Littleribbie

Just now, Host Clarea said:

No thermal pool on Brilliance.  The Solarium pool is covered and restricted to age 16 and over.  However, when it's too cool for the outside pools, they may let children in the Solarium area for a few hours.

Darn, does that mean they don't have any sort of spa package...I'm assuming the solarium area is just a quiet area and not specifically for any sort of "spa paying" guests....not sure if hubby would want to be stuck in an inside cabin if that is the case for 14 days. Thank you

Greetings from Florida: I found a very inexpensive TA for 2020 and my frugal self is raising its ugly head. I did a mock reservation and noticed none of the larger balcony cabins were available....so....that brings me to my frugal decision...maybe I should just get an inside (only once have we done an inside and that was a long time ago and only 5 days) and use the money we will save and take a shorter cruise from Amsterdam once we arrive......the inside pricing is very very low! But my question is:  does the Brilliance have a spa package and perhaps a thermal pool and quite area just for guests who have purchased a spa package and those in suites. Last year TA with NCL it was really too cold to sit out at the pool but we purchased a Spa package before we sailed and it was wonderful B/C even on cold days the spa package guests could relax in the private spa pool area/and a relaxation lounge that was covered and a lovely temperature which made the long trip worth it. We also used the spa changing rooms often for showers. Although we did have balcony last year having the spa was great. Returning to our possible cruise in 2020....Im thinking we can suck it up with an inside IF there is a spa package that can be purchased prior to sailing. Does anyone know if there is one available? price/we would want it for the entire 14 days? TIA and I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!!

On ‎11‎/‎30‎/‎2018 at 11:18 AM, lamchops said:

I have not cruised HAL but did a 19 day Panama Canal cruise from Vancouver to Miami on the Pearl. It was the best cruise that we’ve been on in regards to onboard enjoyment. We had a “bowling with the NCL stars” tournament over the course of the cruise and it was fantastic. I’m told this tournament is held only on 14 day cruises. If you get a chance to participate, go for it. The crew got to know us and we were treated like VIPs for the entire cruise.

Can you share with me the date you went on your HAL...I would love this cruise...especially living in Miami...refresh my memory...Pearl is NCL is it not?....thanks

On ‎12‎/‎6‎/‎2018 at 11:13 AM, gnome12 said:

If the second cruise is the next day is it really relevant? You need somewhere to stay for the night anyway, and you might as well choose that based on what you want to do with your day in Barcelona.

"relevant"??...yes and no....We know our way around Barcelona fairly well and already booked the hotel for the night as I did want it fairly close to the port...but then it dawned on me...perhaps there were a couple ports and I was sort of second guessing my chosen hotel location.....no visit to Barcelona is complete w/o a visit to the market!!

Starting to get a bit overwelmed with looking at tours for our Ports in Italy. Florence/Pisa 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Can anyone recommend something. We are healthy 50+ (walking is fine), foodies, love, cool buildings,  (not churches as we already have a couple excursions where we will see these) also love water/ocean/cliffs (for photos). It doesn't have to be an actual tour just some highlights that shouldn't be missed if they are walking or short cab ride distance. Im also using ItalyTours EU for a couple other ports but was hoping to perhaps save some $$ and do something on our own...unless there is something that shouldn't be missed.....does anyone have a favorite restaurant we should try? Thank you so much for any help.

Just booked a 15 day TA ending in Barcelona (Princess) and without thinking about it ...I booked another cruise out of Barcelona the next day on NCL. Does anyone know if both NCL and Princess will share the same port...or is there several ports. We traveled last year to Barcelona but I cant remember if I even saw other cruise ships....I remember it was pouring rain and there were tons of TAXIS lined up but that all I can remember...thanks

21 minutes ago, JF - retired RRT said:

Thanks, but she's not a Quarter Horse (& likely dead by now - we sold her a LONG time ago). She was sired by our Appy stallion out of one of our QH mares. We sold all of our horses when we retired, so we could relax and take cruises/travel/live in 2 or 3 states all at the same time. We had to make a choice and decided "no pets".

And Spotty is beautiful.

My husband feels the same way...im beginning to feel it to.....a lot of work and $$!! PS Spotty is only 36 inches tall!!

12 minutes ago, JF - retired RRT said:

You gave an excellent summary!!

13 minutes ago, JF - retired RRT said:

You gave an excellent summary!!

Wait!! how do you leave that pretty QH when you go on these cruises...heres my Spotty...very thankful for my pony sitters!!

1 hour ago, fishywood said:

The Sanctuary and the Thermal Suite are two entirely separate areas and no one pass entitles you to both.

 

The former is the outdoor area with private loungers. Cost (unless it has gone up again) is $20 per half day or $30 per full day with a discount for reserving the entire cruise.

The latter is the indoor area of the Lotus Spa with heated loungers and sauna/steam rooms. Cost is roughly $20/pp/pd, you must purchase the entire cruise. No discounts for couples in the same cabin anymore.

 

The Sanctuary cannot be pre-booked as you must visit there in person to choose the exact lounger you want from those still available on the days you wish to book. The Thermal Suite passes are first-come first-served but I have had no problem waiting until the crowds at the Spa subside after dinner on embarkation day and still securing one.

Thank you and the others very much for explaining it all to me. It sounds like there will be many quiet areas with out paying for the extras....I will for sure check them out when we board. We did TA previously (our first) and loved the fact that kids were still in school and it was quiet almost everywhere....tho no one was dead!! We enjoyed the 14 day thermal pool and spa pass on those chilly sea days when the sun seemed to be hiding. Does anyone know how many heated loungers are available? Again, my apology for my 'name calling" of thermal? lotus? spa/ sanctuary?....they all seem to be called something different on each line and being a newbie I often get confused on what the heck I should be calling them. Again, thank you all very much!!

im more than a little upset with Princess...no one can answer my question. We are on TA in May on the Emerald...I am considering purchasing the sanctuary or maybe they call it the lotus area just for the use of a quite area and to be able to use the Thermal Pool...but NO ONE can tell me what it would cost. I of course would like it for the entire cruise but the cost may only allow us to use it for a week...what ever, but why doesn't anyone at Princess know the price. I was told they don't know and I can only find out when we are on the ship!! We did a similar TA w/NCL last year and was able to book it before getting on the ship....I just don't understand how NO ONE can even tell me the price?? uuuuugghh...maybe its not even worth it. Can anyone who has sailed recently help a girlfriend out and share your experience. I don't want to pay for just an adults only area...is it worth it? Is it private for those who do pay extra (what ever that is LOLOL ) does anyone know the costs? 1 week or 15 days on Emerald Princess only. Thanks so much for your time

15 minutes ago, POA1 said:

Is the $1,087 for a family cabana or a regular one?  The most recent pricing I've seen - and the prices that were in effect this year when we reserved ours is $699 for up to 20 days. Even if you added two standalone sea days at $85/day, you'd still be at only $869.

 

 

That is what I thought too..$699.00/regular!! I was surprised when he said 1087 and when I asked him he said "Im reading it right here"....think I will call again and double check. I didn't have my previous notes in front of me so I thought perhaps it was an older reference sheet I was looking at....and prices had gone up. Thank you for keeping me on my toes....I'll post what the next person tells me...hopefully 869 at the most. Thanks again

2 minutes ago, avian777 said:

 

If having this information is important to you, I suggest you contact HAL Ship Services for a definitive & authoritative answer.  Happy sailing.

 

thank you, I did...its in the above post...info from HAL

2 minutes ago, POA1 said:

@Littleribbie- Here are the cabanas we'd pick. The ones outlined in blue would be if we wanted ocean-facing. The ones outlined in orange would be lido pool facing.  As a rule, we like to keep a buffer between ourselves and (1) the open spaces/corners and (2) the family cabanas. We've never run into any rowdy families, but we prefer to err on the size of caution.

 

OMgosh, thank you for taking the time....Im thinking the "blue" ocean facing...still not sure as I mentioned in another thread they want $1087 for the 22 days...yet Ive heard they are much smaller than other cabanas. a lot to consider...thank you for sharing

OK...FYI...Booking the 22 Day TA in April and was quoted $659.00 for hubby and myself for the spa and $1078.00 for 22 day Cabana...this is on the Koningsdam 

OMGosh...the belly laughs on this thread...saving 15% on Geico would not have made me pee my pants more. So glad you trust your wife and thrilled to hear the robes are not actually made from waffles.Love the details you shared about the cabanas. It appears you are a much more savy cruiser than myself and Im hoping you can help me. Im ready to pull the trigger on a 22 day Koningsdam: Ft. Lauderdale to Rome and have never experienced cabana living...if you were to look at the cabana layout (from your graciously shared brochure) which cabana would you choose on the Koningsdam. We would not need the family size but do want to be able to see the water without being an obstructed view. I know this would only be your preference and can you tell me how late in the day they are open....after dark? light? thinking of early evening reading not 2 old folks rocking the boat late night. Again, thank you so much for taking the time to post such an incredible review

Thinking about a 22 day...do they have a package for the entire cruise? Thank you

14 minutes ago, N&J said:

We will be at Grand Turk on November 19 and are renting from Omar. Even before the hurricane the golf cart have not been perfect, but get us around.   I have been to the island twice before and rented from Karib, but this time he has not responded to any of my emails.  So going to try with Omar has been very responsive already have my reservation and just confirmed it this week. So he has been very responsive.

Do you have contact info for Omar, thanks

Let me get this straight...as long as I have a reservation and I find the price drop, I can still get the new price as long as I ask (understand lower price may not come with the same perks) Thanks

Huge shout out to King David for private tour of Belize. He will take you anywhere...extremely knowledgeable of Belize. Out of 3 visits and 3 different tours he is the best. David Castillo...King David Belize Tours

Thank you all..and I love all your senses of humor.....we leave tomorrow!

It is one bottle of wine per adult - no hard liquor to be brought on board

Thanks...ok I wasn't sure about the liquor (which we don't drink anyway)...so only 1 bottle of wine...I was hoping 6 little wine bottles of the coolers would be ok...I guess not...thank you!

Unfortunately, no. No small glass or plastic bottles cannot be brought on board, only cans or paper/cardboard cartons.

I do know 1 bottle liquor or wine is allowed...so how do people bring liquor if it is not in a glass bottle...thanks

I just edited this as I see now that NO liquor is allowed...still don't understand the plastic bottles only?

My understanding is each cabin guest is allowed one bottle alcohol or wine. I only drink the little Seagrams wine coolers sold in 6 packs...do you think they would allow me to bring that 6 pack...thanks.

Im not much of a lunch person...just fruit usually. Am I able to take a plate of fruit from the buffet up to the pool area or even back to my cabin to enjoy or is it frowned upon. First time on Carnival...thanks

15 long days before our first Carnival Experience.....Glory