Tom-n-Cheryl

I don't blame you - this would stick in my craw as well... Tom

Interesting, I didn't know the history (build date/age) of the Statendam, though at almost 4 years old in 1966 - I can't say I remember much about it. Let alone what the cost was (TA). I believe the Peace Corps footed the bill. I wish I had asked my father more about it! Tom

Thanks. So, I looked where you mentioned, and nothing is showing for me there yet. Perhaps it will fully process/be there tomorrow. Tom

Speaking of mattresses - here's an image of our bed on our first Celebrity sailing (in a suite): Tom

So, that would net me not only the current $300 OBC promo, but the $100 military on top of that. To qualify for the $100 military OBC, that must be done via a phone call, and not through their website? Since it indicated that I was "verified", it would be handy if it applied that online... but then people would not have to put forth any additional effort, not even a single hoop to jump through. My concern is that I booked a very specific (desirable) cabin. I have this "worst case" scenario vision where - in the intervening few minutes, someone else would snap it up! Tom

I just checked - the sailing I booked is the same rate, though now instead of a $600 deposit for the cruise, they're running a special for $50. Also, at this point, there's a ADDITIONAL $300 OBC available for "new bookings". Tom

At least it was a toll free call... glass half (well, at least a little bit) full. 🙂 Tom

Yep - I don't expect anywhere near what we had last month on the Mardi Gras. Probably 4-6 comedians who had, between them (adult and general audience) 20 different shows. Carnival is into their comedy, that's for sure. Tom

No fan... darn it. What's wrong with these people? ! On Carnival, Celebrity, and NCL (and Star class on Royal as I recall) I can reach out ahead of time and request one (we always do), and 9/10 of the time it's there when we get to our cabin. It's something as simple as this which could cause us to leave MSC behind (well, once we actually board one of their ships). I mean, IF there's a problem with the AC that can't be fixed and, subsequently, they either don't provide a fan or alternative accommodations - bye Felicia !! There's too many fish in the sea (errr, ships on the ocean) to allow such. I don't care if they are cheaper than the competition, I'm not interested in a no-frills experience (already sailed on the Regal Empress years ago). Tom

Well.... we're way before final payment. The deposit is refundable (I think). I mean, I could always cancel and rebook (price has not changed). Hmmmm Tom

That would be a tough one to "roll with", depending of course on how hot it actually was - and if they provided a fan (are those something you can request)? I have a thermometer on my packing list - and it helps to let me know if there's an issue, and if that issue has actually be rectified. Most rooms are able to stay in the 68-70 range, with some in the mid 60's at "full cold" settings. If it creeps up to, or can't cool below 72-73, they'll be hearing from me! Last cruise (Mardi Gras last month): Reflection (Thanksgiving) -- In the bedroom area, it would not go below 73. By the second day I called them, and the rest of the cruise is was nice and COLD !

I went through the verification process (that was fast) for the military rate. I just booked this sailing in the last week or so - can they apply the OBC after the fact (like the shareholder credit) or is it REALLY for new bookings only (as the fine print indicates)? Tom

Sad that some companies put such obstacles into place (nobody allowed to board with you, then to top it off they're not offering assistance). 😞 Tom

(black tea ---- 200+ degrees)

Sure - if I want to place an order and then wait for it, and hope it's hot enough. 🙂 Tom

I also miss the Fish & Chips (above the Lido buffet). On a couple of Conquest class ships I've been on since various dry docks they were replaced with a BBQ place (no charge, but just so-so anyway). Tom

Yep, I've defaulted to that (or tried to) a couple times in the past. I'm not a coffee drinker, so even the faint remnant of a coffee taste can be detected that way - without multiple flushes and such. THANKS 🙂 Tom

Much thanks 🙂 I'm guessing that HAL (being Carnival corp) follows their lead in that regard (kettles). At least HAL offers up coffee makers in some suites. Carnival almost did (with the Excel class of ships), right up until a few weeks before she sailed they were showing - for the first time ever - coffee makers in the excel/presidential suites. They did an about face and pulled those, changing the amenities list online - but not before I captured an image of before/after. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted, LOL. I've dealt with "kettle free" life on Carnival, but always look forward to them on Celebrity, NCL, and Royal. Tom

Thanks! Hopefully a kettle can be located on the ship (for in cabin use). I'm probably not going to trek from deck 4 aft to the Neptune lounge for hot water for my iced tea, lol. Tom

Oh... and all of the bars were shut down for the first two days. (jk) Tom

That's always a risk. I've been on cruises where they had workers on board finishing up things, even involving welding, flooring, etc.. Tom

wow

Regarding difficult sites to navigate - you should give MSC a try... yikes ! Tom

I get mailers from both Carnival and Royal Caribbean literally weekly (if not twice/week sometimes). It seems rather wasteful, but it must be working for them. Tom

I've never seen an actual flaming Baked Alaska ! Tom