Crusin Karen

^^^thank you! Yea my first cruise after he passed his sister was going with me. Day before cruise she got the flu BAD. so I went alone. It was kind of a blessing in disguise because I never would have booked a cruise alone! That week I realized I COULD DO IT and if I want to cruise I’ll have to! No one else is interested or able. So thinking about Alaska is WAY out of my comfort zone. Good luck to you. I’m sure your trip is going to be amazing! 

 MtnSeaGirl I’m the same way with

my bookings. Can’t remember the last time I had a TA do mine. I go on CCL website and pick everything-even my cabin, but it’s easy for me since I don’t need transportation or hotels. . I’m going to ask my friend the TA (she works at AAA) if she’ll help with this if I decide to book just so she can organize everything for me but you can be sure I’ll be giving her LOTS of “suggestions!” 😈 Enjoy your planning and research! 

Warning: long possible TMI post! I too am a Caribbean cruiser. I live 20 minutes from port of Manhattan and so plan all my cruises from there now. I am a mostly CCL cruiser. At this point I don’t much care for where we cruise to I like the actual cruising! My husband passed and I’m now cruising solo. All of a sudden I really want to do Alaska! I am deaf from meningitis but have a cochlear implant. I can hear noises/sounds but still have to rely on lip reading combo. I’m explaining that because it’s main reason I don’t fly anywhere to cruise now. Too nervous. A friend is a TA and might be able to put cruise package-hotel transfers to ship etc together for me. Now for the reason I’m posting (finally lol) I have little interest in excursions beyond the Yukon train I’ve read about. Don’t really care about wildlife tho I’d love to see whales/sea lions/dolphins. I really want to just stay on the ship and sail amongst the mountains! I realize that’s crazy but I’m really just interested in the scenery. I’m leaning towards Princess for September 2025. Any advice?? TIA 

You and Patti NEVER disappoint! Thanks for another great review. Keep booking those cruises: the more you go on, the more we can experience it when you get home. Now you can watch some Yankee games and relax until August and Venezia! 👏

20 minutes ago, TxTeach79 said:

Bahama Mama, Suras 🇹🇭, lobby bar

 

My favorite drink. They had our diamond lunch at 11am. It was a gorgeous day and I just was not In the mood for a big sit down lunch and starting to drink at 11 so after agonizing over my decision for hours l skipped it. Wish they’d have it at noon or 12:30. 🤷‍♀️

1 hour ago, Jamman54 said:

Usually for embarkation day only. They may put them out there for the Festival, I'll have to check our pictures. 

I don’t ever remember tables there in 4 cruises. They usually take the loungers that are where the tables are away for the sail away party so everyone can dance there. MarQ and the fun squad are on the stage. 

Kim I was just at my stop and shop. They have 12 packs of coke (aka pop lol) on sale for $10.49- buy 2 get 2 free which I did. According to my

trusty calculator that comes to 43 1/2 cents/can. I thought of you refusing to pay outrageous prices in port! 😉

Just read this thru! I had started to read it then was in a cruise for 11 days so went back to page one! 😉😁 I love your reviews for the snorkeling pictures and your knowledge of all that you see. I don’t snorkel and I love  that you share that. Video was amazing! I was on Venezia for Mother’s Day and it’s also our anniversary! (Would have been 45 years) have fun planning your next adventure! 

Thoughts of comfort to you, Patti and Ryan. 🙏

2 minutes ago, TxTeach79 said:

So sorry for your loss and thanks so much for sharing. That makes me feel nice and optimistic knowing that. 

The sunrises, the sunsets, the vast ocean that the sky met on the horizon brought me a lot of peace. 🌟

Very sorry for your loss. My dad died unexpectedly on 12/26. I was booked on 1/6 Venezia. We had wake, mass and burial 1/2-1/3. I am a widow and cruise solo. I really didn’t want to go on that cruise but I did knowing my dad would want me to. It was best thing I could have done. 

Sorry for your loss  Jenna’s mum. My Jim passed and I cruise solo now. Cruised Venezia 8 days June ‘23, 8 days Jan ‘24, 11 days March ‘24 and 11 days 5/6-5/17. Will be on her again may, ‘25! And will follow you on yours! 👏

Televise the various deck parties. I cruise solo now that I’m a widow and being alone and also I guess I’m just getting too old to START  celebrating deck parties at 10pm! (I also get up early in mornings) I remember years ago they had video cameras  mounted and you could watch all the fun from the comfort of your cabin in your Jammie’s! 🥳😁😉

Don’t forget funfetti cheesecake is on the buffet on embarkation day ONLY! 😁

^^^thank you! 👍

2 hours ago, spacement said:

What time does the chocolate extraordinarily start on the final day? Thank you in advance. 

Noon

I bring a ziplock bag and fill with cup at ice machines and keep in fridge. 

15 hours ago, beshears said:

CousinKaren, I understand WHY you like this ship in more ways than one. 🙂 You mentioned of cruising on your own, and in my over 15 cruises I have been BLESSED to do, I have met women of different ages, cruising by themselves. I think it is wonderful, but for me, I don't have to have someone at my beck and call all day/night long, but it is nice to have someone to chat with (or zip my dress, etc.) when in need.

Have cruised with a TON of family and friends over the years. Some days enjoyable, some days “why did I ask them to join us?!? Never again” lol. But I miss my Jim. My first solo cruise was right after he passed. His sister was coming with me. 2 days before the cruise she got sick and couldn’t come. So I was “FORCED” to cruise alone. Ended up being a God send because I doubt I could/would have booked a cruise alone and I realized it’s never going to be perfect again without my Jim, but it’s still a cruise which I love so much. So gave me the “courage” to book another and another lol! Sometimes I’m very sad, but mostly grateful and thankful! Sorry for the long story!  Happy cruising! 👍👏

3 hours ago, ajtaylor29 said:

First to make a correction - I'm platinum on CCL, not Diamond. 🙂

I guess really it's not much....most of our feel goods come from the suite life!

For being diamond on RC, i get those 4 free drinks per day. I get to use the suite lounge for coffee and pastries.

 

 

um.....what else do i get?!? I guess not much, a few discounts maybe.

Book a suite if you can. 🙂

Thx but I’ve been cruising past 2 years solo since my husband passed. I’d get lost in a suite! 

Check out Mitsugirly Panorama review going on now. She has description of arch and a whale excursion in Cabo AND videos! 

I’ll be on Venezia for 3rd time on Monday and yea, it’s kind of 🫣🤔😣 not seeing that whale tail in the distance as you’re driving to port. 

10 minutes ago, Jamman54 said:

 

Warm her up for me Karry! We're doing another B2B on her in September! 

 

 

Always glad to have you with us Megan! 

Did the 11 day balcony  3/25-4/5 this is another 11 day 5/6-5/17 in a cove for first time! 👏

I have my life jacket on and ready for the adventure! Leaving Monday on Venezia AGAIN  so this will get me in the mood! 

What’s the walk to the Hilltop Bar like? And does it offer nice views? TIA

1 hour ago, beshears said:

KaiBlue and Cousin Karen, thank you for your replies to some of my questions. I have made some notations, as that will really help. Cousin Karen, it looks like you really LIKE the Venezia ship. 🙂 

Lol yes I like the ship but I DO have an ulterior motive. I live about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic lol from port of Manhattan. I’m right over the GW Bridge in NE NJ. I have been cruising solo since my husband passed and it’s just much easier as well as much cheaper to cruise from here. You will enjoy the Venezia. It’s a very pretty ship and unlike some CCL ships it’s a bit more “refined/elegant.” Wonderful crew too! Enjoy your research!