rjweber3

Our cruises are in my signature block. I haven't counted in years. We're D+ on RC and Elite+ on Celebrity. Caught the bug 24 Februarys ago. Retired US military, retired contractor, current semiretired consultant. 

1 hour ago, HeWhoWaits said:

FTR - the various tastings available for purchase are definitely worth the cost, especially if you buy them in advance.

The most unusual tasting was the "Bourbon and Bacon" tasting - it was interesting to hear the others at the tasting conversing about bourbons the way I'm able to speak about wine. 

We especially liked the scotch tasting. Various ages and casks were shown. In fairness, this was in the evening of a port day. We had consumed a couple of cocktails and wine with dinner. My wife faded early in the tasting. We enjoyed it anyway.

I concur with TimeRacer. TPA security tends to be long in the AM.

We've cruised on all the R class except Jewel multiple times each. We prefer the smaller, more intimate ships. If a ship is going where you want to go at a time you can cruise, just go for it!

It may be that the are seeing folks reluctance to book based on sticker shock.

5 hours ago, MaBunny73 said:

Hi, I’m just trying to get some information on my cruise that I’m going on in August. Would like any advice on excursions to do or not to do. Best way to save money doing this. Seems like they nickel and dime everything. Interested in finding out if the Broadway show is extra and what the actual price is for the escape room because I’m seeing conflicting pricing in my portal versus online reviews ranges from $8-$30. what’s the easiest way to do the drinks package really only need water and coffee. I believe the coffee comes with your included food. Also, wondering about snorkeling, it says strenuous. Just want to know if you do at your leisure how hard it is. 

The shows onboard are all included. But reserving in advance is usually necessary to guarantee a seat for a particular date and time. Some ships do this, and some don't. 

I don't know anything about the escape room. Bottled water is extra, about $3/bottle. Coffee from the Windjammer, Main Dining Room or other sources is included, except for "fancy" coffee like lattes and such. Anything from Starbuck's is fancy.

I think the Strenuous tag is a liability hedge for Royal. It depends. When I was under 60 years old, I didn't think it was. Now almost 20 years later, it is for me. It depends on your body and condition.

19 hours ago, Ditchdoc said:

I am not sure how many times Ive been to Labadee. I think the first time, we tendered in. There was a large picnic shelter that served lunch and a smaller one for cocktails and a couple of beaches. Oh, and a smaller dock for jet skies and such. I think that was it.

Never had an issue there except maybe with the weather.

I remember tendering to Labadee. Somewhere I have a photo of the beach with waiters in swim trunks and Tuxedo shirts and coats wading out to serve drinks. I wouldn't expect that today. The changes there have been amazing since 2000! But even than the vendors were a pain.

On 3/5/2024 at 10:34 AM, judgen said:

Doing my first celeb cruise on May 26 out of NJ. Trying to find info like the RC blog but haven't had much luck. Anything out there?

Not that I know about. There are several Facebook groups. 

1 hour ago, PeloAl said:

Does anyone else get constant ads popping up on this site? It’s nearly impossible to read through posts without constant ads in your face. It’s even worse on my iPhone with the yellow banners now. 

The popups are becoming more ubiquitous and persistent. Some even refuse to close for 3-5 seconds. I also understand the economic requirements, but they are becoming a reason not to view this blog. 

I really prefer the older, smaller ships. Better itineraries and Oasis Class seems SO SLOW! But then, I'm older too.

Radiance, Brilliance, Serenade, Explorer, Mariner.

I don't know about that specific cruise. But other European cruises have had one ATM for dollars and one for Euros. As recently as this May.

Lahaina was a nice little town with lots of local color. We will miss it. 

32 minutes ago, JasonOasis said:

they are also looking at hydrogen power fuel cells as well. 

I wonder where the H2 comes from. I would guess from electrolysis of H2O. That is a pretty energy intensive process. So, what is the savings in total CO2 production unless using nuclear power to make the electricity for the electrolysis plant?

3 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I have an easy way to recall which cabin I am in !!

AS I've grown older in cruising, this has become more and more important!! After 25+ cruises over 20+ years, the numbers are not as easy to remember as they were.

On 7/21/2023 at 5:15 PM, Phillip Diamond Plus said:

With a potential closing of the Amsterdam cruise port at the Central Train Station, are there any alternate cruise ports outside of central Amsterdam?  If so, where are they?

We cruised from Amsterdam in May on the X line. We disembarked in Rotterdam. The next cruises seemed to be using Rotterdam also. 

No big deal. 30-45 minute bus ride to AMS Schiphol. Actually better scenery also. As another poster said, above, it's very industrial. But if you can cruise from Newark or LA, you can do so from Rotterdam.

14 hours ago, Pooch said:

How do you plan on avoiding them everywhere else?

By sailing on the X cruise line. Not nearly as many children. We are scheduled next year on HA but that's with our adult children and grandchildren.

EX has a place close to me heart. She was our first cruise waaay back during her inaugural year. She got us hooked on cruising. 

She is not the most modern, but neither am I. 

I usually ask for and extension cord and distilled water for my CPAP. Especially on the older ships 115VAC receptacles are sometimes not convenient to the bed.

As someone who lived in Europe for six years during my US Army days, I endorse the Christmas Markets. The ones in Nurnberg, Rothenberg and Augsburg are terrific. When there is a little snow, they are even better. Some our fondest memories are of the "Kristkindle Markt". I know you'll have a great time.

On 4/30/2023 at 5:18 PM, Vancity Cruiser said:

I’m curious how many here would like more lines to adopt Virgin Cruises schedule where the earliest embarkation time you can get is 1 or 2 pm but you don’t need to disembark until 10 or 11am?

Like several above, No Thanks.

The risk in travelling internationally without a passport is that it can be a problem if you have to fly back to the US in an emergency. The airlines and TSA will not accept anything but a valid passport. As Ryanmw said above, if nothing untoward happens, it would be fine. Do you want to chance it?

On 2/21/2023 at 8:18 PM, Baked Alaska said:

We've had TSA Pre for about 18 months. Do we have to wait for our Pre to expire or can we get Global Entry now?

No. You can apply for GE et any time. But, be aware that the approval delay is now more than 8 months. I applied and paid in November 22. Still no tentative approval. More, "I'm from the government and I'm here to help."

2 hours ago, KathyC said:

Gen X is getting up there in age, many of us are retiring now.  Once our kids outgrew the toys on Royal, we hopped to Celebrity and don't plan on going back. 

Well, except when travelling with the kids and grands. Then back to RCL. 

21 minutes ago, BowTieBrigade said:

Has anyone had a Deck 10 suite on Navigator and, if so, was there any noise problem?

We have cruised in suites on most of the Voyager class ships, always on deck 10. No problem with the pool deck. The WJ, OTOH, was noisy in the AM if we tried to sleep in.

20 hours ago, kellyrc said:

Do the benefits of a travel agent outweigh the more expensive price? Last time, I believe my travel agent gave us onboard credit so I am hoping she would be able to do the same if we do book with her.

I believe they certainly do. Ours provides many services upon which we have come to depend. Such as repricing, finding an existing group cruise to which to add us at the group rate, ensuring that special or medical requests are communicated and acknowledged by the ship and a host of others. If an agent tried to charge an upcharge, I would find another, as many above have said. IMHO $85 is no reason to forgo the backup of a good TA.