DoulaAnn

@Zoey123 when are you going? Artist Loft is sometimes available in a non-permanent space. One voyage this summeer, there will be cooking demonstrations (not a participatory thing -- usually done in the lounge (not Horizons). So depends on which cruise. I can probably find out if there's going to be an Artist Loft on your cruise.

Martinis also has a drink (I don't remember the name of it) but it's a chocolate type martini, and I LOVE it. The pina coladas on the ship vary in their taste, but I've found some I really like. Unfortunately for me, I can only have them occasionally, so I spend a lot of time being envious of those are drinking these.

If your niece likes things like trivia, name that tune, bingo, casinos, lounging by the pool, bocce or shuffleboard, or just reading, she shouldn't be bored (some ships also have artist lofts -- where there is painting, acrylics, or photography-- and culinary classes -- which have to be booked WELL in advance, like when they open up) she will really be fine. Some people her age actually like talking with elders and hearing their experiences (and the elders -- at least some of them and we're among them) love talking with younger generations.

I'm a big fan of Martini's and would hate to see it go away.

Looking at the Allura Deck Plan on O's site, Baristas and Horizons are on the same deck. I wonder if they are taking out the Conference Center or maybe merging it with the LYNC room.

@Harter what a fascinating family you have. I tend to like the fruity oils and just tell the oil person to give me the balsamic that goes best with it. Some day I may get adventurous and try some other combinations. Thanks for the interesting information.

I had no idea it could be dimmed. Will give that a try.

I haven't experienced it in the US either. It's lots of fun for me to try different combinations. I had no idea there were differences in the oils and balsamic vinegars.

I can see your point, but, again, being there at 6:40 does not make you late in this instance.

I've even seen (once) a chef call a waitlisted person just as the class starts when there is a no-show.

Martini's can go until midnight, but rarely does because most of their clientele aren't late night people. It is usually piano music with an occasional singer. Had one guy who played a trumpet for one song (though there were repeats of it one evening). I don't even think he was loud enough to be heard.

Was there any noise from the thrusters or anchors during docking or casting off? We had issues with that in 7130 on Riviera so just wondering.

It's more the size of a concierge room. It's been a long time since I was in a concierge, so can't compare the closets. I would say about 1/3 - 1/2 smaller.

You are correct that there are Concierge big balconies. But the question was about PH vs. Concierge and that was what I was addressing the PH large balconies and siting 7130 vs. 7128.

Booking a big balcony usually means booking the minute the cruise opens for reservations. We've gotten them before doing that. What I don't recommend (at least in our experience) is taking one with the wrap-around balcony. It makes for a smaller room and a smaller closet (and the big closet is one of the perks I REALLY like about a PH).