BTwurddle

I took this tour after the same cruise last November! I had a late flight out of LAX and figured it would be better than just sitting in the airport. I’m glad I took it, it was a nice little sampler of the highlights of Los Angeles. 
 

That said here’s a couple things to keep in mind. First, check your flight times. I think the tour description said “for domestic flights departing after 3pm” or something like that. One couple on the tour had a flight departing three minutes after whatever time was mentioned and hadn’t accounted for the fact boarding actually begins 30 minutes prior to a flight. Long story short they had to catch an Uber from one of the later stops so everyone on the tour didn’t have to sacrifice to get them to the airport on time.

Second, the itinerary they mention is great and they absolutely try and fit everything in giving you a few stops to get off the coach and take in the area. Remember though you nights have some kind of delay somewhere. (We had a problem with the coach and lost about 45 minutes.) It certainly didn’t ruin the trip and I’m probably more relaxed than some folks so it didn’t bother me at all. We ended up with only about an hour for lunch in Santa Monica because of it but it couldn’t be helped. The tour guide and driver were doing their best to give us a great experience. 
 

Lastly you’ll probably start in Beverly Hills and you’ll get there before most of the stores and businesses have opened. (There are some nice bakeries and coffee shops beside the Beverly Wilshire Hotel that will be open) It still makes for some great pictures and seeing it first hand but if you were planning to go medieval in Louis Vuitton make an appointment so they open the door early for you! 
 

If your flight out gives you plenty of time it’s a great alternative to the dreadful purgatory that is LAX. Take the tour, relax and enjoy the ride. If something happens and you miss a sight or get rerouted just roll with it and you’ll be fine. 
 

Bonus secret society insider tip: if you stop near the shopping mall in Santa Monica and don’t want to walk all the way to the pier there’s a chocolate shop on the left toward the main entrance on the first floor. I picked up a couple treats and now I have a regular order with them every month shipped out to Texas. Worth hunting it up.

Enjoy your cruise, it’s a great relaxing time and if the tour works for your times you’ll have a great time.

Good afternoon everyone. We are sailing on Reflection next week with a stop in Nassau and I was wondering if anyone could advise what time ship sponsored excursions typically meet or depart from the cruise port area. My boyfriend enjoys sleeping late and I do mean late. I joke he never has to worry about hating himself in the morning on a cruise because he just sleeps 'til noon! There's not a lot to particularly interest either of us in Nassau and I've been before but we were planning just to take the water taxi over to the yacht basin and the nice walk over to Atlantis, see a few things at the resort itself then back to the ship. I noticed there is a 3 hour snorkeling excursion offered however and now Im wondering if I would have time take that excursion while he sleeps in then meet him back on the ship afterwards before venturing back out together. (He doesn't like to snorkel and I'm always up so early anyway...Im usually waking up the roosters around the neighborhood ) 

Any ideas how early that excursion or excursions in general will depart the ship in Nassau? Does this sound like a plan that might would work out? As I said this isn't a port where we have a lot planned on shore and as a matter of fact initially we had almost decided we would be perfectly content staying onboard the entire week since we've seen all the ports so many times already. Thanks in advance for any advice or input.

Happy cruising everyone!

-Scooter-

Good morning everyone! I have a question about proper dress etiquette for the Persian Garden. We will be sailing on Reflection in a few weeks in aqua class. I loved the PG on Solstice on my last cruise in November but since that ship was only sailing at 30% capacity there was literally never anyone else using the PG at the times I went. My question is since it is a coed environment requiring a swim suit rather than a well secured towel, should one wear a robe over their bathing suit inside the steam and sauna rooms? It seems like doing so would limit the benefits by covering most of ones body but then again Id be terribly embarrassed to make another passenger uncomfortable by enjoying the space in just swim trunks. Ultimately I guess it isnt much different than the pool deck or hot tubs and nobody wears a robe in the hot tubs... Well on Solstice there was one nice lady who wore a very smart pant suit in the solarium jacuzzi but Im sure Tom Collins was partly responsible for convincing her to do that. It never hurts to ask so there we go. How do you enjoy the Persian Garden?

Thanks everyone for any replies. Happy sailing.

My last experience was on Solstice last November and like another poster said there were no fountains or splash guns on this ship in the bars. All sodas were in cans and available at any bar with my non-alcoholic package. 

Additionally, just a small tip though just my own experience... I dont drink much soda throughout the day however I do have a habit of enjoying a coke in the morning in my cabin. I told my room steward I had a drink package and asked if I could store the cans I got from the bar in my mini-bar and she told me of course. Id make sure as I walked back to my cabin each night to stop by the rendevous bar and grab a can to have for in the morning. A few nights I forgot and had to use a can that was part of the mini-bar stock, replacing it after breakfast with a fresh one and was never charged extra, not that I would have complained if I had been. Im sure she noticed as my cabin was always made up when I got back but it was a very nice courtesy on her part. 

Good evening everyone! I just got back from a wonderful cruise on Solstice a week ago. Everything was fantastic but I did note the Solstice had not been updated with the new bedding...most likely since her update was postponed due to the pandemic I imagine. She was absolutely beautiful and in terrific condition especially for having been laid up for nearly two years and I don't have a single complaint. Admittedly I was looking forward to experiencing one of the new mattresses as part of the new(ish) exhale bedding suite but instead suffered so terribly with the older bedding through my morning coffee in bed, my late morning nap, my afternoon nap, my after-excursion nap on port days and those long insufferable nights nestled in sumptuous sheets and pillows all while being gently lulled to sleep by the ships rocking... (first world problems right?)

In any event I now have a booking in March on the Reflection. I was just curious if she had been updated with the new bedding in anyone's recent experience? It doesn't really matter one way or the other I'm just curious if she has been equipped with the new bedding suite in the cabins. Ill be in a verandah on this sailing if it makes any difference. (Once upon a time Princess was famous for updating suites and balcony real estate before interior and ocean-view cabins so I mention it.)

Thanks in advance for any help. Happy sailing everyone!

Can anyone advise if Grandeur OTS is still equipped with free steam rooms and saunas in the mens and womens locker rooms? Loved these on Rhapsody every time we cruised her. Just before the pandemic we sailed on Enchantment thinking as a sister ship she would have them also and was really disappointed when we discovered she was never built with them... after we boarded our 10 night cruise. Ive heard on some ships they've been removed and on some of the larger classes downsized. We would just love if anyone can confirm if they are still there? The steam/sauna and solarium are most definitely the highlights of our time on board. Thank you for any help in advance. Happy cruising.

4 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

I was about to answer your pervious post but I'll edit it to this one.

I'm sorry you see fit to cancel. Yes you might have startled one or two guests with your 'National' dress but it would be perfectly acceptable as long as it was slightly adjusted.

 

Pertaining to National, to this ignoramus  'National' is a reference to a whole nation. The fact Texan dress is considered National is a 'local rule' which again, this ignoramus had no idea about. 😃

 

As to your bafflement re hats and being seated, to be fair, as the majority of us [well, me] have no idea of Stetson protocol, how are we to know removing it whilst seated was part of the protocol?

 

Do think again about your cancellation decision. I'm sure you'd enjoy Cunard and your mode of dress would certainly liven up a Gala evening.

Hats come off at tables inside and after dark. It’s actually in the cowboy Bible though not as popular of a translation as King James.

It appears in the book of Jon-Roy 11:22 - And a Voice spoke from the hay loft saying “andst thou shalt remove thine hat from thine head and thine spurs from thine feet before sitting to supper.”

For reference purposes it’s also repeated in the book of Barns, Ranches I & II and the gospel of Emma-Mae. 
 

🤠

4 hours ago, Victoria2 said:

As I have seen chaps wear wonderful and flamboyant takes on a formal outfit on a Gala night in QG over the years  [not on a crossing I must add],  obviously none  have been refused entry into the restaurant.

National dress is encouraged and although it's pushing the envelope, I suppose your Texan dress whilst not National, could at a pinch, fall into this bracket. I think denim totally unsuitable  Gala wear and it's a wise decision to have trousers made in a more suitable fabric.

 

I have no idea on Stetson etiquette  and so don't know if it's usual to wear one inside but if it is acceptable to a Texan,  I would say remove it when sitting down anywhere. 

 

 

On an entirely light hearted and friendly note, “Texas dress” may not be as hard a push of the envelope as one might think. We were after all a sovereign nation of our own once upon a time, albeit for a very short time. In fact our federal government acknowledges this in a subtle nod to us. In the United States congress residents of any state are referred to as “citizens of the state of…”

Texans are referred to as “the people of the state of Texas.”  
 

I absolutely love seeing other passengers in national dress on special evenings. For me it’s a reminder dignity is a measure of effort, not material. 

Thank you kindly for your replies. 
 

Stetson hats have their own set of protocol regarding wear and certain styles are in fact appropriate in of doors after sunset. The assumption or implication made by several that I would wear a hat while seated at table is baffling. Now I can imagine being asked by another guest if I took time to wash my hands after walking in on my knuckles.

Thank you all again. I’ve decided to cancel this voyage and stay with one of the lines I am more familiar with. While my original concern was that I might possibly detract from another passengers experience a few of these responses have made me aware a pre-disposition to my appearance by some of my fellow pssengers would greatly detract from mine.

Happy sailing everyone.

I’ll be sailing on QE in June to Alaska on a 10 night sailing from Vancouver. This will be my first sailing with Cunard. Previously I’ve traveled with Crystal, Azamara, Celebrity and Holland America primarily with a few others earlier on. While I’m looking forward to the prospect of a quieter, more formal cruise experience I do have questions regarding well, the formality.

Im a 40 y/o man from Texas and the kind that perpetuates the image of what people not from Texas think people from Texas look like. For formal events here I typically dress in black starched denim jeans, nice shirtsleeves and a fine silk blazer ( along with all the sparkly bits…mirror shined boots, silver buckles, Diamond cuff links, topped off with a formal Stetson hat. (No eye rolls, they are a “thing.”)

Im fully aware while here fine black denim is considered more formal than wool trousers and I’m planning on having some made in a more suitable fabric for this trip. While I take pride in a collection of pocket squares I loathe a tie since I don’t see a practical purpose they serve and the always seem fiddly. That said, worn with a vest they aren’t so cumbersome. My concern is will my particular style be deemed offensive to any of my fellow passengers? I admit outside of this area the look can appear a bit “campy” but it’s a product of our culture. Im hoping to find the middle ground where I can be comfortable and myself without detracting from someone else’s experience or disrespecting Cunard’s traditions.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all, happy sailing.

We've booked a PS on Zuiderdam for Alaska next spring. Can anyone advise about their experience in a PS with HAL? In particular I was just curious if the spa tub on the balcony is just a whirlpool tub (as if a whirlpool tub on your balcony would be anything to scoff at) or if its an actual "hot-tub" with a heater? Also, seeing as how the suite features a nice dining area is it possible to order room service to be served by course or would meals be delivered to the butler pantry and guests would serve themselves? I know these are silly questions and don't have any impact on how much we will enjoy this adventure but I was just curious. Any other tips or advice or experience is greatly appreciated also. Thank you all in advance and happy cruising everyone!

Can anyone advise if Island Princess still has steam rooms and saunas in the locker rooms? We make frequent use of the ones on grand class ships but have never sailed on Island or Coral. Do they have similar facilities or is the coed thermal sanctuary the only options on this ship? Also, could anyone advise if the spa is operating normally now or would these be closed due to covid? Thank you all in advance, happy cruising!

We will be sailing on Enchantment in November and although we absolutely love the vision class ships, our last cruises on RCCL featured hard or worn-out mattresses that made us nearly miserable at night and unable to sleep. We asked for toppers which were no longer offered but had the duvets folded atop the beds to some but not much avail. We will be driving to the port this time so we can allow for slightly more luggage and were considering purchasing folding memory foam travel mattresses and asking our cabin attendant to remake our beds with the travel mattresses underneath. The particular ones we are looking at fold up rather small, 24x24x9 so not much larger than a suitcase and Im fairly certain they would be the difference between a good cruise and a fantastic vacation. Can anyone advise to the actual dimensions of the twin beds on RCCL? I know they are slightly smaller than a typical twin size or single bed but I would just like to make sure the folding mattresses wouldn't be so terribly oversized to create a hazard or difficulty for our attendant. If they are terribly oversized compared to the bed we will have to think of another option. Thank you in advance for any answers or help. Smooth seas and happy cruising everyone!

Ive heard reports the new Princess mattresses on Caribbean Princess are wonderful. Can anyone advise on the comfort of the new mattresses on Crown after her recent(ish) refit? We love the mattresses on Holland America and were just wondering if they were truly comfortable. We absolutely hated the mattress in our last mini suite on Caribbean and the original beds in other cabins on Caribbean, Crown and Emerald left us miserable. Thank you in advance and happy cruising everyone!

Howdy everyone! Soon to be first time O cruisers here and hopefully converts from Celebrity. We will be sailing on Insignia this fall and were wondering if the changing rooms or locker rooms in the spa feature steam rooms or dry saunas? A video we watched appeared to show both, though small and the deck plans imply there may be both but I cant tell for certain and there is not a surplus of specific information about this online. If anyone has experience or can help I would greatly appreciate it. Although we are sailing on Insignia I would imagine all of the R-class in the Oceania collection will feature the same amenities. Also, if anyone could comment on the current availability or cost of a day or full sailing pass for the spa terrace that would be very much appreciated also. Thank you in advance and happy cruising everyone!

Can anyone advise if the MS Volendam features a steam room or sauna in the mens locker or changing rooms? Most ships now feature the co-ed thermal spas and sanctuaries that charge an admission instead of offering them as a free amenity like on older ships. We both enjoy these and I was wondering if anyone happens to know for sure as nothing shows up on the deck plans on HAL.com. Thanks in advance and happy cruising everyone! 

Does anyone have a current or recent menu from the Pinnacle grill? Particularly Signature or Vista class? We will be sailing on Nieuw Amsterdam although I would assume (possibly foolishly) standard PG menus would be similar if not the same across the fleet. It's been several years since we've sailed HAL and have heard PG has changed the menu since then. Thanks so much in advance and happy cruising everyone!

Does anyone have recent experience with the Cabana Butler upgrade on Half Moon Cay? Any photos or recollection of what offerings were on the menu for lunch? Is it still served from the Pinnacle Grill? Thanks in advance and happy cruising everyone!

Thank you all so much. I’ve learned if you want something just ask, the worst anyone can do is decline! We are very much the kind who don’t expect anything for free and we susbscribe entirely to the idea of “if you can make it happen just add it to our bill” and then ALWAYS tip accordingly! Thank you for the reminder about afternoon tea in suite! I forgot HAL offers that! We do eat rather late and usually skip lunch so that would be a fantastic treat and at just the right time! Thank you all again!

I am aware by asking this question I will likely awaken the HAL board police but I would like to preface by stating I am only inquiring and dont mean to convey ANY sense of entitlement or privilege by booking a cruise in the more expensive real estate onboard. We have decided to splurge on a beautiful itinerary on Nieuw Amsterdam NEXT December in on of the beautiful Pinnacle suites. This will be a first for us to sail so high on the hog on HAL. Although I know aboard HAL all passengers in all cabins have the luxury to order room service off the dining room menus each night, does anyone have experience with either Neptune or particularly Pinnacle suites in ordering room service from the other restaurants on board? Is it possible to order room service from Tamarind, Canaletto or the Pinnacle Grille? Is the concierge able to make such arrangements? We would fully expect to pay full covers for each passenger or for each item ordered, but I'd love to know if anyone has heard of this being possible? This entire trip will be a treat and I;m sure a hard earned indulgence as we face a very difficult year ahead and the earliest we can plan time for ourselves (and possibly a wonderful friend who doesnt mind sleeping on the roll-away) is next December. Thank you in advance for any responses and as always, Smooth Seas and Happy Cruising to Everyone! Thank you!

Does anyone have any relatively recent experience with the butler upgrade on the cabanas/bungalows on Half Moon Cay? Is lunch still served from the pinnacle grill? Is lunch served on real china or disposable tableware? Just interested in other cruisers experiences, not trying to ignite any issues over how passengers spend money, whether or not excursions or experiences are "worth it"... It does seem like most of the reviews of Half Moon, particularly the cabana experience are from a few years ago and service and policies change so often it's often hard to know what to expect these days. Thank you so much in advance for any information or reviews and happy cruising to everyone!

Thank you everyone! Its sailing day now and after yesterday I did have the peace of mind to enjoy our adventures in OSJ. Me always being of the idea that if you want or need something the worst someone can say if you as is "no" I walked myself right up the registration desk at the Hotel El Convento, explained our situation to the very kind young ladies we met and they were more than happy to print up the pdf. celebrity had sent us even though we weren't guests! Thank you all again so very much. Full sails, clear skies and calm seas to everyone!

thank you for your replies, I may rest a little easier now and enjoy our day in San Juan a little more. Ive always heard horror stories of passengers being denied boarding at the port!

We are sailing tomorrow on Summit out of San Juan. All last week I experienced issues with the celebrity website, being unable to access our reservation to print documents. After logging in the webpage simply refreshed and asked for login information again. Tried this on both of our laptops and had the same experience. Possibly an issue with Celebrity but also could have been our network. In any event an agent informed me that online check in had closed but helped by completing our guest information, taking our passport information ect. Yesterday I spoke with another agent knowing we would need SOMETHING in hand at the port to enter and was told although he couldn't send an express pass, he would email me a copy of our cruise confirmation and a Guest (APIS) Information Form that would serve the same purpose as an express pass for getting into the cruise terminal. Now, obviously I am still a bit concerned as we have to locate a place here in Old San Juan where we can print copies of both of the documents before tomorrow.

I am fully aware this entire situation is partly my fault for not trying to print our documents earlier, I assumed a week before sailing would be sufficient, still...my fault. Has anyone else had a similar experience to this? Will we be allowed access to the cruise terminal with these documents? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance and happy cruising everyone!

Unfortunately we have to request a table for two and have always been taken care of on other lines but this will be our first sailing with Celebrity and we are very excited. We always enjoyed being seated at a large table for the opportunity to meet new people and hear about their experiences however the DH developed an allergy to shellfish mid-life (how does that happen?) In any event now we cant take the risk being seated next to someone ordering shrimp or lobster or the like and a situation developing that ruins everyone's evening.

Also...two tables for one...ALWAYS the way to go!!!!! LOL Happy cruising everyone!!!