mcsean

I don't mind tipping . In fact I am one of those who also tips dining room waitstaff and cabin personal. The thing that bothers me the most  is the charge for room service. Cruising was famous for complementary room service. They  new  room service charge is  insane. I I was on a Celebrity Summit cruise a few months ago and they charged me $9,00   to which I was expected to add a tip. I don't think Carnival is charging as I have not been charged on the QM2.I am sure it is coming. I won't sail with any line that charges for room service Period 

Thank God , as I  believe the ship is now all wait-listed, and that cabin is now 10 grand more.  I appreciate your comment and will now relax about the idea. Thanks Little Fish.

I was thinking that it would give me a heads-up on my  laundry schedule. It is for the world cruise and i can imagine that this might be a prize selection.

I have to decide i f I want this cabin or pay two grand more and move more midship.     Any suggestions?

Any news from the Middle east and itinerary changes due to current conditions?

I had signed up in 2004 .There are a few entries for 2005 then it jumps to 2013 There  are quite a few years   I have no idea how to find them. Perhaps you can assist.

Best Tom Johnson  

Mcsean

I am thinking of booking the grand voyage of South America next year. Can someone who has taken this cruise offer some insights. Also, are there any nice amenities offered on a grand voyage?

Best,

Tom

OK, Thanks , Jacqui, I may try that, My best to both you and Jose.

Tom

Hi Jacqui, How are you and Jose? I was thinking of taking the grand tour of South America on the Prinsendam next January. I am sure you have probably taken it. Do you recommend it? I am thinking of giving up my adjunct job as I am missing out on a lot of nice trips. My agent recommends this one; What do think?

Best,

Tom Johnson

I was wondering just what is a courtesy check upon completion of the cruise. My TA tells me that it is lieu of a on-board credit. I have a suspicion that it will turn out to be a credit towards a future cruise. Anyone have any ideas?

Best,

Tom

I am booked on the QV's world cruise. I spoke to a rep from Cunard and he told me that the ship has taken care of the ETA for us. Do you think it limits us to be used only with the ship"s excursions or allows us access to come and go as we see fit?

My first cruise was in 1968 on the old Italian liner the Leonardo da Vinci. It is a good story: My parents and I were invited to a bon voyage party by friends from Chicago. In those days it was quite common to host such parties in your cabin. After a few cocktails I heard my father say" I wonder if they have any empty cabins on board". One of the officers who was at the party assured him there was room. He asked me if I could return to the hotel and pack our bags and be back to the ship in half an hour for a 10:00 pm sail. I flew , grabbed a cab and told him to wait for me ; meanwhile I went in and threw everything into our suitcases. There was a long line to check out so I skipped out figuring we could pay up later.( I was !6, what did I know!)

When I got back to the ship it was 10:15 pm, and they are now holding the ship.After a few moments of sanity my father realized he should not go. It would be too much time from work. I told him we still had the room at the Park Sheraton, gave him a bottle of witch hazle from my winter jacket(his cologne of choice at the time) and sent him on his way.

The sales desk suggested(thank God) that we have two separate cabins. And we were off.

!4 day cruise to the Caribbean.Everyone referred to us as the stowaways, kindly offering summer attire as we had only woolens.Such was security in those days. My driver's license sufficed as ID. My mother said that the first thing to do is meet with the purser (she said she reads Gourmet magazine and that is what they would suggest) We opted for a different sitting than our friends . She said we don't want to be too dependent on them. We had one of the most memorable times of my life.

I have been hooked ever since.

Best,

Tom

Moriah,

Thanks again for all the information. I think I shall spring for the spa as long as there is a steam room. I like to clear my lungs out. I am looking forward to this cruise. I took one similar to this several years ago out of Quebec on the QE2.We stopped in Newport,RI.

I often travel solo and enjoy it a great deal. You get to do what you want, when you want. and where you want. You don't have to please others. I like to go with a large group as well because you can sneak away. When you travel with a SO you often feel responsible for their fun because you are the avid cruiser. Nobody is there to count your calories!!!--Just my opinion.

Again thanks,

Tom

Thanks, Moriah, for all the information.My concern is about spa. Is there a steam room or a sauna included. This pool is too small to be a thalasotherpy pool with varying jet locations. I am thinking of the QM2 , which has a large warm pool with sauna and steam rooms. Does this resemble in any way what is on the Maasdam. Also, if I don't buy the week, and have a spa treatment, am I entitled to use of this area?

The soda card/ Does it still cost $25 for $50 worth of soda? I am a new 3 star mariner,isn't there a reduced price on specialty coffees? Also, the Pinnacle?

There is very little action on the Roll call. I mentioned that I could meet anyone interested at a bar after muster Can you suggest a good one for sail away?

Thanks again for your information.

Best,

Tom

Hi Moriah,

I leave this Wednesday for Montreal. I am staying at the Queen Elizabeth and depart as you did on Saturday. I enjoyed your thread and found it very helpful. I too am traveling solo and am not sure about my table as I was placed on a waiting list for 1st sitting. Is there a Mexican option to the burgers at lunch? I am curious that when you say "cold" , will a sweater and windbreaker suffice? You also mention a spa. I was on the Vendaam and don't recall such a room. When you mention the "pool" there, is there enough room for a crowd? Are the jets different from a hot tub? Is the spa only for those who sign up to join?

As it is late , I shall re-read your posts tomorrow. Thanks again

Tom