Michael Vitale

While I can’t say I remember cruising back in the old days, 10 years ago, I have cruised 10 times over the last 4-5 years. With all due respect to the original poster, I cannot believe any of that story. Sorry. I can’t remember one time where I wasn’t treated as a valued guest. Oh sure, the occasional Windjamaire busperson who isn’t smiling perhaps, or the random pool bartender who looks like he just can’t pour one more drink of the day. But outright rudeness???? Nahhhhh

I agree with the others. I booked a couple of JS’s to get to Diamond. Mission accomplished. I may do it again someday, but as others have said, it’s a little bigger, has a tub and walk in closet. Is that a game changer at ANY cost ? Nahhhhh

It’s my understanding that at the very least you will have to purchase a soda package for her in lieu of the deluxe package. And that’s if they permit you to do that.

You will be 2 adults and 2 teens in ONE stateroom ???

I have a nifty RC over the shoulder bag w zipper. It’s kinda geeky, and I’d never be caught dead with it outside the actual travel scenario. But for safety & convenience, it works. 😉

My 2 cents: in doing some preliminary research for a May 2020 sailing out of Barcelona, it looks to me like flights from EWR to BCN are much less costly than from JFK to BCN. For whatever reason. Another odd thing, it looks like I can fly to EWR from here in DFW, then EWR to BCN for about half of what it costs to set up a DFW to BCN flight.

Ok peeps, I’m looking for tips on sailing out of Barcelona. Sailing day is Sunday May 24, 2020. I’m thinking we’ll fly Thursday night into Friday. So hotel Friday & Saturday night recommendations. Also, the proximity of the hotel to the port, and the best way to get there. I swear, after 10 cruises I feel like I can do it with my eyes closed, but for this trip I’m totally a nervous wreck 🥴

I’ve done Sol y Mar. Was a last minute deal. Found some Victor Bodden people in the port area. Took us there for $40 total. Sabrina was the driver, very nice young girl. It’s a really nice place. Weather wasn’t great, but I could see having a really nice day in sunny weather. Drink choices limited. It’s not exactly Mr Sancho’s. It’s a very new place, I think someone said it’s only been open a year or so.

There really isn’t any dress code for the dining room anymore. I wear jeans and collared polo shirt. I saw shorts. It’s basically just look decent. No swimwear.

This makes sense,, which leads to another perplexing question. Vintages ? Seriously ?? Im not a wine guy, but my impression of wine people is that wine is best enjoyed with a meal. Not at a bar. I just can’t imagine what RC’s end game is with that space, which is perpetually empty. 🤔

Seems to me RC is aiming directly at the “family” market. Splashaway Bay, bumper cars, mini golf, water slides, etc. The nightclub crowd is a totally different demographic. Certainly not an absolute, but judging by the comments here it’s apparent their numbers are decreasing. Heck, just think of cruise ship demographics overall. Isn’t the largest percentage group 50+ ? That’s me. And I’m not going to any nightclubs any time soon. Heck, I’m not even awake at that time any more 😏

I’ve been there after the fire. The only thing not available because of it is the animal sanctuary. However, that said, it was our least favorite excursion ever. $89 for 1 drink, 1 plate of lunch, and not much of a beach area. We accessed the water from a dock-like area. The entire resort is carved out of a jungle environment. I realize I’m in the minority on this, as most people rave about it. I would never recommend , or go again.

It’s funny, whenever this topic comes up, those who swear by the package will rationalize it by adding up all the drinks they anticipate having, and how it will surely rise to the $47 or $50 daily cost. That may well be true in some cases, but why on earth would you commit to it by giving them say, $400 pp IN ADVANCE, and then playing catch up all week ? IMO, this is like calculating how much gas you use each week, and paying for 3 months worth up front, and then not paying each time you fill up. #teamNOdlxe

My advice: if you’re “not a big drinker”, you don’t need to be committing $47/day to an alcohol package. #alacarte 😎

FWIW The following is just an opinion. By no means am I criticizing anyone. I totally understand the frustration of feeling slighted by not being treated differently than a first timer in any situation. That said, for the life of me, I DON’T understand going on a cruise, and spending all that time, and inevitably losing all that money, in a casino. This is 2018. There are casinos all over America for the most part. The cruise seems a perfect time/place to have a drink, bask in the sun, see a show, beautiful meal, etc. Just about anything BUT sit in a smoky, dank, dark casino. In 10 cruises, I’ve walked through the casino to go from forward to aft, or vice versa, and it strikes me every time, what are you people doing in here ??!!! LOL To each his/her own 😉 I hope they make good on their program to all y’all. 👍