Griff4AU

Ours was the 4 day....

As for whether or not everyone in the cabin had to buy it, I have read the policy and seen the conflict that others have written about. What I am saying is that when we purchased thew package, we both bought it. The Bar Service person told another guest that not everyone had to buy the package... and the other guest only bought one package that I am guessing he used to cover both him and his wife. I am stating what happened, whether within or not within the policy, that is what happened.

What I will say that nearly every time (90%+) I went to get a drink (soda, water, alcohol) for both me and the GF the Server asked to see both cards to see both stickers. The only time they didn't is when we got to know a particular server... then they remembered we both had it (we tend to find a server we like, and then frequent them.. often we don't have to wait as long). Honestly I wouldn't want to stand in line twice as sometimes there was a bit of a wait (like on every ship on every line)....

If you're thinking about not getting the package, then bring a bottle of wine on board for each person... We did, and then didn't open them as we got the beverage package.

Just off the Ruby, and honestly the package was great. It covered nearly every wine and drink imaginable. It totally takes the guessing out of whether it is covered. You honestly had to make an effort to get a drink outside of the $10 price point (Johnny Walker Blue). It is a beverage package, so nearly everything liquid (including the monster sized water bottles) was included.

Yes, we took advantage of it, as did many other passengers. No, the ship did not become an alcoholic drunk-fest with pole and table dancing. We more than broke even every day and didn't have one hangover (for those of you who think this package will turn all who use it in to alcoholics).

I think the package covers much more than NCL's equivalent.

Well done.

Just back from Cozumel and wanted to give a report on Aldora.

I am emphatically stating that Aldora is a class operation. They attended to everything on board and took us to two outstanding spots. The surface interval was adequate and allowed us some beach time to get something to eat. Fortunately our group of 5 divers were all experienced divers, so our dives were to 80 and 70 feet. The DM's octo had a 7' hose in case there were any air hogs, with his rational being if someone was running low, yet everyone else had plenty of air, he would let them use his long octo so we could continue the dive. Fortunately everyone managed their breathing well.

What sets them apart is they do NOT use AL80s. A Steel 100 for the ladies, and a Steel 120 for the guys, are standard. The steel tanks pushed to 3500psi allowed a 53 minute and a 67 minute dive. You're not likely to see that with a diverse group of divers to these depths with AL80s.

An excellent DM, very good crew, and the use of steel tanks set Aldora apart in my opinion. This, by no means, is any reflection of Scuba Club, which two of our forum members give very high remarks to. Good operators need "air time" (positive publicity) from knowledgeable divers. So it sounds like we have two good operators to choose from, Scuba Club and Aldora.

Lots of positive reviews about Eagle Ray (their communication has been lacking as of late).

We will be diving with Aldora this coming Saturday and I will post a review here. They use Steel 100s and 120s for much greater bottom times.

The professor seems to really like Scuba Club, and I look forward to trying them next time.

I think what is generally accepted amongst experienced divers is that nearly everywhere cruise ships dock (with the possible exception of Nassau) you will get a better dive experience with more experienced divers on less crowded boats for less money using an independent dive operator than the one the cruise lines contract with...

Good luck...

Hey there Bill, I can't say I feel your pain, but I can come close.

Several years ago one of my dive buddies had a fusion after 3 different disectomies failed. He stayed out of the water for a few months (3), but started diving as soon as he could (stubborn guy)...

The key was his "best dive buddy ever" (me) carried everything. At no point did he carry a load at all. As Laurie mentioned, take the BC / tank on and off in the water. Don't even think about a weight belt (if your BC isn't weight-integrated, get one). Use a steel tank if possible (less weight in the BC). Using the thinnest wetsuit you can will also decrease the amount of weight you need to carry. (All stuff you know).... 16lbs is a lot... I'm 210 and only carry 6 when using a steel 100 or 120 in SoFL and wearing a 1mm.

The one time when he had to walk in and out with gear on (shore dive in medium surf) I walked behind him holding up the tank... In hind-site he should have skipped that dive.

Honestly my friend really felt great once in the water.

I guess what I am suggesting is that after 4 months of recovery, you may very well be able to dive. The diver community is a pretty friendly community. I am sure many, and not just your dive buddy, will gladly help.

As a smart diver I am sure you have your DAN insurance (no one should dive without DAN, but that's just my opinion), but I'd really make sure you have it if you're going to dive in May.

Good luck.

Honestly the average age of a Princess cruiser is older than Carnival and NCL, no question. But there is no way you’ll feel too young or out of place, especially if you’re not on a smaller ship with an itinerary that attracts a more experienced crowd.

I was 36 when Princess “brought me back” in to cruising. My kids were younger, and have sailed with Princess, Carnival and Disney, and every time they preferred Princess. The Princess children’s program is great, and not too “baby-sitting-ish” and I always knew my daughters were having fun and in a safe environment. Your 2yo is probably a little too young for you and your wife to worry about that yet.

I do think RCL is a better “middle step” between Carnival/NCL and Princess because of the “shopping mall atmosphere and flow-riders,” but every Princess cruise has a 20s & 30s contingent that’s fun, especially down to the Caribbean. If you’re past the neon party atmosphere of Carnival, then you’re absolutely not too young for Princess or RCL.

An overall one & two stars because of a poor CD (every line has at least a few bad CD's) and poor entertainment although the food, service, and ports were all excellent? Tough critics ...

I will admit that "brand familiarity" is a risk to frequent cruisers who stay with one line. We've been away from Princess for a few years playing with NCL and RCL, and honestly we can't wait to get back to the familiarity and comfort that Princess offers us. To each his (and her) own...

Perhaps you and your wife would be better served with a different environment. Most of my "Princess Loyalist" friends tend to like RCL and X most as they are the most similar to Princess (in very different ways). I think the RCL experience varies wildly based on their class of ships. We haven't tried X, but are eager to do so (we're sailing them in June). That said, we have 2 Princess sailings booked this year and hope to join the Regal in Venice later in the year. Princess is where we belong.

Many others will offer you their own pros and cons for RCL, but that will depend on what their own comfort zone and experience has been. If you've enjoyed Princess for the most part, you might not care for the RCL Super-Mega ships with their shopping mall atmosphere. But you need to try them and see what works for you and the Mrs. I'm suspecting you might like X (sister line to RCL) more, and they are running some great specials right now.

Good luck... although I suspect after a year or two you'll be back to Princess. Just like us..

Billco did exactly what I was about to do as I run the Pre/Post login comparison all of the time. The rates are nearly always different.

And remember, just because the website says "Welcome Mr. SheepdogGriff" (insert your name there), it may not necessarily mean that you are logged in. If you see "Sign In" anywhere (even next to your own name), you're not truly signed in - the site just remembers who it's expecting to log in. This was fixed with a recent website update where you don't see your name at all unless you are completely signed in, but that doesn't mean it's that way on all the different internet browsers.

Maybe an igloo for our friends in the Northeast and Midwest because of the Winter they've had. Maybe they'd get "priority seating" on the first day for the "hot stone loungers" in the Lotus spa...

Princess could have fun with this...

Sheepdoggrif, I had the same lack of response from Eagle Ray, so decided to go with H2O. Check out their website. They apparently visit 4 reefs over 4+ hours for $60 per person. I am booked with them and really looking forward to their tour.

Eagle Ray finally responded, and then an hour later basically said "Ooops, we didn't mean that. Use the following (form) letter instead" with higher prices. I am sure they are good people and great divers, but crappy business people. No thanks.

We'll be diving with Aldora on Saturday and I'll post here how it goes. They use steel 100s (ladies) and 120s (for the guys), so no "25 minutes and you're done" bottom times allowed! We're looking forward to trying them out.

I'll also check out H2O and add them to the "check them out next time" list.

Thanks and regards,

Griff

Very fair comparison. We're looking forward to trying X, and even had made a reservation, but an RCL with a local departure made more sense.

Thank you

I do that all the time, but didn't think about the addition of OBC. Great advice.

Thanks

Cool.. It's going to be on the Ruby. We're boarding this week.

A few quick thoughts...

Let's try some common sense here... It's Princess, not Carnival. A very different type of passenger, usually. But during a short cruise and during a Spring Break period, all types of passengers board nearly every line. My only Carnival cruise had a woman passed out drunk at the muster drill (yes, before we sailed)... and she was being attended to by the medical staff 3 hours later while seated on the same bench... it happens. (she must have been with some quality friends who left her there)

7 drinks a day is easy when you include the specialty coffees and such... especially on the Sea days... and I am pretty sure I haven't pole danced in the dining room... I save that for NCL. (sarcasm alert for those who missed it)

How much people eat, drink, fool around, etc isn't anyone's business unless it impacts you....

Some people might like the drink package so they don't feel they need to pay attention to individual receipts... Has anyone ever been mis-charged on a cruise? Most of us have. Drink package takes the worry out of that... that adds value all by itself.

And yes, I do agree it can be a problem. I'll admit that. Didn't we read somewhere that Carnival initiated a 15 drink maximum per day for their package... Now even the libertarian in me agrees THAT's insane... That's abuse...

... but I am glad it's going to be on the Ruby ;)

Texas was only going to get the Lone Star had they successfully seceded from the Union during any of their very warranted public outcries. I think last one was was either because of the sequestration or ObamaCare (I forgot)... And yes, I really do think the Texas government (and most, but not all, states) can run more efficiently than our federal government can...

Hey, if I wasn't going to cause any controversy with the symbols or the Captain's Circle levels, I might as well throw politics in to the mix!

Maybe my good friends from Texas should protest Princess for putting a lone star on non-Texans boarding passes.... (in case my St. Patrick's Day sarcasm is a wee too bit extreme, I actually supported the message of the Texas threat to secede because our friends in DC can't run their business... I don't want to upset my Texas friends!)

What is your symbol?

OK, I had to laugh a little at that. I was picturing a really bad pickup line from a cheesy bar... "What's your symbol (sign)?"

I'm thinking it's nationality. Me and Michael are stars, Chrysalis is a Canuck with a maple leaf, and my better half has an EU passport with the globe on her pass.

Too bad it's nothing confrontational so we can have another Cruise Critic battle... like "why Elites shouldn't have to wait or pay for anything, and how Blue cards should carry the bags for Gold cards and how Ruby members should buy all the drinks for the Platinums"... I just LOVE those threads... (I guess my wee bit of sarcasm is flowing... I'm overdue to Escape Completely.... no wait, that was last year... Time to come back new....)

Seriously, thanks for the help. I was curious!

Tried a search (very glad it's back).... although I couldn't find what I am looking for, but I know someone around here will know this off the top of their head...

We're sailing in a few days and have printed off the eBoarding Passes. Under the "Internal Use Only" (middle, on the right), both me and the "boss" have different symbols. I don't remember these, but admittedly it's been a while since we've sailed Princess. Please tell me these aren't pre-screen symbols (Well, tell me if they are). I am guessing they aren't Captain's Circle status, but they may be since I am Ruby and she is Gold. The symbol on her pass is a globe, and I am guessing it's because she isn't a US citizen, but that's a guess. Any ideas to what the various symbols mean?

Anyone use Aldora? They use steel tanks, which I prefer (especially if they overfill them).

Eagle Ray hasn't emailed us back, we're on the boat next week, and need to set something up.

Thanks and regards,

Griff

I actually live in LBTS having moved down here a little over a year ago, so maybe I am a bit biased.

I think it's as good as shore diving / snorkeling as you can get down here, but I don't feel it's worth a trip with the limited amount of time you'll be here. The Copenhagen wreck is an OK wreck that's just 100 yards off the beach, and by Datura Ave there is a snorkel trail, but we've managed to essentially kill off the reef.

If your hotel is by the Port, you are about 20 minutes away as LBTS is about 6 miles North of downtown FTL.

funny stuff..... I need to send that link on the the GF as we'll be on the Ruby next week.

And while I can understand that many don't care for it, the new ad campaign is working - but obviously to a different demographic than is on this thread.

I'm just outside the boomer age range and I find the ads hitting the "we work too hard, and sometimes we need to completely unplug" age bracket. That's why I got back in to cruising 10 years ago... it was the first vacation I had in years where I was fine putting the Blackberry (remember that relic) away... I've been an addict ever since.

That's why I think this ad (although not on TV, I don't think) is perfect:

Just checked my vast array of dive shop links and remembered I have used Blue Island down in St. Thomas. They were really very good. It's been a few years, but I would absolutely use them again...

As for a 30 - 35 minute limit you referred to, you'll have the "only dive when on a cruise once a year" surfacing after 25 minutes anyway... 'Not to pick on them, but that's all the bottom time they will get with an AL80 and forgetting how to regulate their breathing.

Impossible to offer unbiased advice based on how little you shared.

Of course you're going to hear RCL bias here, and NCL bias on their page. That should be expected.

If you offer a little bit about yourself (ages, interests, kids), you might get some more unbiased recommendations. Both lines have their strengths, and weaknesses. If you are a regular on a certain cruise line, ask the folks on that particular forum. They'd tell you the similarities and differences from your "usual".

Good luck...

Good to know about the dive company above... Thank you...

I'm a newbie to RCL, so I am trying to suck in as much info as possible. While newbies to RCL, we're very experienced cruisers and Elite level on several lines. I say this simply to qualify (a little) our take on any excursions, diving or otherwise: go independant... You'll usually get a MUCH better experience and save money.

Depending on the cruise line, the shore excursion operators kick up to 50% back to the cruise line. As a DM (for fun, never for a living), I would rather that money go to the operators of the dive shop... more money for them to live their life and maintain their equipment.

Also remember that cruise ship SCUBA excursions will attract both experienced divers and those who dive once every 3 years (and the dreaded "no dives since I earned my C Card" diver). The excursion DM will have to take that in to account. Divers who seek the independents usually have more dive experience.

As for being concerned about not getting back to the boat on time, I have never worried about that and never had a problem anywhere in the world. These independent operators (all of them, dive and otherwise) rely on the cruise ship business. They aren't going to destroy their reputation and their operation by having someone miss their boat. With a SCUBA trip, it's not as if you're going 50 miles inland and risk getting stuck in traffic coming back.... you're on the water!

You know what they say about opinions...... Opinions are like.... But I believe you'll have a better dive experience and save money going independent...

(Oh, and support your local dive shop!)

We did back-to-back 4-night cruises on the Ruby in December and I did not see any mention of the Chef's Table in the Patters.

You'll never see it in the Patter. It's a "race on the ship to get your name on the list" kind of thing. Usually the list is full before the ship even leaves port. Now that some ships are offering it more than once during a 7 day voyage, or even daily on the new ships, it may lose some of it's exclusiveness, but certainly not the cool factor.

I am guessing they simply don't do it during a short voyage, even one with multiple sea days...

Sorry folks.. I've searched and didn't find the answer...

We've never taken a "short" Princess cruise.. always 7 days or longer...

Do they ever offer the Chef's Table on the short (4 or 5 day) runs?

I'm late 40's and have taken my teenage daughters (who were both pre-teen when we started cruising together) on Disney, Carnival and Princess. Even as pre-teens, they always preferred Princess. The only other kids/teens they've stayed in touch with through the kids programs on the ships have been with the Princess cruises.

Just because Princess doesn't overwhelm you with neon and flashing lights and ship-board merry-go-rounds doesn't mean that the average passenger age was "older."

Your daughters will love Princess, just like mine still do...