tonyfsu21

7 hours ago, jbrinkm said:

Does anyone have experience with this hotel? It meets all of our criteria (shuttle, breakfast, 3 separate beds because my teens won't share, good location, Hilton points) but the reviews are very mixed online. i.e. Shuttle doesn't ever come, or comes after 2 hours, bedbugs, dirty, etc. Then also great, perfect, beautiful rooms, loved my stay, etc. Not sure what to think. Have they renovated lately? 

Seems like pretty standard reviews for a lower mid tier chain hotel. I can’t speak to the actual hotel, however, I can tell you it’s close enough to Port Everglades that you don’t need to wait 2 hours for the shuttle and can just call an Uber for an inexpensive trip to the port. If 5 star Wynn Las Vegas has rooms with bed bugs then you can pretty much assume a Homewood suites might have them as well so I wouldn’t put much weight on the reviews. 

15 hours ago, jameyscott said:

We cruise often and gamble. We always get the Royal Up offers. I have never won one yet. This is at the max bid every time. This time is from a JS to all the suites above it. Six days to go and still don't know about this one.

No luck lately for me. I also bid max normally from either balcony or JS to all suites through star class and haven’t been successful. 

This is standard operating procedure for the characters that embark on Freedom for a weekend of partying out of Miami. After living in SoFL my entire life I do t even bat an eye at this. On any given Monday down here on the 826 there are degenerates tossing kittens out of their car window going 70mph, shooting at each other exc. I can’t stand the act of littering but it’s mild in comparison to the other crap going down in this world. 

It’s the era of Royal Up. I would like to get something for free for once but even free costs money most of the time. 

12 hours ago, twangster said:

Rank based on what criteria?

Productions shows?  In the main theater or aqua theater?  In Studio B? 

For kids or for adults?

Based on dining?

Based on decor?

The best suite bathrooms are on the first two.  Rank them based on that?

I like different things on different ships in this class, but having said that... I still love Allure.  Allure doesn't (yet) have the purple monster slide blocking the boardwalk views, no Bionic bar, no water slides (I don't need water slides),  I love the massive shower in the loft suites.   Love Mamma Mia! - every time.   Not the best Ice Skating or Aqua show show but still entertaining.  

The truth is all Oasis class provide a great experience.   What one person looks for means little to someone else.   One person's "must have" specialty restaurant is a hard pass for someone else.  Only one FlowRider is a big miss for some, not even noticed for others.  

If any night on an Oasis class ship is better then a day at home then try them all.

  

This is true. What it really should come down to is itinerary because any Oasis class ship is going to be uniquely amazing in its own way. 

On 9/8/2023 at 5:23 PM, Ibenz said:

Anyone know if they are going to offer any on board credit for this? 

Disney is giving every room $200 AND 20% off any future cruise before September 2025. Also, they had the option to cancel at 100%.

I get hurricane Lee messed it up, we are cruising in hurricane season, but I'm flying into Florida to avoid Mexico. I could have it just drove to Galveston and saved $1000 in flights.

Low probability the company will offer compensation for an itinerary change due to a major storm. Mexico or not, I would be content with just being able to vacation at all during the height of hurricane season. 

It goes like this:

wonder>symphony>oasis>Harmony>allure

I would sail any of the five ships listed above given any other choice across the entire industry. The Oasis class (regardless of which one) can’t be beat. I’m sure I will have a different opinion in early 2024 when the Icon arrives but for now it’s all about the Oasis class. 

2 hours ago, Ampurp85 said:

I find it offensive to use the term slave wages as in slaves do/did not get paid. 

I really don’t think the commonly used term “slave wages” is by any mean offensive. To each his or her own. Good evening. 

5 minutes ago, TXcruzer said:

And the money made is not spent in the US but in the crews m countries.  You MUST take this into account if you are throwing around terms like "slave wages"

 

Hypothetical scenario:  Young TONYFSU21 is given the opportunity to go to Dubai and work as house staff for a wealthy family.  They promise you at the end of your 9 month commitment, they will send you home with the same amount of money that it would take 2 years to make at home in the USA. 

Would you consider these slave wages, simply because the family could afford to pay you more, or are you incredibly grateful to be 12-15 months ahead financially and sign up for another contract?

Judging by the vast number of returning crew members, if you are honest with yourself, the answer is the latter. You aren't staying in Dubai, so why make that your barometer?

I stand by the term “slave wages” for sure but I tip them as much as I can and sleep good at night. I also don’t want to argue as this topic certainly pisses people off. It’s Friday and young TONYFSU21 is looking for a kracken Pina colada. 

2 minutes ago, TXcruzer said:

The crew does not work for "slave wages" FAR FAR from it.

I don’t consider what they make in their home country as a base line at all. If you take into account the volume of work and the type of work (across the board) this boils down to slave labor by US standards. We are not talking unionized wages and any bargaining unit agreement for these workers. The tips are greatly appreciated by them for the hard work they do and I’m sure it goes a long way when they send the money home. 

On 9/1/2023 at 1:35 PM, Mariner6328 said:

Just got back from Chukka Good Hope Estate pass off Mariner of the Seas. The pictures you see of the crystal clear pool/waterfalls are a lie. The pool was dirty/cloudy and full of debris. Not sure if the filter was broken or what. The employees never offered an explanation. Half the deck chairs are embarrassingly rotten. My kid rode the slide a few times then we left on the first bus back. All told we only stayed an hour. With a half hour bus ride each way, it was a waste of a day and definitely a waste of money.

This is harsh. The water was fine when we were there so maybe it was a broken filter. I don’t think by any means it was a waste of a day for us personally. 

Not gonna happen. There’s higher probability of the aliens levitating the Oasis and taking it on tours through the universe. I may or may not be in the business that glows so I have some insight. 

3 hours ago, Bingee said:

Tipping seems to come down to culture.

It seems that in the USA you pay your waiting staff a pittance to maximise profits and keep the headline price down.

In Europe I hope we pay our hospitality staff a decent salary and then tip on top for good service. It also seems from some comments that in Scandinavia tipping is not even a thing.
It would be good if the cruise industry page decent wages and didn't have all these back door add ons, but I am not holding my breath.

Or perhaps the US has the right method? What incentive does the staff have to go above and beyond when they are receiving a “decent salary”? Personally, I would always opt to take a minimal salary knowing I could more then make up for it with great tips due to hard work and dedication. As for the cruise industry, don’t hold your breath because it’s only going further in the wrong direction regarding staff inexperience, food inconsistency, excessive up charges. People are willing to pay much more for much less these days and the cruise industry has zero incentive to rework a system when they sell out just about every sailing. 

4 hours ago, Bingee said:

First timer from UK, so will visit some places on another occasion.
With all the frantic excursion chatter I get the impression that it’s everybody off! What are your experiences of staying onboard whilst in port for all or part of a day? It seems with so much to do, a shame to not make the most.

It’s quiet and relaxing. As a first time cruiser, I recommend you book some excursions or check out the ports of call on your own. There should be plenty of time to explore the ship regardless. 

On 9/4/2023 at 4:38 PM, fa-li said:

We get the drink package, and always tip an extra couple of dollars per drink.  More than at the bars, I find this really enhances service at the places servers bring drinks to us, like Schooner Bar or the Pub.  We tend to return to these spots nightly (or afternoonly on sea days ) and often it is the same servers every time.  Usually, my drink is in front of me by the time I've settled into a seat after the first night or two.  And when we are ready to call it a night, bottled waters magically appear to go back to our cabin with us.  When we traveled with my aunt who did not drink, and didn't have a package, I was often brought a glass of wine and a ginger ale, and she was never charged.  

Plus, when a server "claims" us because we tip on the first night, we then get to know him or her over the week, which we really enjoy.  We then get to name and lavishly praise them on the survey, which I've been told they appreciate as much as the cash.  

This is a lot of happy on both sides, for a total outlay that is less than one nice dinner out at home.  Why wouldn't we do this?

This is exactly what I’m talking about. I really think the crew appreciates the tips and takes care of the guests who go above and beyond. This is how it should be. 

On 9/2/2023 at 9:18 PM, ScottD said:

I'm sure some people do this...but it's still a much smaller percentage overall. There are definitely not many people sliding cash to the bartender,overall. I don't wave it..but I do throw it on the bar when I grab my drink. It's not illegal, no reason to sneak it

Exactly. This isn’t a “bribe” for a table at Peter Lugers (although this place is not worth a bribe) where you slip the maitre d some cash  as you shake hands. This is simply placing some cash on the bar and sliding it over after a drink is made. 

In the early days of RU, I would win consistently from either balcony or JS to sky class (mostly CLS) but lately zero luck. I’m still bidding the same and on some occasions more money but still no luck. The demand for cruising is through the roof and the upgrade program has become a pipe dream. I still bid for every sailing but the expectations are set very low. 

43 minutes ago, steverk said:

Perhaps there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm booked on a Celebrity cruise that stops at PDCC in June 2024.  This weekend, Celebrity is having a cruise planner sale.  Thrill Water Park Cabanas are under $1000.  Still too high for me, but significantly lower than the new normal.

That’s too much. $1500 for top tier overwater cabana is MAX. The rest of the cabana offerings are poppycock. 

On 8/25/2023 at 9:56 AM, gi333 said:

Hi everyone.

I would like to have some recommendations of non Oasis class ship if possible. Just returned from oasis of the seas and it was amazing. I know I started with the best but we would like to cruise again but prices are nuts. Any non Oasis class that doesn't feel boring or old? Even if Aqua theater is not there?  Liberty of the seas looks cool with that waterslide..

 

Thanks 

 

 

 

 

Freedom 100%

15 minutes ago, Ampurp85 said:

I don't agree that people shouldn't take vacations if they cannot afford to tip extra. If people did that, the crew/staff would get nothing. I try not to count other people's money, that I am not actually paid to count .

Crew chose to work for, very important to say that slaves don't make wages, less than ideal pay. I think if you can afford to, do what you can afford. Everyone makes a choice, and they have to live with them.

 

I agree with this but I do not agree with shaming the folks who decide to tip extra beyond the auto gratuities. I am taking a hard stand on just staying home if you can’t afford a vacation and/or don’t shame people for tipping more then what is perceived to be deserved. For anyone to say that they consider it “imaginary” to tip beyond the auto gratuity is laughable. 

54 minutes ago, Neesa said:

@tonyfsu21 so sorry it took me a minute. While putting back our patio furniture after the storm I took a not so graceful tumble, I did not realize you had a question about my Demon ship experience, lol!

So, did you follow my live blog Wanderlust on the Wonder? I think it is on page 2 of live blogs now. 

So to be super clear I love the CLS cabin. The location on 18 in the " if you can find it you can use it neighborhood" was the issue. With the ship being over capacity and a huge amount of first time cruisers, the elevators were impossible, when WJ was open they were full. By day 3 people would bring their food and drinks and avail themselves to the suite sun deck, leaving very few if any loungers except in direct sun light. The doors to deck 17 and 18 were never secured. I felt as if I was duped paying extra for the amenity that was being utilized by those who paid so much less. The cabins were in the hallway to the sundeck so we had pounding on our door and doorbell ringing all week, all hours. Teens would find their way up there after hours, it was the teen hang out in the evening, and they were loud. 

Deck 17 is probably better because we found less shenanigans taking place in the CK lounge and when people came in if the concierge wasn't busy, he would covertly ask those who didn't belong to leave. 

So I felt paying a great deal for what I was told would be an elevated amenity was not so. It was more the feeling I couldn't shake of feeling ripped off monetarily. I saw all the shows now, and even being D+, the reserved seating was limited and frustrating. Honestly, the only way I would sail her again is if the price was right and it would be in a junior suite or lower. Why would I pay for a suite neighborhood that does not exist? 

I was euphoric to try that new concept but it was a let down as far as what I purchased vs what I experienced. The smell of Marijuana was a problem on our balcony as well, we could smell it in our upstairs bathroom one evening also. 

As an aside embarkation was interesting as well, there was no area set aside for Suites, just Pinnacle and Star, they even tried making us go to the long check in lines that I knew were not what I paid for.

If I didn't pay for the amenities that I didn't receive I'd like to think all would have been fine. But saving for this vacation, paying the high prices and then not getting what was promised or paid for that turned me sour towards her. I also did not enjoy the views from CK at all, just my personal preference, so many others love her and that's great! So that's it in a nutshell, so very personal. 

* WJ passengers would ride up to go down and that was problematic in my estimation.

Totally hear you. The marijuana thing seems to be an issue regardless of the ship. I agree re: deck 18. The deck needs to be secured and reserved specifically for suite guests or the experience is ruined. I really hope that RC can mitigate the issue by checking seapass cards. I’m sorry you didn’t get what you paid for. 

1 hour ago, Ampurp85 said:

@Xaa I was going to post something similar. I can understand someone's incredulity or disbelief in what people say on the internet. I rarely see people tip, and do what I want in that regards. But there is that not factoring in the subset of people on this board. This blog could have 2k members, that would translate to maybe 20 cruisers on any given ship. 

More than 1% of people tip above and beyond the auto gratuities. I’m sitting here watching it right now. It’s laughable that anyone would consider tipping $1-2 extra for a cocktail to be excessive. The crew works hard for basically slave wages and I don’t consider what they make in their home countries because that’s besides the point. Perhaps the haters should consider not cruising or taking any vacation if an additional $100 really blows the budget. Sad, really sad. 

2 hours ago, Wheeler825 said:

I love these threads. All the imaginary big tippers come out in force!  Funny how you never actually see them on a ship.  $2 a drink tip when you've already tipped 18% on a ridiculously overpriced drink package...lmao,  SUREE..

Imaginary???????

On 8/2/2023 at 4:17 PM, matt_b said:

is there somewhere i can go to get this type of information officially.  When i say all i drink is milk and milkshakes, i mean it, nothing else at all.  But the above has me worried it might not be a option on Ovation of the Seas

Just take the plunge and start your milkshake and milk withdraw now so that you can kick the habit before the cruise. The headaches and hot flashes will only last a few days before you can officially get out of bed and tell the world “I did it, I beat my addiction to milkshakes”. 

On 8/24/2023 at 11:56 AM, CruisingNewb said:

6:00 am opening is a really good middle-ground and I cannot imagine it being that much more costly to do so. 

Between 5am and 7am, the ships are typically very quiet other than the floor cleaning machines and vacuuming.  Getting to sit at Park Cafe at 6:00 am with a good cup of coffee, some eggs and whatever, and a good book or newspaper sounds delightful.  

I’m out and about at 5am vacation or not and this is actually my favorite 2 hours of the day before the chaos begins to erupt at 7am. It would be nice to see some earlier options (6:00am). If they could only manage to keep that auto coffee machine in the diamond lounge functioning, it would be a nice added touch.