jerrymanos

Just got off HAL Westerdam. The Queens Lounge there has a semicircular floor, about 40' x 25', say 30' x 20' useful LOD, and the floor was in decent condition. Unfortunately, two problems: it's a multi-pupose venue, the floor is often covered in furniture. And even when they did offer "dancing", the music sucked. So a potentially good location can be quickly ruined by bad management.

And it's not unique to HAL, the Manhattan Room on NCL Epic had the same problem.

Dancer Bob,

Sorry that you didn't enjoy the music. Was it from a party band? I assume that it was not an orchestra like we are used to on Cunard.

Thanks for the info. Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

DW and I took back-to-back transatlantics on the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Elizabeth last January. We went from New York City to Southampton to New York to Ft. Lauderdale. That was a lot of sea days and I loved it. I could do a 14 day cruise to nowhere and be very happy. Boredom would not be an issue. Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

DW and I are in our early 60's. We love to dance. Up until our last cruise on Solstice, our favorite line was Celebrity. The Solstice Class ships are not designed for couples dancing. Celebrity seems to be trying to attract younger clients, so our favorite cruiseline now is Cunard. The largest ballrooms at sea with elegantly attired formal nights are more our style. There are so few venues any more where one can enjoy elegance in formal wear -- and I'm not talking about wearing a suit which is at best semi-formal. I'm going to sail on Cunard as much as I can right now before the casual dress and personal comfort trend takes over every aspect of style. Cunard is more expensive than Celebrity and the food and service are better on Celebrity to us, but the elegance, the ballrooms and the music now make Cunard a better choice for us.

The music on Solstice had an interesting pattern. Early, on each evening of music, the party band would play good couples dancing music. After about 1 hour they would change to music that lends itself to what I call rhythmic bobbing. The younger passengers preferred that. They would stand on the floor - each individual bobbing up and down. Partners not required. That's fine, but since I'm an old man set in his ways, I just changed to Cunard as my cruiseline of choice. When they no longer do elegance, I may move up to Crystal. If they move to casual dress all the time and rhythmic bobbing music, I guess I'll just have to stay home. Time to make room for the younger generation. Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

Gowns and tuxedos can't be "overdressed" on formal nights, as they are an example of "formal".

 

Now, white tie & tails would be overdressed, and someone might feel uncomfortable in that.

I have worn my white tie and tails on formal nights on Cunard, Celebrity and HAL. I have not felt overdressed. Of course, when I cruise I enjoy the formality. Since so many people like to dress casually, I figure dressing elegantly just balances things out.

Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

DW and I have enjoyed many cruises on X. On our last cruise we were on our first S Class ship. I didn't care for it as much as the M Class ships or even the Century. I'm just getting old, I guess. I'm not the target audience for the newer features of the bigger ships (and certainly not the megaships).

I obviously voted NO to this question since I seem to be stuck in my ways.

In fact, I'm now aware that I didn't care for the Solstice and its entertainment, and I find myself perusing Cunard offerings first when I book cruises. My next cruise reservation is on the Queen Victoria. Up until my last cruise on the Solstice, Celebrity was always my cruise line of choice. I may feel better once I get back onto an M Class ship. We shall see.

I remember that even as late as 6 months ago I was really looking forward to being Elite on X on my next cruise. Now, I don't really even care.

Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

DW and I sailed on Solstice in June to Alaska with our daughter, son-in-law and 2 grandchildren. It is a very nice ship, but too large for my tastes. I much prefer the M class ships to the S class. One of the main reasons is that DW and I love to dance on board. The Solstice had a lot of their dancing at the base of the stairs in the main lobby. They also had ship's photographers in the same place. It seemed ridiculous to me that they would have a dance floor at the base of the main stairs. People were trying to get from one level to the next as others were trying to get formal night photographs and still others trying to dance - all in the same space. The buffet was very busy and it was difficult to find tables for all 6 of us. The specialty restaurants were very good. Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

Sorry, the answer is no regarding the make up mirror. You will love that wonderful ship! Enjoy!

Thank you for the information. DW and I cruise at least once per year. Our favorite ship so far has been the Queen Elizabeth. From that experience, I assume that the QV will be a wonderful fit for us.

Thanks, Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

DW and I will take our first cruise on Queen Victoria this April from Los Angeles to New York City. DW would like to know if the bathrooms have magnifying mirrors for makeup. We will be in a regular oceanview stateroom.

Thanks for any help. Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

I must be an old man who has old sensibilities. My 2 cents worth is that I hope Cunard does not relax its dress codes. The elegance of their formal nights means a lot to us.

Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

My DW and I love to cruise. We both enjoy dressing elegantly on formal nights. I actually pack 2 tuxes on most trips. On one Cunard trip I actually took 3 tuxes. I pack formal shoes for the tuxes, dancing shoes on non-formal nights, loafers for excursions and tennis shoes for exercising. I always plan to wear dress pants at dinner. Most evenings I wear at least a sport coat and tie and sometimes a suit if we are going to a specialty restaurant. This has nothing to do with dress codes, it's just what DW likes to see me in. She is worth the effort. We usually fly Southwest Airlines, so checking 2 bags each is no additional charge.

I love dressing for my wife. She really appreciates it when I make the effort. We live in a very remote location and the nearest town is over an hour away. When people dress up out here in the country, they wear their cleanest jeans and t-shirt. Cruises are very special for us.

Happy sailing, Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

Fashion is so individualized today. I always wear a tux for formal nights. If my DW thought that I looked better in a suit, I would wear that. It seems to me that most women prefer the way their men in a tux. If she thinks that you look best in a tux, wear that. If she thinks you look good in a sport coat, wear that. She has to look at you all evening. Even you don't have to do that. Make her happy. You will be happy. Good luck.

DW and I always participate in formal nights. I love the way that she looks in formal wear. In fact, I go with her when she shops for her formals. She is 5'10" and is a slender, striking platinum blonde. I really do feel very lucky to be able to spend my time with such a spectacular person. I actually have 3 tuxedos and I take 2 of them on every cruise. Sure, it takes a little effort to dress up, but she is worth it. I want her to feel proud to be with me. We dance a lot on cruises and I want her to feel as elegant and special as she really is to me.

I can be comfortable in sweat pants and T shirts on the weekend at home in the back yard. On formal nights I appreciate the fact that people take the time and effort required to have a much nicer ambiance for a few hours.

My DW and I just returned from a Celebrity cruise to Alaska on the Solstice. One evening I happened to get on an elevator with two young men (about 14 years old each). I asked them if Celebrity had good programs on board for people their age and if they were enjoying the cruise. They were both very enthusiastic in their affirmative responses. I didn't ask about particular activities, but they were surely having a good time on the ship.

Hope you have a wonderful cruise. Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

Was it actually sized, or big enough, for 10? or was it cramped? Thanks.

We just got off the Solstice to Alaska and the group next to us was a group of 10. They put plenty of tables together and everyone of the 10 had as much room as we did at our table for 6. I wouldn't worry at all.

Best of luck on your trip. Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

As first time cruisers we will be on the June 22 Celebrity Century 7 day Hubbard Glacier cruise. At Icy Strait Point should we wait for the tender to go ashore, or just stay on the ship? Any suggestions? We are 72+.

When my wife and I went to Icy Strait Point a few years ago on the Century we were tendered to the dock. On our way back, the weather was beautiful and there was so much wildlife to see from the top outside deck of the tender that my wife asked the lifeboat operator if we could stay on the tender. He said, "Sure." We sat on that outside deck and rode back and forth for probably 5 trips of tender. It was really a nice time. None of the tenders were full, so we weren't taking up needed space, and the trips are very short. I would recommend taking the tender if the weather is nice. I got some great photographs of eagles and seals from the tender. We have just returned from another Alaskan cruise on the Solstice which did not stop in Icy Strait Point. I wish that it had included that in its itinerary. Enjoy your cruise, Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

Changing gender....on formal night, how many guys are in tuxes???

 

 

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I don't know what the overall statistics are, but I always wear a tux on formal nights. I enjoy the elegance of those evenings. Lady Kathryn and I are always dancing on those nights and it is more special this way. Lady Kathryn always wears long formals and to say that she looks spectacular would be an understatement. Just imagine a tall, slender, gorgeous, platinum blonde who is especially elegant and graceful on the dance floor.

I actually take 2 different tuxes on 7 night cruises and feel honored just to be able to hang out with a woman like my DW on formal nights.

Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

Thank you for your very informative review. My DW and I will be doing this trip leaving on June 6. You have made my anticipation much more enjoyable.

Thanks again, Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

Being a man I have never had to wear panty hose, nor any nylon hose for that matter, so maybe my opinions lack the validity of the opinions from the fairer sex. However, I would just like to say, "Thank you ladies who put up with wearing hose, do your hair so nicely, wear elegant dresses and do such beautiful work with makeup. You are greatly appreciated by at least one of your fellow passengers."

Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

Thanks for the information on the tour. We will be on the Solstice on June 6. I will look into this tour because I'm sure that I would enjoy it.

Thanks again, Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

My DW and I will be taking our second Celebrity Alaskan cruise on June 6. We will be on our first S-Class ship. I will bring 2 tuxes and wear a different one each formal night. My wife will be wearing beautiful formals. Last time we sailed to Alaska we were very comfortable wearing formal wear. My DW looks stunning in her long formals and I am only too happy to dress up and be seen with her. To have the pleasure of being in the company of such an elegant woman, I would wear whatever she asked. Just picture a tall, slender, platinum blonde who is very graceful. That's what I'm talking about.

Really looking forward to formal nights, nice dinners and dancing every night.

Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

Nora86,

Thank you so much for taking time from your vacation to post this message. My DW and I will be boarding the Solstice in 2 weeks, so your posting is appreciated as we can really anticipate a wonderful time. I'm so glad that you're enjoying your trip.

If you find time to post again, could you let me know who the party band is and what you think of their music? My wife and I love to dance and would like to know. Please only respond to this if you're already planning to post again. I would hate to think that you would cut into your personal fun just to fill me in on something that I can't change anyway. Thanks again, we will enjoy your cruise vicariously.

Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

Hi all.

 

My husband and I are booked on the Eclipse for eight nights in Norway in late August/early September. Unfortunately, I've injured my Achilles tendon and will be undergoing surgery to reconstruct it one week from today.

 

My doctor says I "should" be OK by cruise time, so long as I don't plan strenuous excursions. My questions are this. Has anyone ever cruised three months after Achilles surgery? How were the pain and swelling? And, for those of you have done a Norway cruise, will I miss out on too much if I have to choose low-key activities? Normally, we'd go hiking, biking, etc., but those things would be off the table for this trip.

 

Better to cancel and try again next year? Or go ahead this year, knowing we won't be as active as we normally are?

 

Thanks.

 

Amy

Amy, I have been through the operation that you described. After 3 months the swelling and the pain were not too bad. Of course pain killers helped with that. If you are not taking anything for pain at that time, it could be a problem. My swelling at that point was not bad. If you really need activity levels to be high to enjoy your excursions or even the cruise, then I wouldn't recommend that you go this year. You will not feel like doing anything that puts pressure on your ankle. You may want to speak to your physical therapist. After 3 months I was doing extensive physical therapy to increase range of motion. At times this was quite painful. If you speak to your physical therapist and describe the things that you want to do on the cruise he/she may be able to let you know if you can reasonably expect to do them. I should let you know that I was 40 years old when I had my surgery. My 25 year old cousin just had the same surgery and recovered much faster than I did. I don't know your age, but it surely has a lot to do with recovery time.

Good luck, Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

Hi all.

 

My husband and I are booked on the Eclipse for eight nights in Norway in late August/early September. Unfortunately, I've injured my Achilles tendon and will be undergoing surgery to reconstruct it one week from today.

 

My doctor says I "should" be OK by cruise time, so long as I don't plan strenuous excursions. My questions are this. Has anyone ever cruised three months after Achilles surgery? How were the pain and swelling? And, for those of you have done a Norway cruise, will I miss out on too much if I have to choose low-key activities? Normally, we'd go hiking, biking, etc., but those things would be off the table for this trip.

 

Better to cancel and try again next year? Or go ahead this year, knowing we won't be as active as we normally are?

 

Thanks.

 

Amy

Amy, I have been through the operation that you described. After 3 months the swelling and the pain were not too bad. Of course pain killers helped with that. If you are not taking anything for pain at that time, it could be a problem. My swelling at that point was not bad. If you really need activity levels to be high to enjoy your excursions or even the cruise, then I wouldn't recommend that you go this year. You will not feel like doing anything that puts pressure on your ankle. You may want to speak to your physical therapist. After 3 months I was doing extensive physical therapy to increase range of motion. At times this was quite painful. If you speak to your physical therapist and describe the things that you want to do on the cruise he/she may be able to let you know if you can reasonably expect to do them. I should let you know that I was 40 years old when I had my surgery. My 25 year old cousin just had the same surgery and recovered much faster than I did. I don't know your age, but it surely has a lot to do with recovery time.

Good luck, Jerry of Jerry and Lady Kathryn

I have done 2 back to back cruises, although not on Celebrity. The first was with Holland America (Zuiderdam). First leg was western Caribbean and second leg was eastern Caribbean. It was 14 days and was perfect length of time. I booked both with the same TA and it was very easy. I had enough vacation time, and it was nice to see different islands while staying on the same ship and in the same stateroom. The time of year did not matter and I would do it again.

The second back to back was on Cunard in January 2014. We left on the Queen Mary 2 from New York to Southampton, disembarked and boarded the Queen Elizabeth on the same day back to New York and then down to Ft. Lauderdale where we disembarked and flew home. Total length of time was 18 days and it was just right. I booked both legs with the same TA and it was not a problem. I have always wanted to do a round trip transatlantic, so this just worked out. We love dancing especially in the Cunard ballrooms. The logistics were very easy. Cunard provided a shuttle between the two ships in Southampton and the total transfer time was about 2 hours between the two staterooms. There were probably 30 of us doing a round trip, so they were very accommodating. The timing of this was of course very important because these ships are seldom in the same port with itineraries in opposite directions. I would do this again.

The financial aspects of these trips were treated separately for each leg. If you have the time, I recommend btb's.

There are so few opportunities where I live to dress formally. I love looking at my wife in her formals. In fact, I like to go shopping with her when she goes to buy cruise clothing. On formal nights on Celebrity I always wear tuxes. I actually pack two different ones even when I fly to the ports. I, for one, really appreciate that some people will take the time and effort that formal dress requires. I'm sure that you will look wonderful.

Jerry of Jerry and Kathryn