Critically Cruising

Those CLEAR people paid for that privilege to "cut" the line.  Don't like it....sign up for it yourself.

3 hours ago, FlaMariner said:

 

Agree except for the timing....I need to check again but the total travel time (because of JFK layover) was 5 hours longer than ATL - SFO - SIN

 

Also, the $200 more fare was for Premium Economy. 

Dont worry about the time.  Plain coach will be more painful than PE.

If you take the "shortest" trip, it will also be the more difficult one.  Or so you will know afterwards.

Did you check on Newark to Singapore?  That way, you could fly United from Atlanta - all on Star Alliance.  

$200 differential for Singapore PE over coach is a no brainer in my book.  I'd have thought the difference would be a lot more.

Your body can thank me later.

2 hours ago, texanaust said:

I had a great cruise on Spirit earlier this year.  The staff were wonderful.  The only negative is Indochine which we did not like.  Much prefer SALT on the newer ships.

And we prefer Indochine over the pretentious SALT.

To each their own.

In regards the OP questions -- was recently on Spirit.  A few hiccups with leaks and maintenance that I noticed around the ship, but all were fixed along the way.  Service was superb, especially at the bar in Dolce Vita.  As for needing a "refresh", as long as the furnishings are still in good quality, I'm not as concerned if they aren't trendy, lighter or prettier.  I look for a solid, reliable product delivered consistently and professionally.  That I found on Spirit.

18 hours ago, Hlitner said:

We recently experienced just that, here on the Sky Princess

Well, that explains it.

41 minutes ago, fyree39 said:

Next it will be personal bluetooth speakers around the pool and on balconies. Saints preserve us.

Two words:  Bluetooth Jammers.

It only requires the will and commitment of the hotel director and his staff.  

Enough complaints and the offending items WILL be removed.   Tell the HD that a big reason for your cruising is to enjoy the pool deck, not to be faced with a sea of books and sunglasses soaking up the rays.  And that unless the chair hogs are dealt with, you will cruise elsewhere.

One particular cruiseline even sets up a table near the pool and has a large sign that says "Lost pool deck items".  They publicize a 1 hour time limit, then things get removed to the table.  And they apply the policy ruthlessly - regardless of how VVVVIP the offender is.  Plus, they have someone from security doing the removal, so the "lido boys" don't get dinged for the actions.

Just remember....if a cruiseline doesn't address a problem, they don't think it's a problem.  Now you decide if they should get your travel dollars.

3 hours ago, Yehootu said:

Very little overlap for the DOT to scrutinize.

Beg to differ.

Hawaiian operates 28 mainland – Hawaii routes. Alaska Airlines serves 12 of those routes. That’s overlap on 43% of Hawaiian’s mainland – Hawaii routes, and overlap on 25% of Hawaiian’s total route network.

Try looking here:

https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/assuntos/portal-consular/QGRVsimplesing30OCT23.pdf

Seems to me that citizens of Canada and the USA are exempt from needing a Brazilian visa.  This is the official government website, not a service, and is updated as of October.

NOTE:  This is not to be construed in any way as legal or immigration advice or counsel.  It is merely for informational purposes gleaned from a reading of the government website.

https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/assuntos/portal-consular/vistos/informacoes-sobre-vistos-para-estrangeiros-viajarem-ao-brasil

22 hours ago, mystik said:

i know there are other visa web site like visa central but could anyone give me a few other web site this is for brazil and cape verde.

Remember that those other websites are merely front-end processors for your visas.  If you are getting an electronic visa, your most effective and least expensive option is the immigration/customs ministry of the country itself.

Just research to find the country's website for electronic submissions.  And be VERY aware that there are many websites out there purporting or implying that they are "official" ways to get your visas.  Don't fall for that.  

Further, I don't know why you are wanting a visa to both Brazil and Cape Verde, as both of them have a visa waiver in place for Canadian citizens.  (Note:  This is NOT legal or immigration advice, but merely my reading of the appropriate government websites.  Do you own due diligence to comply with all relevant laws)

2 hours ago, cashmeremypuppydog said:

Yes but you don’t have a choice. You have to take SA insurance…

Interesting.  When I applied directly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a transit visa, there was no provision or mention of any kind of insurance.  Only a US$10.50 fee.

Could this be because you indicated residence/citizenship in Canada?

21 hours ago, morpheusofthesea said:

Funny thing. You posted this just as my DW told me I had to pay for 3 devices for her no matter what the cost. I dare not ask her your question......

Reason being is that you can use 3 devices with a standard account, just not simultaneously.  So unless she is a serious multi-tasker, she would be fine as it logs you into the new device and disconnects the other.

This is in contrast to some cruise lines where it is one dedicated device per person - as opposed to one login per person at a time.

And for the times where two might be needed simultaneously, she could always use your login for one of them.

(Why does this remind me of the days of drug dealers with multiple phones AND multiple pagers?)

5 minutes ago, Hlitner said:

The fact that just about everythig is made to order works against folks who want several items on their plate.

The trick is to order one thing, and instead of waiting for it to be finished, go off and order your other items.  And a third if you wish.

Now, this does result in multiple plates at the table, but you get your food about the same time so the temps are consistent.  And of course, you just have the hosts carry the multiple plates.

1 hour ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

Let's see if they're willing to change while on board....

I'll take the don't side of that bet.

9 hours ago, Dr. Cocktail said:

I'm disappointed to see that one of my oft referred to pet peeves has not been solved. I notice that there is live music in three lounges simultaneously from about 6:30 to 7:15 and then nothing until 8:30. It would be very easy to stagger the groups so that there's continuous live music. Explora has repeatedly stated that they want you to dine when you want and not have to miss entertainment but when all the music stops at 7:15, they're basically saying: "GO EAT!!!"

Looking at the photo of the program, note the box titled "Reimagine Entertainment".  And its contents.

But I don't think that's what you had in mind.

8 hours ago, uktog said:

I think the problem is the software in that the two cruises are combined into one reservation number and so everything that drives off it beyond that point is taken as it being one cruise

Be careful that any OBC given for the first segment is not lost if you don't use it up by the end of that part of your B2B.  Don't know if that is the case here, but I've been on another cruiseline that did that - and you had to complain vigorously for them to manually reset the numbers.

3 hours ago, florisdekort said:

We ran into the GM over coffee and he said that Explora is “very aware” of the problem, and is already looking at changes, including handing out buzzers. I couldn’t help myself and replied that buzzers would make me feel like dining at a Sizzler’s. Hopefully they come up with a better solution. 

All of which reinforces my contention.....everyone was focused on how can we make the ship attractive and different than other vessels.  NO ONE was actually focused on "how well will this work?"

And in so many areas, it doesn't.

2 hours ago, Stickman1990 said:

Power - No only on one side (in our case it was on the left as you face the bed) - at least that’s the case in the OT suites - but the room attendant can organise an extension cord if you need power on the other side of the bed 

Power on the side of the bed closest to the window.

Interestingly, our room "host" told us that extension cords were not allowed - so I hid mine running under the bed to power my CPAP.  I think he knew, but didn't rat us out.  But OTOH, none was provided by the ship - luckily I always have one with me.

1 hour ago, PaulMCO said:

Just spoke with my TA -- while booking a Seabourn cruise.

He got a response from his sales contact...

 

"Thank you so much for bringing to our attention and I’m so sorry for the inconvenience to Paul.

 

Please note that I have included our Sales Excellence Team to assist, as they will be able to see where the disconnect is within the system."

 

Wow I got the "excellence team" working on it...

Note, it's the sales team that is considered excellence.

The IT team?  Well....

On 10/23/2023 at 2:37 AM, Henk123 said:

Not only IT but also people gone from Azamara to Explora. But that part is possitive 😃 (Is Heike allready onboard?)

Here's a thought for you to consider:

1) Current onboard management is unable to make changes because of rigid policy directives from HQ.

2) The wonderful Heike is supposed to come onboard soon.

3) What is the realistic likelihood that corporate HQ, which has continued to hold tight reins on ship management, even in the face of customer feedback, will suddenly reverse course because of the presence of one person?

The level of optimism being shown around here is amazing.

4 hours ago, kidless said:

That's the one.  Ordered the Tanqueray gin and got Pink Pepper instead.  Told that Tanqueray was not available, even though it was on the list.

5 hours ago, Stickman1990 said:

I don’t think there’s a predetermined list

There was a short listing of available spirits that was in our room on boarding.  No one mentioned ordering anything other than what was offered on the sheet.

3 hours ago, uktog said:

Thanks, very helpful (the well travelled Ikea long handled boot horn - all 3 ft of it at a cost of £1 will add to its many avois)  🙂

I cracked off the "hook" to make it easier to pack along the side of the suitcase.  Still long enough to use.

And the ones sold in the USA are only 2 feet long.

13 hours ago, florisdekort said:

We’re currently on board. They don’t provide it for environmental reasons. It’s their filtered still and sparkling water only. 

Environmental reasons.  Along with "supply chain issues" it's another way to cover up cost cutting.

Apparently, if you, or your agent, have enough pull, they can supply it.  How "environmental" of them.