kernow

Yes, there were still loads of people trying to sell things. They are annoying but we just ignore them, unfortunately some people were buying/ giving them money which I think only encourages them all the more.

Just back onboard, really liked Cartagena but it is very, very hot. I have mixed feelings about the excursion, booked it earlier in the year after reading a @twangsterreview. From that review and the description it was supposed to end with a boat trip that brings you back to the ship. The length was supposed to be 4 hours 45. We met up in Safari lounge at 8.45 am, went on a bus to the old town and had a guided walk around, the guide was excellent. They then took us to an emerald shop where we stayed for far to long IMO then we had 30 minutes free time (advertised as 1 hour). One of the guides did walk us personally back to Hard Rock Cafe as DH wanted to get a T shirt however there was not really time for people to get food or drink or do very much. They then walked us to meet the boat which cruised around the harbour for a while (very nice) and we were all expecting it to take us back to the ship. It sailed out to the ship for photos but then turned back into town! We then had to get off and catch a bus back in all the traffic with no explanation. The bus dropped us at the port gates around 3pm, by the time we'd walked back to the ship through the port area shops we got back on the ship around 3.30 only to find out Windjammer had just closed. Not great planning by RCL. We did like the old town though and if we come again would just get a cab there on our own now we know where to go.

First time here, we're doing an RCL excursion, Amazing Cartagena Bay and Walled City. Meeting in 30 minutes so off to get ready now😃

We were standing right by the security guard on the port side and as soon as they cleared we headed round there. Just about got the pic.

Here right now.

Waiting in Gatun lake to go through the final lock, Seaborne Quest is going through ahead of us.

Currently exiting the second lock in pouring rain.

Zoomed in you can almost see us on the balcony😄

Thanks for all the links, really hope someone does a live review on here too as I always find these threads much easier to follow and comment on.

Just entering the canal and back in the world of internet😆. We bought a worldwide sim card on Amazon before the trip and I just got the 'welcome to Panama' text. We realised the work in the cabin 2 days ago was indeed installing a sensor controlled nightlight in the bottom of the wardrobe. We actually think it's pointless as it only comes on when someone stands directly in front of the wardrobe. If you get out of bed in the dark you still cannot see anything until you get right to the bathroom door. For the last two nights we've still left the bathroom light on with the door closed as we've been doing all trip😃. @orville99 that was some storm out of nowhere wasn't it. We were in the Schooner bar playing trivia right through it and barely felt a thing though😄. Loved the amazing lightning show last night too! @heatherb1958we could certainly do with one of those kettles right now, woke up and straight out on the balcony and now don't want to leave and miss anything😂. Always wondered why they only put them out on cruises full of us UK folk. Just waiting to enter the first lock😀

Just back to the cabin, someone has definitely been in as everything on the vanity has been moved but we can't see what they've done🤣. Will try and find out. New pillows and towels under our bed too but no different from the ones we already have.

Currently on Serenade, the list of onboard benefits we have been given states $10 off a wash and fold bag for Diamond. We have already used one free D+ bag and the cabin steward has given us another bag and said to use it whenever we like ( it's a 14 night cruise).

I'll let you know when they have done it.

We are on deck 9 between the 2 lifts and noticed a group of cabins further along from us having work done yesterday so think they are doing them in batches. We said exactly the same thing the other day. For the world cruise it should have been in pristine condition.

We are enjoying the cruise, Radiance class is still my favourite class of ship but I just think RCL is changing crazy prices for what is nowadays a fairly mediocre cruise experience onboard. Everytime we sail with them there seems to be more little cuts, not much in themselves but when you add them all up it makes a difference experience than it was a few years ago. Lots of people onboard still booking at Nextcruise so maybe we're in the minority but we look around at the other cruiselines much more nowadays. My bugbear this cruise is only 3 flavours of ice cream in the MDR, vanilla,strawberry and chocolate. I usually get ice cream for dessert and they have always had pistachio, coffee,butter almond etc but no more😟. I know most people won't even notice but it makes me feel sad. @orville99sorry for the moan on your thread, back to the positives now😄. Looking forward to our day in Puntarenas.

Just came back to the cabin to find this note, perhaps another update for the world cruise?

How long is that for? IMO a balcony on this ship is not worth that kind of money wherever it's going.

Think we must have walked by you, we are currently sitting in one of the bars in the square having a drink. We love this little town😀.

I really hope someone does too, would love to follow it.

We saw quite a few dolphins and a whale while sitting on the balcony yesterday afternoon too, also got a pic of the beautiful sunset. Really enjoying relaxing on these sea days with such beautiful weather. Any ongoing work has not bothered us at all so far.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you from the US. Looking forward to dinner tonight to see how you celebrate.

We're onboard😁 It was easy, arrived around 12 and onboard within 15 minutes, the only queue was to drop off luggage then straight through. Had our first cocktail and then a light lunch in the Solarium.

It's cruise day for us😁. Arrived in LA yesterday afternoon and just waking up at the Westin LAX. See you all onboard later, hope boarding is not too delayed.

Not received any emails ourselves but apparently everyone else boarding on Tuesday has had an email saying to arrive at the terminal one hour later than scheduled time. Have those of you onboard heard anything about a delay? Hopefully it will only be an hour.

We've done Norway cruises both this year and last year on MSC and loved it. I think RCL Diamond now only gets MSC Gold so only a few benefits but better than nothing. If you have any loyalty status with hotels you might do better, MSC Diamond is the one with the best perks (although no free drinks). The MSC drink package is much cheaper to buy though.