Silverspringcruiser

How does the food compare in the Lido buffet on Gala Evenings compared to other nights? Is it the same as in the MDR? If not is at least more upscale than other nights, or is it just more of the same?

Thanks.  We're doing Cunard at the end of June and most of the Haines excursions are already booked, which I why I asked.

Can you book excursions at the dock? Or do you have to do it through the cruise line or in advance through the tour companies?

We did a New Year's Carnival cruise and our towel animals had a great time!

Is anything different from last year? There are so many interesting activities and I don't want to get my hopes up looking forward to something that's no longer offered.

I looked at various videos of guest choirs and everyone is dressed in black & white. Is that a requirement?

These are all the current explorer guest speakers. You have to select each one individually to see which cruise they'll be on.  For example, Preet Chandi will be on the June 21 QE Alaska cruise.

https://www.cunard.com/en-us/the-cunard-experience/guestspeakers.guestSpeakers?category@exploring&sort=&start=0&rows=12

The only times I ever feel crowded on a cruise ship are breakfast and lunch at the lido and going through the casino after the main stage show ends. The rest of the time there are more than enough places to get away from everybody.

How long do the washers and dryers take? I don't want to be one of those people who don't retrieve their laundry promptly.

We're also going to be on the June 21 Alaska cruise and I'm wearing a suit because I don't own a tuxedo.  On Alaska cruises are there usually more tuxedo/dinner jackets or suits? And how does that compare to the number who don't dress up at all? 

8 hours ago, rog747 said:

Yes, room service hot chocolate (very nice, served in a classy silver pot)  was deffo possible on all of my previous cruises.

Is that different from the bar menu hot chocolate?

We're taking an Alaskan cruise on QE this summer.  Is there complimentary hot chocolate? Packets are fine, because if there isn't we'll just bring our own to use with the kettle in the room.

Where will I be able to get the squash and cordials that are available with the soft drink package? I'll be on QE if that's relevant.

20 hours ago, Billthekid said:

the ports were just shopping stops with beach activity

Then don't book with a Carnival owned cruise line and you won't end up at Carnival owned ports like Grand Turk, Amber Cove, or Puerta Maya which are nothing but that and miles from any real city or culture.

13 hours ago, wdw1972 said:

certainly there's enough light to get back to the bed without an artificial light (my assumption).

There's a light by the floor right outside the bathroom that's triggered automatically that's bright enough to help you get back to your bed. Finding your way to the bathroom is a different matter.

peanut butter and jelly.

cream cheese and lox.

On 12/30/2023 at 7:29 PM, Guinness1000 said:

As far as the music goes, we were not huge fans of the female half of the dueling pianos. She played and sang everything too fast and very choppy. 

My wife and I liked Tammy. We were in the piano bar every night.

duplicate post

On 12/19/2023 at 1:54 PM, Silverspringcruiser said:

I'll be in a Nieuw Amsterdam spa verandah Saturday.  I'll report back on the amenities when I return.

Cabin 11004 came with a Bose Soundlink mini, 2 1 liter bottles of Acqua Panna still water, 2 yoga mats, and a wooden bath mat. We also got two drink coupons for being returning guests even though we weren't. There were also two bathrobes and a blanket, but I think those are standard.  Also the be was bigger than a queen. And the balcony is normal length, but narrow and also not a Juliet.

On 12/15/2023 at 12:12 PM, navybankerteacher said:

that fresh fish is not likely to be served on a cruise ship

Holland America is heavily promoting that they serve fresh fish.

Global Fresh Fish

I'll be in a Nieuw Amsterdam spa verandah Saturday.  I'll report back on the amenities when I return.

15 hours ago, ArizonatoFlorida said:

 Our boarding time has been pushed back from 12:40 to 1:00 pm.

Weird. Our boarding time was pushed up from 11:40 to 11. We were assigned a spa verandah, if that's relevant.

I see there's also a Welcome Aboard Steak Dinner in the Lido Market. What's that like? 

4 hours ago, pmjnh said:

I generally ask for sorbet and it is always available yet not always on the menu

I believe it's always on the vegetarian menu.

The 7 day Western Caribbean menus have a different bread pudding almost every night, but only the Gold Gala lists a crisp. Having one less dessert to select might be a good thing.😀