biker1972

Only problems (?) that I had while overlooking the Penthouse verandas from 7208 was topless sunbathing and persistent smoking by people in both suites. The one certainly was a problem, the other not so much.

Don't believe the hype you hear on board from the the shopping "expert" who is just a shill for the companies that pay to be exclusive to the ship's shopping guide. Unless you are an expert, you won't know the value of anything that is put in front of you, and remember that even at home there is a huge mark-up in jewelery/gems. That said, if you find something that you like and the price fits your budget, you should consider the purchase. There are no guantees in life, so have fun; just don't expect a $1000 ring to be worth $1000. ;)

The Summit has some great cabins called FV (family veranda) that are held for families of 5. the only cabins that truly are meant for this size group. They are ideal for your type family since they have an area with 2 sofa beds that can be closed off from the master bed with a privacy door ;). The veranda is much larger than a standard veranda (like an additional room) so all of you can be outside and together. The 6 corner FV's even have a hallway that is ideal for storing luggage!. Still only one bathroom, however. Do call X and see what pricing they have for these cabins (you must call because they are held for families and show online as sold out even if they are not). Five in a regular cabin, even if three are young children, might cause you to have a less enjoyable cruise than you had hoped for. Aside from the cabin issue, X seems to have an affinity for children. Many of the staff have families at home and they miss them dearly. Your children become their surrogates. Ask you cabin attendent if he/she can do towel animals. Always a hit with kids. Waiters seem to pay special attention to the kids. If they are picky eaters, things can be done to satisfy them. Talk to the staff and they will help make the cruise extra special!

That ferry saved me at least 3 days, but then I was on a bicycle :).

Much depends on when other cruisers with transfers arrive. Somewhere outside of customs/immigration you should be greeted by a rep for X, most likely with a list of people. Once everyone arrives,people and luggage will go to the bus for the trip to port. There it will be given to porters for loading on the ship. You will next see it in the hallway outside your cabin, best guess about 3:30, if you are lucky. And if you are lucky, when you get to the ship you will get to board if it is 11:00 or later.

Like state lines, cruise lines are arbitrary and all about money. Where they draw the lines defies logic. M class 2C's on deck six are now C1's. And to think I once sailed in 6135 for the price of a 2C :):(. If they could find a way to convince people that an inside was worth as much as an outside, I am sure they would do it.:eek: