veep

3 hours ago, Bonanza said:

Navigator is Tom Hopkins

Good reporting job! I was on the test cruise too, and completely forgot to write down his name...

Don't mean to scare you, but several years ago on Freedom we had a medical emergency the last evening so we stopped in Nassau to drop them off. We didn't get to Port Canaveral until 5 hours after we anticipated. In the morning everyone was trying to get off with their luggage to catch planes. It was a madhouse. Instead of renting a car to get to the airport, we paid a taxi a huge tip to get us there asap (we were flying out of Datona- cheaper for 4 of us). We got there, but it was scary. Changing flights would have cost $4000. 

Even if ships don't clear customs, there are other things that can delay getting in for disembarkation. If I was chosing flights, I'd schedule something later. 26 cruises- I always book a late afternoon flight to the west coast.

2 hours ago, Biker19 said:

If pressed for a clarification, the LA will likely tell you that “throughout your sailing” just means that it’s not limited to any day but that it’s still only a one time perk. 

That's what I think too, but who knows for sure! I think I'll be talking to the LA when I get on board. I'm sailing solo, so I might or might not want both glasses of wine at the same time... or, maybe I will, prior to karaoke!

Has anyone been sailing lately and is willing to share D+ onboard perks lists? I know they can differ by ship and cruise length, but I'm curious. Specifically, I'm trying to figure out if it makes sense to purchase an internet package prior to sailing, or just unplug a few days and use what's given onboard for the rest, but I'm curious about other stuff as well.  

1 hour ago, cruisinfanatic said:

Why would someone who suddenly backs out expect money back?

Good point- probably not a great friend. But, maybe they got sick, lost their job, or had some other thing go wrong. Of course, if that was the case, they should have gotten trip insurance too!

I've beenn on Explorer twice, although it's been awhile. Great ship. No worries.

I'm surprised no one has warned you about the guy that hangs out on the edge of Old San Juan and tells tourists a story about a family member  of his getting mugged, in a car accident. or some other story and asks for $$ since theirs was lost. Don't believe it- it's a scam- there's been people doing that for years. Just walk on. Everyone else in San Juan is great!

We stayed at the Sheraton in OSJ as well- they upgraded us to a suite with a view- very nice, I'd stay there again if you're getting in early!

If you purchased trip insurance, check your policy. It looks like the policy I have would reimburse you for the cost of the second person (probably as long as that person wants you to pay them back)

Elvis and I FB back a forth periodically.....he told me he is headed to Vision when they arrive in Europe and he is looking forward to something new. He had spent quite a few contract rotations on Jewel....and was wonderful as the AM. Now there is speculation that a promotion to CD, may be in the works for him. Both the CD and AM on Vision are due to be leaving when he arrives on board....so time will tell if he is the CD or AM at that time. But it looks like Vision here comes Elvis.

We were with Elvis on JOS last summer- I absolutely love him! Zumba classes were the greatest! I hope they promote him, he's terrific!

We've had some of the best storms at sea- there's nothing like seeing lightning on the water from your balcony. My DH is an old sailor, and lives for this!

I love coming into the stateroom after dinner and seeing the lights low and the schedule for the next day as well. I bring a highlighter and mark everything I might want to do the next day.

My favorite however is meeting all the interesting people- passengers and employees- from all over the world. It restores my faith that most people are actually very nice!