rjweber3

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.

Depending on itineraries and cruise length, I believe you would be fine with any of the Voyager class or Freedom class ships. I personally like the Radiance Class best. The Voyagers and Freedoms have lots to do, can go into more ports and generally are significantly less expensive. 

2 hours ago, Matt said:

Barrachina & Raices are two popular choices

Four of us went to Raices last year. All had Mofungo (spelling?). Two with chicken, one with beef and one with pork. The friend who ordered the beef Mofungo spent the next two days in her cabin after visiting the infirmary in the wee hours the next morning. The Dr. said food poisoning. So...word to the wise.

We are booked on Apex in May. Looked for this experience. It was only available on embarkation day in Amsterdam. I am beginning to believe that they don't offer it except on port days. I suspect it is too windy while at sea.

1 hour ago, KristiZ said:

They are not. And there was a pretty hard sell when we did this. The photos were great, but not that great  

That was our experience also. 

We did just such a session about 5 years ago. It was a studio session only. But, in their defense, I wasn't smart enough to ask for anything else. The session lasted about an hour. The photographs b/w only. 

Having said that, they were superb!

The only downside is cost. The photos were sold at an "each" price. It reminded me of my kids school pictures Ponzi scheme. The dozen or so pictures we bought on a thumb drive cost about $1200.

21 minutes ago, Pattycruise said:

 
You can try speaking with the head waiter to let them know you will be later on those port days and see if they can save your table for you.

I concur. The head waiter can make it happen. Check in with him/her on embarkation day. They have always bent over backwards to help us with that stuff. 

Enjoy your cruise.

The breakfast at Luminae is terrific! Eggs to order, several different proteins, omelets with almost anything you ask for. I became a fan of their eggs benedict. BTW, they did not enforce any dress code for breakfast and lunch. I wouldn't go there in a swimsuit, but many times went before and after excursions on port days.

We have dined in Luminae on both M and S class ships. All were very nice and a cut above the MDR. The food was better. But the service and atmosphere were top-flight. We usually had reservations, but if we didn't or arrived early or late, the head waiter was gracious and we were seated immediately. Getting to know all the waiters, assistant waiters, sommeliers, etc. by name was very enjoyable. We have not sailed on an Edge-class ship. We are looking forward to Apex in May to experience that one. I don't think you will regret it.

I understand that RCG is already working on Grand Bahama. Having spend several weeks there, I believe it has lots of potential. Friendly folks who welcomed us.

We have sailed in wake view Jr. Suites several times on V class. Not Voyager herself but on Explorer twice and two others. The only negative is the walk from the elevators. 

We loved the wake view and the quiet. Very few running youngsters through the relatively short hall. We have our TA on alert for wake view suites. Love 'em!

Domestic flights in the US have been so unpredictable that flying into the port a day early is wise.

We are flying to Amsterdam this May for a cruise. Our flights have been modified several times in the last six months. I had to rebook because the layover in Atlanta was only 39 minutes after the changes. We plan to depart on the 10th, arriving on the 11th for a 14th sail away. And that seems like just about right for that routing. Any less time would be too stressful for us.

My wife and I applied in November. Haven't heard a thing since. It's OK for us since we don't fly international until May 23. I'm really glad I thought to get a jump on it.I had no idea the wait was months! 

"We're from the government. We're here to help."