Cls241

13 minutes ago, cubfan63 said:

 

On my Grand Princess September 3, 2019 (which happens to be less than 5 years ago) 10-Day Alaska Cruise, I was able to get fresh squeezed orange juice at the Calypso Bar (the one by the covered pool) every day.   They have a machine on the port side area of the bar there.  

 

There is a cost but it was covered by my Premier Beverage Package, so I don’t know how much the charge is.

 

 

I/we never got one of the beverage packages.  Last HAL cruise as OBC we received four (4) $100 drink cards.  We could not go through that on a 7-day cruise. At the end of the cruise we were purchasing bottles of wine for other tables.   This cruise it would be $1400 for the beverage package. I don't mind spending $7K for the suite, but I can't justify $1400 for water, juice, soda, coffee, beer and liquor.  Even if I/we drink everything we want when we want and charge it.. I can't see us spending more than $300 max.  It's why there are so many options for people on a cruise... options for everyone. 

5 hours ago, MissP22 said:

I was referring to the messaging app. It was worthless before the Medallion system and still is. 

I have never had a messaging app work well on a ship.. you're right about that. I did hope we would have the Medallion for access around the ship / room, but maybe next cruise.  Just a cool idea. 

On 9/14/2019 at 3:57 PM, MissP22 said:

I though it might change with the intro of the medallion but so far it hasn't.

 Not all ships have Medallion yet... we booked a 10-day for October 2019 this week and they don’t offer Medallion on the Star Princess. 

We’re going to try to book it on the Star Princess 10/22 (10-day)...  will try to sign up on day 1 and hope it’s not booked.  Since we don’t know the night (assuming while @ sea) we hope it does not conflict with speciality dining we already booked. I assume it would not be a problem to change reservations for Sabatinis etc.

On 9/18/2019 at 12:08 PM, Husky61 said:

I believe it is still available in Sabatinis for breakfast. You have be in a full suite to go to Sabatinis for breakfast.

Great, it was one of the perks I loved on HAL is the fresh juice in the morning at the Pinnacle.  Looking forward to having breakfast at Sabatinis.  

20 minutes ago, jmkennett said:

 

Great to sail along with you.  Thank  you for all the info and pics.  Just got off the Koningsdam for a great 10 days.  Awesome ship and cruise. 

 

Seeing the $10 extra entree charge, I've noticed a few other differences in the menus & daily activities paper.  On the K, we had three appetizers every night on the menu.  Noticing mostly two per night on the Euro.  Seems like another cutback.  No more cold soups on the K either and I've seen none on your Euro menus either.  Guess they have been taken off of the menus.  The extra $10 for an additional entree was not on the K. 

 

The daily paper is different on the K and has been even more simplified.   Gone is the the info from the past about the captain, officers, general ship info, etc.   Very little port info was given as well.  It's basically an advertisement for shopping.  Have a great rest of your cruise.  

Sailing the Eurodam soon, interested to see if they're going to keep the $10 charge on the menu.  This will be my first sailing with it listed. I did read it was supposed to $10 on Gala Nights only, but seems it's every night.   I personally find the appetizers more interesting than the entrees, so at least they're not charging $5 for an extra appetizer (yet). 

1 minute ago, Purvis1231 said:

Based on the average income in the Philippines a waiter is in the middle class.  

But not in the USA and it goes back to the basic topic that started this... make sure these people get their tips.  It's not based on just service, it's based on the people we don't get to see on the ships. They too live off these tips.  

1 minute ago, Purvis1231 said:

I wonder why someone who did not receive a fair wage would work on a cruise ship for over 20 years? The waiter I had on my last cruise had worked for Carnival for 20 years. He is in the process of becoming a US citizen, he and his wife are buying a home in Florida. I have spoken to many of the crew who seem to be happy with their jobs.   

Waiters with Tips make between $1200 and $1800 per month based on Bizfluents info on record.  MOST are not US Citizens and/or becoming US Citizens.  Tips (combined) it what allows them to make a living at all.  That aside, happiness is not based on money alone.

58 minutes ago, wardamnweagle said:

 

Just curious, at a restaurant do you go into the kitchen and tip the chef, or just the person who served you? Do you tip the bus boy or the dishwasher who make your meal possible, despite the fact that you never see them?

 

IMO the people doing the job should be paid an agreed upon wage (whether or not you think it is fair, it is agreed upon up front). Tipping people you interact with personally is for service above and beyond. 

 

On our last last night I gave our head waiter a cash tip (despite the fact that we only had service from them for four nights since we switched tables after the first three meals had issues) and told him he could distribute to his team as he sees fit. Could he keep it all for himself? I suppose, but I saw him lead his team, coach them on performance issues, and follow up on the service verifying that it was up to his expected standards (which were above ship standards). I would love to have a team leader like that working for me. 

That's not how cruise ships work.  Those people behind the scenes do not get "fair wage" they share in the tips.  It's a common cruise practice.  His ability to "distribute how he wants" is normally Not Cruise Ship Policy and could get him terminated.   You're mixing up an "American Restaurant" with a Cruise Ship normally staffed by people from 3rd World Countries and they count on the Tip Sharing Policy to make enough to live.   You're basically cheating them out of their pay.

6 minutes ago, Illbcruzn4life said:

 

How much is Carnivals cut and how do you know that they take a cut?

 

I found this while poking around the CCL website. Are you saying they are being disingenuous?

 

Pre-pay your gratuities before you sail

It is customary for our guests to extend gratuities to the shipboard staff in appreciation for their hard work and exceptional service. 100% of your gratuities are distributed to the crew who you interact with, such as your stateroom attendants, dining, bar and culinary services staff, as well as others who work behind the scenes to enhance your overall cruise experience. Applying this charge before you cruise streamlines the process for you and ensures the crew shares in your generosity.

Everyone I have ever talked to said no matter what you tip, it goes back into a pool to share.  Been told (can't verify if true) that if they keep the tips and don't share, they could lose their job. 

Also, consider by tipping ONLY those you see, and by chance, they're keeping those tips, what about all those you don't see, that wash the towels, clean the dishes, keep the ship clean while you sleep, and perform dozens of other services that make your stay enjoyable.  Do they deserve less, because they're not visible?

I like to tip up front but have a question...  Going on the HAL Eurodam with a Neptune Suite. Since I normally tip the Room Steward $10 or $20 (depending on the room/cruise), should we do the same for the Concierge? 

Funny, every time we do a cruise we're so busy I never get to really relax. The cruise we have coming up on the Eurodam on 5/11 was going to be my relaxing cruise.  I only booked one 3rd party Whale Watch (Alaska-Again) and a couples massage.  The rest was downtime. Seeing the activities I see very little I would want to do... and even though it will be totally different destination it may mean I can sit on the verandah, sip a drink and read a book! 🙂

Thanks again for the shares, it's been wonderful following along! 

Wow, this forum really strips everything out of the image...  well that did not work out well at all, sorry it looks washed out.  Oh well. 

Nice boat shot, wanted to clean it up a bit to share, I hope you don't mind. It's lovely!

9 hours ago, seamist said:

So am I but wishing I had never posted a darn thing at this point in time.  You all see a quintet and I’ve been watching a string quartet with piano accompaniment.  Also found it interesting that in tonight’s performance there was a cello solo with piano accompaniment as the first piece introduced by the pianist himself, and he referred to it as a *solo* not a duet.  Guess he and I are both out to lunch on this.

 

But really is it that important to criticize a poster regarding musical groupings on a forum dedicated to a Tahitian cruise?  Can we move on now???  Now I know why I rarely comment on these forums - may have to return to that policy.

Thanks for posting and don't worry about others who feel they must "fix" others.  It's about themselves and stroking their ego, not about you at all.  We appreciate the updates, thank you. 

If you have time while in Honolulu you can get around fast and cheap using "The Bus" and it's actually "The Bus" not just a bus.. it's their system.   There is also an app you can download that works well to know where to go and where to pick up. When I stay in Oahu I seldom if ever rent a car. 

13 minutes ago, seamist said:

It’s an IPad Pro.....just shows up at the bottom “Click to choose files”.  Love this thing.\

iPad Pro fan myself, 2018 12.9 🙂

1 minute ago, Snowesha said:

Last time we were in a NS it was held in the Tamarind Bar and all of the officers attended. It was really nice!

 

I booked my wife and I dinner at the Tamarind Restaurant on our 3rd night. It looks good based on the photos and listed menu. 

1 minute ago, janmcn said:

A photo of a J cabin made up for family of 4 on the Nieuw Amsterdam

Claustrophobia kicking in... 

1 minute ago, kazu said:

 

I want to make sure I am understanding you correctly, Dave.  You are in a Signature Suite right?  (Congrats on the wonderful upsell). When we were on a Signature ship the receptions were in the Crow’s Nest and Ocean Bar but with all the changes now in layout, it’s hard to say where it will be. 

 

I believe he said he WAS in a SS and then they upgraded him to a NS for $99.  Thanks for the help on the location possibility.  Not that I personally am looking forward to the reception, sounds like cheap sparkling wine that I would not want to dring anyway.  I guess we'll go to meet others though. 

1 minute ago, DaveOKC said:

I know that the Neptunes are now all Sold Out for our sailing on the Eurodam.  They did a $99 upsell offer for the Signature Suites and people (me included) jumped on that deal!  Now there are several people from our roll call in Neptunes, so I thought it would be interesting to meet up at the Neptune cocktail party (the reason for my question).

I wish I knew more, as this is not a "roll call" I don't know which exact cruise and date you're speaking of... I know the ship I am going on has about 18 open, some still bunched together.  I guess I can't answer it... sorry.

Just now, DaveOKC said:

Is this on the Eurodam or other ships?  The smaller HAL ships often host it in the Neptune Lounge, since there are far fewer Neptunie cabins.  On the Vista and larger ships, they seem to be in various locations, as the Lounge is simply not large enough.

 

I found it through a general search earlier in this week re: "Eurodam" and "Neptune" here.  That being said, I guess it may depend on if they sell out the suites or not?  Was told there will be a letter in the cabin upon arrival letting us know the location. If I find the prior post, I will quote it here.

Just now, DaveOKC said:

Question for Eurodam Neptune - do they still have the first night welcome aboard party for just Neptune passengers (on the Eurodam)?  If so, where and when is it held?

I can't say 100% for sure, but based on other forums and other posts, it's around 7pm in the Neptune Lounge... but it may be moved based on the expected number of guests.  Again this is only based on what others have said this last week or two.

4 minutes ago, tommui987 said:

 

What sort of camera are you using? Pictures are so sharp!

And (dumb question) how do you post your photos onto your posting?

 

Thanks!

I did not post, I only replied.  I checked the images, but seems the forum strips out the exif information from the photos. I can't see what they're using, assuming only a phone.  There is an attach to post (paperclip) I see in each post that allows me to attach like this...

Thank you so much for taking the time to post. It's really nice of you and it's appreciated.  We're doing HAL to Alaska on 5/11 with a NS, and glad we are now, considering what you said about the basic veranda rooms. 

We have the Tamarind booked for dinner one night and was thinking about Pinnacle for another, but based on the menus you shared, seems the MDR has us covered, saves $70.  

What really helped was the daily activities, which of course yours are Hawaii Based (I spent a lot of time in Hawaii / Oahu) and ours will be Alaska, it helped to shore up my desire to get the NS for relaxation and time to recoup from work/stress.  I don't see a lot on that activity sheet that would make me want to get away from the view or veranda 🙂

Again, thanks!