a little time to enjoy the day and have lunch somewhere.

Now that we have finally got all this part settled and booked our excursions on sale last night - I can now relax.

This trip was a replacement for the one that COVID cancelled and they changed it to be a one-way.  Originally, the one we had booked was a loop and on a different ship. 

16 hours ago, Zacharius said:

Renting a car may work best. As far as YQB airport - United flies year-round from Newark; American flies seasonally from Chicago and Philly. Not sure where you live, but you can also get via Toronto or Montreal on Air Canada. 

We talked last night and are leaning toward renting a car but we haven't ruled out the train totally just yet.  Renting a car will make it easier with luggage so we can have some freedom to have lunch and etc on the way.  I will just do a later flight out to allow for which one we decide to do.

1 hour ago, Zacharius said:

Driving is about three hours. You can google "Montreal car service" and there are plenty of options to take you even as far as Quebec (or, in this case, a pickup in Quebec), but since it is a three hour drive, expect it to me...expensive. No idea what exactly, but I imagine several hundred dollars each way. 

There is a bus that can get you from Quebec city center to Montreal airport with a change of bus in Montreal city center. Much cheaper, but of course it's a bus so...not as comfortable. I have no experience with it personally. Also no personal experience with the train between those two cities. 

I think this is a case where you need to analyze which is more important - loyalty to Delta, or ease of flying out of Quebec. No right or wrong answer, but only you can determine. I have a massive loyalty to American Airlines/OneWorld, but there are some times where I just need to suck it up and fly someone else once in a while for ease. 

 

I think United flies out of there (we flew with them once on the first leg of our Iceland tour.  I have never flown American so I will check to see if they fly out of there.  I think I will try to contract the train people and see what their schedule and etc is before I decide.  We might just need to rent a car and drive ourselves.  May see what hubby has to say on that...