kontraxed

Yep. I'm bottom of the barrel in the loyalty program. That being said, there's this new American illness called uber political correctness where we are afraid to recognize any differences in people. If you are such a frequent cruiser that you have earned certain benefits then I think you can take advantage of them if you want to. If there is a priority line that I could use, I certainly would and without hesitation. In the meantime, I stand in the long line hoping that someday I will have earned my spot in the priority line!

I don't think virgins are all they're cracked up to be!

I've been checking the rates for Navigator of the Seas for May 2015 and suddenly today (July 23rd) they are only showing rates for inside rooms. Is this a computer glitch or is something going on with the ship?

We seldom book shore excursions through the ship anymore. It gives us the freedom to decide if we want to get off the ship or not. My wife doesn't like taking tenders into port. Some of the spas will offer discounts while the ship is in port. Some ports, like Belize, we believe are too dangerous to just get off and wander around. Maybe the weather will be bad. It is really nice on the ship when the majority of other passengers get off. Many times we get off the ship briefly to take a walk and then get back on in time for lunch! The beauty of cruising is that you can do whatever you want!

You know, it's funny. I had the same observation that Navigator of the Seas seemed to have comparatively fewer boards or comments than other ships. I am going on the NOS in May 2015 and I'm really looking forward to it (lack of comments not withstanding!).

People write all these comments and suggestions on these boards. I wonder if Royal Caribbean reads them and more important, do they ever respond directly through the Cruise Critic boards? It would be nice to have a public forum where you can ask a question and get an actual answer.

I like the idea of a cup of coffee on the balcony to start the day. I also like good coffee. If I get one of those premium coffee drink packages, would room service deliver a premium coffee?

I just moved to Houston, TX which is close to two cruise ports (Bay port and Galveston). I tried E-Mailing the local cruise lines to see if there was a list I could get on for last minute (48 hours) cruise deals. I never received an answer from any of them! I don't think they really like the idea of the last minute bookings (i.e. cheap deals).

We are looking at an Alaska Cruise Tour for 2015 and I have some very basic questions.

When you stay at the hotel or resort listed in each cruise tour, can you verify if the price of that stay is included in the cruise fare?

Are meals included in the fare during the land portion of the tour?

When they talk about excursions from the land portion, who organizes those - is it the ship cruise company - Princess, Norwegian, etc. or is it the stay over where you sleep?

I assume you sleep each night in a lodge or hotel or something and there are not any overnights on a train or a bus?

Do people find it difficult schlepping their suitcases and bags everywhere?

In the upper reaches of New England (Maine, Vermont, etc.) in May they have a plague of black flies that will eat you alive. Is this the same in Alaska?

Thanks for your answers!

I just got off the Caribbean Princess yesterday (Feb. 15th). The sanctuary was $105 per person for the full 7 day cruise. The steward did say she thought the prices might be going up but she didn't know to how much. I would also like to say that the Sanctuary was wonderful and very relaxing. I can't take a lot of sun and the shady areas were very nice. It does cost extra but it really made our trip!

Princess upgraded our cabin but then said we had 48 hours to let them know if that was not acceptable. We preferred the upgrade so we did not respond. The point is that they did not just unilaterally change our rooms without letting us know.

I'm a big guy (OK, fat) and I find the typical showers in the cruise ship rooms to be pretty tight. The Minis have the full tub and shower combo that is much more comfortable. That, and you have a little more room to move around in. I also like a room not directly across from the elevators because you have loud people moving around through the night. Finally, I don't want to be under a public area floor. I remember on one cruise waking to the sound of deck chairs being arranged EARLY every morning! You pay more for a mini, but we wait for a good deal. I'm sure everyone has their selection criteria, but these are ours. Good luck!

Did you go into the adults sanctuary? Did you have to pay to use it? Was it worth it?

We're going on the Feb. 8th cruise so I have enjoyed this thread!