MWarren3549

1 minute ago, jsn55 said:

Do you think that this may be a result of compassion for the people who work in fast food and couldn't work for so long during the virus disaster?  I found that the worst part of the virus, the lower-level jobs disappeared and people couldn't feed their kids.  It made me sick.  Other than travel, we don't go out all that much, and after the world started to wake up, we went out more and would leave huge tips.  I do find myself still tipping far more (for real service) than I used to.

That I am sure is part of it. But I found this to be true long before the pandemic.  It is a mindset that Americans have been bashed over the head with for so many decades ... it's a compulsion.  And cruise tipping ... wow ... people can't wait to state how much above & beyond they tip the stewards and dining staff.  

2 minutes ago, jsn55 said:

Are you serious?  This is hilarious.  And the best part?  People put MONEY in that tip jar!  I love it.

Yes, I've seen tip jars at the Starbucks windows.  And yes, they do!!  I am telling you ... Americans are falling all over themselves to TIP anyone & everyone.  SMH  ... 

On 12/26/2023 at 2:59 PM, CruisingCookie21 said:

If you are booking shore excursions, how far in advance of the cruise do you book yours?

As soon as possible.  The one I am on for my upcoming Jan. 2024 cruise has been sold out for a couple of weeks.  

On 1/8/2024 at 12:06 PM, jsn55 said:

No question that tipping in the US is completely out of control.  My fave is the 'tip jar' at a fast-food restaurant.  If people are dumb enough to leave a tip for no service, good for the establishment.  If you're in a culture where tipping is the norm, don't try to force your opinions by not tipping.  All that does in punish a hard-working staff.  Get with the program or stick to places where tipping is not expected.

Tip jar at Starbucks DRIVE THROUGH!!!!  OMG it is out of control. 

On 12/3/2023 at 9:45 AM, leaveitallbehind said:

It's not terribly uncommon for large group bookings of several hundred in the group (corporations, organizations, clubs, churches, etc.) to have as part of their group package certain excursions included. When this occurs, those excursions will show as closed as the group involved has secured the full capacity of the excursion.  (It also is not uncommon for any excursion to book full, either with early planner bookings or on board, which would close them to remaining passengers).

 

The other issue with groups is if large enough, they tend to dominate certain venues on board which can make it harder for individuals to enjoy those venues as well. Some are closed at certain times intentionally for a given groups' function.

 

And as mentioned by @CruiserBruce full ship charters are closed to general passenger bookings, so you would not be able to book that itinerary in the first place.

 

And regarding the vaccine situation which occurred during the restart, many cruise lines had those restrictions and exceptions in place - most of which were driven by port of call regulations at the time.

Yes - that is true for the onboard venues.  I  have been part of very large groups many times and I'm heading out on another cruise on 1/20th.  We pay a large premium to have these venues closed and used for our group alone.  The Piano Barbarians close the Piano Bar throughout the cruise where it is only our group inside.  They are a great, rowdy bunch ... My tribe.  

On 11/22/2023 at 9:36 PM, Kristelle said:

No, not same result.

 

If staff are paid a set wage ant there are no tips then staff get paid same hourly wage regardless of how busy it it. 

You know,like most places in the world.

 

LOL  It always amuses me when people apply US norms and labor laws and ADA laws to companies OUT OF THE COUNTRY .... Most staff are paid an X $ amount for their contract.  Or a set X $ amount PER MONTH of their contract ... they are NOT paid an hourly wage for the 14 - 18 hours a day that they work.  

FYI - I work very closely with a cruise line employee and am in the middle of processing his Visa docs to submit to homeland security.  

On 12/30/2023 at 12:17 PM, Flatbush Flyer said:

Already posted about using the “world clock” on, at least, an iphone. No need to turn off automatic time zone correction. As long as your home time zone in the world clock was/is correct, each port location you add to your list will show correct local time.

But you can't travel/go ashore on 'LOCAL' time ... you ALWAYS have to remain on 'SHIP' time. 

NO!  Never change your watch to local time.  ALWAYS keep it on 'Ship' time.  The difference is:  Getting back to the ship EARLY or becoming a pier runner and most likely missing the ship and finding your things on the dock.  

IDK if you want to hear this ... I did a 12 day transatlantic cruise from NY to Amsterdam.  Flew to Ireland ... spent 3 days at an airbnb in Dublin and then met up with a land tour group for 2 week bus tour around Ireland.  I did laundry bag on ship 2X in 12 days.  I had drop & p/u laundry service in Dublin.  Then 1 hotel we were there for 2 nights and I did a pleading, begging rush drop & deliver laundry service.  I packed in a 22" rolling duffel and a beach bag for the whole month!  I tied my sneakers to the outside straps of the duffel bag so they didn't take up space inside.  

4 minutes ago, Elaine5715 said:

Yes, they must be over 21.  People assume that under 21 can get non alcoholic beverages but they can't since the DOU/DOUE won't code into the underage folio

Thank you ... that is what I thought ... but have never experienced it.  

I have a question about this - and it isn't me - But Drinks on Us with Companion ... Does that companion HAVE to be 21 years or older?  A woman posted wanting her underage daughter to be the 'companion' on her Drinks on Us offer.   I don't think this is allowed, but IDK.   Thoughts or have experienced this?  Thx!!

1 hour ago, sverigecruiser said:

 

We didn't do any laundry when we did a transatlantic cruise but it was only 11 nights.

 

The risk of losing the luggage is not big enough for me to do laundry on my vacation.

Well ... a full month of travelling ... flying from Amsterdam to Dublin and 2 week tour from there ... DEF needed laundry services and needed to be able to carry all of my things with me.  To each their own.  

On 7/3/2023 at 12:35 AM, sverigecruiser said:

 

You are packing too little if you need to do laundry during the cruise.

Hahahaha Really?   A 2 week transatlantic and NOT doing any laundry.  Yeah I am NOT packing too little.  I am packing exactly enough that I can control and carry with me and NOT have it lost by the airlines.  BUT that is just me ... who has seen MANY MANY people running around in same clothes because their luggage was lost for their entire vacation.  

On 6/27/2023 at 8:07 PM, travelfool123 said:

After years of using my luggage, I have to get a new set.  I'm having trouble finding big enough luggage for a 10 day cruise with a 2 day pre-cruise.  Any suggestions for a checked in luggage that is big enough and will pass requirements.  Thanks!

IMHO ... You are packing way too much.  I travelled for a month - 1st a 2 week transatlantic cruise to Amsterdam and flew to Dublin and did a 2 week bus tour of ireland - ALL in a beach bac and 22 inch rolling duffel bag.  Yes I did laundry (or sent laundry out) on the cruise and at the airbnb I stayed at before the bus tour around ireland and then at 1 of the hotels.  But I knew exactly where all of my luggage was at any given time.  No chance of it getting lost or put on wrong airplane.  

Our Med Cruise in 2013 ... I was SO EXCITED to go to Turkey / Istanbul / Bazaar ... only to find out it was Ramadan .... !!!!  Very disappointing. 

Inside cabin ... 1982 ... had 4 beds ... 4 girls travelling Boston to Bermuda on original Carnival Mardi Gras.  It was WONDERFUL and so started my obsession with cruising.  🤩

On 9/30/2022 at 11:43 AM, John Bull said:

 

Yes, singletons are heavily charged, I've even seen more than double ie singleton pays more than two people sharing a cabin. That's because only one is spending on drinks, excursions etc instead of two.

 

A couple of suggestions...........

 

NCL (Norwegian Cruise Lines, US-owned despite the name) has singles' studio-cabins on some of their ships. Cabins are of course smaller but same facilities & private bathroom plus a shared lounge for those singletons.

 

And MSC (an Italian cruise line) are far less money-grabbing from singletons than most cruise lines.

My partner & I have booked a 14-day MSC Caribbean fly-cruise together with a singleton friend.

For an identical double cabin she's paying only about 12% more than each of us !!!!!

 

So check out those two cruise lines.

And I agree with the others that because you're a newbie, a good cruise-specialist t/a  is worth their weight in gold.

 

First cruises are always great - enjoy 🙂

 

JB 🙂

1)  NCL typically has an employee who heads up the 'Solo Group'.  They meet each evening in a closed/empty lounge to meet & greet.  They get a headcount for dinner.  Call to dining room and get tables set up and then ... en masse ... all go to the dining room, walk PAST everyone in line waiting to be seated and are seated at their designated tables.  The groups have been FUN and friends can be made and go on excursions together and to the shows together and see each other at dinner and rehash the day and fun.   It is a huge plus for that cruiseline.  

ALSO - look at prices for a single interior price - even with the solo surcharge - compared to the solo cabin.  SOMETIMES the single interior is less $$$ than the tiny solo cabin.  That little lounge that is in the solo cabin area is NOT worth the extra $$$ .... IMHO.  Just look at your desired cruise and price the options available. 

Wow ... Everyone is only discussing liquor/beer/wine.  Think about coffee drinks, sodas, bottled water, etc.  ALL of the drinks you have in a day.  NOT just downing/chugging liquor.  

On 8/26/2022 at 4:02 AM, calliopecruiser said:

Eating alone in a "fancy" dining room -- I don't like it on land, either.  I don't mind a more casual restaurant, because I don't feel uncomfortable with a book or my phone during a meal in that setting, but in a more formal environment I feel uncomfortable reading my phone or a book.  It seems to get in the way of the fancy table setting or the serving by the staff or something.

Ask to be seated at a table with others.  People tell the MD they are happy to share their table. Whether it’s for a solo cruiser or people in a hurry to get to a show.  

Just now, MWarren3549 said:

I am really sorry you struggled.  Try NCL. They have a group just for solos. They meet every day before dinner. They get tables for all the solo diners and we get  priority seating.  Great way to  meet & greet other solos.  

I am really sorry you struggled.  Try NCL. They have a group just got sold. They meet every day before dinner. They get tables for all the solo diners and we get  priority seating.  Great way to  meet & greet other solos.  

Look at EVERYTHING the drink package offers.  Beyond the alcoholic drinks.  Bottled water.  Specialty coffee, ALL virgin bar drinks, etc.  Price everything before making this decision.  

On 10/5/2022 at 9:11 PM, navybankerteacher said:

Very few Indonesians or Filipinos are named "Stuart".

You KNOW it was a joke ... right? hahahaha   It's the phrase that SO many people on here use instead of 'Steward'.

2 hours ago, Loverofcrafting said:

I am due to go on a West med cruise - ports around - Spain, France, italy. 

 

We don't usually do the ships excursions because they can be expensive.  We prefer walking out from the ship/docks and going private. 

 

How much money would I need to budget for each day for - taxis/private tours?   - would 120 euro each day be enough? 

That seems to be very low.  We did Barcelona to Venice in 2013 ...  we chose to do NCL ship excursions because we had NO idea/information of what to do in these countries or how to go about doing it.  NCL is VERY expensive on shore excursions ... but that's the bullet we bit for the cruise.  

1 hour ago, Capt_BJ said:

couple of my pics

WOW !!!!   OMG in a sailboat???  SCARY!