HAPPINESS IS

EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

43 minutes ago, UFMOM said:

 

 

Not only this, but people who jump in front of others to get on the elevator, especially the disabled, and those who push their way on an already full elevator yelling oh I’m sure there is room for 2 more, causing everyone to squish together so close they are standing on each other’s toes. What is it about cruise elevators that bring out rude annoying behavior. 

 

Mary Ann

Yes, 100% on your page😠

People who can't wait for you to get out of the elevator, before they force their way in to an already jam-packed area!!

9 minutes ago, HAPPINESS IS said:

An even better option would be for those who are fortunate enough to cruise, to acknowledge that the souls who are employed by the cruise lines and who leave their families for months at a time to do our laundry, clean up our mess and make us feel like we are old money, be rewarded for their hard work. We are, after all, talking about a mere $14.50 per day here.  Small change, when one earns Euros, Dollars, Pounds.  With our currency being so weak, once converted, we pay in excess of ZAR 220 per day per person for this "discretionary" charge, and yet, we pay it gladly.  Tipping for good service is after all the norm, even when one goes to a restaurant for a meal................. or not?

Funniest part of all is that those who don't pay,  obviously take that decision before even embarking on their cruise. How do they know they are going to have bad service in advance, or are they just hoping, so that they can "score" a few extra $$$$?

 

Sorry, my error...... $14.99 per day.

15 hours ago, MotownVoice said:

Or, another option.  For the cruise lines to pay a living wage.  You know, take responsibility for the souls they take in to their employ and ask them to leave their families for months at a time to do our laundry, clean up our mess and make us feel like we're old money when most of us had to save two years for a cruise.

An even better option would be for those who are fortunate enough to cruise, to acknowledge that the souls who are employed by the cruise lines and who leave their families for months at a time to do our laundry, clean up our mess and make us feel like we are old money, be rewarded for their hard work. We are, after all, talking about a mere $14.50 per day here.  Small change, when one earns Euros, Dollars, Pounds.  With our currency being so weak, once converted, we pay in excess of ZAR 220 per day per person for this "discretionary" charge, and yet, we pay it gladly.  Tipping for good service is after all the norm, even when one goes to a restaurant for a meal................. or not?

Funniest part of all is that those who don't pay,  obviously take that decision before even embarking on their cruise. How do they know they are going to have bad service in advance, or are they just hoping, so that they can "score" a few extra $$$$?

Absolutely amazes me that 'some' can get so tied up, trying to save what isn't even worth talking about, especially if one earns Dollars, Euros or Pounds!!

I believe that the only way to resolve this pathetic issue and to ensure that 'some' are not able to take up the option to cancel payment of this "discretionary" charge, is for cruise lines to include this "discretionary" charge with the cost of the cruise.  

That 'some' are prepared to cancel this charge, is truly beyond me!!!

4 minutes ago, Von & John said:

 

Happiness Is  --  we grew up calling it a "Kiddy Cocktail"...

Shirley Temple  --  7-Up or Sprite w/ Grenadine & topped w/ a cherry...

Roy Roger  --  Coke w/ Grenadine & topped w/ a cherry...

 

Sounds great, thank you for the explanation, Von & John!

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is a Shirley Temple?

Yes, 100% agree with you, it was also our best cruise, by far..........

Thank you for your response, appreciated

21 hours ago, PelicanBill said:

Yes your cards are coded.  Bring both cards up to get drinks for 2 people.

 

You don't sign slips but might need to while in a US port where there is extra local tax until you are in international water. 

Please excuse my ignorance........

Are the ports of Alaska regarded as US ports? is extra local tax payable in these ports?

That cruises come to an end😢

Everything!!!

47 minutes ago, janabanana1701 said:

July 22 - 17 days to go!! Baltics on the Getaway 😄 Ports are Copenhagen, Denmark; Rostock (Berlin), Germany; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Tallinn, Estonia; Stockholm (Nynashamn), Sweden; then back to Copenhagen! 🛳️ 

We did this cruise - simply amazing!

Alaska Cruise departing Vancouver 23 September 2019 to Skagway, Ketchikan & Juneau, returning to Vancouver on 30 September 2019.

In my humble opinion, there is NO other way to have a holiday!

17 hours ago, GrabMyWrist said:

I've seen them via land in Michigan, never on a cruise. That said, I wish you luck as they are magnificent to witness.

👌 Thank you!

8 hours ago, zqvol said:

 

Typically around midnight, but generally NCL cruises stay too far south to see the lights.

 

BTW you can probably find an app that will give you the information you are seeking.

Thank you so much for the input, highly appreciated

12 hours ago, www3traveler said:

Usually visible after midnight.  Check your Freestyle Daily there will probably be information about viewing. or ask your Cruise Director.

 

I have a staff friend on Bliss, he took lots of pictures last Fall and posted them.  Check on You Tube, you might find some pictures (Probably not his however).

Thank you so much for the input, highly appreciated

Thank you both so much for your response, highly appreciated!

We are going on an Alaskan cruise, departing Vancouver on 23 September 2019. I believe that there is a remote possibility of getting to see the Aurora Borealis while on the cruise.

Has anyone been privileged enough to have this wonderful experience while on a cruise and if so, what time, more or less did it take place?

Also, do you have any idea of the location of the ship when you witnessed it?  (Ketchikan, Juneau etc)?

This is on our bucket list and we are even prepared to stay up throughout the night, in the hope of being able to witness this spectacular phenomenon

Any input will be appreciated. Thank you!

Thank you for the update, appreciated

A word of warning if you are going to take the train from Termini - there are many pick-pockets operating on these trains which run to and from the port of Civitavecchia. 

DON'T leave ANY valuables lying on the seat!

A couple from England were robbed (passports, money, cameras etc) and they were not permitted to board the ship!  Poor people!!😨

We personally witnessed this during our train trip last year and it wasn't a very pleasant experience.

A word of warning if you are going to take the train from Termini - there are many pick-pockets operating on these trains which run to and from the port of Civitavecchia. 

DON'T leave ANY valuables lying on the seat!

A couple from England were robbed (passports, money, cameras etc) and they were not permitted to board the ship!  Poor people!!😨

We personally witnessed this during our train trip last year and it wasn't a very pleasant experience.

Thank you so much! Highly appreciated!

Would appreciate it if anyone who has been on the Norwegian Jewel since it has been in dry dock, could please tell me the following:

Is the Spinnaker Lounge on Deck 13 still an "observation" lounge, or is it now also dark and dingy, with all the windows blacked out, just like the Spinnaker Lounge on the Norwegian Star? Thank you.