tonyfsu21

It’s just about impossible for someone to accidentally fall off the ship. I don’t pay much attention to this even as a father of two children in close proximity to the age of your kids. My kids have grown up cruising and know better than to go above a railing on the balcony or anywhere else. 

Some people tip nothing above and beyond the pre paid gratuities which is totally ok. It’s up to you and your comfort level. I’ve pulled back over the last year just because of the insanity of this countries tipping culture. It’s literally out of control. Our time in Europe this Summer was refreshing to say the least. It’s nice to be in a place where most of the service industry is paid a living wage and not looking for tips to supplement income. We were in Venice and my wife tried to pay a 20% tip and the server and manager were literally confused and thought they did something wrong. Regardless, I normally bring $50-$100 in singles (depending on 3 day or 7 day cruise) to hand out to bartenders and pub singer exc. I bring $20 for the porter at the terminal just because I have always received my bags early regardless of stateroom status and I don’t want to change it up and jinx my bags! MDR server $50 if we eat there. Speciality dining servers usually an extra $20 beyond the pre paid gratuities. Stateroom attendant $100 for 7 days on top of pre paid. Hope this helps.

Miami is horrible but if you can arrive early (sometimes really early) and don’t mind waiting, it’s not bad. The passengers arriving at 10-11am are going to have a horrible experience. The same goes for departure, there’s only one solid method which is self assist at 6:30am. 

And the post will be locked in 5…4…3…2…1

Labadee is a great stop but its future is unknown. I personally hope to go back soon. Safety has never been an issue. Go to the beach and stay away from the straw market. 

Labadee is a great stop but its future is unknown. I personally hope to go back soon. Safety has never been an issue. Go to the beach and stay away from the straw market. 

Labadee is a great stop but its future is unknown. I personally hope to go back soon. Safety has never been an issue. Go to the beach and stay away from the straw market. 

lol. I want to swear Miami off too. 

Labadee is a great stop but its future is unknown. I personally hope to go back soon. Safety has never been an issue. Go to the beach and stay away from the straw market. 

Right about here:

lol. I want to swear Miami off too. 

Sometimes they return you to another terminal though… This requires a shuttle that you might have not planned for. Mildly annoying. 

lol. I want to swear Miami off too. 

Yeah, not for me.  I hate to be rushed on departure morning so if that’s the only “solid method”, then another reason to swear off Miami cruises.

I know you know but just a reminder that the fancy displays & seafood are just b/c it’s Utopia. The Indian food is good on every ship I’ve been on though.

I have seen something similar in park cafe minutes after opening. 4+ beards taking pictures of the food spread and looking official with clip boards and an iPad. 

Wow I’m actually tempted to retry the WJ after these pics! My kids try to get me to go all the time but I normally pass. Will give it a try on Wonder next month. 

I’m honored by your presence. You can admit I was the reason you finally posted, it’s OK, the other bloggers won’t be too jealous.

Yes! Can’t stand either one. 

Miami is horrible but if you can arrive early (sometimes really early) and don’t mind waiting, it’s not bad. The passengers arriving at 10-11am are going to have a horrible experience. The same goes for departure, there’s only one solid method which is self assist at 6:30am. 

Tiny neck brontosaurus?

Haven’t been to Labadee in forever but pretty sure they are.

I have seen something similar in park cafe minutes after opening. 4+ beards taking pictures of the food spread and looking official with clip boards and an iPad. 

Well this is about to take a take a turn in another direction…
I never go up for food or bother the crew until the food is fully out (even though I see many people sneak in to grab something quickly & get out of their way, which is fine too, IMO, and the crew usually don’t seem to mind stepping aside for a second).
There was only one guy up there & he was doing something with the coffee machine so I went to peek at the food. Another crew member came out & I got an oddly stern “we don’t open until 7am.”
Yeesh. 1000 pardons for looking at the danish.
Weird routine here. All 4 were back including a chef (based on the hat) & what seemed like a higher ranking crew member who took pics of the setup. I dunno if it’s serious quality control or what. I’m used to seeing one guy, maybe two, quickly & quietly take care of this stuff.
Oh, bonus, I got a “we’re open now” at 6:52, lol.
In case it’s not clear, nothing this trivial would ever bother me, I just find it interesting.
Wife’s awake. Gonna grab more coffee & something to go. Hope that wasn’t too much early AM rambling.

I lied. I finally beat the sunrise (cloudy anyway) but got a nice view of the moon & the NCL Gem (according to cruisemapper). My photo skills are lacking but you get the idea.


Having coffee alone in the CL, besides the now 4 crew members setting up the food & replenishing the coffee supplies. Never seen this many crew members take care of a CL before.
I’m not very hungry so just going to chill here with coffee & hopefully let my wife sleep some more. I’m sure something will look good once they’re done & the food is out.