valleyvillage

First cruise was on HAL, and at the time they had something called : Tipping Not Necessary! We were so confused by it. We asked if that meant tipping included, or was it like a restaurant where you don't HAVE to tip but it is expected, etc. All anyone could tell us was Tipping Not Necessary!

I even asked, so if I don't tip anything, that's ok? Tipping Not Necessary!

I searched a bit on HAL's CC board and folks there felt kind of the same way we did, it was not a helpful policy.

Then we cruised NCL and the DSC was added automatically and we loved it! We felt confident that any tipping we might choose to do on our own was truly up to us.

I understand the impetus to post things like NCL should do this, that, or the other thing, but I always have the same thought: "Interesting idea! Maybe when you start your own cruise line, you could try that!" :rolleyes:

"Plans go to hell when the first shot is fired." What really matters is the training of the crew.

Yes, it is a one-time freebie when they have the $25 special. They also usually run a pressing only special on embarkation day.

They are all over the place! I have seen them go table to table, by the elevators by the buffet, or you can call them on the phone.

I recommend an early reservation, the do run out of things! Enjoy

I do have one question - what kind of coffee machine is there in the SJ suites? We hope it's the Espresso kind.

 

Cheers!

It is the Lavazza pod espresso machine, just like in the other Star suites. Your butler will keep it stocked and running. Enjoy!

Thanks for the great pictures, I could see where 4 people would sleep, but it left a question in my mind where the last 2 people would sleep. Looks like they have a murphy bed. Is that correct. Also one more question if you dont mind answering is there a separate walk in shower in the bathroom or is the only shower in the bathtub?

We are going to book one of these family suites regardless we like the square footage and there are 5 of us. In December we were on the Pearl and had a veranda cabin and an inside cabin, we were not happy with that and we all ended up sleeping in the balcony cabin.

 

I love the fact that the SJ comes with all the suite perks. Can anyone elaborate on free drinks, or free liqour in the room?

 

Thanks Norma

Yes, there is a murphy bed in the area with the dining table and chairs. They move them to the foot of the master bed to make up the murphy.

PP is correct about the beverages.

The gorgeous bathroom has a full tub, wonderful! and a separate shower with glass door. Both have the hand held type shower attachment. The shower also has an overhead drencher type shower head.

Wonderful wonderful suite!:D

We're booked in 12028......I was trying not to be any farther forward than I have to be in case of motion if we get rough seas on the way to Bermuda...but now I'm worried that noise may be a problem. Will we be under the running track? I'm not sure where it turns around. Also looks like we may be under one of the tiers of loungers above the pool. And also the comment now about being across from the Library as far as traffic is concerned...should I be concerned? I am so second guessing this suite.:confused:

The track turns around the elevator area, so your suite is under the track. On the Star they close the running track until 8 in the morning, so that may not be a problem for you.

I don't know that there would be much difference in motion between 12028 and 12018, maybe a motion expert can chime in! :D

I take a Bonine the night before and then every night of the cruise and we had no trouble!

Whatever you decide, have a GREAT cruise!

We sailed in 12016 and have booked it again! This great post has tons of pics and the pics of the SJ look just like our suite.

It is close enough to the elevators and stairs to be really convenient but not right in the traffic pattern for the pool and library.

Also, it is far enough forward that the jogging track is not overhead.

I hope you get our butler, Erlindo Doca! He is amazing.

Bon Voyage!

:D

VV - who was your butler last time on Star?

...not used to being asked a question!

Robert D'Souza was our butler. Wonderful!

Technically, I believe that's correct. Champagne with a capital C can only come from the Champagne region in France, made in a certain way.

 

All others are supposed to be labled "methode champagnois" or some such (pardon my high school French spelling).

 

However, this is kind of like "Xerox." It's a distinction that's so commonly misapplied and in such general use that it lost the copyright.

 

But here's my question: Is the Champagne in the OS and GV really French? The bottle of sparkling wine you get in PH suites is definitely not. It's a moderately cheap California sparkler...pleasant enough to start the cruise though.

Yes, it's really French! In our DOS on the Star this Spring it was a half bottle of Dom Pérignon Brut.

.

...perks come and go, and this one is gone. When I asked my butler about it he just smiled and said, we don't have to do that any more!:D

This was on the Star this Spring...your ship may vary.

Hey buddy, I understand about the reluctance to use a wheelchair. I had an amazingly painful gout attack that lasted about a week. I had to fly during that week, so I asked for wheelchair service at the airport.

What a great decision! They had these looooong halls and it made such a difference to have that service. I chatted with the attendant and he assured me people use them all the time, even when they can walk, but have other problems with pain, shortness of breath, etc.

I totally get your hesitation, though. There is a psychological aspect to overcome. It took me about a minute and then I felt nothing but blessed relief!

I hope you can find some alternative therapy with better odds. In the meantime, congrats on getting your passport.

Have a great cruise!

PS We are now addicted to the suite life. So, go for it!

My mom can walk with a cane, but sometimes it can be quite difficult. For our last cruise on sister ship Star, we rented a wheelchair from a local medical supply house, very reasonable!

Our stateroom was not accessible but it was not a problem for her to get in the cabin with her cane. We just collapsed the chair to take it in the room.

The ship is easy to maneuver with a chair and that way you would always have the option if needed.

Have a wonderful cruise!

There are 3 of us, found this at the Crowne Plaza: $299 for room for one night, shuttle from LAX to CP, shuttle from CP to the ship, shuttle from the ship to LAX.

Are there other deals out there? Thanks!

Be sure to sign up for the Roll Call for your cruise. It is fun to meet other CC members. If I were on your cruise I would buy you a great cup of coffee!

And, since you are obviously a coffee lover, you must try to book a suite some day! They come with a Lavazza Blue coffee magic machine that fresh brews individual espressos, lungos, even lattes and the like! And Tea! They are amazing.

I tried a CCL 4 day cruise, solo. Booked an inside cabin (they are quite large on the Paradise!) and had a great time!

I was not expecting ANYTHING, just wanted to be on the ocean. I loved both ports, Catalina and Ensenada. Catalina is delightful, drove a cart around the island, had a latte. For Ensenada it was an excursion through CCL to the Bufadora. The guide was enchanting and I really enjoyed the Margarita at Habana Banana!

I would do it again anytime.

That is the most wonderful review and the pictures are awesome. Thank you very very much!

I have always wanted to take this cruise, would love to know more about it!