donh1

I never worry about things left in my cabin.  The cruise line has near complete control over their employees and for one of them to steal a large item such as a laptop is ridiculous.  Cash, a watch or piece of jewelry would be tempting but definitely not a computer.  They would be fired and flown home at their expense at the first opportunity….

It does not surprise me that cruise ships have to deal with bedbugs.  The sheer number of people rotating thru those cabins who have stayed in hotels certainly increases the odds. Cruise ships have a distinct advantage over hotels in that their guests spend multiple nights so the problem is identified and corrected promptly.   It’s likely not something the cruise line likes to talk about but no doubt it is an ongoing issue that is dealt with in a prescribed manner.  

On my tour around South America before we left home I went to  currency exchange and got about 200 US dollars worth of the local currency. For each of the ports of call including Mexico. I got denominations as close as I could to $10 US value.  It was great.  I could shop at the local markets and not really have to speak the language to purchase whatever.  Purchasing soft drinks or beer from the vendors was easy.  Ten dollar tip to the tour guide was always welcomed in the local currency.  The whole exercise was fun...  For major purchases I used the credit card.

My general rule is we can walk out to the car in one trip towing and carrying everything. Two wheeled suitcases and two carry on. 

I believe their logic is to address potential complaints.  People arriving at 11 am potentially have to wait a couple hours before boarding. If everyone followed the instructions there would be minimal waiting.  People complaining about long waits are simply referred to the suggested boarding order.  People who arrive at approximately 11am should expect to have long lines and not complain about it.  Like most people I arrive early, get lunch on the ship and consider it a bonus if the place isn’t a zoo.

Following your advice I have booked a bunch of tours. Our cruise like most in this region involves a lot of sea days so it’s important to do some tours when we get the chance. Thanks.

Been to the Caribbean dozens of times and generally there is no problem finding tours on your arrival at the islands.   Is it the same for Pago Pago, Apia Samoa, Bora Bora,Tahiti and Moorea.    

I see the Caribbean Princess bridge cam is still showing December 30. Hope it gets repaired soon. Must be disappointing for anyone who has family or friends following their Panama Canal Cruise.  

Just my opinion but I think it depends on the captain. Most captains go slow with caution because one serious error could end their career. Having said that we were on MSC Poesia a few years ago and he drove it like a speed boat.  His background was with cargo ships so I assumed he was very comfortable with how the ship handled......

This thread has been up and running for over 10 hours and I can not believe someone hasn’t said the obvious.  The best thing is boarding the ship and the worst thing is seeing all the suitcases in the hall on the last night.

1 hour ago, Colo Cruiser said:

Where? What cabins?

A202 - A206  or B202 -B206

I see that the first two balcony cabins forward on the top deck remain available for booking.  Trying to find out if they have a solid metal railing or are they clear glass like all the others.  Very hard to tell from the pictures.  The pictures appear to have a solid metal railing but that might be crew cabins and I'm not sure....

Like most people I believe 4:45 pm is too early and 5:30 /6:00 is perfect.  Probably too perfect because the demand likely exceeded the supply.  We are looking at a 14 day on the Caribbean Princess and that would mean with early dining we are in the dining room for 6 of the sail  always.   Not going to happen for us.  The new 7:15 late dining will be  the best option for us. A little late but much better than after 8.  The new dining times will reduce the demand for early dining and increase the demand for late dining.  Just maybe it will be a little more balanced. Also the buffet might become busier which has to be a very good thing for the cruiseline .....

I'm one of those passengers who have had neighbours who have left their light on all week. Very annoying because it greatly impacts what you can see off in the distance at night, ie other ships, islands and stars. I have never thought to ask the cabin steward to turn the light off. Most novices likely don't even realize there is a switch. For those who insist on leaving the light on all night it's your balcony to do with it as you please. Your pleasure may be derived from pissing off your neighbors and forms part of your cruise experience. So be it.

I'd say it's best not to discuss prices. If everyone stood up on a plane and announced what they paid for their seat there would be a a lot of sad people. Do your homework and make the purchase and simply accept it. It's like pricing vehicles after you have made your purchase... All it's going to do is piss you off...

49 day around South America on the Grand in 2013. Simply an amazing experience and the price was right. Met so many nice people. Anyone reading this who is interested the Royal is doing a similar one this February.

Thank you, you read my mind. There have been times when I wanted to sit and enjoy a pot of tea and a piece of cake at the cafe. However there were no available seats due to people socializing or playing cards long after they'd finished their drinks. Tea in a take out cup just isn't the same. Have some consideration for other passengers if it's busy.

Agree 100%. As a former tour bus driver I repeatly witnessed people chair hogging during the morning breakfast at hotels. Breakfast area seats about 40 or so. Early risers have had their breakfast yet continue to occupy the space while others are forced to stand and eat. Yes you do have a right to occupy the space but being considerate makes the world a better place.

i have cruised over a dozen times on celebrity especially because of the outstanding menu choices and the quality of the food. This cruise was by far the worst. The menu choices ( banana stuffed chicken) were horrible and the taste was terrible. Worst food I have ever had on a cruise.

Second post... Welcome to cruise critic.....

I get the last laugh. Find some empty deck space and help yourself to a reserved lounger and simply move the lounger. Get second one somewhere else leaving a shortage in two locations. Stand by for the fireworks.

Haven't been on Celebrity in four years, so I was wondering if the Reflection has Happy Hour, or do they expect you to buy the drink package. Had the drink package on my last Celebrity cruise and really overindulged. Would rather buy an occasional drink.

Happy hour is from noon day one to about midnight on the last night... Lol

We're going to be on GC in March. Trying to decide what we might do for the day with 2 (quiet) older kids (11 & 13). Would really like to see 7 Mile Beach but would prefer to avoid heavy crowds and smaller aged kids. Looking for a low key day. We are wondering how best to avoid the crowds at 7MB and what other beach options might be easily accessible for a family of 4?

If it were me I'd get off the ship and wander along beach to the left in bathing suits, towels and flip flops and just enjoy the walking /swimming. 2 miles/4miles whatever and then take a taxi back...

They DID provide in writing via email that we would receive 50% back (exclusive of taxes and fees) as refundable onboard credit. Anything we don't spend gets refunded to the credit card. Not sure why people are suggesting other things.

 

 

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This is the second time around defending RCCL. I was the one who said there was no offer for compensation for a future cruise and it was implied that RCCL was generous to allow me to cancel my cruise. I disagree which certainly I have a right to do. I paid for something they were not able to provide. They are getting the last nautical miles out of an old clunker. Makes good business sense to do this but in the process they run the risk of pissing off their customers.

Actually got a call today from RCCL trying to sell me a future cruise with no offer of some form of incentive.

Needless to say I was definitely not interested. Life is full of choices.

We simply cancelled . We will have our money back in 7 to 10 days for our cruise, specialty dining, drink package and shore excursions. No offer of any future cruise credit or discount. Kind of sucks but without any future incentive we will not likely book again with RCCL. There is no shortage of competition out there.

They sort of made their problem ours....

Just got word that the GOS is experiencing rudder problems and our 9 day cruise will be two days late leaving Baltimore. Saturday rather than Thursday. RCCL will be sending out details regarding compensation and options for us passengers affected. Any one else had experience in such matters..... We actually have a lot of time and money invested to this point and this is a disappointment for sure...... Don

Thanks for posting the Beverage list. It is really helpful. Looks like I'll be staying with the classic package. Plenty of different beers to choose from. don't mind paying a couple bucks more for the odd special drink....