goldfish65

Thank you, you all are such a great resource....I'll call back my TA and tell him.

I shouldn't have assumed. I booked solo because no one would commit to come along. Figured that since a solo pays double, adding another pax wouldn't cost much more. But they are considered a third guest and they pay additional fare. My other sister mentioned "I'll go on any cruise" but good thing I didn't say anything, I got a good deal on a suite but adding her, it's not such a good deal anymore. I like traveling solo so there's no problem but others out there may not realize this is how it works when adding a person. From now on, I'll just book as 2 pax and have one be a no show if no one else wants to come along.

I have a feeling it is costs less to build a ship without balconies. Do like to sit out in the open air, looking at the ocean, without leaving my cabin. Quietly step out while the other sleeps. Nice to have the separation. I wouldn’t like it if that motorized window was locked out by master control. The new wave of cruisers won’t know any better.

New notes from the bank, clean and crisp.

I don't understand what your point is, or what solution you may have. No disrespect but a lot of us are just happy to be on a ship and would get some Bailey's Irish cream.

The solarium bistro where they have pizza has intermittent hours, loosely based on when WJ is closed, and not late-late. January 2023 the ship did not seem "run down" to me. Yes the decor is out-of-date and worn here and there. Most definitely harkens back to a simpler time. Loved the teak promenade where they have loungers where you can read and gaze out at the ocean, if that's your thing. Female activities hosts were unbearably shrill. Rock wall was fun. Food was enjoyable if not memorable. Staff very accommodating. Boarding Grandeur again in September. Not disputing others' observations, just giving you mine.

Also I understand it is for data collection purposes, so they can determine how much people are willing to bid.

It's unsettling to witness that people either don't actually read, or have reading comprehension, of a few sentences.

My only comparison is 1973 vs post-restart. smaller ships more modest dress on females politeness great and elaborate food absence of tattoos more-seasoned and joyful crew truly last-minute ticket purchase sense of urgency drink service including cocktails in dining room flambe' Still, overall it's a far better experience today than it was then.

If it were me, II would bid on the GS and higher, that's what I'd call an upgrade, a more spacious cabin. and the suite lounge on Jewel is nice, there is an actual bar you can sit at, and a nice assortment of breakfast foods, away from the crowds. We had an OS under the windjammer for 12 nights and never heard anything.

AI beach resort, teens will love and brother deserves free drinks as father of teens JMO.

I have not done MTD but we had an owner's suite on Jewel last October, the concierge helped us with anything we asked, I feel like she would have gotten us a MTD reservation if we had wanted it.

You can spot the reviews by people have an axe to grind, those who have made their own problems, had unrealistic expectations, or are miserable, entitled people who are never happy.

Following. Hope you have a great time! Looking forward to 8508 this September, really enjoyed Grandeur back in January.

Thank you for the travelogue, great weather you had. I am so envious, love Jewel for the open views. Captain Mike is so cool. Hope to do this bucket-list intinerary, I have heard that at some point, ships won't be allowed into some areas. So it's wonderful that you got to do it.

Looking at the video of the sea trial that was just posted, it's looking less hideous to me, but still....all the kids scare me.

Why not? Find an easily solution rather than being scornful.

I just started cruising last year, but I notice that many times people have issues that could have been easily addressed if they mentioned them to staff. For the cabin, I keep a small note pad on the table to write down issues/requests. They do have more cabins to keep track of than before, they are not as likely to be nearby for you to talk to them every day.

TA all the way. No brainer. You talk to the same person each time, they are savvy, and coherent, you get perks, and you're not waiting on hold interminably.

Someone can confirm but I recall that solarium roof only opens when the ship is not underway.

May want to check the reviews on MSC and P&O out of the UK, on their cruises you would see even more unhappy people. I added some new adjectives to my vocabulary, reading them.

Your next punishment for complaining so much will be no Royal ships sailing from the UK 😂

That was a huge gamble your son took. 🤷‍♂️

Bidet is a plus. Pack a soft throw blanket. There are over 30 drawers. Decide which drawers/cabinets you won’t use, to simplify packing up at the end.

It occurs to me that with all the new staff since the restart, they may not know where to find half-and-half or other requested items or even know what they are, or if they are allowed to provide them. I have worked in a lot of restaurants, lots of staff from different cultures/countries, new to their jobs. Guest asked one of the assistants for Bailey's. He went looking for bay leaves.